IA HSB735

Charter schools would receive additional per-pupil funding including teacher salary supplements, professional development supplements, and early intervention supplements, in addition to the regular program state cost per pupil, effective for school budget years beginning July 1, 2026.

Charter school employees would become eligible for participation in the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS), with charter schools added to the definition of "employer" under the retirement system.

Students enrolled in charter schools would be allowed to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests or competitions provided by public school districts, under the same eligibility terms currently available to nonpublic school students.

The bill modifies provisions related to financing programs for charter schools and nonpublic schools administered by the Iowa Finance Authority, as well as the statewide voluntary preschool program for four-year-old children.

Additional education-related changes address education savings accounts, school start dates, independent accrediting agencies, and teacher training and licensure requirements.