Bettendorf board adopts resolution endorsing Iowa educator 'Bill of Rights'

The Bettendorf Community School District Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution endorsing an Educator Bill of Rights on the board agenda this month.

The resolution, read aloud during the meeting, affirms that "Bettendorf Community School District Board of Education adopts and believes that all Iowa public education staff have a right to the following," listing rights such as professional respect, manageable workload, fair compensation, a safe work environment, secure retirement and access to quality resources. An unidentified reader delivered the resolution text before the board voted; the motion carried 7-0.

Superintendent doctor Morse thanked staff and union leaders for their work preparing the resolution and acknowledged local and state partners present at the meeting, saying the district appreciated the collaboration that helped bring the measure forward. The superintendent also identified a guest in the audience, "Jill Homestead, who is UNISERF director with ISCA," and thanked BEA leaders and others who supported the initiative.

Members of the district's education association described the resolution as a way to recognize the contributions of all school employees, including noncertified staff. Michael Olsen, who introduced the BEA executive team at the meeting, described the bill as an effort to "ensure our members who make up approximately 3 fourths of our district certified staff are heard and supported." (quote drawn from BEA presentation.)

Board members praised the measure before the vote. After adoption, the board agreed to provide a photo of the group for distribution.

The board did not attach new policy language or immediate budget changes to the resolution at the meeting; the resolution was presented and adopted as a formal expression of commitment. Next steps or implementation details were not specified during the meeting.

The item was adopted at the board meeting in February 2026; the board recorded the adoption as "Adopted this February 2026."