A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to charter school approval, contracts, funding, and operations, services provided to charter schools by area education agencies, charter school student participation in extracurricular activities provided by public schools, the Iowa public employees’ retirement system, education savings accounts, independent accreditation, teacher training and licensure, the statewide voluntary preschool program, the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program, open enrollment, school tuition organizations, private instruction, and innovation zone schools; making appropriations; and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2713 , HSB 735 .) Effective date: 05/12/2026. Applicability date: 07/01/2026.

STATE OF IOWA
KIM REYNOLDS
GOVERNOR
May 12,2026
The Honorable Paul Pate
Secretary of State of Iowa
State Capitol
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Dear Mr. Secretary,
I hereby transmit:
House File 2754, an Act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related
to charter school approval, contracts, funding, and operations, services provided to
charter schools by area education agencies, charter school student participation in
extracurricular activities provided by public schools, the Iowa public employees'
retirement system, education savings accounts, independent accreditation, teacher
training and licensure, the statewide voluntary preschool program, the district-to-
community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program, open enrollment, school
tuition organizations, private instruction, and innovation zone schools; making
appropriations; and including effective date and applicability provisions.
The above House File is hereby approved on this date.
Sincerely,
Gwemor of Iowa
cc: Secretary of the Senate
Clerk of the House
STATE CAPITOL DES MOINES, IOWA 50319 515.281.5211 WWW.GOVERNOR.IOWA.GOV
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House File 2754
AN ACT
RELATING TO EDUCATION, INCLUDING BY MODIFYING PROVISIONS
RELATED TO CHARTER SCHOOL APPROVAL, CONTRACTS, FUNDING, AND
OPERATIONS, SERVICES PROVIDED TO CHARTER SCHOOLS BY AREA
EDUCATION AGENCIES, CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES PROVIDED BY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, THE
IOWA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM, EDUCATION SAVINGS
ACCOUNTS, INDEPENDENT ACCREDITATION, TEACHER TRAINING
AND LICENSURE, THE STATEWIDE VOLUNTARY PRESCHOOL PROGRAM,
THE DISTRICT-TO-COMMUNITY COLLEGE SHARING OR CONCURRENT
ENROLLMENT PROGRAM, OPEN ENROLLMENT, SCHOOL TUITION
ORGANIZATIONS, PRIVATE INSTRUCTION, AND INNOVATION ZONE
SCHOOLS; MAKING APPROPRIATIONS; AND INCLUDING EFFECTIVE DATE
AND APPLICABILITY PROVISIONS,
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
DIVISION I
CHARTER SCHOOLS
Section 1, Section 29E.1, subsection 1, paragraph b,
subparagraph (4), Code 2026, is amended by striking the
subparagraph.
Sec. 2. Section 232E.1, subsection 6, Code 2026, is amended
to read as follows:
6. "^Public school district" a public school district
as described in chapter 274, and includes a charter school
under chapter 256E-j—or a charter—a-chool or an innov-ation gone
school under chapter 256F.
House File 2754, p. 2
Sec. 3. Section 256.7, subsection 15, Code 2026, is amended
to read as follows;
15. Adopt rules under chapter 17A that require school
districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools—
and innovation gone schools to include information regarding
the exemptions and requirements for an exemption described
in section 139A.8, subsection 4, in any communication to
the parent or guardian of a student that is related to the
immunizations required under section 139A.8.
Sec. 4. Section 256.9, subsections 69, 71, 73, and 78, Code
2026, are amended to read as follows:
69. On or before May 1, 2025, develop and distribute to
school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter
schools# and innovation zone schools model policies that, if
adopted, would satisfy a school district's responsibilities
under section 279.88 relating to policies governing student use
of personal electronic devices.
71. Develop and distribute to school districts, accredited
nonpublic schools, and charter schools, and innovation
zone schools family-centered resources to support student
development of mathematics knowledge at home.
73. On or before July 1, 2025, develop and distribute to
school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter
schools, and innovation zone schools a comprehensive state
mathematics plan that is designed to increase the level of
mathematics proficiency attained by students using systematic
and sequential approaches to teaching subitizing, cardinality,
object counting, verbal counting, spatial relationships,
benchmark numbers, and part-part-whole models.
78. a. Develop and distribute to school districts,
accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, and
innovation zone schools a test in multiple-choice format that
consists of all of the questions contained in the most recent
version of the civics test developed by the United States
citizenship and immigration services.
b. On or before the January 31 immediately subsequent to
each general election which is a presidential election, update
the test described in paragraph and distribute the updated
test to school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and
House File 2754, p. 3
charter schools, and innovation acne schools.
Sec. 5. Section 256.163, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended
by adding the following new paragraph:
NEW PARAGRAPH, f. A charter school established pursuant to
chapter 256E, subchapter I.
Sec. 6. Section 256E.1, subsection 2, paragraphs a and b.
Code 2026, are amended to read as follows:
a, A school board may create a founding group to apply to
the state board or the university of northern Iowa for approval
to establish and operate a charter school within and as a part
of the school district by establishing a new attendance center,
creating a new school within an existing attendance center, or
by converting an existing attendance center to charter status.
b» A founding group may apply to the state board or the
university of northern Iowa for approval to establish and
operate a charter school within the boundaries of the state
that operates as a new attendance center independently from a
public school district.
Sec. 7. Section 256E.1, subsection 3, unnumbered paragraph
1, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
The purpose of a charter school established pursuant to this
chapter subchapter shall be to accomplish the following:
Sec. 8. Section 256E.1, subsection 3, paragraph d. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
d. Accelerating student learning to prevent learning loss
during the COVID-19 pandemic and other significant disruptions
to student learning.
Sec. 9. Section 256E.1, subsection 4, Code 2026, is amended
to read as follows:
4. The state board of education and the university of
northern Iowa shall be the only authoriaer authorizers of
charter schools under this chapter subchapter.
Sec. 10. Section 256E.2, unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 2026,
is amended to read as follows:
As used in this chapter subchapter, unless the context
otherwise requires:
Sec. 11. Section 256E.2, subsections 2 and 5, Code 2026, are
amended to read as follows:
2. ^Charter school^ means a school established in accordance
House File 2754, p. 4
with this chapter subchapter.
5. '^Founding group'' means a person, group of persons,
or education service provider that develops and submits an
application for a charter school to the state board or the
university of northern Iowa under this chapter subchapter.
Sec. 12. Section 256E.3, Code 2026, is amended to read as
follows:
256E.3 Department — duty to monitor.
The department shall monitor the effectiveness of charter
schools and shall implement the applicable provisions of this
chapter subchapter.
Sec. 13. Section 256E.4, subsections 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
and 10, Code 2026, are amended to read as follows:
1. A school board may create a founding group to apply to
the state board or the university of northern Iowa for approval
to establish and operate a charter school within and as a part
of the school district by establishing a new attendance center,
creating a new school within an existing attendance center, or
by converting an existing attendance center. The application
shall demonstrate the founding group's academic and operational
vision and plans for the proposed charter school, demonstrate
the founding group's capacity to execute the vision and plans,
and provide the state board or the university of northern Iowa
a clear basis for assessing the founding group's plans and
capacity.
2. The state board, in consultation with the university
of northern Iowa, shall adopt rules to establish appropriate
application timelines and deadlines for the submission of
charter school applications under this section.
3. The instructions for completing an application shall
include or otherwise inform applicants of all of the following:
a. The performance framework adopted by the state board, in
consultation with the university of northern Iowa, for charter
school oversight and evaluation requirements in accordance with
sections 256E.9 and 256E.10.
b» The criteria the state board or the university of
northern Iowa will use in evaluating applications.
c. The requirements concerning the format and content
essential for applicants to demonstrate the capacities
House File 2754, p. 5
necessary to establish and operate a successful charter school.
5. If the founding group proposes to establish a charter
school by converting an existing attendance center of the
school district, the state board or the university of northern
Iowa shall not approve the application unless the founding
group submits evidence that the attendance center's teachers
and parents or guardians of students enrolled at the existing
attendance center voted in favor of the conversion. A vote
in favor of conversion under this subsection requires the
support of a majority of the teachers employed at the school
on the date of the vote and a majority of the parents or
guardians voting whose children are enrolled at the school,
provided that a majority of the parents or guardians eligible
to vote participate in the ballot process. The state board^^
in consultation with the university of northern Iowa, shall
establish procedures by rule for voting under this subsection.
A parent or guardian voting in accordance with this subsection
must be a resident of this state.
6. In reviewing and evaluating charter school applications,
the state board and the university of northern Iowa shall
employ procedures, practices, and criteria consistent with
nationally recognized principles and standards for reviewing
charter school applications. Each application review shall
include thorough evaluation of the written application, an
in-person interview with the founding group, and an opportunity
in a public forum for local residents to learn about and
provide input on each application.
7. Following review of a charter school application and
completion of the process required under subsection 6, the
state board or the university of northern Iowa shall do all of
the following:
a. Approve a charter school application only if the founding
group has demonstrated competence in each element of the
approval criteria and if the founding group is likely to open
and operate a successful charter school.
b. Make application decisions on documented evidence
collected through the application review process.
c. Adhere to the policies and criteria that are transparent,
based on merit, and avoid conflicts of interest or any
House File 2754, p. 6
appearance thereof.
8. The state board or the university of northern Iowa
shall approve a charter school application if the application
satisfies the requirements of this chapter subchapter. The
state board or the university of northern Iowa shall approve or
deny a charter school application no later than seventy-five
calendar days after the application is received. If the state
board or the university of northern Iowa denies an application,
the state board or the university of northern Iowa shall
provide notice of denial to the founding group in writing
within thirty days after the state board's or the university
of northern Iowa's action. The notice shall specify the exact
reasons for denial and provide documentation supporting those
reasons. An approval decision may include, if appropriate,
reasonable conditions that the founding group must meet before
a charter school contract may be executed pursuant to section
256E.6. An approved charter application shall not serve as a
charter school contract.
9. A decision of the state board or the university of
northern Iowa relating to an application under this section is
not appealable.
10. An unsuccessful applicant under this section may
subsequently reapply to the state board or the university of
northern Iowa.
