This bill mandates that school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in Iowa adopt and publish policies regarding reductions in force (RIF). It introduces new requirements under sections 256E.7 and 256F.4, stating that these educational institutions must comply with the stipulations of section 279.87, which outlines the necessary components of a RIF policy. The bill defines key terms such as "administrative staff member," "practitioner," "practitioner performance," and "reduction in force," establishing a framework for how reductions should be handled based on economic factors like decreased funding and enrollment.

The bill specifies that the RIF policy must prioritize practitioner performance over seniority or tenure when making termination decisions. It requires the school boards to consider administrative staff employment before implementing a RIF and to clearly outline the factors used to assess practitioner performance. Additionally, the policy must include timelines for notifying affected practitioners and detail grievance procedures for those whose employment is terminated due to a RIF. The policy must be published on the school district's website within ten days of adoption, ensuring transparency and adherence to the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256E.7, 279.87