My family has been in the Iola school district for the past 7 years. I completely respect the Anderson-Shiro district, but I don't have much insight there. The interactions I've had with A-S parents & kids has been for the most part positive and I wouldn't hesitate putting my kids into A-S schools.
Here are some thoughts on Iola: I have very positive thoughts about the years my kids were in Iola schools. I never had a kid in high school, but did have a kid in junior high down through kindergarten. The elementary school is outstanding with great teachers and administrators. It is an old-school district that still uses corporal punishment. Any parent can opt out of the punishment, but for the most part the kids are well behaved. The behavior problems are mostly from kids whose parents suck and fight the school on every issue. I felt like the education my kids received was adequate.
My concerns with Iola were mainly centered around high school and the educational opportunities offered. Because I didn't have a kid go through the high school, I don't know if my concerns were warranted or not. I just figured that if my kid needed additional education, it was only 30 minutes away in B/CS. Also, the athletics programs are just OK (except volleyball which is exceptional). My son played one year of JH football out there and I don't think he was coached much at all. But since he's not going to be a superstar no matter who coaches him, it really didn't bother me much.
Lastly, most of the people in Iola are great people. Lots of folks who want the small-town experience and a small-school experience for their kids. We enjoyed our time there, and I'm sure we would've been very happy in Anderson-Shiro as well.