Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF392

Introduced
2/13/25  
Engrossed
2/20/25  
Refer
2/24/25  
Enrolled
5/6/25  

Caption

A bill for an act authorizing school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to apply to the department of education for authorization to maintain a year-round school calendar at an attendance center or school for students enrolled in grades nine through twelve. (Formerly HF 120.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Impact

The bill, if enacted, could significantly alter the traditional academic calendar in various school districts across Iowa, offering options for educational institutions that wish to tailor their schedules to better meet the needs of their student populations. By allowing a year-round schooling option, districts could reduce summer learning loss and provide a more consistent educational environment. Furthermore, it affords parents and students more choices regarding educational formats and scheduling, which could enhance student engagement and academic performance.

Summary

House File 392 proposes to authorize school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to apply for permission from the Department of Education to maintain a year-round school calendar for students enrolled in grades nine through twelve. This legislation is aimed at providing schools with more flexibility in their academic scheduling, potentially benefiting students by allowing for continuous learning opportunities without long summer breaks. It is seen as a modernization of the school calendar system to respond to the educational needs of contemporary students.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HF392 appears to be positive, particularly among educators and administrators who advocate for innovative approaches to education. The ability to maintain a year-round calendar is largely viewed as a progressive step in enhancing educational quality and accessibility. However, potential concerns may arise regarding the implementation logistics and adaptability of existing educational structures to accommodate such a significant change.

Contention

Despite the generally favorable reception, there might be contention surrounding the public hearing requirement for applications to maintain a year-round school calendar. Some stakeholders may worry about the adequacy of public input and the extent to which the views of parents and community members are considered before changing school schedules. Additionally, discussions might emerge regarding the impacts on extracurricular activities and family schedules, causing debates about the best educational calendar for youth.

Companion Bills

IA HF120

Similar To A bill for an act authorizing school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to apply to the department of education for authorization to maintain a year-round school calendar at an attendance center or school for students enrolled in grades nine through twelve.(See HF 392.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF480

A bill for an act relating to the human growth and development instruction provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.

IA HF611

A bill for an act relating to physical activity requirements applicable to students enrolled in public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools in kindergarten through grade five.(Formerly HF 390.)

IA HF372

A bill for an act relating to the physical education and physical activities requirements that apply to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.

IA SF161

A bill for an act relating to the physical education and physical activities requirements that apply to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.

IA HF606

A bill for an act relating to nonpublic schools, including authorizing nonpublic schools to withdraw applications for accreditation, authorizing accredited nonpublic schools to terminate accreditation, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HF 393.)

IA SF496

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, authorizing the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a school district to enroll the student in another attendance center within the same school district in certain specified circumstances, prohibiting instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in kindergarten through grade six, and modifying provisions related to student health screenings, school district library programs, the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, the department of education, the board of educational examiners, and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools, competent private instruction, and special education, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1145.) Effective date: 05/26/2023, 07/01/2023.

IA HF2617

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades seven through twelve.(Formerly HF 2031.)

IA HF597

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly HSB 219.)

IA HF323

A bill for an act authorizing school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to pay stipends to student teachers.(Formerly HSB 111.)

IA SF2132

A bill for an act requiring boards of directors of school districts and the authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies related to excusing the absences of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve for civic or political events.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.