Episode Synopsis "55. Lawmakers challenge public school quality, equity on multiple fronts"

After almost of year of pandemic, public schools across Iowa are trying to find a new normal that best meets the needs of their students. But both chambers of the Iowa legislature are advancing bills that would only increase the challenges school districts — and their students — face. Joining Anne on the podcast is Melissa Peterson of the Iowa State Education Association and Margaret Buckton, who represents the Urban Education Network and Rural School Advocates of Iowa. They unpack some key threats to local public schools: funding that fails to meet the unprecedented need, private school vouchers and charter schools. Said Peterson: “Given the pace at which some of these pieces of legislation are moving, it makes it hard not to think public education is under attack.”

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