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Starting next school year, SF2201 enacted important changes to how student enrollment is counted and funded.
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Two Count Dates: Official Certified Enrollment counts will now occur twice a year on October 1 and January 15.
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Funding Calculation: Funding for the 2027-28 school year will be based on the average of these two count dates (October 1, 2026 and January 15, 2027).
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Quarterly Payments: The payment schedule will shift to quarterly, beginning July 1, 2026, for the 2026-27 school year. Payments will occur on July 15, 2026, October 15, 2026, January 15, 2027, and April 15, 2027.
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Strict Department Release Timelines: The Department is now legally required to release data within 30 days from the October 15 deadline and 21 days from the January 30 deadline.
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Five-Day District Resolution Window: Districts will have a strict five-day window from notification to voluntarily resolve disputes or discrepancies.
Because of these statutory expectations, districts must prioritize data cleanliness and accuracy prior to submission deadlines.
Please contact Division Administrator Jay Pennington at jay.pennington@iowa.gov with questions.
The Department is seeking input from the public on the state’s proposed options to align state and federal special education accountability systems into one new, unified Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) special education accountability system. Iowa’s new unified IDEA special education accountability system aims to streamline designations so school districts receive only one special education accountability designation each year, meeting both state and federal requirements. The new system will also align with Iowa’s 2024 unified ESSA accountability system (Iowa School Performance Profiles), so that school districts have coordinated special education and school improvement plans.
Those interested can provide feedback on three proposed accountability options for determining IDEA designations by completing the statewide survey by April 10. The feedback will inform any final updates to the new, unified IDEA special education accountability system. All comments will remain anonymous.
Please contact Division Administrator Leisa Breitfelder at leisa.breitfelder@iowa.gov with questions.
In January 2026, the U.S. Department of Education approved the Iowa Department of Education’s request for targeted local flexibilities through the Ed-Flex program as a part of its multi-faceted Unified Allocation Plan. This approval allows the Department to review and approve school district and other subgrantee requests to waive the Title I, Part A carryover limitation, the Title I, Part D 30% reservation for transition services, and Title IV, Part A spending limitation assurances. Instructions for submitting an Ed-Flex waiver request were sent to Superintendents on March 17 through the CASA system. The submission deadline for all Ed-Flex waiver requests for the 2025-26 school year is April 15. Ed-Flex waivers for the 2026-2027 school year may be requested when the Consolidated Application opens in the fall.
Please contact Bureau Chief Jillian Dotson at jillian.dotson@iowa.gov with questions.
The Department is identifying emerging classroom leaders consisting of distinguished teachers and principals in a “Talent Pool” that can be considered for membership on committees and task forces. These individuals could also be considered as candidates for recognition and award programs.
Identified educators should have distinguished themselves above and beyond established, top-quality professionals in our schools, and are typically full-time, building-level personnel whose primary function is to directly instruct students or principals with a demonstrated impact on student achievement and growth. Please prioritize newly identifying outstanding educators who have not previously received other state or national recognition.
Please confidentially complete the Talent Pool Recommendation Form to help us identify more amazing educators in your community by April 30. Please do not share your recommendation with the individual or collaborate with colleagues.
Please contact Gifted and Talented Consultant Molly McConnell at molly.mcconnell@iowa.gov with questions.
Seven Iowa educators have been named as finalists for the prestigious 2025-26 Golden Owl Award, given annually to Iowa’s top agriculture educator. Sponsored by the Iowa FFA Foundation, Nationwide Insurance and other agricultural partners, the Golden Owl Award recognizes outstanding work in agriculture education and promotes the importance of the field. Nominated by students, colleagues, administrators and community members, a record 834 total nominations were submitted this year. The finalists are:
- Barb Clawson- Iowa State University
- Krystal Wright- Benton Middle/High School (Benton Community School District)
- Malayne Meyer- Osage High School (Osage Community School District)
- Zach Morris- West Liberty High School (West Liberty Community School District)
- Ben Booth- IKM-Manning Middle/High School (IKM-Manning Community School District)
- Allison Reuvers- Colfax-Mingo Junior/Senior High School (Colfax-Mingo Community School District)
- Tyler Wingert- Ridge View High School (Galva-Holstein Community Schools)
The 2025-26 Golden Owl Award grand-prize winner will be announced at the 98th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference on April 20 in Ames.
Please contact Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources and State FFA Advisor Alan Spencer at alan.spencer@iowa.gov with questions.
This month, Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Department announced the latest recipients of the state’s Career Academy Incentive Fund. Nearly $4 million in competitive grants were awarded to Des Moines Area Community College, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Northwest Iowa Community College and North Iowa Area Community College to empower more students with pathways to postsecondary success.
