Joshua Brown, ISEA President

Congratulations, Steve! Also thank you to Maggie for presenting this important award from ISEA!

ISEA members - there are several summer dates for you to show up and listen to and ask questions of our recommended candidate for governor. If you need an Educators for Sand shirt to wear to the event, you can get one at https://raygununion.com/products/isea-educators-for-rob-sand-shirt

New resource hub tracks the expanding federal voucher tax-credit program and its implications for public education.

PFPS Launches New Webpage on the Federal Voucher Scheme with Resources for Public Education Advocates The budget reconciliation bill signed in summer 2025 established the first ever national private education voucher scheme. PFPS has been hard at work producing resources for public education supporters to better understand the federal program and work to keep their states from opting in.

Thank you to everyone who voted in the Republican and Democratic primaries in Iowa today. Some good people won and some good people lost. I voted for some winners and some who didn’t become their party’s nominee. As we begin to prepare for the general election, we will continue to talk with candidates from both parties, who are willing to sit down with educators, to help assess who will be advocates for public education and working people. I look forward to working with anyone who will stand up for our public schools educators and students.

I don't have words adequate to express the shock and grief I felt upon learning about the tragic events in Muscatine today. The loss of six members of the McFarland family, including two students and two of staff members in the Muscatine Community School District, is almost impossible to comprehend.

A MESSAGE TO OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

It is with profound sadness that we share news of a tragic incident that occurred Monday afternoon in our community involving the McFarland family. As a result of this incident, two Muscatine Community School District employees and two current students lost their lives.

Our hearts are broken for the family members, friends, colleagues, classmates, and all those affected by this unimaginable loss. We ask that you keep everyone impacted in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

We recognize that this news is deeply upsetting and that members of our school community will process this loss in different ways. To support our students and staff, counselors and additional support resources will be available beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Muscatine High School, Susan Clark Junior High, Madison Elementary, McKinley Elementary, and Franklin Elementary.

We encourage anyone who needs support to take advantage of these resources and to check in with one another. The strength of our district has always been found in the care and compassion we show each other during difficult times.

The Muscatine Police Department is leading the investigation and is being assisted by the Muscatine Fire Department, Muscatine County Sheriff's Office, Iowa State Patrol, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact Lieutenant David O'Connor of the Muscatine Police Department at (563) 263-9922, ext. 608.

Thank you for your care, professionalism, and support of our students and one another during this difficult time. Please take care of yourselves and each other as we navigate this tragedy together.

Sincerely,

Clint Christopher
Superintendent
Muscatine Community Schools

Join NEA's webinar on June 16 to learn the latest updates from our student debt experts.

Stay on Track for Student Debt Forgiveness | NEA Join our webinar on June 16 to learn the latest updates from our student debt experts.