Iowa House Bill HF559

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/23
• Refer: 3/2/23

Caption

A bill for an act establishing an agriculture education grant program within the department of education and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 389.)

Impact

If enacted, HF559 would create a dedicated fund within the state treasury to support agriculture education grants. School districts with programs that have been in existence for less than ten consecutive years may receive grants amounting to 100% of the personal service costs for teachers, while other programs can receive grants covering 50% of these costs. The bill mandates that the Department of Education develop a system to track the instructional time funded by these grants, thus promoting accountability in the usage of public funding.

Summary

House File 559 establishes an agriculture education grant program within the Iowa Department of Education aimed at enhancing access to instructional programs related to agriculture, food, and natural resources for high school students. The legislation allows school districts to apply for grants to cover personal service costs associated with hiring teachers for additional instruction in agriculture education programs. This initiative is designed to support both new and existing programs while ensuring that such funding supplements current public funding rather than replacing it.

Contention

Notable points of discussion surrounding HF559 include concerns about the adequacy of funding and the fairness of eligibility requirements for grants. Supporters argue that such a program is crucial for enhancing the education of students in rural areas, giving them essential skills in agriculture-related fields, while critics may raise questions about the sustainability of funding and whether it addresses the diverse educational needs across various districts. Additionally, the legislation’s focus on agriculture education reflects broader trends toward prioritizing vocational training in educational policy.