Ras Smith to hold roundtable with Newton area educators

Iowa House Rep. Ras Smith, D-Waterloo, a candidate for governor, will lead a roundtable discussion with local teachers this weekend after recently announcing his K-12 education policy, which he says will prioritize students and families, empower educators and ensure public dollars are used for public schools.

The roundtable will be held 8 a.m. Saturday at Uncle Nancy’s Coffee House, 114 N. Second Ave. W., in Newton.

Smith, who is the representative of Iowa House District 62, launched his gubernatorial campaign on June 15 and has been touring the state to meet with Iowans to discuss the economy, climate change, resilient infrastructure, agriculture and education.

Recently, Smith unveiled his education plan, which includes — among a number of things — reduced class sizes, increase school support personnel and prioritizing social-emotional learning and student brain health. Smith also wants to protect IPERS and innovate student loan forgiveness opportunities.

Smith is also vying for more curriculum inclusion and freedom, reducing mandated testing and restoring Chapter 20 to give educators a voice in negotiating teaching strategies, wages and workplace health and safety. Smith’s plan also rejects some of the state’s recent laws passed Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Iowa needs to stop the expansion of “for-profit” private and charter schools, Smith’s plan states, as well as reject vouchers and the diversion of millions of taxpayer dollars away from Iowa neighborhood schools. Smith also wants local school boards to serve communities without state government overreach.

To RSVP for the roundtable discussion contact ellen@rasforiowa.com.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com