IA HF2546

Requires the Iowa Department of Education to procure a comprehensive, statewide data collection system through a request for proposal process that facilitates data sharing between student information systems of all school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and area education agencies.

The data collection system must maintain confidentiality of student and staff data, validate data for accuracy before submission, and ensure compatibility with any student information system used by districts or schools without requiring purchase of a specific system.

The system must support collection of federally and state-required information including attendance records, enrollment counts, special education records, English learner data, discipline records, dropout verification, and graduation confirmation data.

All data maintained in the system remains the property of the school district, accredited nonpublic school, or area education agency—not the Department of Education—and must collect only the minimum data required by law.

Division I (statewide data system procurement) takes effect immediately upon enactment, while Division II requires the Department to modernize electronic systems and procedures to ensure proper and timely disbursement of funds.