Bill > HF120

This bill expands current Iowa law to allow school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to apply to the state Department of Education for authorization to implement a year-round school calendar for high school students (grades 9-12), whereas previously this option was only available for schools with students from prekindergarten through 8th grade. The bill requires that before submitting an application for a year-round calendar, school boards must first hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed change. A year-round school calendar typically involves redistributing traditional summer vacation into shorter, more frequent breaks throughout the academic year, which can potentially reduce learning loss, provide more consistent educational engagement, and offer alternative scheduling options for students and educators. The bill maintains the existing requirement that initial applications for a year-round calendar must be submitted to the Department of Education by November 1 of the preceding school year, ensuring advance planning and administrative review.

Education

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF120