What changed in HF 2612

22 passages reworded, 123 added and 2 removed; 30 of 177 unchanged.

Removed AddedIntroduced textText as passedAmendments

Compares wording only. The printed bills also mark changes to existing law with strikes and underlines, which aren’t shown here.

DIVISION I DIVISION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Section 1. Section 256B.3, 256.9, Code 2024, is amended by adding the following new subsection:

NEW SUBSECTION.

NEW SUBSECTION. 15A. Beginning July 1, 2025, oversee the operation of each area education agency to ensure the area education agency complies with all applicable federal and state laws related to special education.

36. Develop and distribute to school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and area education agencies a list of evidence-based professional development services that an area education agency may provide to a public school or accredited nonpublic school pursuant to section 273.2, subsection 3, paragraph “b”.

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2. Section 256B.3, Code 2024, is amended by adding the following new subsections:

NEW SUBSECTION. 15A. Beginning July 1, 2024, oversee the operation of each area education agency to ensure the area education agency complies with all applicable federal and state laws related to special education.

NEW SUBSECTION. 15B. Develop and distribute to school districts and accredited nonpublic schools a process to facilitate the development of individualized education programs and assist individualized education program teams with decisions regarding free appropriate public education and placement for students enrolled in accredited nonpublic schools.

NEW SUBSECTION. 15C. Provide professional learning and other support materials and tools for individualized education program teams, including students, families, teacher service providers, and administrators of both school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to help such individuals understand the processes required under the federal law that are relevant to students enrolled in accredited nonpublic schools and to promote informed participation in individualized education program meetings of students enrolled in accredited nonpublic schools.

NEW SUBSECTION. 15D. Provide information to individualized education program teams and public agencies that nonpublic schools shall be considered a placement option so long as the individualized education program of a child with a disability does not require some other arrangement.

NEW SUBSECTION. 15E. Develop and distribute to school districts professional learning and other materials for meaningful consultation for representatives of area education agencies, school districts, and accredited nonpublic schools.

NEW SUBSECTION. 15F. Establish sustainable accountability and data collection systems related to special education that meet federal and state legal requirements and encourage innovative models for meeting the needs of students.

NEW SUBSECTION. 15G. Develop and distribute to school districts and accredited nonpublic schools an implementation plan related to identifying, evaluating, and promoting strategies and models for providing special education and related services with accredited nonpublic schools that improve the experiences and outcomes for students with disabilities.

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2. 3. DIVISION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION —— EMPLOYEES. From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the division of special education of the department of education shall do all of the following:

1. Devote at least thirteen full-time equivalent positions within the department of education’s location in the city of Des Moines to oversight of the area education agencies, including the accreditation of area education agencies under section 273.10.

f. At least five of the full-time equivalent positions shall be devoted to the accreditation of area education agencies.

2. Devote five Within each area education agency, devote an amount of full-time equivalent positions, as determined by the division of special education of the department of education but not to exceed forty full-time equivalent positions within in the main office aggregate, that is commensurate with the number of each students enrolled in school districts located within the area education agency agency, to ensure that the area education agency complies with all applicable federal and state laws related to special education and to review the services provided by the area education agency. agency provides. DIVISION II AREA EDUCATION AGENCIES —— GENERAL PROVISIONS

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4. Section 273.1, Code 2024, is amended to read as follows: 273.1 Intent. It is the intent of the general assembly to provide an effective, efficient, and economical means of identifying and serving children from under five years of age through grade twelve who require special education and any other children requiring special education as defined in section 256B.2; to provide for media services and other programs and services for pupils in grades kindergarten through twelve and children requiring special education as defined in section 256B.2; to provide a method of financing the programs and services; and to avoid a duplication of programs and services provided by any other school corporation in the state; and to provide services to school districts under a contract with those school districts; to improve student achievement; and to close student achievement gaps.

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3. 5. Section 273.2, subsections 1 and 1, 3, and 4, Code 2024, are amended to read as follows:

1. There are established throughout the state fifteen nine area education agencies, each of which is governed by an area education agency board of directors under the general supervision of the director, director of the department of education, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Each area education agency shall have an area education agency board of directors that shall serve in an advisory capacity. The boundaries of an area education agency shall not divide a school district. The director of the department of education shall change boundaries of area education agencies to take into account mergers of local school districts and changes in boundaries of local school districts, when necessary to maintain the policy of this chapter that a local school district shall not be a part of more than one area education agency.

