The COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on education in Iowa, and many families have decided to homeschool their children. State Senator Amy Sinclair is the Chair of the senate’s Education Committee, and says she anticipates those families returning to traditional school soon, and that a high number of homeschooled students could have adverse budgetary consequences.

“We anticipate those families moving back into a public school setting, so we have a lapse in what certified enrollment looks like. If the legislature doesn’t do something to deal with that, there will be several districts that are on a budget guarantee, and a budget guarantee would have property tax implications. We need to manage that certified enrollment number that is unusual with about 6,000 families choosing to keep their kids home. That will have a real impact if we don’t do something from the state level.”

Sinclair represents Iowa State Senate District 14, which encompasses parts of Marion and Jasper Counties, and the entirety of Clarke, Decatur, Lucas and Wayne Counties. She was reelected after running unopposed in the recent general election. The 89th General Assembly begins Monday.