This bill (SF 2175) makes broad changes to Iowa's education system, primarily affecting charter schools, nonpublic schools, and public school districts. It modifies charter school funding formulas to include additional state cost components, adds charter school employees to the state retirement system, and allows students in charter or nonpublic schools to participate in public school sports under specific conditions (e.g., no prior participation by their school and payment of fees). The bill also designates charter schools as local education agencies for federal funding access and authorizes the Iowa Finance Authority to issue bonds for charter and nonpublic school facilities. These changes apply to school budget years starting July 1, 2026.
HF 2724 requires Iowa's Board of Educational Examiners to create new teaching endorsements for high-need subjects (fine arts, math, and science) in pre-K through 12th grade schools. It mandates that applicants for these endorsements hold a bachelor's degree, with the requirement set to expire July 1, 2030. The bill also directs the board to establish a new "instructional strategist II" endorsement (not requiring a master's degree) and an "activities administration" authorization (requiring at least a bachelor's degree). These changes directly affect educators seeking specific teaching credentials in Iowa's schools.
SSB 3100 establishes a 1.75% state percent of growth for school funding starting in the 2026 budget year (July 1, 2026), with a separate 1.75% categorical growth rate for specialized programs like transportation equity aid. It modifies how school districts calculate property tax replacement payments by basing them on weighted student enrollment and a formula comparing current and 2021 per-pupil costs, plus a fixed $153 base amount. This directly affects all Iowa public school districts receiving state funding, as it determines their annual property tax replacement payments. The bill sets the framework for future funding adjustments, requiring annual legislative action to set new growth rates after 2026.
This bill allows Iowa taxpayers to voluntarily contribute $1 or more from their individual income tax return to a public school checkoff fund. The fund, managed by the state department of management, collects these contributions annually and distributes them to school districts starting in 2027 based on each district's budget enrollment. School districts receive these funds as general revenue (not counted toward district costs) and may use them for any school purpose. The checkoff will appear on tax forms for the 2026 tax year, with contributions becoming available for school funding beginning July 1, 2027.
This bill requires Iowa's three regents universities (University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Northern Iowa) to invest at least 1% of their total endowment assets into state-certified innovation funds by July 1, 2027. Institutions retain discretion over which funds to invest in, when to invest, and how to structure commitments, while maintaining fiduciary standards. The bill includes a one-year waiver option for institutions facing insufficient fund capacity or unfavorable market conditions, and mandates annual reports detailing investment amounts, fund names, and economic impact. It aims to boost commercialization of university research and strengthen Iowa's innovation ecosystem without altering donor intent or endowment spending policies.
SF 2229 adjusts Iowa's preschool program funding and education savings account eligibility. It revises how preschool funding is calculated based on weekly instructional hours: districts offering 10-14 hours per week receive 50% of enrollment funding, rising to 100% for 30+ hours. For education savings accounts, it expands eligibility to all nonpublic school students for 2025-2026, but starting July 2027, only households with income ≤400% of federal poverty guidelines will qualify. The bill directly affects school districts receiving preschool funding and families using education savings accounts.
SF 2328 requires all Iowa public school districts, charter schools (under chapters 256E and 256F), and innovation zone schools to provide free lunches to every student in attendance, regardless of family income, starting July 1, 2026. The bill appropriates state funds from the general fund to the Department of Education to cover costs not covered by federal school lunch program funds. It mandates that schools comply with existing free lunch program requirements under section 283A.6 and directs the state board of education to create administrative rules. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment.
HF 2713 modifies several education policies in Iowa. It increases funding for charter schools by adding supplements for teacher leadership, salary, professional development, and early intervention to the standard per-pupil amount. The bill also requires charter schools to contribute to the Iowa public employees’ retirement system and designates them as local education agencies for federal funding. Additionally, it establishes rules allowing students from nonpublic or charter schools to participate in public school athletic programs under specific conditions, including paying equivalent fees. These changes apply to school budget years starting July 1, 2026.
HF 2307 creates a "provisional coaching authorization" for the Board of Educational Examiners to issue to individuals seeking coaching roles without full credentials. It requires applicants to complete background checks, CPR/defibrillator training, youth sports concussion training, and child abuse reporter training. The provisional license expires after 180 days or the end of the sport season, whichever comes first, and allows conversion to a full authorization by completing specific training, coursework, or providing prior coaching experience. This bill directly affects prospective coaches in Iowa schools and adjusts hiring priority, placing those with provisional authorizations below fully credentialed coaches in school hiring decisions.
SF 2244 amends Iowa's education savings account program to establish clearer rules for qualified nonpublic schools and increase transparency. It requires these schools to meet accreditation standards, adhere to teacher licensing rules, and report student admissions/denials confidentially. The bill also mandates third-party administrators to submit detailed annual reports on fund spending (including educational materials and services) and undergo annual audits. School districts must notify families of approved students and report enrollment data, while contracts with vendors must include competitive bidding and limit fees to 3% of funds. These changes directly affect families using savings accounts, participating nonpublic schools, and third-party program administrators.