Sec. 14. Section 256E.4, subsection 4, paragraph ab. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
ab. The specific statutes and administrative rules with
which the charter school does not intend to comply. The
department, in consultation with the university of northern
Iowa, shall provide technical assistance to the applicant
concerning statutes and administrative rules that may be waived
under the charter school contract in order to facilitate the
goals of the charter school.
Sec. 15. Section 256E.5, subsections 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9,
and 10, Code 2026, are amended to read as follows:
1. A founding group may apply to the state board or the
university of northern Iowa for approval to establish and
operate a charter school within the boundaries of the state
that operates as a new attendance center independently from a
House File 2754, p. 7
public school district. The application shall demonstrate the
founding group's academic and operational vision and plans for
the proposed charter school, demonstrate the founding group's
capacity to execute the vision and plans, and provide the state
board or the university of northern Iowa a clear basis for
assessing the founding group's plans and capacity.
2. The state board, in consultation with the university
of northern Iowa, shall adopt rules to establish appropriate
application timelines and deadlines for the submission of
charter school applications under this section.
3. The instructions for completing an application shall
include or otherwise inform applicants of all of the following:
a. The performance framework adopted by the state board, in
consultation with the university of northern Iowa, for charter
school oversight and evaluation requirements in accordance with
sections 256E.9 and 256E.10.
b. The criteria the state board or the university of
northern Iowa will use in evaluating applications.
c. The requirements concerning the format and content
essential for applicants to demonstrate the capacities
necessary to establish and operate a successful charter school.
5. In reviewing and evaluating charter school applications,
the state board and the university of northern Iowa shall
employ procedures, practices, and criteria consistent with
nationally recognized principles and standards for reviewing
charter school applications. Each application review shall
include thorough evaluation of the written application, an
in-person interview with the applicant, and an opportunity in a
public forum for local residents of the public school district
within which the applicant proposes to locate the charter
school to learn about and provide input on each application.
6. Following review of a charter school application and
completion of the process required under subsection 5, the
state board or the university of northern Iowa shall do all of
the following:
a. Approve a charter school application only if the
applicant has demonstrated competence in each element of the
state board's or the university of northern Iowa's published
approval criteria and the applicant is likely to open and
House File 2754, p. 8
operate a successful charter school.
b. Make application decisions on documented evidence
collected through the application review process.
c. Adhere to the policies and criteria that are transparent,
based on merit, and avoid conflicts of interest or any
appearance thereof.
8. The state board or the university of northern Iowa
shall approve a charter school application if the application
satisfies the requirements of this chapter subchapter. The
state board or the university of northern Iowa shall approve or
deny a charter school application no later than seventy-five
calendar days after the application is received. If the
state board or the university of northern Iowa denies an
application, the state board or the university of northern Iowa
shall provide notice of denial to the applicant in writing
within thirty days after board action. The notice shall
specify the exact reasons for denial and provide documentation
supporting those reasons. An approval decision may include,
if appropriate, reasonable conditions that the applicant must
meet before a charter school contract may be executed pursuant
to section 256E.6. An approved charter application shall not
serve as a charter school contract.
9. An unsuccessful charter school applicant may
subsequently reapply to the state board or the university of
northern Iowa.
10. A decision of the state board or the university of
northern Iowa relating to an application under this section is
not appealable.
Sec. 16. Section 256E.5, Code 2026, is amended by adding the
following new subsection:
NEW SUBSECTION. lA. The governing board of a charter school
that is approved under this section shall be designated a local
education agency for the purpose of receiving federal funds for
all attendance centers that are under the jurisdiction of the
governing board.
Sec. 17. Section 256E.5, subsection 4, paragraph ab. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
ab. The specific statutes and administrative rules with
which the charter school does not intend to comply. The
House File 2754, p. 9
department, in consultation with the university of northern
Iowa, shall provide technical assistance to the applicant
concerning statutes and administrative rules that may be waived
under the charter school contract in order to facilitate the
goals of the charter school.
Sec. 18. Section 256E.6, Code 2026, is amended to read as
follows:
256E.6 Charter school contract.
1. within the later of thirty days following approval
of a charter school application or upon the satisfaction of
all reasonable conditions imposed on the applicant in the
charter school approval, if any, an enforceable and renewable
charter school contract shall be executed between the founding
group and the state board or the university of northern Iowa,
as applicable, setting forth the academic and operational
performance expectations and measures by which the charter
school will be evaluated pursuant to sections 256E.9 and
256E.10 and the other rights and duties of the parties.
2. An initial charter school contract shall be granted for
a term of five school budget years, commencing with the school
budget year in which the charter school opens. The charter
school contract shall include the beginning and ending dates
of the charter school contract term. An approved charter
school may delay its opening for a period of time not to oxcGcd
one school year in order to plan and proparo for the charter
school*3 opening shall open on the first day of the school year
that is two school years immediately subsequent to the school
year in which the charter school contract is executed under
subsection 1; provided, however, that the approved charter
school may open on the first day of the school year that is
immediately subsequent to the school year in which the charter
school contract is executed under subsection 1 if the approved
charter school demonstrates adequate preparation to the state
board or the university of northern Iowa. If the charter
school requires an opening delay of more than one school year
two school years immediately subsequent to the school year in
which the charter school contract is executed under subsection
1, the charter school may request an extension from the state
board or the university of northern Iowa.
House File 2754, p. 10
3. Each charter school contract shall be signed by
the president of the state board or the president of the
university of northern Iowa, as applicable, and the president
or appropriate officer of the governing body of the founding
group.
4. Within fifteen days of the execution of a charter school
contract entered into by the state board or the university of
northern Iowa, the state board or the university of northern
Iowa shall notify the department and the department of
management of the name of the charter school and any applicable
education service provider, the proposed location of the
charter school, and the charter school's first year projected
enrollment.
5. A charter school approved under this chapter subchapter
shall not commence operations without a valid charter school
contract executed in accordance with this section and approved
in an open session of the state board or by the university of
northern Iowa.
6. The contract may provide for requirements or conditions
to govern and monitor the start-up progress of an approved
charter school prior to the opening of the charter school
from the date the charter school contract is executed
through the date the charter school opens, including but not
limited to conditions to ensure that the charter school meets
all building, health, safety, insurance, and other legal
requirements.
7. A charter school contract may be amended to govern
multiple charter schools operated by the same applicant and
approved by the state board or the university of northern Iowa.
However, each charter school that is part of a charter school
contract shall be separate and distinct from any other charter
school governed by the contract.
Sec. 19. Section 256E.7, subsection 1, unnumbered paragraph
1, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
In order to fulfill the charter school's public purpose, a
charter school established under this chapter subchapter shall
be organized as a nonprofit education organization and shall
have all the powers necessary for carrying out the terms of
the charter school contract including but not limited to the
House File 2754, p. 11
following, as applicable:
Sec. 20. Section 256E.7, subsection 2, unnumbered paragraph
I, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
A charter school established under this chapter subchapter
is exempt from all state statutes and rules and any local rule,
regulation, or policy, applicable to a noncharter school,
except that the charter school shall do all of the following:
Sec. 21. Section 256E.7, subsection 2, paragraphs g, i, and
w. Code 2026, are amended to read as follows:
g. Be subject to the same financial audits, audit
procedures, and audit requirements as a school district. The
audit shall be consistent with the requirements of sections
II.6, 11.14, 11.19, and 279.29, and section 256.9, subsection
20, except to the extent deviations are necessary because of
the program at the school. The department, the university
of northern Iowa, the auditor of state, or the legislative
services agency may conduct financial, program, or compliance
audits.
i. Provide instruction for at least the number of days
or hours required by section 279.10, subsection 1, unless
specifically waived by the state board or the university of
northern Iowa as part of the application process.
w. Comply with the requirements of this chapter subchapter.
Sec. 22. Section 256E.7, subsection 2, paragraph h,
unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 2026, is amended to read as
follows:
Be subject to and comply with the requirements of section
256.7, subsection 21, and the educational standards of section
256.11, unless specifically waived by the state board or the
university of northern Iowa during the application process;
provided, however, that the state board or the university of
northern Iowa shall not waive any of the following educational
standards:
Sec. 23. Section 256E.7, subsection 9, Code 2026, is amended
to read as follows:
9. Individuals compensated by an education service provider
are prohibited from serving as a voting member on the governing
board of any charter school unless the state board or the
university of northern Iowa waives such prohibition.
House File 2754, p. 12
Sec. 24. Section 256E.8, subsections 1 and 4, Code 2026, are
amended to read as follows:
1. Each student enrolled in a charter school established
under this chapter subchapter shall be counted, for state
school foundation purposes, in the student's district of
residence pursuant to section 257.6, subsection 1, paragraph
subparagraph (9), including any applicable amounts under
section 256B.9. For purposes of this section, residence means
a residence under section 282.1.
4. If necessary, and pursuant to rules adopted by the
state board, in consultation with the university of northern
Iowa, funding amounts required under this section for the
first school year of a new charter school shall be based on
enrollment estimates for the charter school included in the
charter school contract. The department, in consultation
with the university of northern Iowa, shall adopt rules to
establish a process for determining estimated enrollments for
charter school funding purposes in school years after the first
school year of a charter school. Amounts paid using estimated
enrollments shall be reconciled during subsequent payments
based on actual enrollment of the charter school during each
school year.
Sec. 25. Section 256E.9, subsection 1, unnumbered paragraph
1, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
The performance provisions within the charter school
contract shall be based on a performance framework adopted
by the state board, in consultation with the university
of northern Iowa, that clearly sets forth the academic and
operational performance indicators, measures, and metrics that
will guide the evaluation of the charter school by the state
board or the university of northern Iowa, without compromising
individual student privacy. The performance framework shall
include but is not limited to indicators, measures, and metrics
for all of the following:
Sec. 26. Section 256E.9, subsections 2 and 5, Code 2026, are
amended to read as follows:
2. Annual performance targets shall be agreed upon between
each charter school and the state board, in consultation
with the university of northern Iowa, if applicable. Such
House File 2754, p. 13
performance targets shall be contained in the charter school
contract and shall be designed to help each charter school
meet applicable federal, state, and local standards. The
performance targets contained in the charter school contract
may be amended by mutual agreement after the charter school is
operating and has collected initial achievement data for the
charter school's students.
5. Each charter school established under this chapter
subchapter shall be evaluated and graded by the department
pursuant to the attendance center performance ranking system
developed and adopted by the department.
