This bill amends existing education laws in Iowa, specifically focusing on the reporting requirements for community colleges and the management of employees within the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program and the Iowa school for the deaf. It requires community colleges to submit annual data directly to the Department of Education (DE) rather than the previously designated community colleges bureau. The bill also mandates that the data submitted must include individual-level information and be broken down by fund. Additionally, it modifies the timeline for submitting reports to the state board and the general assembly, moving the deadline to March 15 each year and requiring the inclusion of community college program-level educational and employment outcomes.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the provisions regarding the discharge of teachers (Code section 279.27) apply to employees of the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program and the Iowa school for the deaf, regardless of their licensing status. It also establishes that the Department of Administrative Services, in consultation with DE, will create an annual compensation schedule and set employee benefits for all staff within these programs. These changes aim to enhance data reporting and improve the management of educational services for students with disabilities in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.7, 260C.14