Top state officials are making the case that Iowa's recent improvements in school performance are reason the U.S. Department of Education should approve the state's first-in-the-nation pitch for using nearly $157 million in federal education money as block grants.

As federal officials review Iowa's application , Gov. Kim Reynolds said she was "encouraged" by the Trump administration's efforts to "return education to the states" during a news conference with reporters at the Iowa Capitol on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

“The most impactful thing we can do for our state as we look at next steps and we look at what that future looks like is to ensure that the next generation is prepared to thrive,” Reynolds said.

State officials earlier this year submitted a waiver request to the U.S. Departmen

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