The State Board of Education is the policymaking body for the department. The State Board establishes policy and adopts accreditation rules for the operation of Iowa schools, area education agencies, and community colleges. The Board is made up of nine members appointed for six-year terms by the governor, with confirmation by the Senate, and one non-voting student member.

Mission:

Our mission is to champion excellence in education through superior leadership and service. We are committed to high levels of learning, achievement and performance for all students, so they will become successful members of their community and the workforce.

Description:

Iowa's State Board of Education is made up of ten members. Nine voting members are appointed for six-year terms by the Governor, with confirmation by the Senate. The tenth member is a non-voting student, appointed for one year by the Governor. The director of the Department of Education is the executive officer of the Board.

The State Board:

• Establishes policies for the efficient and effective operation of education in Iowa, from early childhood education through community colleges
• Adopts rules for the enforcement of school laws
• Strives for higher levels of learning and achievement for all students
• Adopts long-range plans for the education system
• Acts as the State Board for Vocational Education and Vocational Rehabilitation
• Recommends changes in school laws to the General Assembly
• Adopts rules for accrediting public and nonpublic schools
• Hears appeals of local school board decisions
• Collaborates with other educational and non-educational bodies and organizations
• Approves the budgets of the community colleges and the area education agencies
• Approves educator preparation programs

Meetings:

A State Board calendar is available. Meetings are usually held on a Thursday and Friday in Des Moines, but locations may also vary around the state. All meetings are open, public and subject to the provisions of the open meetings law (Chapter 21, Code of Iowa ). .