3.

a. The area education agency board shall furnish educational services and programs as provided in section 273.1, this section, sections 273.3 through 273.8, and chapter 256B to the pupils enrolled in public or nonpublic schools located within its boundaries which are on the list of accredited schools pursuant to section 256.11, which request to receive such services. The programs and services provided shall be at least commensurate with programs and services existing on July 1, 1974. The programs and services provided to pupils enrolled in nonpublic schools shall be comparable to programs and services provided to pupils enrolled in public schools within constitutional guidelines.

b. The area education agencies agency may furnish evidence-based professional development services to public or nonpublic schools located within its boundaries which are on the list of accredited schools pursuant to section 256.11, subject to the approval of the director 256.11 if any of the department of education. following requirements are satisfied:

(1) The professional development service is included on the list developed by the director of the department of education pursuant to section 256.9, subsection 36.

(2) The director of the department of education grants approval to the area education agency to furnish the evidence-based professional development services.

4. The area education agency board shall provide for special education services and media services for the local school districts in the area and shall encourage and assist school districts in the area to establish programs for gifted and talented children. The board area education agency shall assist in facilitating interlibrary loans of materials between school districts and other libraries.

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6. Section 273.2, Code 2024, is amended by adding the following new subsections:

NEW SUBSECTION. 4A.

a. The area education agency may furnish services under subsection 3 or 4 to public or nonpublic schools located within its boundaries, or within the boundaries of a contiguous area education agency, which are on the list of accredited schools pursuant to section 256.11.

b. Notwithstanding paragraph “a”, the area education agency may furnish services under subsection 3 or 4 to a public school located within the boundaries of an area education agency that is not contiguous if the school district shares a superintendent with another school district, pursuant to section 257.11, subsection 5, that receives services from the area education agency pursuant to paragraph “a”.

NEW SUBSECTION.

12. The area education agency shall charge reasonable costs that are consistent with current market rates for the educational services, special education services, professional development services, and media services established by the area education agency.

NEW SUBSECTION.

13. The area education agency shall provide an annual report by January 1 of each year to the department of education, and to public schools and nonpublic schools located within the area education agency’s boundaries which are on the list of accredited schools pursuant to section 256.11, a detailed description of the educational services, special education programs and services, professional development services, and media services that the area education agency provides, and the cost associated with purchasing such programs and services from the area education agency.

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4. Section 273.3, subsections 1, 11, and 12, Code 2024, are amended to read as follows:

7. Section 273.3, Code 2024, is amended to read as follows: 273.3 Duties and powers of area education agency board —— additional powers of area education agencies. The board in carrying out the provisions of section 273.2 shall:

1. Determine the policies of Advise and consult with the area education agency on policies and procedures for providing programs and services.

2. Be authorized to receive and expend money for providing programs and services as provided in sections 273.1, 273.2, this section, sections 273.4 through 273.8, and chapters 256B and 257. All costs incurred in providing the programs and services, including administrative costs, shall be paid from funds received pursuant to sections 273.1, 273.2, this section, sections 273.4 through 273.8, and chapters 256B and 257.

3. Provide data and prepare reports as directed by the director of the department of education.

4. Provide for advisory committees as deemed necessary.

5. Be Area education agencies are authorized, subject to rules of the state board of education, to provide directly or by contractual arrangement with public or private agencies for special education programs and services, media services, and educational programs and services requested by the local boards of education as provided in this chapter, including but not limited to contracts for the area education agency to provide programs or services to the local school districts and contracts for local school districts, other educational agencies, and public and private agencies to provide programs and services to the local school districts in the area education agency in lieu of the area education agency providing the services. Contracts may be made with public or private agencies located outside the state if the programs and services comply with the rules of the state board. Rules adopted by the state board of education shall be consistent with rules, adopted by the board of educational examiners, relating to licensing of practitioners.

6. Area education agencies may cooperate and contract between themselves and with other public agencies to provide special education programs and services, media services, and educational services to schools and children residing within their respective areas. Area education agencies may provide print and nonprint materials to public and private colleges and universities that have teacher education programs approved by the state board of education.