Sec. 27. Section 256E.10, subsections 1, 2, 6, 8, 12, and
13, Code 2026, are amended to read as follows:
1. The state board and the university of northern Iowa shall
monitor the performance and compliance of each charter school
the state board approves approved by the state board or the
university of northern Iowa, including collecting and analyzing
data according to the charter school contract in order to meet
the requirements of this chapter subchapter. Such oversight
may include inquiries and investigation of the charter school
so long as the activities are consistent with the intent of
this chapter subchapter, adhere to the terms of the charter
school contract, and do not unduly inhibit the autonomy granted
to the charter school. Any performance report resulting from
an inquiry or investigation under this section shall, upon
conclusion of such action, be included in the annual report
required under section 256E.12.
2. As part of the charter school contract, the charter
school shall submit an annual report to the state board or the
university of northern Iowa to assist the state board or the
university of northern Iowa in evaluating the charter school's
performance and compliance with the performance framework.
6. Annually, by June 30, the state board or the university
of northern Iowa, as applicable, shall issue a charter school
performance report and charter school contract renewal
application guidance to each charter school whose charter
school contract will expire during the following school budget
year. The performance report shall summarize the charter
school's performance record to date based on the data required
House Pile 2754, p. 14
by the charter school contract and by this chapter subchapter
and shall identify concerns that may jeopardize renewal of the
charter school contract if not remedied. The charter school
shall have sixty days to respond to the performance report and
submit any corrections or clarifications for the report.
8. No later than October 1, the governing board of a charter
school seeking renewal shall submit a renewal application to
the state board or the university of northern Iowa pursuant to
the renewal application guidance. A renewal or denial shall be
approved by resolution of the state board, or by the university
of northern Iowa, within sixty days following the filing of the
renewal application.
12. A decision to revoke or to not renew a charter school
contract shall be by resolution of the state board, or by
the university of northern Iowa, and shall clearly state the
reasons for the revocation or nonrenewal.
13. If a charter school has been evaluated and graded to
be in the exceptional category, or the highest rated category
under a succeeding evaluation system, under the evaluation and
grading required under section 256E.9, subsection 5, for the
immediately preceding two school years, and the charter school
is in compliance with the current charter school contract and
all provisions of this chapter subchapter, the charter school's
application renewal under subsection 8 shall be renewed
for an additional period of time equal to the length of the
original charter school contract or the most recent renewal
of the contract, whichever is longer, unless the state board
or the university of northern Iowa provides written notice to
the charter school of the state board's or the university of
northern Iowa's rejection of the expedited renewal within sixty
days of the filing of the application. The state board or
the university of northern Iowa shall not reject an expedited
renewal application unless the state board or the university of
northern Iowa finds exceptional circumstances for the rejection
or seeks material changes to the charter school contract.
Sec. 28. Section 256E.10, subsection 9, unnumbered
paragraph 1, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
Unless eligible for expedited renewal under subsection 13,
when reviewing a charter school contract renewal application.
House File 2754, p. 15
the state board or the university of northern Iowa shall do all
of the following;
Sec. 29. Section 256E.10, subsection 10, unnumbered
paragraph 1, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
A charter school contract may be revoked at any time or not
renewed if the state board or the university of northern Iowa
determines that the charter school did any of the following:
Sec. 30. Section 256E.10, subsection 10, paragraph a. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
a. Committed a material violation of any of the terms,
conditions, standards, or procedures required under the charter
school contract or this chapter subchapter.
Sec. 31. Section 256E.10, subsection 11, unnumbered
paragraph 1, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
The state board, in consultation with the university of
northern Iowa, shall develop charter school contract revocation
and nonrenewal standards and procedures that do all of the
following:
Sec. 32. Section 256E.11, subsection 1, Code 2026, is
amended to read as follows:
1. Prior to any charter school closure decision, the state
board, in consultation with the university of northern Iowa,
shall develop a charter school closure protocol to ensure
timely notice to parents and guardians, provide for the orderly
transition of students and student records to new schools, and
to provide proper disposition of school funds, property, and
assets in accordance with the requirements of this chapter
subchapter. The protocol shall specify required actions and
timelines and identify responsible parties for each such
action.
Sec. 33. Section 256E.12, Code 2026, is amended to read as
follows:
256E.12 Reports.
1. Each charter school shall prepare and file an annual
report with the department. The department, in consultation
with the university of northern Iowa, shall prescribe by rule
the required contents of the report, but each such report shall
include information regarding student achievement, including
annual academic growth and proficiency, graduation rates.
House File 2754, p. 16
and financial performance and sustainability. The reports
are public records and the examination, publication, and
dissemination of the reports are governed by the provisions of
chapter 22.
2. The state board, in consultation with the university of
northern Iowa, shall prepare and file with the general assembly
by December 1, annually, a comprehensive report with findings
and recommendations relating to the charter school program in
the state and whether the charter school program under this
chapter subchapter is meeting the goals and purposes of the
program. The report also shall contain, for each charter
school, a copy of the charter school's mission statement,
attendance statistics and dropout rate, aggregate assessment
test scores, projections of financial stability, and the number
and qualifications of teachers and administrators.
Sec. 34. Section 256F.1, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended
to read as follows:
1. Charter schools and innovation gone schools shall be part
of the state's program of public education.
Sec. 35. Section 256F.1, subsection 3, unnumbered paragraph
1, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
The purpose of a charter school or an innovation gone school
established pursuant to this chapter subchapter shall be to
accomplish the following:
Sec. 36. Section 256F.1, subsection 4, Code 2026, is amended
by striking the subsection.
Sec. 37. Section 256F.2, unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 2026,
is amended to read as follows:
As used in this chapter subchapter, unless the context
otherwise requires:
Sec. 38. Section 256F.2, subsections 1 and 3, Code 2026, are
amended to read as follows:
1. ^Advisory council'' means a council appointed by the
school board of directors of a charter school or an innovation
Bonc consortium pursuant to section 256F.5, subsection 4.
3. ^Charter school" means a charter school established in
accordance with this chapter subchapter.
Sec. 39. Section 256F.2, subsections 5 and 6, Code 2026, are
amended by striking the subsections.
House File 2754, p. 17
Sec. 40. Section 256F.3, Code 2026, is amended to read as
follows:
256F.3 Application Monitoring — no new approvals — adoption
of rules.
1. The department shall monitor the effectiveness of
charter schools and innovation gone schools and shall implement
the applicable provisions of this chapter subchapter.
■3-s—&-i—To receive approval to establish a charter school
in accordance with this chapter,!—the principal,—tcachcra,
or parents or guardians of students at an existing public
school shall submit an application to the school board to
convert an existing attendance center to a charter school.
An attendance center shall not enter into a charter school
contract with a school district under this chapter unless the
attendance center is located within the school district.—The
application shall demonstrate the support of at least fifty
percent of the teachers employed at the school on the date of
the submission of the application and fifty percent of the
parents or guardians voting whose children are enrolled at the
school, provided that a majority of the parents or guardians
eligible to vote participate in the ballot process, according
to procedures established by rules of the state board.
b-.—To receive approval to establish an innovation zone
school in accordance with this chapter, an innovation gone
consortium shall submit an application to the state board
which demonstrates the support of at least fifty percent of
the teachers employed at each proposed innovation zone school
on the date of the submission of the application and fifty
percent of the parents or guardians voting whose children are
enrolled at each proposed innovation gone school, provided
that a majority of the parents or guardians eligible to vote
participate in the ballot process,—according to procedures
established by rules of the state board.
e-.—A parent or guardian voting in accordance with this
subsection must be a resident of this state.
■3"!—A school board shall receive and reviev? all applications
for converting an existing building or creating a new building
for a charter school.—Applications received on or before
October 1 of a calendar year shall be considered for charter
House File 2754, p. 18
schools to be established at the beginning of the school
district's next school year or at a time agreed to by the
applicant and the school board.—However, a school board may
receive and consider applications after October 1 at its
discretion.
■4"!—A school board shall by a majority vote approve or
deny an application relating to a charter school no later
than sixty calendar days after the application is received.
An application approved by a school board and subsequently
approved by the state board pursuant to subsection 6 shall
constitute, at a minimum, an agreement between the school board
and the charter school for the operation of the charter school.
A school board that denies an application for a conversion
to a charter school shall provide notice of denial to the
applicant in v?riting within thirty days after board action.
The notice shall specify the exact reasons for denial and
provide documentation supporting those reasons.
■5-5—An applicant may appeal school board denial of the
applicant's charter school application to the state board
in accordance with the procedures set forth in chapter 200.
The state board shall affirm,—modify,—or—reverse the school
board's decision on the basis of the information provided in
the application indicating the ability and willingness of the
proposed charter school to meet the requirements of section
256F.1, subsection 3, and section 256F.4.
•6-i—Upon approval of an application for—the proposed
establishment of a charter school,—the school board shall
submit an application for approval to establish the charter
school to the state board in accordance with section 256F.5.
7-5—An application submitted to the state board pursuant to
subsection 2, paragraph or subsection 6 shall set forth the
manner—in which the charter school or—innovation gone school
will provide special instruction, in accordance with section
280.4,—to students who are English learners.—The application
shall set forth the manner—in which the charter school or
innovation zone school will comply with federal and state laws
and regulations relating to the federal National Ochool Lunch
Act and the federal Child Nutrition Act of 1Q66,—42 U.G.C.
§1751 1785,—and chapter 283A.—The state board shall approve
House File 2754, p. 19
only those applications that meet the requirements spGcificd in
acction 256F.1, subsection 3^ and sections 256F.4 and 256F.5.
The state board may deny an application if the state board
deems that approval of the application is not in the best
intorcat of the affected students.
%s—The state board shall approve not more than ten
innovation zone consortium applications.
9-s- ^ The state board shall not approve a new charter
school under this chapter subchapter on or after July 1, 2021.
Ir9-r The state board shall adopt rules in accordance with
chapter 17A for the implementation of this chapter subchapter.
If federal rules or regulations relating to the distribution
or utilization of federal funds allocated to the department
pursuant to this section are adopted that are inconsistent
with the provisions of this chapter subchapter, the state
board shall adopt rules to comply with the requirements of the
federal rules or regulations. The state board shall identify
inconsistencies between federal and state rules and regulations
as provided in this subsection and shall submit recommendations
for legislative action to the chairpersons and ranking members
of the senate and house standing committees on education at the
next meeting of the general assembly.
