Gov. Kim Reynolds marked National Charter Schools Week by signing into law a bill allowing Iowa charter schools to receive state Teacher Salary Supplement funding.
Reynolds told those gathered at Des Moines Prep Charter School on Tuesday, May 12, that House File 2754 is part of the state’s continued push to expand school choice for Iowa families.
“This legislation allows more of students’ per pupil funding streams to follow them to public charter schools, because every public school student deserves ease of support,” Reynolds said.
House File 2754 — a sweeping education bill — is expected to provide about $1.3 million in additional funding to public charter schools.
About 1,172 students attend charter schools statewide, according to the Iowa Department of Education’s 2025 certified enrollment data.
There are 10 public charter schools operating in the state. An additional eight are slated to open over the next 15 months, according to the Iowa Coalition for Public Charter Schools.
HF 2754 is not the first time Iowa lawmakers have sought to grow school choice. In 2021, Reynolds signed a law expanding who can open a charter school.
In 2023, she signed into law education savings accounts. The accounts use money that would otherwise go to public schools to cover a student’s private school expenses, including tuition.
HF 2754 also allows charter school students to participate in extracurricular activities and drivers education courses at a public school if the student lives within the district’s boundaries. Kids can also participate in extracurricular activities in a bordering district.
Charter school students do have to pay the same activity fees as the school’s students. For drivers education, the charter school must pay the district’s costs associated with providing the course.
During the 2026 legislative session, Iowa Democrats argued the bill provided money to charter schools, but public schools are still expected to pick up the cost of the services. Republicans have long contended that funding should follow students.
Before the bill signing, principal Matt Lakis spoke about the work his scholars put in during the school’s inaugural year including 10 hours of community service per student and ninth graders taking college courses.
His school focuses on ensuring students are college and career ready.
“What makes that possible, and what makes today so important is the continued expansion of opportunity for students like ours today,” Lakis said. “With the signing of this bill we have an opportunity to continue expanding what’s possible for my current and future trailblazers, opportunities to access rigorous coursework earlier, opportunities to explore college and career pathways and meaningful hands-on ways and opportunities for students to participate In the activities that they love.”
What other changes will Iowans see from HF 2754?
House File 2754 changes several areas of Iowa law related to education:
Samantha Hernandez covers education for the Register. Reach her at (515) 851-0982 or svhernandez@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa charter teachers get pay boost as funding bill becomes law
Reporting by Samantha Hernandez, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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