HF511 Summary

• Allows school boards to conduct meetings using interactive technology with audio and visual links while complying with other meeting requirements.

• Requires commissioner to obtain specific legislative authority before adopting revised academic standards and graduation requirements, though technical changes are exempted.

• Modifies social studies standards review to require commissioner recommendation to legislature rather than mandatory implementation, with review cycle starting 2020-2021 school year instead of 2019-2020.

• Increases population threshold for small districts to employ non-licensed community education directors from 2,000 to 10,000 residents and removes requirement for school board consultation with exclusive employee representatives when selecting 403(b) annuity vendors.

• Repeals section 123B.05 and removes mandate requiring school districts to set aside minimum safe schools levy funds for counselors, nurses, social workers, and psychologists, effective the day following enactment.