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, which stipulate that these educational institutions must comply with section 279.87 concerning the adoption and publication of RIF policies. The bill defines key terms such as "administrative staff member," "practitioner," "practitioner performance," and "reduction in force," outlining the criteria and circumstances under which a reduction in force may occur, including economic factors like decreased funding and enrollment.

The bill further specifies that the RIF policy must prioritize the evaluation of practitioner performance over seniority or tenure when determining which employees to terminate. It requires the school boards to consider administrative staff employment status before implementing a RIF and mandates the inclusion of a timeline for notifying affected practitioners, as well as grievance procedures for those whose employment is terminated. The policy must be published on the school district's website within ten days of adoption, ensuring transparency and adherence to the outlined requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256E.7, 279.87