Board approves 28E sharing agreements, adds language citing state law guidance

The Burlington Community School District board on Aug. 11 approved intergovernmental (28E) sharing agreements allowing students from Great River Christian School to participate in Burlington athletics, and it added a clause tying compensation to state law.

District staff told the board that a recent change in Iowa law (House File 189) affects eligibility for private-school students. Corey, a district administrator, recommended a cautious approach to contract language because state guidance is still emerging. "If the board wants to add language, say something like ‘pursuant to state law and guidance,’ then it is, if the guidance changes or if the interpretation changes, then we just update based on that new understanding," Corey said.

Under the item the board approved, Great River Christian School would compensate Burlington $225 per participating student in the volleyball program; district staff noted the fee would apply only when a participant does not reside inside Burlington's boundaries (for example, students living in Biggsville). Board discussion emphasized that students who live inside Burlington or attached communities would not be charged, consistent with the district's interpretation of state guidance.

Board members discussed logistics and future wording. One board member who moved the change read the revised language into the record: "Great River Christian School will compensate Burlington pursuant to state law and guidance, $225 per Great River Christian School student athlete that participates in the volleyball program." The amendment was seconded and the motion passed by voice vote; no opposing votes were recorded on the audio transcript.

Administrators said additional 28E agreements for other private schools may be adjusted in the future to add consistent language; they warned that reopening prior agreements could require those partner boards to reconvene. District counsel and administrators will return as guidance clarifies and to assist with standardized wording.

The board framed the change as an operational step to let eligible students participate while remaining aligned with evolving state interpretation of the law. The approvals were procedural actions taken during the meeting; the agreements will be finalized and returned to partner boards as needed.