The bill proposes significant changes to the responsibilities and operations of school boards in Iowa, particularly regarding public hearings, funding processes, and transparency. It allows school districts with a certified enrollment of 1,200 students or fewer to publish public hearing notices on their websites instead of in newspapers. Additionally, the requirement for school boards to hold public hearings before participating in instructional support programs is removed, enabling them to adopt resolutions outlining funding methods. The bill also introduces provisions for electronic signatures and contracts, which aim to enhance administrative efficiency.

Moreover, the legislation mandates that school districts publish the salaries of regularly employed individuals annually on their websites, promoting transparency. It updates the procedures for the sale of public bonds, allowing for electronic bidding and requiring notices to be published in recognized nationwide publications. The bill also modifies the structure and voting procedures of county conference boards, ensuring that representation aligns with the current educational framework by replacing references to high school districts with broader school district terms. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline operations, improve governance, and enhance accountability within Iowa's school districts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24.2A, 257.18, 39.2, 279.36, 279.35, 280.12, 554D.103, 75.14, 75.3, 257.10, 298A.12, 279.49, 423E.5, 282.18