Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB1067

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

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.)

Impact

The implementation of the Purple Star School initiative is expected to significantly affect policies within the Iowa educational framework. Schools that apply for this designation will have to meet certain criteria demonstrating their engagement with military-connected families and their proactive measures to create a supportive environment. This could lead to an increase in training for educators on the specific issues faced by these students and may foster partnerships between schools and military organizations. Ultimately, it aims to create a more inclusive educational environment that recognizes and respects the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1067 proposes the establishment of a 'Purple Star School' initiative in Iowa, aimed at recognizing schools that demonstrate a commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. This initiative seeks to enhance the resources and support available within educational institutions for these specific student populations, acknowledging their unique challenges and needs related to mobility and family separation. The bill mandates that the director of the Iowa Department of Education will be responsible for developing and administering this initiative, thus placing a more structured approach to address the needs of military families in the education system.

Contention

While the bill appears to have widespread support for its positive implications for military-connected students, there may be considerations around funding and resources required for schools to implement the necessary programs and training. Opponents may question the practicality of the initiative in terms of its administrative demands and whether it effectively addresses the underlying issues faced by military families in the education system. The extent to which the initiative will require additional economic resources from the state budget might also become a significant point of debate during legislative discussions.

Companion Bills

IA SF275

Replaced by 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 HF771

Replaced by 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.)

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.)

Previously Filed As

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 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 HF413

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

IA SSB1111

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.(See SF 390.)

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 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 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 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 HSB118

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.(See HF 370.)

IA HF73

A bill for an act relating to firearm education in schools, including requiring the director of the department of education to develop and distribute age-appropriate model programs for firearm safety instruction and modifying provisions related to the required instruction in public schools and accredited nonpublic schools in grades six through twelve.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.