Improving school choice after passage: Iowa’s next phase of education reform | Sen. Jesse Green

Improving school choice after passage: Iowa’s next phase of education reform | Sen. Jesse Green

March 19, 2026 · 13 min · Season 2026 · Episode 7

About this episode

The episode discusses Iowa's education reform following the adoption of a universal Education Savings Account program and improvements to charter school policy.

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins travels to Iowa to explore the next phase of education reform following the state’s adoption of a universal Education Savings Account (ESA) program and improvements to charter school policy. Ashley is joined by Senator Jesse Green, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Education Subcommittee , to discuss how Iowa is building on its recent policy successes to strengthen and expand educational opportunities for students and families.  As more states enact school choice policies, Iowa’s experience highlights an important reality: passing legislation is only the beginning. The conversation examines how lawmakers are refining the state’s education choice ecosystem by addressing implementation challenges, improving access for families and ensuring schools have the resources needed to grow and serve students effectively.  Key topics include proposals to create a second ESA application window to increase accessibility, efforts to streamline accreditation pathways for participating private schools and innovative approaches to school facilities funding through revolving loan funds and bonding…

People in this episode

Host: Ashley Mullins

Guest: Senator Jesse Green

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Iowa, Education Savings Account, charter school, Senate Appropriations Education Subcommittee

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