Sec. 41. Section 256F.4, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended
by striking the subsection.
Sec. 42. Section 256F.4, subsection 2, unnumbered paragraph
1, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
Although a charter school or innovation zone school may
elect to comply with one or more provisions of statute or
administrative rule, a charter school or innovation gone school
is exempt from all statutes and rules applicable to a school,
a school board, or a school district, except that the charter
school or innovation zono school shall do all of the following:
Sec. 43. Section 256F.4, subsection 2, paragraphs a and h.
Code 2026, are amended to read as follows:
3, Meet all applicable federal, state, and local health and
safety requirements and laws prohibiting discrimination on the
basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national
origin, religion, ancestry, or disability. A charter school
or innovation zone school located within the boundaries of a
House Pile 2754, p. 20
school district subject to court-ordered desegregation at the
time the charter school or innovation gone school application
is approved shall be subject to the desegregation order unless
otherwise specifically provided for in the desegregation order.
A. Be subject to and comply with chapter 284 relating to
the student achievement and teacher quality program. A charter
school or—innovation gone school that complies with chapter
284 shall receive state moneys or be eligible to receive state
moneys calculated as provided in section 257.10, subsections
9 and 10, and section 257.37A as if it did not operate under a
charter school or innovation gone school contract.
Sec. 44. Section 256F.4, subsection 2, Code 2026, is amended
by adding the following new paragraph:
NEW PARAGRAPH, v. Be subject to and comply with the
requirements of section 256E.9 related to the incorporation
into the charter school contract of a performance framework
that is used by the state board to evaluate the charter school
in the same manner as a charter school established under
subchapter I.
Sec. 45. Section 256F.4, subsections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8,
Code 2026, are amended to read as follows:
3. A charter school or innovation gone school shall not
discriminate in its student admissions policies or practices
on the basis of intellectual or athletic ability, measures
of achievement or aptitude, or status as a person with a
disability. However, a charter school or innovation zone
school may limit admission to students who are within a
particular range of ages or grade levels or on any other
basis that would be legal if initiated by a school district.
Enrollment priority shall be given to the siblings of students
enrolled in a charter school or innovation zone school.
4. A charter school or innovation gone school shall
enroll an eligible resident student who submits a timely
application unless the number of applications exceeds the
capacity of a program, class, grade level, or building. In
this case, students must be accepted by lot. A charter school
or innovation gone school may enroll an eligible nonresident
student who submits a timely application in accordance with
the student admission policy established pursuant to section
House File 2754, p. 21
256F.5, subsection 1. If the charter school or innovation gone
school enrolls an eligible nonresident student, the charter
school or innovation gone school shall notify the school
district of residence and the sending district not later than
March 1 of the preceding school year. Transportation for the
student shall be in accordance with section 282.18, subsection
10. The sending district shall make payments to the charter
school or innovation gone consortium in the manner required
under section 282.18, subsection 7. If the nonroaidcnt pupil
is also an oligiblc pupil under section 261E.6,—the innovation
zone consortium shall pay the tuition roimbursoment amount to
an eligible postsecondary institution as provided in section
261E.7.
5. A charter school or innovation zone school shall provide
instruction for at least the number of days or hours required
by section 279.10, subsection 1.
6. Notwithstanding subsection 2, a charter school et
innovation zone school shall meet the requirements of section
256.7, subsection 21.
7. a-r A charter school shall be considered a part of the
school district in which it is located for purposes of state
school foundation aid pursuant to chapter 257.
^ Otudonts enrolled in an innovation zone school shall
bo counted,—for state school foundation aid purposes,—in the
student's district of rcsidcnco.
8. A charter school or innovation zone consortium may enter
into contracts in accordance with chapter 26.
Sec. 46. Section 256F.5, unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 2026,
is amended to read as follows:
An application to the state board for the approval of a
charter school or innovation zone school shall include but
shall not be limited to a description of the following:
Sec. 47. Section 256F.5, subsections 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10,
12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, Code 2026, are amended to read as
follows:
1. The method for admission to the charter school or-
innovation zone school.
2. The mission, purpose, innovation, and specialized focus
of the charter school or innovation zone school.
House File 2754, p. 22
4. The method for appointing or forming an advisory
council for the charter school or innovation gone school.
The membership of an advisory council appointed or formed in
accordance with this chapter subchapter shall not include more
than one member of a participating school board.
6. The charter school or innovation gone school governance
and bylaws.
7. The financial plan for the operation of the charter
school or innovation gone school including, at a minimum,
a listing of the support services the school district ee
innovation gone consortium will provide, and the charter
school or innovation gone school's revenues, budgets, and
expenditures.
10. The organization of the charter school or innovation
gone school in terms of ages of students or grades to be taught
along with an estimate of the total enrollment of the charter
school or innovation zone school.
12. A statement indicating how the charter school et-
innovation zone school will meet the requirements of section
256F.1, as applicable; section 256F.4, subsection 2, paragraph
and section 256F.4, subsection 3.
13. Assurance of the assumption of liability by the charter
school or the innovation zone consortium for the innovation
zone school.
14. The types and amounts of insurance coverage to be
obtained by the charter school ot—innovation zone consortium
for the innovation zone school.
15. A plan of operation to be implemented if the charter
school or innovation zone consortium revokes or fails to renew
its contract.
16. The means, costs, and plan for providing transportation
for students enrolled in the charter school or innovation zone
school.
17. The specific statutes, administrative rules, and school
board policies with which the charter school or innovation zone
school does not intend to comply.
Sec. 48. Section 256F.6, subsections 1 and 3, Code 2026, are
amended to read as follows;
1. a. An approved charter school o*—innovation zone school
House File 2754, p. 23
application shall constitute an agreement, the terms of which
shall, at a minimum, be the terms of a four-year five-year
enforceable, renewable contract between a school board, or the
boards participating in an innovation gone consortium, and the
state board. The contract shall include an operating agrcGmont
for the operation of the charter school or innovation gone
school. The terms of the contract may be revised at any time
with the approval of both the state board and the school board
or the boards participating in the innovation gone consortium,
whether or not the stated provisions of the contract are being
fulfilled. The contract must include all of the following;
(1) An operating agreement for the operation of the charter
school.
(2) A performance framework as required under section
256F.4, subsection 2, paragraph
A contract may be renewed by agreement of the school
board or the boards participating in an innovation zone
consortium, as applicable, and the state board.
c. The charter school or innovation gone consortium shall
provide parents and guardians of students enrolled in the
charter school or innovation gone school with a copy of the
charter school or innovation zone school application approved
pursuant to section 256F.5.
3. The state board of education shall provide by rule for
the ongoing review of each party's compliance with a contract
entered into in accordance with this chapter subchapter.
Sec. 49. Section 256F.7, Code 2026, is amended to read as
follows:
256F.7 Employment and related matters.
1. A charter school or the boards participating in an
innovation zone consortium shall employ or contract with
necessary teachers and administrators, as defined in section
256.145, who hold a valid license with an endorsement for the
type of service for which the teacher or administrator is
employed.
2. The school board or innovation gone consortium,—as-
specified in the application, in consultation with the advisory
council, shall decide matters related to the operation of the
charter school or innovation gone school, including budgeting.
House File 2754, p. 24
curriculum, and operating procedures.
3. a-r Employees of a charter school shall be considered
employees of the school district.
—Employees of an innovation zone school shall be
conoidcrcd Qmployoes of a board participating in the innovation
gone consortium.
Sec. 50. Section 256F.8, subsections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, Code
2026, are amended to read as follows:
1. A contract for the establishment of a charter school 0¥-
innovation gone school may be revoked by the state boardT or
the school board that established the charter school# or the
innovation gone consortium that established the innovation zone
school if the appropriate board or consortium determines that
one or more of the following occurred:
a. Failure of the charter school or innovation gone school
to abide by and meet the provisions set forth in the contract,
including educational goals.
b. Failure of the charter school —innovation gone school
to comply with all applicable law.
c. Failure of the charter school or innovation gone school
to meet generally accepted public sector accounting principles.
d» The existence of one or more other grounds for revocation
as specified in the contract.
e. Assessment of student progress, which is administered
in accordance with state and locally determined indicators
established pursuant to rules adopted by the state board,
does not show improvement in student progress over that
which existed in the same student population prior to the
establishment of the charter school or the innovation gone
school.
2. The decision by a school board or an innovation gone
consortium to revoke or to fail to take action to renew a
charter school or innovation gone school contract is subject to
appeal under procedures set forth in chapter 290.
3. A school board or a board participating in an innovation
gone consortium that is considering revocation or nonrenewal
of a charter school or innovation gone school contract shall
notify the advisory council, the parents or guardians of the
students enrolled in the charter school or innovation gone
House File 2754, p. 25
school, and the teachers and administrators employed by the
charter school o*—innovation—zone—school, sixty days prior to
revoking or the date by which the contract must be renewed, but
not later than the last day of classes in the school year.
4. If the state board determines that a charter school o^^
innovation gone school is in substantial violation of the terms
of the contract, the state board shall notify the school board
or—innovation zone consortium and the advisory council of its
intention to revoke the contract at least sixty days prior to
revoking a contract and the school board or the school boards
participating in the innovation zone consortium shall assume
oversight authority, operational authority, or both oversight
and operational authority. The notice shall state the
grounds for the proposed action in writing and in reasonable
detail. The school board or innovation zone consortium may
request in writing an informal hearing before the state board
within fourteen days of receiving notice of revocation of
the contract. Upon receiving a timely written request for a
hearing, the state board shall give reasonable notice to the
school board or innovation zone consortium of the hearing
date. The state board shall conduct an informal hearing before
taking final action. Final action to revoke a contract shall
be taken in a manner least disruptive to students enrolled in
the charter school or innovation zone school. The state board
shall take final action to revoke or approve continuation of
a contract by the last day of classes in the school year. If
the final action to revoke a contract under this section occurs
prior to the last day of classes in the school year, a charter
school or innovation zone school student may enroll in the
resident district.
6. A school board revoking a contract or a school board—
innovation zone consortium, or advisory council that fails to
renew a contract under this chapter subchapter is not liable
for that action to the charter school or innovation zone
school, a student enrolled in the charter school or innovation
zone school or the student's parent or guardian, or any other
person.
Sec. 51. Section 256F.9, Code 2026, is amended to read as
follows:
House Pile 2754, p. 26
256F.9 Procedures after revocation — student enrollment.
If a charter school or innovation gone school contract
is revoked in accordance with this chapter subchapter, a
nonresident student who attended the school, and any siblings
of the student may submit an application to another school
district according to section 282.18. Applications and notices
required by section 282.18 shall be processed and provided in a
prompt manner.
Sec. 52. Section 256F.10, Code 2026, is amended to read as
follows:
256F.10 Reports.
1. A charter school or innovation gone school shall
report at least annually to the school board or innovation
gone consortium, advisory council, and the state board the
information required by the school board or innovation gone
consortium, advisory council, or the state board. The reports
are public records subject to chapter 22.
2. Not later than December 1 annually, the state board shall
submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations
to the general assembly. The report shall evaluate the state's
charter school and innovation gone school programs generally,
including but not limited to an evaluation of whether the
charter schools and innovation gone schools are fulfilling the
purposes set forth in section 256F.4, subsection 2. The report
also shall contain, for each charter school or innovation
gone school, a copy of the charter school or innovation
zone school's mission statement, attendance statistics and
dropout rate, aggregate assessment test scores, projections of
financial stability, the number and qualifications of teachers
and administrators, and number of and comments on supervisory
visits by the department of education.
Sec. 53. Section 256F.12, Code 2026, is amended to read as
follows:
256F.12 Operation of existing charter schools.
Charter schools established under this chapter subchapter
prior to July 1, 2021, shall continue to operate under and be
subject to the requirements of this chapter subchapter and
shall not be subject to chapter 256E subchapter I.
Sec. 54. Section 257.6, subsection 1, paragraph a.
House Pile 2754, p. 27
subparagraph (9), Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
(9) Resident pupils enrolled in a charter school under
chapter 256E or 256F.
Sec. 55. Section 280.36, subsection 3, Code 2026, is amended
to read as follows:
3. The board of directors of a school district or the
authorities in charge of an accredited nonpublic school
may enter into an agreement with another school district,
accredited nonpublic school, or charter school, or innovation
gone school to create a multidisciplinary school safety
assessment team that shall coordinate resources among the
schools and assess and intervene when a student enrolled in
either school exhibits behavior that may pose a threat to
the safety of either school, employees of either school, or
students enrolled in either school.
Sec. 56. Section 282.9, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended
to read as follows:
1. Notwithstanding sections 256E.7, 256F.4 256E.23,
275.55A, and 282.18, or any other provision to the contrary,
prior to knowingly enrolling an individual who is required
to register as a sex offender under chapter 692A, but who is
otherwise eligible to enroll in a public school, the board of
directors of a school district shall determine the educational
placement of the individual. Upon receipt of notice that a
student who is enrolled in the district is required to register
as a sex offender under chapter 692A, the board shall determine
the educational placement of the student. The tentative agenda
for the meeting of the board of directors at which the board
will consider such enrollment or educational placement shall
specifically state that the board is considering the enrollment
or educational placement of an individual who is required
to register as a sex offender under chapter 692A. If the
individual is denied enrollment in a school district under this
section, the school district of residence shall provide the
individual with educational services in an alternative setting.
Sec. 57. Section 282.18, subsection 11, paragraph a,
subparagraph (8), Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
(8) If the pupil participates in open enrollment because
of circumstances that meet the definition of good cause. For
House File 2754, p. 28
purposes of this section, ^^good cause" means a change in a
child's residence due to a change in family residence, a change
in a child's residence from the residence of one parent or
guardian to the residence of a different parent or guardian, a
change in the state in which the family residence is located,
a change in a child's parents' marital status, a guardianship
or custody proceeding, placement in foster care, adoption,
participation in a foreign exchange program, initial placement
of a prekindergarten student in a special education program
requiring specially designed instruction, or participation in
a substance use disorder or mental health treatment program,
a change in the status of a child's resident district such
as removal of accreditation by the state board, surrender of
accreditation, or permanent closure of a nonpublic school,
revocation of a charter school contract as provided in section
256E.10 or 256F.8 256E.27, the failure of negotiations for a
whole grade sharing, reorganization, dissolution agreement, or
the rejection of a current whole grade sharing agreement, or
reorganization plan.
Sec. 58. Section 297.24, subsection 3, paragraph d. Code
2026, is amended by striking the paragraph.
Sec. 59. CODE EDITOR DIRECTIVE — TRANSFERS — NEW
SUBCHAPTERS.
1. The Code editor is directed to make the following
transfers:
a. Section 256F.1 to section 256E.20.
b. Section 256F,2 to section 256E.21.
c. Section 256F.3 to section 256E.22.
d. Section 256F.4 to section 256E.23.
e. Section 256F.5 to section 256E.24.
f. Section 256F.6 to section 256E.25.
g. Section 256F.7 to section 256E.26.
h. Section 256F.8 to section 256E.27.
i. Section 256F.9 to section 255E.28.
j. Section 256F.10 to section 256E.29.
k. Section 256F.12 to section 256E.30.
2. The Code editor is directed to create two new subchapters
in chapter 256E as follows:
a. Subchapter I shall be entitled ^"Charter Schools" and
House Pile 2754, p. 29
include sections 256E.1 through 256E.13.
b. Subchapter II shall be entitled "Legacy Charter Schools"
and include sections 256E.20 through 256E.30.
3. The Code editor is directed to make changes in any Code
sections or other noncodified enactments amended or enacted
by any other Act to correspond with the changes made in this
Act if there appears to be no doubt as to the proper method of
making the changes and the changes would not be contrary to or
inconsistent with the purposes of this Act or any other Act.
Sec. 60. APPLICABILITY. The following applies to charter
school contracts that are executed or renewed pursuant to
chapter 256E on or after the effective date of this division
of this Act;
The section of this division of this Act amending section
256E.6.
Sec. 61. APPLICABILITY. The following apply to charter
school contracts entered into under section 256F.6 between a
school board and the state board of education that are renewed
on or after the effective date of this division of this Act:
1. The section of this division of this Act amending
section 256F.4, subsection 2, by requiring charter schools to
incorporate a performance framework into the charter school
contract.
2. The section of this division of this Act amending section
256F.6, subsection 1, paragraph "a".
DIVISION II
FUNDING AND AREA EDUCATION AGENCY SERVICES
Sec. 62. Section 256E.8, subsection 2, paragraph a. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
a. The charter school in which the student is enrolled
shall receive under paragraph "c" an amount equal to the sum
of the regular program state cost per pupil for the budget
year plus the teacher leadership supplement state cost per
pupil, the teacher salary supplement state cost per pupil, the
professional development supplement state cost per pupil, and
the early intervention supplement state cost per pupil for
the budget year as provided in section 257.9 plus any moneys
that would be due to the school district of residence for the
student as a result of the non-English speaking weighting under
House File 2754, p. 30
section 280.4, subsection 3, for the budget year multiplied by
the state cost per pupil for the budget year. If a student
is an eligible pupil under section 261E.6, the charter school
shall pay the tuition reimbursement amount to an eligible
postsecondary institution as provided in section 261E.7.
Sec. 63. Section 257.35, Code 2026, is amended by adding the
following new subsection;
NEW SUBSECTION. 21A. The director of the department of
management may deduct the following from the state aid due to
each school district pursuant to this chapter and shall pay
the amounts to the respective area education agencies on a
monthly basis from September 15 through June 15 during each
school year for purposes of providing services to students
enrolled in charter schools established pursuant to chapter
256E, subchapter I, within the boundaries of the area education
agency:
a. The amount calculated for media services for the school
district that is attributable to the number of students
enrolled in charter schools established pursuant to chapter
256E, subchapter I, within the school district who are provided
with media services by an area education agency.
b. The amount calculated for educational services for the
school district that is attributable to the number of students
enrolled in charter schools established pursuant to chapter
256E, subchapter I, within the school district who are provided
with educational services by an area education agency.
Sec. 64. Section 273.2, subsection 3, paragraph a. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
a. The area education agency shall furnish educational
services and programs as provided in section 273.1, this
section, sections 273.3 through 273.8, and chapter 256B to
pupils enrolled in public or nonpublic schools which are on
the list of accredited schools pursuant to section 256.11, and
to pupils enrolled in charter schools established pursuant
to chapter 256E, subchapter I, which request to receive such
services. The programs and services provided shall be at least
commensurate with programs and services existing on July 1,
1974. The programs and services provided to pupils enrolled
in nonpublic schools shall be comparable to programs and
House File 2754, p. 31
services provided to pupils enrolled in public schools within
constitutional guidelines.
Sec. 65. Section 273.2, subsection 4, Code 2026, is amended
to read as follows:
4. The area education agency shall provide for special
education services and media services for school districts
and shall encourage and assist school districts to establish
programs for gifted and talented children. The area education
agency shall provide for media services for charter schools
established pursuant to chapter 256E, subchapter I. The area
education agency shall assist in facilitating interlibrary
loans of materials between school districts and other
libraries.
Sec. 66. APPLICABILITY. The following apply to school
budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2026:
1. The section of this division of this Act amending section
256E.8, subsection 2, paragraph ^^a".
2. The section of this division of this Act amending section
257.35.
DIVISION III
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Sec. 67. Section 280.13D, Code 2026, is amended to read as
follows:
280.13D Participation in extracurricular interscholastic
athletic contests or competitions and extracurricular activities
provided by public schools.
1. a. The board of directors of a school district shall
allow a student who resides within the school district, and
who is enrolled in a nonpublic school or a charter school
established pursuant to chapter 256E, subchapter I, to
participate in any extracurricular interscholastic athletic
contest or competition, and any extracurricular activity,
including theater, show choir, and band, that is provided by
the school district pursuant to the terms of an agreement
between the board of directors of the school district and the
authorities in charge of the nonpublic school or the governing
board of the charter school, as applicable, that provides
for the eligibility of the student, if all of the following
criteria are satisfied:
House File 2754, p. 32
(1) The extracurricular interscholastic athletic contest or
competition or extracurricular activity has not been provided
by the nonpublic school or the charter school during the two
immediately preceding school years.
