Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF579

Introduced
2/24/25  
Engrossed
3/12/25  
Refer
3/13/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to certain amounts of school district funding for programs for at-risk students, secondary students who attend alternative programs or alternative schools, or returning dropouts and dropout prevention. (Formerly HSB 157.)

Impact

If passed, HF 579 would permit school districts to exceed current limitations on their modified supplemental amount, allowing them to raise additional funds specifically intended for programs targeting at-risk students. The proposed changes include the option for school boards to increase the funding ratio from 2.5% to a maximum of 5% if approved through an election. This could lead to more resources being allocated for programs that aim to keep students engaged and prevent dropouts, thus potentially improving overall student performance and retention rates in the education system.

Summary

House File 579 aims to address school district funding specifically related to programs for at-risk students, secondary students who attend alternative programs or alternative schools, as well as supporting returning dropouts. The bill proposes modifications to the existing regulations governing the financial ratios applicable to school districts, particularly in how they can establish funding limits for these specific programs. This is a continuation of efforts to improve educational support systems for populations that traditionally face significant hurdles in the educational landscape.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HF 579 appears largely positive among supporters, who view the bill as a necessary step toward addressing the pressing needs of at-risk students and those in alternative educational settings. The overwhelming majority vote in favor of the bill, which passed with 92 yeas to just 4 nays, reflects strong bipartisan support. However, there may be concerns regarding the procedural aspects of requiring a voter approval for funding limits, which some may argue could complicate or hinder timely funding decisions.

Contention

While HF 579 has garnered considerable support, there are specific points of contention regarding the implementation of the voter approval requirement. Opponents may voice concern that this requirement could delay the necessary funding for educational programs during crucial periods when students need support the most. Additionally, some may question whether the increase in funding ratios can be justified, leading to debates over appropriate fiscal management within school districts and the prioritization of educational funding in the broader budgetary context.

Companion Bills

IA HSB157

Related A bill for an act relating to certain amounts of school district funding for programs for at-risk students, secondary students who attend alternative programs or alternative schools, or returning dropouts and dropout prevention.(See HF 579.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF246

A bill for an act relating to certain amounts of school district funding for programs for at-risk students, secondary students who attend alternative programs or alternative schools, or returning dropouts and dropout prevention, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SF 53.)

IA HF380

A bill for an act relating to certain amounts of school district funding for programs for at-risk students, secondary students who attend alternative programs or alternative schools, or returning dropouts and dropout prevention, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF53

A bill for an act relating to certain amounts of school district funding for programs for at-risk students, secondary students who attend alternative programs or alternative schools, or returning dropouts and dropout prevention, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 246.)

IA HF2547

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring school engagement meetings and attendance cooperation proceedings when children are absent from school, requiring school districts to restrict student use of cellular phones and smartphones, modifying provisions related to open enrollment of truant students, and modifying penalties. (Formerly HF 2254.)

IA HF68

A bill for an act relating to education programs and funding by establishing an education savings account program, modifying certain school district categorical funding supplements and supplementary weighting, making appropriations, providing penalties, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 1.) Effective date: 01/24/2023, 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 01/01/2023.

IA HF429

A bill for an act relating to school districts, including 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, requiring school district employees to provide notice to the parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school district if the employee witnesses the student being physically injured, harassed, or bullied, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 17.)

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 SF94

A bill for an act relating to education programs and funding by establishing an education savings account program, modifying certain school district categorical funding supplements, making appropriations, providing penalties, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1022.)

IA HF2544

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents, and requiring education related to the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts. (Formerly HF 2330.)

IA SF2368

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the sale of real property by school districts, charter school and open enrollment funding, and the participation in school activities by students enrolled in charter schools. (Formerly SSB 3157.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.