The close date for the Students First education savings accounts (ESAs) was September 30. Last week, the Iowa Department of Education announced that 18,893 ESA accounts were approved for the current school year. This is a more than 20% increase over the initial estimates from the Department.

In the KCII listening area, Johnson County led the way with 585 approved applications, followed by Washington County with 142 and Jefferson County with 115. Iowa County recorded 66, Henry County had 18, and there were 8 in Keokuk County. Louisa County was one of three in the State with no approved applications. 

The ESA program was signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds in January. It allows state education funding to become available for students who choose to attend private schools, while also providing public schools with additional funding for students who live in their district but attend private schools. 

ESA accounts for applicants who did not meet the September 30 deadline are closed for the school year and the funds will remain in the state’s general fund. Details about ESA program participants will be available after certified school enrollment numbers are finalized in December.