7. Be Area education agencies are authorized to lease, purchase, or lease-purchase, subject to the approval of the state board of education or its designee and to receive by gift and operate and maintain facilities and buildings necessary to provide authorized programs and services. However, a lease for less than ten years and with an annual cost of less than the amount stated in section 26.3, subsection 1, does not require the approval of the state board. The state board shall not approve a lease, purchase, or lease-purchase until the state board is satisfied by investigation that public school corporations within the area do not have suitable facilities available. A purchase of property that is not a lease-purchase may be made only within two years of a disaster as defined in section 29C.2, subsection 4, and subject to the requirements of this subsection.

8. Be Area education agencies are authorized, subject to the approval of the director of the department of education, to enter into agreements for the joint use of personnel, buildings, facilities, supplies, and equipment with school corporations as deemed necessary to provide authorized programs and services.

9. Be Area education agencies are authorized to make application for, accept, and expend state and federal funds that are available for programs of educational benefit approved by the director of the department of education, and cooperate with the department in the manner provided in federal-state plans or department rules in the effectuation and administration of programs approved by the director, or approved by other educational agencies, which agencies have been approved as state educational authorities.

10. Be authorized to perform all other acts necessary to carry out the provisions and intent of this chapter.

11. Employ personnel to carry out the functions of the area education agency which shall include the employment of an administrator who shall possess a license issued under chapter 256, subchapter VII, part 3 by the board of educational examiners and, beginning July 1, 2025, either a teaching license with a special education endorsement or a special education support personnel authorization. 3. The administrator shall be employed pursuant to section 279.20 and sections 279.23, 279.24, and 279.25. The salary for an area education agency administrator shall be established by the board based upon the previous experience and education of the administrator; provided, however, that the salary for an area education agency administrator shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five percent of the average salary of all superintendents of the school districts that are located within the boundaries of the area education agency. agency at the time the employment agreement is entered into or renewed between an area education agency and an area education agency administrator. Section 279.13 applies to the area education agency board and to all teachers employed by the area education agency. Sections 279.23, 279.24, and 279.25 apply to the area education board and to all administrators employed by the area education agency. Section 279.69 applies to the area education agency board and employees of the board, including part-time, substitute, or contract employees, who provide services to a school or school district.

12. Prepare Area education agencies shall prepare an annual budget estimating income and expenditures for programs and services as provided in sections 273.1, 273.2, this section, sections 273.4 through 273.8, and chapter 256B within the limits of funds provided under section 256B.9 and chapter 257. The board shall post notice of a public hearing on submit the proposed budget on the area education agency’s internet site and by publication in the newspaper of general circulation in the territory of the area education agency in which the principal place of business of a school district that is a part of the area education agency is located to the director of the department of education for approval not later than March 1 of each year. located. The notice shall specify the date, which shall be not later than March 1 of each year, the time, and the location of the public hearing. hearing submit the proposed budget to the director of the department of education for approval not later than March 1 of each year, and the director shall either approve or reject the proposed budget for changes within ten days after submission. The proposed budget as approved by the board director of the department of education shall then be submitted to the state board of education, on forms provided by the department, no later than March 15 preceding the next fiscal year for approval. The state board shall review the proposed budget of each area education agency and shall before May 1, either grant approval or return the budget without approval with comments of the state board included. An unapproved budget shall be resubmitted to the state board for final approval not later than May 15. The state board shall give final approval only to budgets submitted by area education agencies accredited by the state board or that have been given conditional accreditation by the state board.

13. Be authorized to pay, out of funds available to the board reasonable annual dues to an Iowa association of school boards. Membership shall be limited to those duly elected members of the area education agency board.