Spearheaded by Gov. Reynolds in 2019 and administered by the Department, the Career Academy Incentive fund creates and supports partnerships among community colleges, schools, local businesses and community stakeholders. The awardees will use the funds to increase access to career academy programs in high-demand fields through new or expanded career academies and regional centers serving multiple neighboring school districts.
Applications for the next round of awards are open through April 17.
Please contact Administrative Consultant Heather Meissen at heather.meissen@iowa.gov with questions.
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The Bureau of Educational Examiners offers free training on Ethics in Education. In-person presentations of the Iowa Code of Professional Conduct for school staff or administrative teams are available from Beth Myers, Board Attorney, or Mike Cavin, Executive Director. Training lasts from 90 minutes to two hours during a professional development day and covers the eight professional standards, examples of violations and protections for your staff.
Please contact Executive Director Mike Cavin at mike.cavin@iowa.gov for scheduling.
The Department will launch statewide professional learning designed to narrow and close achievement gaps experienced by English Learners using ESEA block grant funds from Iowa’s Unified Allocation Plan. Each EL professional development topic will be offered in two cohorts—Des Moines and Cedar Rapids—and will include one in-person half-day session followed by two virtual sessions. The sessions will be facilitated by the Department in partnership with the American Institutes for Research (AIR). Title III subgrantees will receive priority registration. The registration deadline is April 6. The content overview, dates, and registration link are included in the Statewide EL Professional Development handout.
Please contact Bureau Chief Jillian Dotson at jillian.dotson@iowa.gov with questions.
The Bureau of ESEA Programs is providing an informational webinar to highlight the expanded flexibility available to local school districts under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the Ed-Flex Program, detail the specific flexibilities granted by the U.S. Department of Education through the Unified Allocation Plan, and offer practical guidance on maximizing resources when utilizing ESEA funds. The webinar will be held on April 7 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. All interested participants must register no later than April 6.
Please contact Administrative Consultant Isbelia Arzola at isbelia.arzola@iowa.gov with questions.
On April 23 at 9:00 a.m., a statewide webinar will be held to review the IDEA PBC (Part B) claims process, which will open on the same date. The webinar will include a preview of the steps to take in the application to make such a claim, as well as the documentation required to accompany the claim.
The IDEA PBC application is used to monitor the activities of subrecipients who receive federal IDEA Part B and C funds through the Iowa Department of Education, as required by the Code of Federal Regulations’ Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards (34 C.F.R. §§ 300.149, and 300.600 through 300.602).
Participants may join the webinar on Zoom using the passcode 344104.
Please contact the Special Education Finance team at SpecialEducationFinance@iowa.gov with questions.
The Department will host the next Special Education Policy and Practice Webinar on FAPE: Special Requests on April 8 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. via Zoom. The webinar provides information on how IEP teams should respond to and consider a variety of parent requests, including topics such as transportation, health and related services. The session will also cover recent case law to support the administrative application of IDEA requirements.
Join the webinar on Zoom using the passcode 431127. No registration is required, and the same link will be used for all sessions.
Upcoming Webinar Dates and Topics:
- Dispute Resolution: May 13
- End-of-Year Program Evaluation (ACHIEVE) and Year-to-Year Data Comparison: June 10
Recordings, materials and resources from the 2025–26 and 2024–25 webinar series are available on the Department’s Policy and Practice Webinar webpage.
Please contact the SDI Literacy Consultant Mary Beilke at mary.beilke@iowa.govwith questions.
The third webinar in a series of support for accredited nonpublic schools serving students eligible for special education will be on April 15 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. using the same Zoom link used for the Special Education Policy and Practice webinars. Join the webinar on Zoom using the passcode 431127. No registration is required, and the same link will be used for all sessions.
The April webinar will focus on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The audience for these webinars includes nonpublic school administrators and staff, as well as LEA and AEA administrators who work with nonpublic schools. The webinar recordings and resources are posted on a new webpage for Accredited Nonpublic Schools and Special Education.
Please contact the Special Education Nonpublic School Liaison Janelle Danner at janelle.danner@iowa.gov with questions.
The Department is partnering with Green Hills AEA to provide two elementary-focused computer science professional learning opportunities through a virtual Embedding Computer Science into Everyday Instruction workshop series. Participants will:
- Explore actionable, developmentally appropriate ways to embed computer science into their current instruction.
- See how computer science standards naturally connect to literacy, math and patterning through a physical computing device and picture book.
- Leave with concrete lesson ideas and classroom-ready strategies.
- Gain a clearer understanding of computer science standards and the confidence to integrate computer science into the existing curriculum.
