State board adopts phased change to Perkins CTE funding split, directing department to seek federal approval for interim formula
December 05, 2025 | Education, Iowa Department of (IDOE), Executive, Iowa
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The State Board of Education directed department staff to seek a formal amendment to Iowa's Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) state plan, adopting a phased approach to the secondary/postsecondary funding split.
Department staff presented background on the evolution of Perkins funding formulas, national comparisons, and three alternative allocation formulas. The department had recommended a 60/40 secondary/postsecondary split for fiscal years 2027'29 but also proposed a hybrid (about 55/45) as a compromise option.
Board members engaged in extended discussion about program costs, concurrent enrollment, regional equity and rural needs, and the difficulty of capturing operational cost data for CTE programs. Several members warned that shifting funds might destabilize existing community college programs that host expensive equipment and regional academies; others argued the board should prioritize secondary accountability indicators and work-based learning objectives.
An initial motion to maintain the already-approved 60/40 status quo was defeated in roll-call vote. Brian (board member) moved a substitute that the department seek USDE approval to implement Option 3 (approximately 54.7% secondary / 45.3% postsecondary) for the next two years, with the plan moving to 60/40 in the final year of the current state plan cycle; the motion also directed staff to pursue the amendment with the US Department of Education. That motion carried by roll call.
Department staff explained that any amendment would be subject to USDE review and public comment (at least 30 days) and that timelines should be clarified quickly so local recipients can budget for the next fiscal year. The board's decision changes how the department will allocate the 85% of Perkins funds distributed to recipients under the state plan and aims to balance state accountability priorities with institutional capacity across Iowa.
Department staff presented background on the evolution of Perkins funding formulas, national comparisons, and three alternative allocation formulas. The department had recommended a 60/40 secondary/postsecondary split for fiscal years 2027'29 but also proposed a hybrid (about 55/45) as a compromise option.
Board members engaged in extended discussion about program costs, concurrent enrollment, regional equity and rural needs, and the difficulty of capturing operational cost data for CTE programs. Several members warned that shifting funds might destabilize existing community college programs that host expensive equipment and regional academies; others argued the board should prioritize secondary accountability indicators and work-based learning objectives.
An initial motion to maintain the already-approved 60/40 status quo was defeated in roll-call vote. Brian (board member) moved a substitute that the department seek USDE approval to implement Option 3 (approximately 54.7% secondary / 45.3% postsecondary) for the next two years, with the plan moving to 60/40 in the final year of the current state plan cycle; the motion also directed staff to pursue the amendment with the US Department of Education. That motion carried by roll call.
Department staff explained that any amendment would be subject to USDE review and public comment (at least 30 days) and that timelines should be clarified quickly so local recipients can budget for the next fiscal year. The board's decision changes how the department will allocate the 85% of Perkins funds distributed to recipients under the state plan and aims to balance state accountability priorities with institutional capacity across Iowa.
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