14.

a. The board may establish a plan, in accordance with section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, as defined in section 422.3, for employees, which plan shall consist of one or more investment contracts, on a group or individual basis, acquired from a company, or a salesperson for that company, that is authorized to do business in this state.

b. The selection of investment contracts to be included within the plan established by the board shall be made either pursuant to a competitive bidding process conducted by the board, in coordination with employee organizations representing employees eligible to participate in the plan, or pursuant to an agreement with the department of administrative services to make available investment contracts included in a deferred compensation or similar plan established by the department pursuant to section 8A.438, which plan meets the requirements of this subsection. The determination of whether to select investment contracts for the plan pursuant to a competitive bidding process or by agreement with the department of administrative services shall be made by agreement between the board and the employee organizations representing employees eligible to participate in the plan.

c. The board may make elective deferrals in accordance with the plan as authorized by an eligible employee for the purpose of making contributions to the investment contract on behalf of the employee. The deferrals shall be made in the manner which will qualify contributions to the investment contract for the benefits under section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, as defined in section 422.3. In addition, the board may make nonelective employer contributions to the plan.

d. As used in this subsection, unless the context otherwise requires, “investment contract” shall mean a custodial account utilizing mutual funds or an annuity contract which meets the requirements of section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, as defined in section 422.3.

15. Be authorized to establish and pay all or any part of the cost of group health insurance plans, nonprofit group medical service plans and group life insurance plans adopted by the board for the benefit of employees of the area education agency, from funds available to the board.

16. Meet at least annually with the members of the boards of directors of the merged areas in which the area education agency is located to discuss coordination of programs and services and other matters of mutual interest to the boards.

17. Be authorized to issue warrants and anticipatory warrants pursuant to chapter 74. The applicable rate of interest shall be determined pursuant to sections 74A.2, 74A.3, and 74A.7. This subsection shall not be construed to authorize a board to levy a tax.

18. Be authorized to issue school credit cards allowing area education agency employees to pay for the actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of work-related duties.

19. Pursuant to rules adopted by the state board of education, be authorized to charge user fees for certain materials and services that are not required by law or by rules of the state board of education and are specifically requested by a school district or accredited nonpublic school.

20. Be authorized to purchase equipment as provided in section 279.48.

21. Be authorized to sell, lease, or dispose of, in whole or in part, property belonging to the area education agency. Before the area education agency may sell property belonging to the agency, the board of directors shall comply with the requirements set forth in section 297.22. Before the board of directors of an area education agency may lease property belonging to the agency, the board shall obtain the approval of the director of the department of education.

22. Meet annually with the members of the boards of directors of the school districts located within its boundaries if requested by the school district boards.

23. By October 1 of each year, submit to the department of education the following information:

a. The contracted salary including bonus wages and benefits, annuity payments, or any other benefit for the administrators of the area education agency.

b. The contracted salary and benefits and any other expenses related to support for governmental affairs efforts, including expenditures for lobbyists and lobbying activities for the area education agency.

24. Be authorized to sell software and support services, professional development programs and materials, online professional development, and online training to entities other than school districts within the state and to school districts and other public agencies located outside of the state. The board may also sell to school districts within this state software and support services, professional development programs and materials, online professional development, and online training which the area education agency is not otherwise required to provide to a school district under this chapter or chapter 256B or 257.

25. Require, by July 1, 2024, any person employed by the area education agency who holds a license, certificate, statement of recognition, or authorization other than a coaching authorization, issued by the board of educational examiners under chapter 256, subchapter VII, part 3, to complete the Iowa reading research center dyslexia overview module. Such persons employed after July 1, 2024, shall complete the module within one year of the employee’s initial date of hire.

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8. Section 273.3, Code 2024, is amended by adding the following new subsection:

NEW SUBSECTION.

26. On a quarterly basis, the area education agency shall prepare and submit to each school district that receives services from the area education agency a report that includes all of the following:

a. A monetary accounting of payments the area education agency received from the school district, including payments under section 257.35.

b. A description of all of the following:

(1) The special education services provided by the area education agency to the school district.

(2) The services provided by the area education agency under part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(3) The services provided by the area education agency that are related to the child find process for special education.

(4) The services provided by the area education agency to accredited nonpublic schools and charter schools.

