Beyond the Political Theater: The Truth About Iowa’s School Choice
By Dr. Nic Scandrett, Superintendent, Siouxland Christian School
’Tis the season for political theater.
In what I assume was intended as a joke, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand recently suggested that private school leaders are using public money to pay for booze and vacations to Florida.
As superintendent of Siouxland Christian School, I found the comment distasteful and misleading. With a front-row seat, I feel compelled to provide context.
For the 2026–27 school year, eligible Iowa students may receive $8,148 in an Education Savings Account (ESA) to help cover tuition and other qualified expenses at an accredited nonpublic school.
Opponents argue that public money should be reserved for public schools. But Iowa has long funded education on a per-pupil basis. State funding follows students who open-enroll in another public school district. The Students First Act allows families to direct that same per-pupil amount toward an accredited nonpublic school.
The law also provides approximately $1,600 to a student’s resident public school district. The Sioux City Community School District now receives that funding for each of my three children, even though it does not bear the cost of educating them. That context is often missing from claims that private schools are taking money away from public education.
Private schools also educate students at a lower cost. At Siouxland Christian, tuition is less than half the average per-pupil expenditure reported across Iowa’s public schools. We accomplish that by carefully managing costs, relying on generous donors, and employing teachers who believe deeply in our mission, even though they could often earn more elsewhere. Their sacrifices allow us to provide an excellent education while being careful stewards of the dollars entrusted to us.
Another criticism is that schools receiving ESA tuition payments should be required to accept every student. Siouxland Christian’s mission is to educate hearts and minds for Christ. We worship, pray, and teach from a biblical worldview. Families deserve to understand that mission and decide whether it aligns with what they want for their children. Protecting the independence of faith-based schools allows them to remain faithful to their founding principles while giving parents distinct educational options.
We also hear that ESAs primarily benefit wealthy families. But wealthy families have always had options. They can move to another district, pay private school tuition, or arrange transportation to a different school. When they choose a public school, taxpayers fund their children’s education just like everyone else’s. No one suggests their children should be ineligible for a taxpayer-funded education because their parents can afford other options.
ESAs extend meaningful choices to blue-collar and middle-class families who previously may not have been able to afford them. Those are the families I see making real sacrifices every day at Siouxland Christian.
Critics claim private schools have no accountability for ESA money. An ESA is an account established for the family, not a blank check written to a school. Families use those accounts to pay approved tuition and fees through the state’s system, which includes reporting, compliance, and fraud-prevention requirements.
At Siouxland Christian, tuition supports teachers, staff, curriculum, facilities, student programs, and assistance for families who otherwise could not afford to attend. We are also independently accredited through Christian Schools International, which examines our academics, finances, governance, policies, and operations. Maintaining accreditation is required for us to receive ESA tuition payments.
Our most immediate accountability comes from families themselves. If we fail to provide a safe environment, a strong education, and clear value, families can leave. We must earn their trust every year.
School choice shouldn’t be a war between public and private education. Iowa needs excellent public schools, and we want them to succeed. We also believe families should have access to other options if they choose.
Instead of resorting to political theater and pitting neighbors against each other, we should have an honest conversation about helping every Iowa child receive the education that is right for them.