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SF 60

A bill for an act relating to the state school foundation program and the calculation of minimum state foundation aid for school districts and including applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Rowley

Bill SF 60 updates Iowa's school funding formula, ensuring equitable state aid for districts by adjusting minimum foundation aid and property tax calculations starting July 2026.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
#managementdepartment #propertytaxes #schoolbudgets #schooldistricts #schoolfinance #schools #stateaid
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Bill Summary · SF 60

Summary of Bill SF 60

Overview

Bill Number: SF 60
Title: A bill for an act relating to the state school foundation program and the calculation of minimum state foundation aid for school districts and including applicability provisions.
Status: Subcommittee recommends passage.
Introduced: January 16, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Management department, property taxes, school budgets, school districts, school finance, schools, state aid

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill SF 60 is to amend the calculation of minimum state foundation aid for school districts in Iowa. The bill aims to ensure that the funding formula for school districts is updated and reflects current educational needs, thereby enhancing the financial support provided to schools.

Key Provisions

  • Calculation of Minimum State Foundation Aid:
    • The bill defines "minimum" as the total of several components:
    • Teacher salary supplement district cost
    • Professional development supplement district cost
    • Early intervention supplement district cost
    • Teacher leadership supplement district cost
  • Adjustment of Foundation Property Tax:
    • If the total foundation aid received by a school district, combined with the foundation property tax, exceeds the established foundation base, the Department of Management is required to reduce the district's foundation property tax accordingly. This ensures that districts do not receive more funding than the calculated foundation base allows.
  • Obsolete Definitions:
    • The bill also removes definitions that are no longer relevant due to the changes made in the bill.

Applicability

  • The provisions of this bill will apply to school budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2026. This timeline allows school districts to prepare for the changes in funding calculations.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:
    • The bill will primarily affect school districts across Iowa, impacting their budgeting and funding processes. It aims to provide a more equitable distribution of state aid based on updated calculations.
  • Financial Implications:
    • By adjusting the foundation property tax and the calculation of minimum state foundation aid, the bill seeks to ensure that funding is aligned with the actual costs of educational programs and supports.

Legislative Actions

  • February 6, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage.
  • February 3, 2025: Subcommittee meeting held to discuss the bill.
  • January 28, 2025: Subcommittee members include Taylor, Garrett, and Quirmbach.
  • January 16, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Education Committee.

This summary provides a clear understanding of Bill SF 60, its intent, key provisions, and the potential impact on school districts in Iowa.

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

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