POLICY WIRE FACT CHECK: Rob Sand’s claim that Iowa public schools are now in the bottom half of the nation
The Claim Democrat Rob Sand, a candidate for governor of Iowa and the state auditor, made a viral statement during his campaign, asserting that Iowa once had “the best public schools in the country,”...
The Claim
Democrat Rob Sand, a candidate for governor of Iowa and the state auditor, made a viral statement during his campaign, asserting that Iowa once had “the best public schools in the country,” but is now “in the bottom half.” This claim was disseminated through his social media accounts and a campaign ad, sparking significant public interest and debate. The statement was part of a broader critique of Iowa’s education policies, particularly its Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which allows families to use state funds for private school tuition.
Sand emphasized that his own experience growing up in Decorah, Iowa, reflected a time when the state’s public schools were among the best in the nation. He highlighted the state’s historical reputation, citing the inclusion of “Foundation in Education” on Iowa’s state quarter as a symbol of educational excellence. However, he did not provide specific data or a direct ranking placing Iowa at the top nationally. His campaign also cited concerns about underfunding public schools in favor of voucher programs, suggesting that this has contributed to the decline in quality.
The Details & Investigation
Rob Sand’s claim that Iowa once had “the best public schools in the country” lacks a clear, singular source that places Iowa at the top of national rankings. While Iowa students historically performed well in certain subjects, particularly in the 1990s, no single organization consistently ranked the state as number one . Instead, Iowa has seen a gradual decline in various education metrics over the past few decades, with some reports indicating that the state now ranks in the lower half of national rankings.
Historical data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often referred to as The Nation’s Report Card, shows that Iowa students achieved high scores in math and reading during the 1990s. For example, in 1992, Iowa tied for the top in eighth-grade math and placed second in fourth-grade math. In the same year, fourth-grade reading scores were 11 points above the national average. However, these achievements occurred in a different era of education policy and testing standards, and they do not constitute a definitive ranking of Iowa as the best in the country.
More recent data paints a more complex picture. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Iowa ranked sixth in K-12 education in 2017, but by 2026, it had dropped to 26th. The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2026 report placed Iowa 27th in education , citing declining preschool enrollment, lower reading proficiency in fourth and eighth grades, and a lower high school graduation rate compared to previous years. Additionally, the Network for Public Education gave Iowa a “D” in its 2026 report card, ranking it 19th from the bottom based on factors such as school funding, privatization policies, and teacher conditions.
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Despite these findings, education rankings are highly subjective and vary depending on the criteria used. Some organizations may emphasize academic performance, while others focus on funding, equity, or access to resources. Therefore, while Iowa’s public schools have experienced a decline in several key areas, there is no consensus that the state is currently in the “bottom half” of the nation. Moreover, the claim that Iowa once had “the best public schools in the country” appears to be an overgeneralization, as no single ranking system has ever placed Iowa at the absolute top.
Given the lack of concrete evidence supporting the claim that Iowa was ever the best in the country, and the absence of a clear metric placing it in the bottom half today, the statement is considered a misrepresentation of historical and current educational data. While there is merit to the argument that Iowa’s public schools have faced challenges, the phrasing of Sand’s claim is misleading and lacks the nuance required for accurate public discourse.
The Verdict
Rob Sand’s assertion that Iowa once had “the best public schools in the country” and is now “in the bottom half” is rated as Half True. While there is historical evidence that Iowa students performed exceptionally well in certain subjects during the 1990s, no single organization has ever ranked Iowa as the best in the nation . Similarly, while recent data indicates that Iowa’s public schools have declined in several measurable areas, the claim that they are now in the “bottom half” of the country is an overstatement, as no comprehensive ranking system places Iowa so low.
Therefore, the statement reflects a combination of accurate historical context and exaggerated current claims. It highlights real concerns about education funding and policy, but the way it is framed risks misleading the public into believing that Iowa’s schools have fallen dramatically from a position of national leadership. As such, the claim should be understood as partially true, but not entirely accurate.
Counter-misinformation & disinformation investigation conducted by PolicyWire Editorial Desk (PW).