Iowa Senate Bill SF2006

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/24
• Refer: 1/8/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to school district enrollment calculations for the purposes of the secure an advanced vision for education fund.(See SF 2190.)

Impact

The proposed changes establish that school districts with a certified enrollment plus open enrollments of fewer than 250 pupils district-wide or fewer than 100 pupils in high school must apply to the Department of Education for a certificate of need before expending their allocation for new construction. This amendment aims to standardize and clarify the conditions under which districts may undertake capital projects, thereby ensuring that the funds are used appropriately and efficiently.

Summary

Senate File 2006, introduced by Senator Brown, relates to school district enrollment calculations as they pertain to the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund. The SAVE fund is financed through local sales and use taxes and is specifically designated for school infrastructure and property tax relief. The bill modifies existing requirements that govern how school districts can utilize funds for new construction, depending on their enrollment sizes and open enrollment figures.

Contention

While the bill seems straightforward, discussions surrounding SF2006 may highlight concerns about local control and the ability of school districts to independently manage their available resources. Critics may argue that imposing additional requirements for construction could hinder smaller districts from making timely infrastructural improvements, particularly in communities in dire need of modern facilities. Proponents, on the other hand, may defend the bill as a measure designed to ensure responsible fiscal management within the framework of the purpose of the SAVE fund.