Registration is required and closes April 24. Participating teachers must have access to the required materials for the entirety of the learning and attend all sessions for the district to receive reimbursement. Information about specific materials to purchase and instructions for reimbursement will be provided with registration confirmation.
Please contact Computer Science and Information Solutions Consultant Michelle Meier at michelle.meier@iowa.gov with questions.
Register for the Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services' free conference, taking place on April 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DMACC FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. Conference topics will include:
- Nutrition needs of school-aged children and nutrition education in the classroom.
- Physical activity, physical education and adapted physical education.
- Classroom activities to support wellness and strategies to make the entire school campus a healthier environment.
School administrators, teachers, school nurses, coaches, school counselors, afterschool program operators and school nutrition professionals would all benefit from this learning.
Please contact Education Program Consultant Christine Crow at christine.crow@iowa.gov with questions.
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, uses data from schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to issue benefits to eligible children. The Department is holding a SUN Bucks webinar for school staff on April 14 from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Please register to attend.
For schools that report student data through their student information system (SIS), SUN Bucks data will be pulled beginning April 30. Please review data in your SIS to ensure addresses and parent/guardian information have been updated and free and reduced-price meal status is correct. An additional reporting option will be available for nonpublic schools not reporting in Student Reporting in Iowa (SRI) and/or using the School Interoperability Framework (SIF). More information will be provided to schools over the next few months.
Schools may contact idoe.sebt@iowa.gov with questions.
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Federal Fiscal Year 2026 IDEA Parts B and C Grant Application packages were posted for public review and participation on March 20 and close on May 19. We encourage review and comment as soon as possible to ensure the Department has time to meaningfully consider your feedback. States’ signed applications and supporting documents are then submitted to the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Please note that the application was posted using the 2025 grant Allocation Tables, as OSEP has yet to receive the 2026 Allocation Tables from the federal Department of Education.
Please contact Education Program Consultant John Lee at john.lee@iowa.gov with questions regarding Part B or Bureau Chief Kimberly Villotti at kimberly.villotti@iowa.gov with questions regarding Part C.
Applications for the latest round of Therapeutic Classroom Incentive Grants are being accepted through May 1. These competitive grants support public school districts in establishing therapeutic classrooms for learners ages 3 to 21 whose emotional, social or behavioral needs interfere with their ability to be successful in their current educational environment (Iowa Code section 256.25). Districts applying for the grant may seek funds to establish new classrooms and/or install critical components into current classrooms or programs that they are developing into therapeutic classrooms. An estimated cost per pupil will be used in the calculations for the grant application funds worksheet. Visit the Department’s Therapeutic Classrooms webpage for more information.
Please note that the Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. This grant application is being made available in order to allow more time for LEAs to prepare and submit grant proposals, but it is contingent upon the funds being appropriated.
Please contact Consultant Kay Augustine at kay.augustine@iowa.gov with questions.
The Bureau of Iowa College Aid’s Course to College Coaching - AmeriCorps program is accepting applications through April 7 for high schools interested in hosting AmeriCorps Student Leaders for the 2026–27 school year. Selected Host Sites can nominate up to two students from the graduating Class of 2027 to serve as AmeriCorps Student Leaders. These students will support the school and their peers in preparing for postsecondary transitions, including college applications, FAFSA completion and Decision Day events. Student Leaders are eligible for a bi-weekly stipend, completion bonus and an education award. Information about the program and a link to the application can be found on the Course to College webpage.
Please contact Community Engagement Coordinator Anne Thomas at anne.thomas@iowa.gov with questions.
Iowa high school seniors are invited to participate in a new scholarship opportunity that highlights May’s Jewish American Heritage Month and the many contributions of Jewish Americans.
Sponsored by the Combat Antisemitism Movement and the Iowa Department of Education, the Jewish American Heritage Month Student Scholarship Contest challenges graduating seniors to explore the history, traditions and impact of Jewish Americans through a constructed essay, supported by research, critical thinking and visits to historical Iowa landmarks. Through this unique scholarship opportunity, students can invest in civic engagement and strengthen cultural literacy skills while connecting to the rich history of our state and nation.
Each essay has a limit of 1,000 words and must be submitted digitally by April 30 for award consideration.
Please contact Administrative Consultant Stefanie Wager at stefanie.wager@iowa.gov with questions.
The Department is holding its inaugural School Bus Safety Poster Contest, with submissions due on April 17. There are four divisions, including K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and a computer-aided drawing division for any grade level. This year’s theme is “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes”, and winners for each division will receive individual recognition from the Department in May. Prints of winning posters will be made available statewide in time for National School Bus Safety Week in October.
Please visit the Iowa School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest webpage for complete details.