(2) The nonpublic school or charter school has not entered
into an agreement under section 280.ISA with another school
district, nonpublic school, or charter school that provides
for the eligibility of students enrolled in the nonpublic
school or charter school to participate in the extracurricular
interscholastic athletic contest or competition or any
extracurricular activity that is being provided by that school
district, nonpublic school, or charter school.
b. The board of directors of a school district shall allow
a student who resides within a contiguous school district,
and who is enrolled in a nonpublic school or a charter school
established pursuant to chapter 256E, subchapter I, to
participate in any extracurricular interscholastic athletic
contest or competition and any extracurricular activity that
is provided by the school district pursuant to the terms of an
agreement between the board of directors of the school district
and the authorities in charge of the nonpublic school or the
governing board of the charter school, as applicable, that
provides for the eligibility of the student, if all of the
following criteria are satisfied:
(1) The extracurricular interscholastic athletic contest or
competition or extracurricular activity has not been provided
by the nonpublic school or charter school, or by the student's
school district of residence^ during the two immediately
preceding school years.
(2) The nonpublic school or charter school has not
entered into an agreement under section 280.13A with another
school district, nonpublic school, or charter school that
provides for the eligibility of students enrolled in the
nonpublic school or charter school to participate in the
extracurricular interscholastic athletic contest or competition
or extracurricular activity that is being provided by that
school district, nonpublic school, or charter school.
c. If the board of directors of a school district has
established a fee for the cost of a student's participation
House File 2754, p. 33
in an extracurricular interscholastic athletic contest or
competition or extracurricular activity, a student who is
enrolled in a nonpublic school or a charter school established
pursuant to chapter 256E, subchapter I, and is participating
in a contoot or competition an extracurricular interscholastic
contest or competition or extracurricular activity at a public
school pursuant to paragraph "^a^or or the student's parent
or guardian, shall be responsible for the payment of such fee.
The amount of such fee shall not exceed the amount of the fee
the board of directors of the school district has established
for students who are enrolled in the school district.
2. A student who is enrolled in a nonpublic school or
a charter school established pursuant to chapter 256E,
subchapter I, and is participating in a contoat or competition
an extracurricular interscholastic contest or competition
or extracurricular activity at a public school pursuant to
subsection 1, paragraph "a'' or shall participate under
the same conditions as a student who is enrolled in the school
district, including meeting the school district's student code
of conduct requirements.
3. A student who participates in an extracurricular
interscholastic athletic contest or competition or
extracurricular activity pursuant to this section shall be
deemed to satisfy the residence requirements for purposes of
section 256.46.
DIVISION IV
DRIVER EDUCATION
Sec. 68. Section 321.178, subsection 1, paragraph c. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
(1) (a) Every public school district in Iowa shall
offer or make available to all students residing in the school
district, or Iowa students attending a nonpublic school or
receiving competent private instruction or independent private
instruction as defined in section 299A.1, in the district, an
approved course in driver education.
(b) (i) Every public school district in Iowa shall offer
or make available to all Iowa students residing in the school
district who attend a charter school established pursuant
to chapter 256E, subchapter I, an approved course in driver
House Pile 2754, p. 34
education pursuant to policies established by the public school
district. The charter school shall be responsible for the
payment of all of the school district's costs associated with
providing the approved course in driver education to such
students.
(ii) Every charter school established pursuant to chapter
256E, subchapter I, shall offer or make available to all
students attending the charter school an approved course in
driver education.
(c) The receiving district shall be the school district
responsible for making driver education available to a student
participating in open enrollment under section 282.18.
(2) The courses may be offered at sites other than at the
public school or charter school, including nonpublic school
facilities within the public school districts. An approved
course offered during the summer months, on Saturdays, after
regular school hours during the regular terms or partly in one
term or summer vacation period and partly in the succeeding
term or summer vacation period, as the case may be, shall
satisfy the requirements of this section to the same extent
as an approved course offered during the regular school hours
of the school term. A student who successfully completes and
obtains certification in an approved course in driver education
or an approved course in motorcycle education may, upon proof
of such fact, be excused from any field test which the student
would otherwise be required to take in demonstrating the
student's ability to operate a motor vehicle. A student shall
not be excused from any field test if a parent, guardian,
or instructor requests that a test be administered. A final
field test prior to a student's completion of an approved
course shall be administered by a person qualified to provide
street or highway driving instruction under paragraph
subparagraph (2).
DIVISION V
IOWA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Sec. 69. Section 97B.1A, subsection 8, paragraph a. Code
2026, is amended by adding the following new subparagraph:
NEW SUBPARAGRAPH. (13) Persons employed by a charter
school established pursuant to chapter 256E, subchapter I, that
House File 2754, p. 35
satisfies all applicable requirements under federal law for
participation in the retirement system.
Sec. 70. Section 97B.1A, subsection 9, paragraph a. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
a, "^Employer" means the state of Iowa, the counties,
municipalities, agencies, public school districts, charter
schools established pursuant to chapter 256E, subchapter
I, that satisfy all applicable requirements under federal
law for participation in the retirement system, all
political subdivisions, and all of their departments and
instrumentalities, including area agencies on aging, other than
those employing persons as specified in subsection 8, paragraph
t subparagraph (7), and joint planning commissions created
under chapter 28£ or 281.
Sec. 71. Section 256E.11, subsection 2, Code 2026, is
amended to read as follows:
2. In the event of a charter school closure, the assets of
the charter school shall be used first to satisfy outstanding
payroll obligations for employees of the school and any
liabilities due and owing to the Iowa public employees^
retirement system, then to creditors of the school, then to the
public school district in which the charter school operated,
if applicable, and then to the state general fund. If the
assets of the charter school are insufficient to pay all
obligations of the charter school, the prioritization of the
distribution of assets shall be consistent with this subsection
and otherwise determined by the district court.
DIVISION VI
CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITIES REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAM
Sec. 72. NEW SECTION. 16.163 Charter school facilities
revolving loan program fund — credit enhancement agreements.
1. a. A charter school facilities revolving loan program
fund is created within the authority to assist charter
schools established pursuant to chapter 256E, subchapter I,
in acquiring suitable school facilities. The moneys in the
charter school facilities revolving loan program fund are
appropriated to the authority for use in the development and
operation of a charter school facilities revolving loan program
to assist charter schools in purchasing, acquiring, developing.
House File 2754, p. 36
reconstructing, remodeling, or replacing school buildings.
b. Moneys transferred by the authority for deposit
in the charter school facilities revolving loan program
fund, moneys appropriated to the charter school facilities
revolving loan program, and any other moneys available to
and obtained or accepted by the authority for placement in
the charter school facilities revolving loan program fund
shall be deposited in the fund. Additionally, payment of
interest, recaptures of awards, and other repayments to the
charter school facilities revolving loan program fund shall
be deposited in the fund. Notwithstanding section 12C.7,
subsection 2, interest or earnings on moneys in the charter
school facilities revolving loan program fund shall be credited
to the fund. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys that remain
unencumbered or unobligated at the end of the fiscal year shall
not revert but shall remain available for the same purpose in
the succeeding fiscal year.
c. The authority shall annually allocate moneys available in
the charter school facilities revolving loan program fund to
assist charter schools in purchasing, acquiring, developing,
reconstructing, remodeling, or replacing school buildings.
2. In addition to the charter school facilities revolving
loan program authorized pursuant to subsection 1, the authority
is authorized to make or enter into a liquidity or credit
enhancement agreement with a charter school established
pursuant to chapter 256E, subchapter I, to assist the charter
school in purchasing, acquiring, developing, reconstructing,
remodeling, or replacing school buildings.
Sec. 73. CODE EDITOR DIRECTIVE. The Code editor shall
designate section 16.163, as enacted in this division of
this Act, as a new section within chapter 16, subchapter X,
part 6, and may redesignate the preexisting part and correct
internal references as necessary, including references to part
headnotes.
DIVISION VII
EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
Sec. 74. Section 257.IIB, subsections 3 and 4, Code 2026,
are amended to read as follows:
3. a. (1) On or after January 1, but on or before June
House File 2754, p. 37
30, preceding the school year for which the education savings
account payment is requested, the parent or guardian of an
eligible pupil may request an education savings account payment
by submitting an application to the department of education.
(2) On or after October 15, but on or before November 15,
preceding the semester for which the education savings account
payment is requested, the parent or guardian of an eligible
pupil may request an education savings account payment by
submitting an application to the department of education.
b. Within thirty days following Following submission of an
application, the department of education or third-party entity
shall notify the parent or guardian of each pupil approved for
the following school year or semester and specify the amount of
the education savings account payment for the pupil, if known
at the time of the notice. As soon as practical following the
processing of all applications, the department of education or
third-party entity shall determine the number of pupils in each
school district approved for the school budget year and provide
such information to the department of management.
c. Education savings account payments shall only be
approved for one school year or one semester, as applicable,
and applications must be submitted annually for payments in
subsequent school years.
4. Each education savings account payment shall be equal to
the regular program state cost per pupil for the same school
budget year; provided, however, that an education savings
account payment shall be equal to fifty percent of the regular
program state cost per pupil for the same school budget year if
the pupil*s parent or guardian submitted an application under
subsection 3, paragraph t subparagraph (2).
DIVISION VIII
INDEPENDENT ACCREDITATION
Sec. 75. Section 256.11, subsection 16, Code 2026, is
amended by adding the following new paragraphs:
NEW PARAGRAPH, d. (1) If an approved independent
accrediting agency deaccredits a nonpublic school, the
nonpublic school shall not seek accreditation from an
independent accrediting agency that is on the approved list
pursuant to paragraph for a period of three years beginning
House File 2754, p. 38
on the date the approved independent accrediting agency
deaccredited the nonpublic school.
(2) If an approved independent accrediting agency
deaccredits a nonpublic school, the nonpublic school may
immediately seek accreditation under subsection 10.
NEW PARAGRAPH, e. (1) This subsection shall not be
construed to authorize the state or any political subdivision
of the state to exercise authority over any nonpublic school or
construed to require a nonpublic school to modify its academic
standards for admission or educational program.
(2) This section shall not be construed to expand the
authority of the state or any political subdivision of the
state to impose regulations upon any nonpublic school that are
not necessary to implement this section.
