As many Iowa schools open this week and next for fall classes, Iowa State Education Association president John Hieronymus says Iowa schools — overall — are “absolutely excellent” when compared to other states.Hieronymus says Iowa schools are tops in the nation in every report card that comes out. He points to the report issued last weekend which showed only 12 Iowa schools are “in need of assistance” — as judged by the new federal “No Child Left Behind Act.” Last year, 26 schools were on that list, and Hieronymus says it’s an “incredible accomplishment” for the 14 schools that showed such improvement they’re no longer on the list. Hieronymus says the teachers’ union has no position on starting school when it’s so hot.Hieronymus says the association believes that decision should be left up to each school district, as factors like the amount of air conditioning in the school and the so-called heat index are considered. The Iowa State Education Association opposes any kind of manditory school start-date. He notes that many schools which are starting classes this week are releasing the kids early because of the heat.