HOUSE FILE 371

BY  DE BOEF

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the requirement that school districts have a qualified guidance counselor.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

   Section 1.  Section 256.11, subsection 9A, Code 2011, is amended by striking the subsection.
   Sec. 2.  Section 256.11A, subsection 1, paragraph b, Code 2011, is amended by striking the paragraph.
   Sec. 3.  Section 256.11A, subsection 2, Code 2011, is amended to read as follows:
   2.  A request for a waiver filed by the board of directors of a school district pursuant to subsection 1 shall describe actions being taken by the district to meet the requirement for which the district has requested a waiver. A school district cannot request a waiver of a requirement under subsection 1 if it met the requirements of section 256.11, subsection 9, 9A, or 9B, as applicable, in the previous school year.
   Sec. 4.  Section 257.31, subsection 5, paragraph m, Code 2011, is amended to read as follows:
   m.  The addition of one or more teacher librarians pursuant to section 256.11, subsection 9,one or more guidance counselors pursuant to section 256.11, subsection 9A, or one or more school nurses pursuant to section 256.11, subsection 9B.
EXPLANATION
   This bill strikes a requirement that a school district have a qualified guidance counselor licensed by the board of educational examiners, strikes the goal of having one qualified guidance counselor for every 350 students enrolled in a school district, strikes a provision requiring the state board of education to establish in rule a definition of and standards for an articulated sequential kindergarten through grade 12 guidance and counseling program, strikes a provision that authorizes the school budget review committee to grant supplemental aid or modified allowable growth to school districts adding one or more guidance counselors, and makes conforming changes and eliminates related out-of-date language.