This bill seeks to amend various education-related laws in Iowa, with a primary focus on teacher salaries, preparation requirements, and the placement of special education students in out-of-state facilities. It establishes a minimum salary of $50,000 for teachers and sets a higher minimum of $62,000 for full-time teachers with at least twelve years of experience. The legislation also revises the calculation of teacher salary supplements by eliminating the tier system and requiring the Department of Management to assess costs based on the actual needs of each school district, including contributions to the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS).

In addition to salary adjustments, the bill modifies teacher preparation requirements by changing the duration of pre-student teaching field experiences and the criteria for recognizing prior work experience as a substitute teacher or para-educator. It allows districts to place children requiring special education in out-of-state facilities, contingent upon an agreement, and clarifies the financial responsibilities of the district for these services. Furthermore, the responsibility for establishing an online job posting system for educational positions is transferred from the Department of Workforce Development to the Department of Education, enhancing accessibility and non-discrimination in hiring practices. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational standards and support for teachers and students in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 257.10, 256.16, 249A.4A, 284.15, 97B.52A