Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB1027

Introduced
1/21/25  

Caption

A bill for an act authorizing school districts to use revenues from the district management levy for teacher recruitment and retention incentives.(See SF 206.)

Impact

If enacted, SSB1027 would allow school districts greater financial flexibility in using management levy funds. Specifically, it would enable them to adopt structured programs to attract new teachers while also retaining existing ones, thereby addressing concerns of teacher turnover and shortages in schools. The bill stipulates that the board of directors must hold public discussions prior to implementing such programs, promoting transparency and community engagement in budgetary decisions related to educational funding.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1027 aims to authorize school districts to utilize revenues from the district management levy for the purposes of providing incentives related to teacher recruitment and retention. This legislative proposal is a modification of existing law under Code section 279.46, which permits school boards to adopt early retirement incentive programs. The bill extends these provisions to allow for the implementation of both recruitment and retention incentives to improve the workforce in schools, which is especially crucial in areas facing teacher shortages.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SSB1027 include the limitations it imposes on how school districts can structure these incentives. The bill limits these incentives to not exceed 10% of an initial teacher's salary and restricts the payment duration to a maximum of five school budget years. Furthermore, school boards are prohibited from offering both early retirement benefits and teacher recruitment or retention incentives concurrently, which may lead to debates over prioritization of funds and resource allocation in school budgets.

Companion Bills

IA SF206

Replaced by A bill for an act authorizing school districts to use revenues from the district management levy for teacher recruitment and retention incentives.(Formerly SSB 1027.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF392

A bill for an act relating to education, including eligibility for grants under the teach Iowa scholar program, licenses issued by the board of educational examiners, and the use of revenues from the district management levy, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1049.)

IA SSB1049

A bill for an act relating to education, including eligibility for grants under the teach Iowa scholar program, licenses issued by the board of educational examiners, and the use of revenues from the district management levy, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 392.)

IA HF97

A bill for an act relating to school district compensation of student teachers and modifying provisions related to the district management levy.

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 SSB1076

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(See SF 391.)

IA HF2032

A bill for an act allowing school districts to use the district management levy for cybersecurity costs.

IA SF391

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, and required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom. (Formerly SSB 1076.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HSB119

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(See HF 327.)

IA HF2653

A bill for an act relating to school districts, including by modifying provisions related to the district management levy, waiving certain specified duties, responsibilities, and requirements for the school year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 728.) Effective date: 04/05/2024.

IA HSB728

A bill for an act relating to school districts, including by modifying provisions related to the district management levy, waiving certain specified duties, responsibilities, and requirements for the school year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2653.)

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