OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR  
Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer  

  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 29, 2026 
MEDIA CONTACT: Mason Mauro, (515) 745-2840, [email protected] 
  

Gov. Reynolds introduces bill supporting public charter schools as demand increases 

DES MOINES— Today, Governor Kim Reynolds introduced legislation to the Iowa House and Senate to align per pupil funding and educational opportunities available for public charter school students with those who attend traditional public schools. 

“Public charter schools currently receive less state funding than traditional public district schools. As demand for public charter schools grows, we should ensure that state funding—provided for the purpose of educating students—follows them to whatever public school they choose,” Governor Reynolds said.  

 

In 2021, Iowa had only two public charter schools. Today, the state has approved 19 public charter schools and enrollment increased 213 percent from fiscal year 2023 through fiscal year 2025. 

 

The Governor’s bill would enable all state per pupil funding to follow a student from their public school district of residence to a public charter school. 

The bill updates state code to solidify a pathway for public charter school students to access concurrent enrollment courses and athletics through their resident public school districts. The bill also proposes to include public charter schools as an option for student teaching assignments. 

 

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