CrestonCreston, a town of more than 7,500 people, has two private schools along with its public school district. Johnson said Iowa public and private schools “play by different rules,” despite both receiving public funding, and that’s “unfair.” “Why do private schools and public schools, if they’re getting the same amount of funding, not have to follow the same rules or laws or guidelines?” School districts and school boards, in particular, will have to look at how many, for instance, non-teaching staff they employ.” Vander Hart argued concerns about public school districts losing funding are overstated, saying public schools still receive approximately $1,600 in per pupil funding for ESA recipients who leave public schools.