District 79 Representative Dustin Hite supported a bill that requires all schools in Iowa to provide in-person learning options by February 15th, largely in response to districts that did not come back to any in-person learning when classes resumed last fall.

Last week, Governor Reynolds signed into law Senate File 160, which requires districts to offer full-time, in-person learning as an option to parents. Hite says schools must let parents know they now have this option for their child to go back to class full-time for in-person instruction and give families five days to make their decision. He says districts still have the ability to offer an online or hybrid option and can apply for waivers through the Iowa Department of Education to move all classes to those models.

“Some districts had ignored pleas from parents to offer 100% in-person as an option. Instead of dismissing those concerns, this puts families and students first, Hite says. “Iowa Republicans are proving a return to 100% in-person school is a top priority. With this bill now state law, families can rest more easily knowing their child is going to receive a quality in-person education which is clearly not just about academics, but mental health as well.”

“Parents do not have to pick between work to earn money for their family or staying home to make sure their child is logged onto their computer. Kids can see the faces of their teachers and friends and return to normal.”

Senate File 160 passed on largely partisan lines, and impacts the current academic year that ends in May and June.