Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB3157

Introduced
2/6/24  
Introduced
2/6/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to education by establishing a right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease school district property and modifying charter school and open enrollment funding, charter school board member requirements, and the school start date.(See SF 2368.)

Impact

The bill primarily impacts several aspects of state education law, particularly in how charter schools interact with local school districts. The new provisions require school districts to publish information about property availability and utilize underutilized or vacant properties to support the establishment of charter schools. This could alleviate property management concerns for districts while simultaneously expanding charter schools' operational footprints. The amendments to the funding formula are also significant, as they dictate the financial resources that charter schools will receive based on the previous year's figures, which may improve their budgeting and financial planning.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3157 seeks to enhance the operational framework for charter schools within the state of Iowa by establishing a right of first refusal for such schools to purchase or lease underutilized and vacant school district properties. The legislation aims to modify existing funding structures for charter schools and alter certain requirements regarding charter school governance and the school calendar start dates. By doing so, it intends to facilitate greater access to necessary resources for charter schools, thereby promoting alternative educational environments in the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SSB3157 involve concerns from traditional public school advocates who worry that enhancing charter schools may detract attention and resources from public schools. Opponents often highlight the potential for increased competition between public and charter schools, questioning whether charter systems can sufficiently address the diverse needs of students. Additionally, changes to the school start date regulation have stirred debate regarding the impact on scheduling for families and educators. Such alterations could reframe debates around educational timing and resource allocation in the state.

Companion Bills

IA HSB673

Related A bill for an act relating to education by establishing a right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease school district property and modifying charter school and open enrollment funding, charter school board member requirements, and the school start date.(See HF 2543.)

IA HF2543

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to education by establishing a right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease school district property and modifying charter school and open enrollment funding, and charter school board member requirements.(Formerly HSB 673.)

IA SF2368

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the sale of real property by school districts, charter school and open enrollment funding, and the participation in school activities by students enrolled in charter schools. (Formerly SSB 3157.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

Previously Filed As

IA SSB3170

A bill for an act relating to charter schools and innovation zone schools, including by modifying provisions related to charter school funding and operations, services provided to charter schools by area education agencies, charter school contracts, and charter school student participation in extracurricular activities provided by public schools, striking provisions allowing for the establishment of innovation zone schools, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 2406.)

IA HF2699

A bill for an act relating to charter schools and innovation zone schools, including by modifying provisions related to charter school funding and operations, services provided to charter schools by area education agencies, charter school contracts, and charter school student participation in extracurricular activities provided by public schools, striking provisions allowing for the establishment of innovation zone schools, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 676.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.

IA SF2406

A bill for an act relating to charter schools and innovation zone schools, including by modifying provisions related to charter school funding and operations, services provided to charter schools by area education agencies, charter school contracts, and charter school student participation in extracurricular activities provided by public schools, striking provisions allowing for the establishment of innovation zone schools, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 3170.)

IA HF789

A bill for an act relating to payments to charter schools by a school district of residence for students enrolled in a charter school, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 108.)

IA HSB676

A bill for an act relating to charter schools and innovation zone schools, including by modifying provisions related to charter school funding and operations, services provided to charter schools by area education agencies, charter school contracts, and charter school student participation in extracurricular activities provided by public schools, striking provisions allowing for the establishment of innovation zone schools, and including applicability provisions.(See HF 2699.)

IA HSB105

A bill for an act relating to charter schools, including by modifying provisions related to charter school board member requirements and charter school student participation in the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program.(See HF 785.)

IA HSB108

A bill for an act relating to payments to charter schools by a school district of residence for students enrolled in a charter school, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 789.)

IA A2527

Modifies various aspects of charter school program including student enrollment procedures, revocation of charter, monitoring of charter schools, and collaboration between school districts and charter schools.

IA SF2501

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to charter school approval, contracts, funding, and operations, services provided to charter schools by area education agencies, charter school student participation in extracurricular activities provided by public schools, the Iowa public employees' retirement system, education savings accounts, independent accreditation, teacher training and licensure, the statewide voluntary preschool program, the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program, open enrollment, school tuition organizations, and innovation zone schools; making appropriations; and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly SF 2425, SF 2175.)

IA A2323

Establishes various requirements for charter schools, charter school board of trustees members, and charter management organizations.

Similar Bills

IA HF810

A bill for an act relating to granting supplemental aid or a modified supplemental amount for school districts with high open enrollments, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA SSB1211

A bill for an act modifying supplemental aid and modified supplemental amounts for certain school districts relating to open enrollment, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF2736

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to area education agency funding, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

NJ A2269

Provides additional State school aid to certain school districts; makes an appropriation.

MS HB25

Teacher salaries; authorize supplement for teachers in critical shortage subject areas in "D" and "F" school districts.

MS HB185

Teacher salaries; authorize supplement for teachers in critical shortage subject areas in "D" and "F" school districts.

IA SF2329

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the duties and powers of area education agencies, the department of education, and area education agency funding, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

MS HB1138

Teachers; provide $2,000 annual salary supplement to those employed in designated geographically critical teacher shortage area.