Public education is our greatest shared responsibility—our schools build our economy, empower our families, and shape our future leaders. Yet despite rising costs, Iowa’s per-pupil spending still trails the national average at roughly $13,800, ranking us 28th among reporting states. Efforts this year to raise funding—such as the proposed 2–2.25% per-student increases—are steps forward, but many districts face mounting pressures from inflation, staffing shortages, and operating expenses that continue to outpace support.
Our schools and educators deserve better. That’s why I’m committed to reinvesting in public education: ensuring schools are fully funded, teachers are paid competitively, and every dollar strengthens our public classrooms—not private alternatives. We must stop diverting public money into vouchers and education savings accounts that drain our resources and our students—without evidence of improved outcomes. When we invest in strong, inclusive public schools, we give every child a fair shot, keep communities whole, and safeguard the future of Iowa for all families.
