Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF771

Caption

A bill for an act requiring the director of the department of education to develop and administer a purple star school initiative.(Formerly HSB 45.)

Impact

If passed, HF771 would formally incorporate the Purple Star initiative into the state's educational framework. Schools that meet the specified criteria would receive recognition, signalling their commitment to serving military families. This initiative is expected to foster a supportive environment for military-connected students, potentially improving their academic performance and overall wellbeing. It highlights Iowa's commitment to addressing the needs of a population often overlooked in discussions about educational support.

Summary

House File 771 aims to establish a 'Purple Star School Initiative' in Iowa to recognize schools that demonstrate a commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. This bill requires the Iowa Department of Education to develop and administer the initiative, which focuses on increasing the support schools offer to these students and families. The intention is to enhance the educational experience for military-connected children who often face unique challenges due to their families' frequent relocations and the associated disruptions in their education.

Contention

While HF771 has the potential to positively impact military-connected students, discussions surrounding the bill may have included debates over the adequacy of state funding and resources dedicated to this initiative. Opponents might argue that the program could divert attention and resources from other pressing educational needs. Critics could also assert that recognition alone may not suffice to resolve the deeper issues faced by military families in the education system.

Companion Bills

IA SF275

Similar To A bill for an act requiring the director of the department of education to develop and administer a purple star school initiative. (Formerly SSB 1067.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HSB45

Related A bill for an act requiring the director of the department of education to develop and administer a purple star school initiative.(See HF 771.)

IA SSB1067

Related A bill for an act requiring the director of the department of education to develop and administer a purple star school initiative.(See SF 275.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF370

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, and election commissioners, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards. (Formerly HSB 118.)

IA HSB542

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to the number of area education agencies in this state, the duties and powers of area education agencies, area education agency boards of directors, the department of administrative services, the director of the department of education, the division of special education within the department of education, the services provided by area education agencies, area education agency funding, the calculation of the teacher salary supplement district cost per pupil, and minimum teacher salaries, and including transition, effective date, and applicability provisions.

IA SSB3073

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to the number of area education agencies in this state, the duties and powers of area education agencies, area education agency boards of directors, the department of administrative services, the director of the department of education, the division of special education within the department of education, the services provided by area education agencies, area education agency funding, the calculation of the teacher salary supplement district cost per pupil, and minimum teacher salaries, and including transition, effective date, and applicability provisions.(See SF 2386.)

IA HF2652

A bill for an act relating to school security, including by modifying provisions related to the issuance of school bonds, the secure an advanced vision for education fund, school district use of professional development moneys, and school security equipment and infrastructure, requiring the department of public safety to convene a task force related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 692.) Applicability date: Enactment, 07/01/2024.

IA SF2386

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to the duties and powers of area education agencies, the department of education, the department of administrative services, area education agency funding, the calculation of the teacher salary supplement district cost per pupil and the minimum teacher starting salary, and including transition, effective date, and applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 3073.)

IA SF390

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, election commissioners and children's residential facilities, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards.(Formerly SSB 1111.)

IA HF413

A bill for an act establishing the school counselor grant program to be administered by the department of education and making appropriations.

IA HF2151

A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(Formerly HSB 566.)

IA HF642

A bill for an act establishing the major economic growth attraction program to be administered by the economic development authority, and providing penalties.(Formerly HSB 147.)

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.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.