(3) Rules adopted by the state board of education to
implement this section that impose an undue burden on a
nonpublic school are invalid.
(4) A nonpublic school shall be given the maximum freedom
possible to provide for the educational needs of the school's
students, consistent with state and federal law.
DIVISION IX
SCHEDULE OF TEACHER TRAININGS AND LICENSURE RENEWAL
REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 76. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION — SCHEDULE OF REQUIRED
TEACHER TRAINING AND LICENSURE RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS.
1. The department of education shall convene and provide
administrative support to a task force that shall study the
training programs in which teachers in this state are required
to participate pursuant to state law and the requirements
associated with renewing a teaching license.
2. Any expense incurred by a member of the task force
shall be the responsibility of the individual member or the
respective entity represented by the member.
3. The task force shall submit its findings and
recommendations to the general assembly on or before
December 31, 2026. The recommendations must include specific
recommendations related to how to change current law to create
a more manageable training program schedule and licensure
renewal requirement schedule for teachers.
House File 2754, p. 39
DIVISION X
STATEWIDE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Sec. 77. Section 256.163, subsection 1, paragraph c. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
c. Preschool programs at school districts approved to
participate in the preschool program, or at community-based
providers approved to directly participate in the preschool
program, under chapter 256C.
Sec. 78. Section 256C.1, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended
to read as follows:
1. ^Approved local program" means a school district's
program or community-based provider's program for four-year-old
children approved by the department of education to provide
high quality high-quality preschool instruction.
Sec. 79. Section 256C.1, Code 2026, is amended by adding the
following new subsection:
NEW SUBSECTION. lA. ^^Community-based provider approved
to directly participate in the preschool program" means a
community-based provider that meets the community-based
provider requirements under section 256C.3 and has been
approved by the department to directly participate in the
preschool program. ^Community-based provider approved to
directly participate in the preschool program" does not mean a
community-based provider that partners with a school district's
approved local program.
Sec. 80. Section 256C.3, subsection 1, paragraph b. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
b. If space and funding are available, including funding
from another school district account or fund from which
preschool program expenditures are authorized by law, a school
district approved to participate in the preschool program or
community-based provider approved to directly participate in
the preschool program may enroll and pay the cost of attendance
for a younger or older child in the preschool program; however,
the child shall not be counted for state funding purposes.
Sec. 81. Section 256C.3, subsection 2, paragraph a,
subparagraph (1), Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
(1) The individual is either employed by or under contract
with the school district, or with the community-based provider
House File 2754, p. 40
approved to directly participate in the preschool program, that
is implementing the program.
Sec. 82. Section 256C.3, subsection 3, unnumbered paragraph
1, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
The state board shall adopt rules to further define the
following preschool program requirements which shall be used
to determine whether or not a local program implemented by a
school district approved to implement the preschool program or
a community-based provider directly approved to implement the
preschool program qualifies as an approved local program:
Sec. 83. Section 256C.3, subsection 3, paragraph h. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
h. Provision for ensuring that children receiving care from
other child care arrangements can participate in the preschool
program with minimal disruption due to transportation and
movement from one site to another. The children participating
in the preschool program may be transported by the school
district or community-based provider to activities associated
with the program along with other children.
Sec. 84. Section 256C.3, Code 2026, is amended by adding the
following new subsection:
NEW SUBSECTION. 4A. Community-based provider
requirements. The state board shall adopt rules to further
define the following requirements of community-based providers
approved to directly participate in the preschool program in
implementing the preschool program:
a. Methods of demonstrating readiness to implement
high-quality instruction in the local program shall be
identified.
b. A community-based provider shall participate in data
collection and performance measurement processes and reporting
as defined by rule.
c. Professional development for community-based provider
preschool teachers shall be addressed in the community-based
provider's professional development plan.
Sec. 85. Section 256C.3, subsection 5, paragraphs a, b, and
d. Code 2026, are amended to read as follows:
a. The department shall implement an application and
selection process for school district participation and
House Pile 2754, p. 41
community-based provider participation in the preschool program
that includes but is not limited to the enrollment requirements
provided under section 256C.4.
b. The department shall track the progress of
students served by a school district preschool program or
community-based provider preschool program and the students'
performance in elementary and secondary education.
d. The state board, in collaboration with the department,
shall ensure that the administrative rules adopted to support
the preschool program emphasize that children's access to
the program is voluntary, that the preschool foundation aid
provided to a school district or a community-based provider is
provided based upon the enrollment of eligible students in the
school district's or community-based provider's local program
regardless of whether an eligible student is a resident of the
school district, and that agreements entered into by a school
district for the provision of programming in settings other
than the school district's facilities are between the school
district and the private provider.
Sec. 86. Section 256C.4, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended
to read as follows:
1. General State funding for school district approved to
participate in the preschool program,
a. State funding provided under the preschool program to
school districts shall be based upon the enrollment of eligible
students in the preschool programming provided by a school
district approved to participate in the preschool program.
b. A school district approved to participate in the
preschool program may authorize expenditures for the district's
preschool programming from any of the revenue sources available
to the district from the sources listed in chapter 298A,
provided the expenditures are within the uses permitted for the
revenue source. In addition, the use of the revenue source
for preschool or prekindergarten programming must have been
approved prior to any expenditure from the revenue source for
the district's approved local program.
c. Funding provided under the preschool program is intended
to supplement, not supplant, existing public funding for
preschool programming.
House File 2754, p. 42
d» Preschool foundation aid funding shall not be commingled
with the other state aid payments made under section 257.16
to a school district and shall be accounted for by the local
school district separately from the other state aid payments.
Preschool foundation aid payments made to school districts are
miscellaneous income for purposes of chapter 257. A school
district shall maintain a separate listing within its budget
for preschool foundation aid payments received and expenditures
made. A school district shall certify to the department of
education that preschool foundation aid funding received by
the school district was used to supplement, not supplant,
moneys otherwise received and used by the school district for
preschool programming.
e» Preschool foundation aid funding shall not be used
for the costs of constructing a facility in connection
with an approved local program. Preschool foundation aid
funding may be used by approved local programs and community
providoro community-based providers that partner with a
school district's local program for any purpose determined
by the board of directors of the school district to meet
standards for high-quality preschool instruction and for
purposes that directly or indirectly benefit students
enrolled in the approved local program, including but not
limited to professional development for preschool teachers,
instructional equipment and supplies, material and equipment
designed to develop pupils' large and small motor skills,
translation services, playground equipment and repair costs,
food and beverages used by children in the approved local
program, safety equipment, facility rental fees, and for
other direct costs that enhance the approved local program,
including by contracting with community partners for any
such services. Preschool foundation aid funding may be used
by approved local programs for the costs of transportation
involving children participating in the preschool program.
The costs of transporting other children associated with the
preschool program or transported as provided in section 256C.3,
subsection 3, paragraph "V?", may be prorated by the school
district. Preschool foundation aid funding received by an
approved local program that remains unexpended and unobligated
House File 2754, p. 43
at the end of a fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2017,
shall be used to build the approved local program's preschool
program capacity in the next succeeding fiscal year excluding
that portion of such unexpended and unobligated funding that
the school district authorizes for transfer for deposit in the
school district's flexibility account established under section
298A.2, subsection 2, if the statutory requirements for the use
of such funding are met. For purposes of determining whether a
school district has authority to transfer preschool foundation
aid funding for deposit in the school district's flexibility
account established under section 298A.2, subsection 2, the
school district must have provided preschool programming
during the fiscal year for which funding remains unexpended
and unobligated to all eligible students for whom a timely
application for enrollment was submitted.
f. The receipt of funding by a school district for the
purposes of this chapter, the need for additional funding
for the purposes of this chapter, or the enrollment count of
eligible students under this chapter shall not be considered
to be unusual circumstances, create an unusual need for
additional funds, or qualify under any other circumstances that
may be used by the school budget review committee to grant
supplemental aid to or establish a modified supplemental amount
for a school district under section 257.31.
g. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015, and each
succeeding fiscal year, of the amount of preschool foundation
aid received by a school district for a fiscal year in
accordance with section 257.16, not more than five percent may
be used by the school district for administering the district's
approved local program. Outreach activities and rent for
facilities not owned by the school district are permissive uses
of the administrative funds.
A. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015, and each
succeeding fiscal year, of the amount of preschool foundation
aid received by a school district for a fiscal year in
accordance with section 257.16, not less than ninety-five
percent of the per pupil amount shall be passed through to
a community-based provider for each pupil enrolled in the
district's approved local program. For the fiscal year
House Pile 2754, p. 44
beginning July 1, 2015, and each succeeding fiscal year, not
more than ten percent of the amount of preschool foundation aid
passed through to a community-based provider may be used by the
community-based provider for administrative costs. The costs
of outreach activities and rent for facilities not owned by
the school district are permissive administrative costs. The
costs of transportation involving children participating in the
preschool program and other children may be prorated.
Sec. 87. Section 256C.4, Code 2026, is amended by adding the
following new subsection:
NEW SUBSECTION. lA. State preschool funding for
community-based providers approved to directly participate in the
preschool program,
a. State preschool funding shall not be used for the costs
of constructing a facility in connection with an approved
local program. Preschool foundation aid funding may be used
by community-based providers for any purpose determined by the
community-based provider to meet standards for high-quality
preschool instruction and for purposes that directly or
indirectly benefit students enrolled in the approved local
program, including but not limited to professional development
for preschool teachers, instructional equipment and supplies,
material and equipment designed to develop pupils' large and
small motor skills, translation services, playground equipment
and repair costs, food and beverages used by children in the
approved local program, safety equipment, facility rental fees,
and for other direct costs that enhance the approved local
program, including by contracting with other community partners
for any such services. State preschool funding may be used
by approved local programs for the costs of transportation
involving children participating in the preschool program.
Preschool foundation aid funding received by a community-based
provider approved to directly participate in the preschool
program that remains unexpended and unobligated at the end
of a fiscal year shall be used to build the community-based
provider's capacity in the next succeeding fiscal year.
b. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and each
succeeding fiscal year, of the amount of state preschool
funding received by a community-based provider approved
House File 2754, p. 45
to directly participate in the preschool program for a
fiscal year, not more than five percent may be used by the
community-based provider for administering the approved local
program. Outreach activities and rent for facilities not owned
by the community-based provider are permissive uses of the
administrative funds.
