Bohannan Pledges Support for Rural Education in Oskaloosa Campaign Stop

Christina Bohannan, Democratic congressional candidate for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District visited Oskaloosa Elementary School on Wednesday.

Oskaloosa, IA — Christina Bohannan, Democratic congressional candidate for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, shared her commitment to rural education during a recent visit to Oskaloosa, where she engaged with local educators. With her sights set on unseating incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Bohannan articulated her vision for bolstering small-town schools and countering what she describes as detrimental policies impacting public education in Iowa.

A Personal Connection to Rural Schools

Drawing on her upbringing, Bohannan highlighted the role that rural schools played in her life. “I grew up in a really small town, not unlike this,” she shared. “My town was smaller, about 700 people. I loved it. I felt seen like people knew who I was.” This personalized attention and a strong sense of community, she argued, are critical to the success and well-being of students in rural areas​.”

Bohannan expressed deep concern over the state of rural schools in Iowa, particularly in light of recent closures and legislative actions. “We need to strengthen our rural schools, support them, and invest in them,” she declared. She emphasized the necessity of increased federal funding and fewer restrictions to ensure that these schools can thrive​.”

Federal Investment: A Pillar of Bohannan’s Education Policy

Bohannan’s vision for education policy includes significant federal investment, akin to the recent infrastructure bill. “We need a champion for public education in Congress,” she asserted. “I’d like to see something like we saw with the infrastructure bill for public education, especially focusing on rural schools.” She believes that substantial federal support is essential to maintaining the advantages that small-town schools provide.

Critiquing her opponent, Bohannan did not mince words about Representative Miller-Meeks’ record. “My opponent has voted to cut education funding at the federal level by $35 million and supports extreme abortion bans. We need to go back to where things were before all this craziness started,” Bohannan said, highlighting the differences between their platforms.

Community Concerns and Policy Solutions

During her tour, Bohannan listened to the concerns of local educators. She noted a pervasive dissatisfaction with the current trajectory of public education in Iowa. “People of all political parties are pretty unhappy about the disinvestment in our public schools in favor of private school vouchers. This is not what Iowans want,” she observed.

Bohannan also highlighted the importance of early childhood education and community partnerships. Applauding local initiatives such as full-day preschool programs and collaborations with universities, she emphasized their role in setting a strong educational foundation. “These are transformative years for children, both socially and academically. We need to invest in early education and ensure our teachers are well-prepared,” she emphasized.

A Call for Action and Support

Concluding her visit, Bohannan reiterated her dedication to supporting rural schools and public education. “We need federal investment to make that happen,” she stated, vowing to champion the needs of rural communities if elected.”

Oskaloosa News questioned Bohannan on the intersection of federal and state roles in education. In response, she clarified, “On education funding, “A lot of our education funding comes from the federal side, and we need a champion for public education in Congress”