Iowa's growing charter schools face transportation hurdles
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Horizon Science Academy is asking DART for help with student transportation — a request that underscores a growing challenge as charter schools expand rapidly in Iowa.
Why it matters: Without reliable options, families can face higher barriers to getting to class, making school choice through Iowa charter schools less accessible.
Catch up quick: Iowa lawmakers have reshaped the state's charter school landscape in recent years by making it much easier to open and expand publicly funded, independently operated schools.
- In 2021, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill that expanded charter school rules, allowing groups to apply directly to the state Board of Education rather than seeking approval from local school boards, paving the way for more schools to open statewide.
State of play: Iowa currently has 10 open charter schools, with six more opening this year, according to the Iowa Department of Education.
- Unlike traditional public school districts, charter schools typically do not provide yellow bus service.
Driving the news: Horizon is asking DART to explore a small pilot program for families facing barriers.
- The idea under discussion would test van transportation from one housing site to the school.
- Data from the program would be used to assess the impact of preschool access on student outcomes, the school's board chairperson and former DSM City Councilperson Christine Hensley tells Axios.
State of play: The school, housed in the former Franklin Junior High, has grown from 73 to 250 students in three years.
- It now serves pre-K through fifth grade and plans to expand to serve all high school grades in the coming years.
Zoom in: While transportation hasn't been a major issue for most families, it can be a hurdle, especially for the lower-income households that account for more than 60% of the school's students, Hensley said.
What they're saying: DART agency spokesperson Erin Hockman emphasized during a meeting with its executive committee members last month that workforce shortages and federal transit rules limit what can be offered.
Yes, but: Van rentals from DART's fleet or unlimited access passes that allow students to ride existing routes for free through a partnership contract might be possible.
The intrigue: DART leaders said they expect more charter schools to raise transportation questions as enrollment grows, Hockman said.
- Two charter schools are expected to open in DSM this year: Distinctive Innovation Academy and Great Oaks High School and Career Center.
What's next: Discussions with Horizon continue, but no timeline has been set for a potential partnership with the agency, Hensley said.