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9. Section 273.5, unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 2024, is amended to read as follows: There shall be established a division of special education of the area education agency which shall provide for special education programs and services to the local school districts. The division of special education shall be headed by a director of special education who meets certification standards of the department of education. The director of special education shall be an employee of the division of special education of the department of education. The director of special education shall not be an employee of the area education agency, shall not receive compensation from the area education agency, shall not supervise or manage employees of the area education agency, and shall not directly provide special education services for the agency. The director of special education’s primary job duties and responsibilities to the area education agency are to provide oversight of the area education agency’s special education services. The director of special education shall also have the responsibility for implementation of state regulations and guidelines relating to special education programs and services. The director of special education shall have the following powers and duties:

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5. 10. Section 273.10, 273.8, subsection 6, 1, Code 2024, is amended to read as follows:

1. Board of directors.

a. The board of directors of an area education agency shall consist of not less than five nor more than nine members, each a resident of and elected in the manner provided in this section from a director district that is approximately equal in population to the other director districts in the area education agency. Each director shall serve a four-year term which commences at the organization meeting.

b. Five members of the board of directors of an area education agency must be residents of and elected in the manner provided in this section from a director district that is approximately equal in population to the other director districts in the area education agency.

c. Four members of the board of directors of an area education agency must be appointed by the majority vote of the superintendents of school districts located within the boundaries of the area education agency. A member appointed pursuant to this paragraph must be a superintendent of a school district located within the boundaries of the area education agency; provided, however, that a superintendent appointed pursuant to this paragraph may designate any individual to serve for all, or the remainder of, the superintendent’s term.

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11. Section 273.8, subsection 2, paragraphs c and d, Code 2024, are amended to read as follows:

c. The board of each separate school district that is located entirely or partially inside an area education agency director district shall cast a vote for director of the area education agency board described in subsection 1, paragraph “b”, based upon the ratio that the population of the school district, or portion of the school district, in the director district bears to the total population in the director district. The population of each school district or portion shall be determined by the department of education. The member of the area education agency board described in subsection 1, paragraph “b”, to be elected may be a member of a local school district board of directors and shall be an elector and a resident of the director district, but shall not be a school district employee.

d.

(1) Vacancies A vacancy, as defined in section 277.29, in the a membership position of the area education agency board described in subsection 1, paragraph “b”, shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term at a director district convention called and conducted in the manner provided in subsection 3.

(2) A vacancy, as defined in section 277.29, in a membership position of the area education agency board described in subsection 1, paragraph “c”, shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by an individual who is appointed by the majority vote of the superintendents of school districts located within the boundaries of the area education agency.

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12. Section 273.8, subsection 3, Code 2024, is amended to read as follows:

3. Director district convention. If no candidate files with the area education agency secretary by the deadline specified in subsection 2, or a vacancy occurs, or if otherwise required as provided in section 273.23, subsection 3, a director district convention, attended by members of the boards of directors of the local school districts located within the director district, shall be called to elect a board member described in subsection 1, paragraph “b”, for that director district. The convention location shall be determined by the area education agency administrator. Notice of the time, date, and place of a director district convention shall be published by the area education agency administrator in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the director district at least thirty days prior to the day of the convention. The cost of publication shall be paid by the area education agency. A candidate for election to the area education agency board shall file a statement of candidacy with the area education agency secretary at least ten days prior to the date of the director district convention on forms prescribed by the department of education, or nominations may be made at the convention by a delegate from a board of directors of a school district located within the director district. A statement of candidacy shall include the candidate’s name, address, and school district. Delegates to director district conventions shall not be bound by a school board or any school board member to pledge their votes to any candidate prior to the date of the convention.

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13. Section 273.10, subsection 6, Code 2024, is amended to read as follows:

6.

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6. 14. Section 273.11, Code 2024, is amended to read as follows: 273.11 Standards for accrediting area education programs.

1. The state board of education, in consultation with the division of special education of the department of education, shall develop standards and rules for the accreditation of area education agencies. Standards shall be general in nature, but at a minimum shall identify requirements addressing the services provided by each division, as well as identifying indicators of quality that will permit area education agencies, school districts, the division of special education of the department of education, and the general public to judge accurately the effectiveness of area education agency services.

