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Iowa Department of Education highlights legislation, graduations and new enrollment count schedule in board update
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Summary
At the State Board meeting, department leaders said several education bills have cleared the Legislature, shared a modest rise in the 4‑year graduation rate for the class of 2025, and explained a new two‑count funding formula that shifts district reporting and quarterly payments beginning in 2026.
The Iowa Department of Education delivered a wide‑ranging director’s report to the State Board of Education, updating the panel on legislative progress, student outcomes and program activity.
Department leadership told the board that Senate File 273 — a bill described to the board as modifying the statutory definition of “grooming” to strengthen student protections — and a bipartisan “pathways” bill have passed both chambers and are eligible for the governor’s signature. The director also said the department is continuing work with lawmakers on several prefiled bills tied to instructional quality and workforce initiatives.
Why it matters: The department said the change to student count and funding will alter how districts calculate and receive state aid. Department staff explained that a new two‑count approach (October 1 and January 15) will be used for the 2026–27 school year, with funding for 2026–27 based on the average of those two counts. The department also previewed a move to quarterly payments beginning July 15, 2026, to align cash flow with the updated counting schedule.
On student outcomes, the department presented preliminary 4‑year graduation data for the class of 2025. The statewide graduation rate rose to 88.8 percent, a 0.5 percentage‑point increase over 2024 and a reported gain across several student groups. Department staff flagged gains of 1.6 percentage points for students with disabilities and 4.9 percentage points for students experiencing homelessness, and said graduation‑rate gaps are narrowing in multiple subgroups. The department cautioned staff that English learner graduation rates declined 1.2 percentage points and said continued investment in instruction and professional development for teachers of English learners remains a priority.
The director also used the report to preview activities and recognitions: a Purple Star Schools designation ceremony for schools that support military‑connected students is planned for April 23 in the Capitol Rotunda, the department highlighted professional learning opportunities and webinars, and staff noted recent grants and awards including preschool and STEM program funding.
The board took no formal vote on the director’s report. Department staff said they will continue outreach to districts about the implementation timeline for the new count dates and promised technical assistance as rules and guidance are finalized.
