The bill mandates the Iowa Department of Education to develop and administer a pilot program aimed at establishing attendance centers for students requiring special education and those with behavioral issues in designated rural and urban school districts. The program will involve one rural and one urban school district, which will be selected by the department. Participation in the pilot program is contingent upon either the school districts agreeing to participate and demonstrating the ability to fund their involvement or the department providing full funding through appropriated moneys.

Each participating school district is required to submit an annual report detailing the number of eligible students, their academic performance, and feedback from students, parents, and teachers regarding the program's effectiveness. The department will compile these reports and present them to the general assembly. The bill defines "eligible students" as those requiring special education or facing emotional, social, or behavioral challenges that hinder their success in a regular educational environment. The pilot program is set to be repealed on July 1, 2031.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 257.10