Education
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State agencies block Auditor Sand during review of private school voucher program
The State Auditor is raising the alarm, saying state government is stonewalling his office over details on the state’s private school voucher program. Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand said he has concerns about the $104 million school voucher program. According to an annual audit released this week, multiple state agencies refused to provide documentation about…
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Iowa bill pressures private colleges to ban diversity offices
A bill in the Iowa Legislature would force private colleges to choose between their work to diversify their staff and students and maintain eligibility for state tuition grants. Iowa Republicans want to get rid of offices that support diversity across the state. After forcing the public universities to comply with their anti-DEI witch hunt, private…
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House Republican proposal would increase public education funding above Reynolds’ proposal
The governor only wants a 2% increase to public school funding. Iowa Democrats have called for a 5% increase. House Republicans have released a school funding increase that would fall somewhere in the middle. Iowa House Republicans have agreed to a school funding proposal that is higher than the 2% increase agreed to by Gov.…
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Heartland AEA begins dramatic restructuring following Republican’s AEA changes and cuts
A state agency that supports students from kindergarten to age 21 with special needs is anticipating major restructuring and reductions in the coming year. This after Iowa Republicans’ law redirecting their funding and scope of service. Heartland Area Education Agency (AEA) is bracing staff for even larger reductions in staff and services in response to…
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IA Republicans advance bill that could require schools to teach fetal personhood
Republican legislators advanced a bill requiring schools to show students in grades 7-12 videos about the stages of fetal development, without any requirements that the videos be scientifically or medically accurate.
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IA students question need for bill that allows for disrespecting names in school
A bill that would ensure there are no penalties for disrespecting students and school employees advanced through a House education subcommittee on Tuesday morning with support from Reps. Helena Hayes (R–New Sharon) and Henry Stone (R–Forest City). Rep. Heather Matson (D-Ankeny) did not support the legislation. The bill states that there should be no penalties…
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IA Republicans advance bill to make schools teach that life begins at conception
A bill requiring educators to teach students that life begins at conception was passed through a Senate subcommittee on Thursday by Sens. Jeff Taylor (R-Sioux Center) and Sandy Salmon (R-Janesville).
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Dubuque private school raises tuition by 58% after voucher expansion
As school vouchers become available to all Iowa families, parents at a large private school operator in Dubuque are experiencing tuition sticker shock. Administrators of Holy Family Catholic Schools met with parents this week over concerns about a tuition hike coming in the next school year. Every student from elementary to high school will have…
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I’m helping my college-age kid fill out the 2025-2026 FAFSA. Here’s what to know.
If the financial aid fiasco last year had you, like me, coming up with creative alternatives for the FAFSA acronym, you can take a big, deep breath. This year, the process is so much easier. Or maybe you’re a FAFSA newbie, and you have no knowledge of 2023’s drama—you just want the quick ‘n’ easy…
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Drake University now offers free tuition for Iowa students
Drake University will offer full tuition to Iowa students with two initiatives: Bulldog Promise and Bright College Pathway.