Sec. 88. Section 256C.4, subsection 2, paragraph a. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
a. To be included as an eligible student in the enrollment
count of the preschool programming provided by a school
district approved to participate in the preschool program or
a community-based provider approved to directly participate
in the preschool program, a child must be four years of age
by September 15 in the base year and attending the school
district's or community-based provider's approved local
program.
Sec. 89. Section 2560.5, subsection 1, paragraphs c and d.
Code 2026, are amended to read as follows:
c, ^'^Preschool budget enrollment" means the figure that is
equal to fifty percent of the actual enrollment of eligible
students in the preschool programming provided by a school
district approved to participate in the preschool program or a
community-based provider approved to directly participate in
the preschool program on October 1 of the base year, or the
first Monday in October if October 1 falls on a Saturday or
Sunday.
d, '^Preschool foundation aid" means the product of the
regular program state cost per pupil for the budget year
multiplied by the school district's preschool budget enrollment
or the community-based provider's preschool budget enrollment.
Sec. 90. Section 256C.5, Code 2026, is amended by adding the
following new subsection:
NEW SUBSECTION. 2A. Preschool foundation aid community-based
provider amount. For the initial school year for which a
community-based provider approved to directly participate in
the preschool program receives that approval and implements
the preschool program, the preschool foundation aid payable
to the community-based provider is the product of the regular
program state cost per pupil for the school year multiplied
House Pile 2754, p. 46
by fifty percent of the community-based provider's eligible
student enrollment on the date in the school year determined
by rule. For budget years subsequent to the initial year
for which a community-based provider approved to directly
participate in the preschool program receives that initial
approval and implements the preschool program, the preschool
foundation aid is the same as calculated pursuant to subsection
1. The funding for the preschool foundation aid payable to the
community-based provider shall be paid from the appropriation
made in section 257.16. Continuation of a community-based
provider's participation in the preschool program for a second
or subsequent budget year is subject to the approval of the
department based upon the community-based provider's compliance
with accountability provisions and the department's on-site
review of the community-based provider's implementation of the
preschool program.
Sec. 91. Section 256C.5, subsection 3, Code 2026, is amended
to read as follows:
3. Aid payments,
a. Preschool foundation aid shall be paid as part of the
state aid payments made to school districts in accordance with
section 257.16.
b. Preschool foundation aid paid directly to community-based
providers shall be paid to the community-based provider in
monthly installments beginning on September 15 of a budget year
and ending on or about June 15 of the budget year as determined
by the department of management, taking into consideration the
relative budget and cash position of the state resources.
Sec. 92. EMERGENCY RULES. The state board of education may
adopt emergency rules under section 17A.4, subsection 3, and
section 17A.5, subsection 2, paragraph ^^b", to implement the
provisions of this division of this Act and the rules shall
be effective immediately upon filing unless a later date is
specified in the rules. Any rules adopted in accordance with
this section shall also be published as a notice of intended
action as provided in section 17A.4.
DIVISION XI
SCHOOL TUITION ORGANIZATIONS — PRESCHOOL STARTUP COSTS
Sec. 93. SCHOOL TUITION ORGANIZATIONS — PRESCHOOL STARTUP
House File 2754, p. 47
COSTS.
1. As used in this section:
a, ^^Preschool" means a nonpublic provider of preschool
services that commenced operations in 2025; is located in a
city with a population of greater than thirty-nine thousand
but less than forty thousand according to the 2020 federal
decennial census; and is located in a county with a population
of greater than one hundred fifty-five thousand but less than
one hundred eighty thousand, according to the 2020 federal
decennial census.
b. ^^School tuition organization" means the same as defined
in section 422.IIS, subsection 6.
2. a. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary,
a school tuition organization that represents schools located
in a county with a population of greater than one hundred
fifty-five thousand but less than one hundred eighty thousand,
according to the 2020 federal decennial census, may provide
funding to a preschool in an amount up to the costs the
preschool incurred in its first year of operation related to
the provision of preschool services.
b. Payments made pursuant to paragraph "''a" shall not count
toward the allocation of annual revenue standards established
in section 422.IIS, subsection 6, paragraph , subparagraph
(1).
DIVISION XII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Sec. 94. Section 261E.8, subsection 2, paragraph a. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
a, (1) Students from accredited nonpublic schools^ and
students receiving competent private instruction or independent
private instruction under chapter 299A, and students from
charter schools established pursuant to chapter 256E may access
the program through the school district in which the accredited
nonpublic schooljj^ er- private institution, or charter school is
located.
(2) Students from charter schools established pursuant to
chapter 256E that provide educational instruction and course
content that is delivered entirely over the internet may access
the program through the students^ school district of residence.
House File 2754, p. 48
Sec. 95. Section 282,18, subsection 2, paragraph b, Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
b, (1) The board of the receiving district shall enroll the
pupil in a school in the receiving district for the following
school year unless the receiving district has insufficient
classroom space for the pupil or unless the receiving district
has prohibited the pupil from enrolling pursuant to subsection
14. The board of directors of a receiving district may adopt
a policy granting the superintendent of the school district
authority to approve open enrollment applications. If the
request is granted, the board shall transmit a copy of the form
to the parent or guardian and the school district of residence
within five days after board action, but not later than June
1 of the preceding school year. The parent or guardian may
withdraw the request at any time prior to the start of the
school year.
(2) A denial of a request by the board of a receiving
district is not subject to appeal. The board of a receiving
district, or the superintendent of the receiving district
if the board of the receiving district has adopted a policy
granting the superintendent the authority to approve open
enrollment applications, shall document the reason for the
denial of a request and submit information related to the
denial to the department of education in a manner prescribed
by the department.
DIVISION XIII
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Sec. 96. Section 299.4, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended
to read as follows:
1. The parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child
who is of compulsory attendance age, who places the child
under competent private instruction under section 299A.2, not
in an accredited school or a home school assistance program
operated by a school district or accredited nonpublic school,
shall furnish a report in duplicate on forms provided by the
public school district, to the district by September 1 of the
school year in which the child will be under competent private
instruction. The secretary shall retain and file one copy
and forward the other copy to the district's area education
House Pile 2754, p. 49
agency. The report shall state the name and age of the child,
the period of time during which the child has been or will be
under competent private instruction for the year, an outline
of the course of study— 0£ texts that will be used, and the
name and address of the instructor. The parent, guardian, or
legal custodian of a child, who is placing the child under
competent private instruction for the first time, shall also
provide the district with evidence that the child has had the
immunizations required under section 139A.8, and, if the child
is elementary school age, a blood lead test in accordance with
section 135.105D. The term ^outline of course of study'' shall
include subjects covered, lesson plans, and time spent on the
areas of study.
Sec. 97. Section 299A.1, subsection 2, paragraph b. Code
2026, is amended to read as follows:
b, ^Independent private instruction" means private
instruction that meets the following criteria:
(1) Is not accredited.
—Enrolls not more than four unrelated students.
-(-3^—Does not charge tuition, focs/ or other romunoration for
instruction.
(2) Provides private or religious-based instruction as
its primary purpose.
(3) Provides enrolled students in all grade levels with
instruction in mathematics, reading and language arts, science,
and social studies.
(4) Provides, upon written request from the
superintendent of the school district in which the independent
private instruction is provided, or from the director of the
department of education, a report identifying the primary
instructor, location, name of the authority responsible for the
independent private instruction, and the names of the students
enrolled receiving the instruction, who need not be related to
the primary instructor.
(5) Is not a nonpublic school and does not provide
competent private instruction as defined in this subsection.
(6) Is exempt from all state statutes and
administrative rules applicable to a school, a school board, or
a school district, except as otherwise provided in chapter 299
House File 2754, p. 50
and this chapter.
Sec. 98. NEW SECTION. 299A.13 Recognition of private
instruction diplomas, final transcripts, and other written
documentation.
1. A student who completes a program of secondary education
under competent private instruction or independent private
instruction in accordance with this chapter shall be deemed to
have completed a high school education.
2. The parent, guardian, legal custodian, or instructor
responsible for providing the program of secondary education
under competent private instruction or independent private
instruction in accordance with this chapter may issue a
diploma, final transcript, or other written documentation
evidencing academic achievements and the completion of the
program of secondary education.
3. A diploma, final transcript, or other written
documentation issued pursuant to subsection 2 shall be accepted
under the laws of this state in the same manner as a high school
diploma, final transcript, or other written documentation
issued by a school district or an accredited nonpublic school
for all purposes, including but not limited to all of the
following;
a. Admission to postsecondary education or training
programs.
b. Eligibility for employment.
c. Qualification for occupational licensure, certification,
or registrations.
d. Access to state and local programs, benefits, and
opportunities.
e. Any other purpose under the laws of this state in which a
high school diploma is a condition or a qualification.
4. The state, a political subdivision of the state, or any
other person shall not deny or restrict any right, privilege,
or benefit available to an individual solely because the
individual's diploma, final transcript, or other written
documentation was issued pursuant to subsection 2.
5. A student who completes a program of secondary education
under competent private instruction or independent private
instruction in accordance with this chapter shall not be
House File 2754, p. 51
required to obtain a high school equivalency diploma or other
alternative credential.
Sec. 99. NEW SECTION. 299A.14 Verification of enrollment.
The parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child of
compulsory attendance age shall have the authority to execute
any document required by law to verify any of the following:
1. The placement of a child under competent private
instruction or independent private instruction.
2. The child's full-time or part-time status in competent
private instruction or independent private instruction.
3. The grades the child has obtained in competent private
instruction or independent private instruction.
4. Any other required educational information.
Sec. 100. APPLICABILITY. The following applies to any
diplomas, final transcripts, or other written documentation
issued before, on, or after the effective date of the section
of this division of this Act enacting section 299A.13:
The section of this division of this Act enacting section
299A.13.
DIVISION XIV
IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE
Sec. 101. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act, being deemed of
immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
PAT'GRASSLEW AMY SINCLAIR
Speaker of xhe House Presioient of the Senate
I hereby certify that this bill originated in the House and
is known as House File 2754, Ninety-first General Assembly.
Approved
MEC^AN NELSONChiaff Clerk^f the House
* / • KIM REYNOLDS /
f Governor •