Iowa Code Title VII. Education and Cultural Affairs [Chs. 256-305B] § 257.30. School budget review committee

1. A school budget review committee is established in the department of education and consists of the director of the department of education in an ex officio, nonvoting capacity, the director of the department of management, and four members who are knowledgeable in the areas of Iowa school finance or public finance issues appointed by the governor to represent the public. At least one of the public members shall possess a master's or doctoral degree in which areas of school finance, economics, or statistics are an integral component, or shall have equivalent experience in an executive administrative or senior research position in the education or public administration field. The members appointed by the governor shall serve staggered three-year terms beginning and ending as provided in section 69.19 and are subject to senate confirmation as provided in section 2.32. The committee shall meet and hold hearings each year and shall continue in session until it has reviewed budgets of school districts, as provided in section 257.31. The committee may call in school board members and employees as necessary for the hearings. The committee's scheduled hearing agendas and the minutes of such hearings shall be posted on the department of education's internet site. Legislators shall be notified of hearings concerning school districts in their legislative districts.

2. The committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure under chapter 17A. The director of the department of education shall serve as chairperson, and the director of the department of management shall serve as secretary. The committee members representing the public are entitled to receive their necessary expenses while engaged in their official duties. Members shall be paid a per diem at the rate specified in section 7E.6. Per diem and expense payments shall be made from appropriations to the department of education.

3. The department of education shall employ a staff member to assist the school budget review committee.