2. Standards developed shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Support for school-community planning, including a means of assessing needs, developing collaborative relationships among community agencies, establishing shared direction, and implementing program plans and reporting progress toward goals for all students, including students with disabilities.

b. Professional Evidence-based professional development programs that respond to current needs.

c. Support for curriculum development, instruction, and assessment for services that address the areas of reading, language arts, math, and science, using research-based methodologies, for all students, including students with disabilities.

d. Special education compliance and support.

g. Support for school technology planning and staff development for implementing instructional technologies.

h. A program and services evaluation and reporting system that includes information related to special education.

i. Support for school district libraries in accordance with section 273.2, subsection 4.

j. Support for early childhood service coordination for families and children, age birth through three years, to meet health, safety, and learning needs, including service coordination.

k. Timely submission of required reports and documents to the state board of education, the department of education, and the division of special education of the department of education.

k. l. Support for schools and school districts in analyzing student achievement data related to the learning environment, comparing data to the external knowledge base, and using that information to guide schools and school districts in setting goals and implementing actions to improve student learning for all students, including students with disabilities.

l. m. Support for addressing the diverse learning needs of all children and youths, including children and youths with disabilities who are eligible for special education, including education through services that include direct services to students with disabilities.

m. n. Support for schools and school districts to ensure compliance with rules adopted by the state board of education related to special education.

n. o. Support necessary to implement effective instruction for all students, including students with disabilities disabilities, through school technology services.

o. p. Support for students using educational programs and services in a manner that is consistent with the educational standards established pursuant to section 256.11.

p. q. Support for staff development and adult learners utilizing evidence-based professional development in a manner that meets the professional needs of staff and adult learners consistent with standards adopted by the state board of education.

q. r. Compliance with all relevant federal and state laws in the provision of services and supports to students with disabilities.

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15. Section 284.6, subsection 10, Code 2024, is amended to read as follows:

10. If funds are allocated for purposes of professional development pursuant to section 284.13, subsection 1, paragraph “c”, the department shall, in collaboration with the area education agencies, establish teacher development academies for public and nonpublic school-based teams of teachers and instructional leaders. Each academy shall include an institute and shall provide follow-up training and coaching.

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7. 16. AREA EDUCATION AGENCY —— TASK FORCE.

1. The legislative council shall convene an area education agency task force that shall do all of the following:

a. Study and make recommendations related to how to improve the outcomes of students who utilize services provided by area education agencies.

b. Study and make recommendations related to the amount of compensation paid to administrators employed by area education agencies, core services provided by area education agencies, and how to best fund the following services provided by area education agencies:

(1) Crisis response services.

(2) Media services for nonpublic schools.

(3) Professional development services.

(4) Cooperative purchasing.

(5) Services associated with regional planning partnerships.

(6) Services associated with the federal Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, codified at 20 U.S.C. §2301 et seq., as amended.

(7) Services associated with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, Pub. L. No. 114-95.

(8) Services provided in conjunction with special education equipment.

c. Study and make recommendations related to all of the following:

(1) The real property and facilities utilized by each area education agency.

(2) The media services, educational services, and special education services provided by each area education agency.

(3) What services area education agencies should provide.

(4) Current accountability measures applicable to area education agencies.

(5) The special education services provided by the division of special education of the department of education, area education agencies, and school districts.

(6) The overall organizational structure that determines how special education services are provided to students in this state.

(7) How the operation of area education agencies is overseen.

(8) The accreditation standards related to area education agencies.

(9) A timeline for modifications to the staffing numbers of area education agencies and the transition of responsibilities related to the oversight of area education agencies.

2.

a. The task force shall consist of the following voting members who are appointed by the legislative council to represent different geographical regions of this state:

(1) One special education teacher who is employed by a school district with a total enrollment of greater than or equal to one thousand students.

(2) One special education teacher who is employed by a school district with a total enrollment of less than one thousand students.

(3) One superintendent who is employed by a school district with a total enrollment of greater than or equal to one thousand students.

(4) One superintendent who is employed by a school district with a total enrollment of less than one thousand students.

(5) One teacher who is employed by a school district and who does not provide special education programs or services.

(6) One parent or guardian of a student who has an individualized education program.

(7) One parent or guardian of a student who has a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. §794.

(8) One president or chief executive officer of an accredited nonpublic school.

b. The task force shall also consist of the following voting members:

(1) One member to be appointed by the governor.

(2) One member to be appointed by the director of the department of education.

(3) One member who is the chief administrator of the heartland area education agency.

c. The task force shall also consist of the following ex officio, nonvoting members of the general assembly:

(1) Two state senators appointed by the majority leader of the senate.

(2) One state senator appointed by the minority leader of the senate.