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SF 91

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the determination of school enrollment, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Blake and 1 co-sponsor

SF 91 improves Iowa school enrollment data by mandating universal screenings for kindergarten, enhancing early education tracking, and streamlining funding responsibilities.

Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Kraayenbrink, and Trone Garriott.
#educationdepartment #managementdepartment #schoolbudgets #schooldistricts #schools #specialeducation #students
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Bill Summary · SF 91

Summary of SF 91: Modifications to School Enrollment Provisions

Bill Number: SF 91
Introduced On: January 22, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Kraayenbrink, and Trone Garriott
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Education Department, Management Department, School Budgets, School Districts, Schools, Special Education, Students

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of SF 91 is to modify existing provisions related to the determination of school enrollment in Iowa. The bill seeks to enhance the accuracy and reliability of enrollment data, particularly for early childhood education and special education programs. By implementing standardized assessments and data collection methods, the bill intends to improve educational outcomes and resource allocation for school districts.

Key Provisions

  1. Universal Screening for Early Childhood:

    • The bill mandates that every school district administer a valid and reliable universal screening instrument to all kindergarten students. This assessment must be aligned with state early learning standards and conducted no later than the specified October date in section 257.6, subsection 1, paragraph “a”.
    • Preschool programs are encouraged to conduct similar assessments at both the beginning and end of the program year, with results entered into the statewide longitudinal data system.

  2. Data Integration with Head Start Programs:

    • The Department of Education is tasked with developing agreements with Head Start programs to incorporate data about four-year-old children into the statewide longitudinal data system, ensuring comprehensive tracking of early childhood education outcomes.

  3. Whole Grade Sharing Agreements:

    • The bill amends the determination of pupil numbers participating in whole grade sharing agreements to be assessed on the same October date and the second Friday of January each year.

  4. Open Enrollment Payment Responsibilities:

    • If a child participating in open enrollment moves to a different school district during the academic year, the original district will be responsible for the payment of costs to the receiving district for the remainder of that school year. The new district will take over payment responsibilities in subsequent years.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The bill primarily impacts school districts, educators, students, and parents/guardians of children in prekindergarten and kindergarten programs.
    • It aims to provide better data for resource allocation and educational planning, particularly for special education and early childhood programs.

  • Implementation Timeline:

    • The bill is deemed of immediate importance and will take effect upon enactment, allowing for prompt implementation of its provisions.

Conclusion

SF 91 represents a significant step towards improving the management of school enrollment data in Iowa. By standardizing assessments and ensuring better data integration, the bill aims to enhance educational outcomes for young learners and streamline funding processes for school districts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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