Spring is the perfect time to reach the students who have not yet applied or are still unsure about their postsecondary plans. The “Spring Into Your Future” Initiative provides the opportunity to support undecided students with a clear, actionable plan for the fall. Course to College schools will receive a toolkit with event planning materials and communication examples for students and caregivers, as well as event resources for college applications, FAFSA completion, scholarship workshops and financial aid award letter reviews. Schools are encouraged to consider hosting events between March 23 and April 24. If your school is not yet registered for Course to College, learn more and register on our Course to College webpage.
Please contact Community Engagement Consultant Danielle Sampson at danielle.sampson@iowa.gov with questions.
The Bureau of Community Colleges recently released the annual Community College Tuition and Fees Report for Fiscal Year 2026. New to the report this year is a table detailing concurrent enrollment tuition information by college (Table 4 on page 10), which will be included in this annual report moving forward. Annual reports are posted on the Department’s Higher Education and Postsecondary Readiness Reports webpage.
Please contact Administrative Consultant Kayli Sampson at kayli.sampson@iowa.gov with questions.
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The Department and the Governor’s School Safety Bureau are asking schools to update their Safe+Sound school safety contact to ensure a current contact is on file so your school is able to receive tip information immediately after being vetted.
Launched in March 2023 by the Governor’s School Safety Bureau (GSSB), Safe+Sound Iowa is a free, anonymous school safety reporting tool. In the past 36 months, over 1,000 tips via the Safe+Sound system have been received, leading to prevention, counseling, and law enforcement action when necessary. All districts can receive anonymous tips, even if not actively participating in the program. Establishing a clear point of contact ensures GSSB can quickly connect schools with tips that can often be handled internally.
Please update your Safe+Sound Iowa Threat Reporting App Contact or contact School Safety Consultant DeAnne Sesker at deanne.sesker@iowa.gov with questions.
Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards: Following its first revision team, public comment survey, public forums, and second review team, the Department is presenting the second proposed revised draft Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (IQPPS) to the State Board of Education at its April 16, 2026, meeting.
Iowa Early Learning Standards Standards: Following its first revision team, public comment survey, and public forums, the Department is now convening the second review team to consider feedback from the public comment survey and public forums and an online survey to make additional revisions to the Iowa Early Learning Standards (IELS) considered in a second proposed revised draft presented to the Iowa State Board of Education.
Computer Science, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence Standards: The first revision team’s work on the Computer Science, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence (CS/DS/AI) Standards will conclude in April. The Department will seek public input on the proposed changes through a public comment survey and public forums and will convene a second review team prior to presenting a second proposed revised draft to the Iowa State Board of Education for consideration.
Science Standards Implementation Supports: The Department recently released the final video in a four-part series designed to support science educators in implementing the 2025 Iowa Academic Standards for Science. The series includes: (1) Introduction to the 2025 Iowa Academic Standards for Science; (2) Sensemaking of Relevant Phenomena in a Science Classroom; (3) Elementary Science: Why it Matters; and (4) Science Standards: Where Learning Matters. The videos are available in the resources section of the Professional Learning for Science Educators webpage and on the Department’s YouTube page.
Please contact Bureau Chief Kimberly Villotti at kimberly.villotti@iowa.gov with questions regarding IQPPS and IELS.
Please contact Consultant Michelle Meier at michelle.meier@iowa.gov with questions related to CS/DS/AI Standards.
Please contact Consultant Chris Like at chris.like@iowa.gov with questions related to Science Standards implementation support.
Many districts received requests for documentation regarding proof that the district met its statutory requirements to complete school bus evacuation drills and instruct students in safe riding practices. The Department will continue to implement a regular cycle of reviewing related documentation. As a reminder, each student who is transported in district vehicles is:
- Required to be instructed in safe riding practices, and
- Participate in a school bus evacuation twice annually.
Note: This includes all students who are transported throughout the year and not just students who ride regular bus routes, but also students who participate in activities as well as field trips.
Please contact Tom Simpson at tom.simpson@iowa.gov with questions.
ESEA Programs balance reports for the second quarter claims were sent to superintendents the week of February 23rd. Please review to ensure reported balances align with local budgets and that funds are on track to be utilized as planned.
Please contact Administrative Consultant Jina Brinks at jina.brinks@iowa.gov with questions.
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 Visit and subscribe to the Annual Notices and Deadlines Calendar for a list of state and federal notices and deadlines for all public and nonpublic schools.
(Revised 7-1-25)
It is the policy of the Iowa Department of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, political party affiliation, or actual or potential parental, family or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code sections 216.9 and 256.10(2), Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C.§§ 1681 – 1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.). If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy by the Iowa Department of Education, please contact the legal counsel for the Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0146, telephone number: 515-281-5295, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, telephone number: 303-844-5695, TDD number: 800-877-8339, email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov
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