Iowa Bill Proposes Pilot Program for Separate Classrooms for Students with Behavioral Issues

Education leaders and disability advocates divided on proposal to address escalating student behavior problems

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Iowa legislature is considering a bill that would create a pilot program requiring two school districts to establish separate attendance centers for students who require special education and have behavioral issues. Supporters argue the measure is needed to address escalating student behavior problems, while opponents warn it could 'segregate' special education students and raise concerns about funding.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing disruptive student behavior in schools, balancing the needs of individual students with disabilities against the broader educational environment. The debate touches on issues of inclusion, funding, and the continuum of services available for students with complex behavioral and mental health needs.

The details

The bill, House File 2181, would require the Iowa Department of Education to identify a rural and urban school district to participate in a pilot program establishing separate attendance centers for eligible students. These students would require special education and have emotional, social or behavioral needs that interfere with their ability to succeed in a regular classroom, even with additional support. The program would be funded by diverting up to 48% of the state's special education funding that goes to Area Education Agencies in the first year.

  • The Senate subcommittee approved advancing the legislation for consideration by the full Senate Education Committee on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The bill will need to be approved by the Senate Education Committee by the end of this week to be eligible for further consideration this legislative session.

The players

Susie Meade

Shared chief administrator of Grant Wood Area Education Agency and chief academic officer of Heartland Area Education Agency. Meade supports the intent of the bill but opposes the proposed funding mechanism.

Sen. Lynn Evans

Republican senator from Aurelia, Iowa, who said the pilot program could address 'missing pieces' in the continuum of services for students with behavioral issues.

Sen. Molly Donahue

Democratic senator from Cedar Rapids and a behavior disorder teacher, who said the intent of the bill is good but expressed concerns about ensuring teachers have the necessary expertise to serve students with diverse needs.

Catherine Johnson

Executive director of Disability Rights Iowa, which opposes the bill, arguing it would create illegal segregation of students with disabilities.

Nathan Arnold

Deputy director of Professional Educators of Iowa, which supports the bill, stating that student behavior has 'evolved to the point where a student assaults his teacher and nothing can be done about it.'

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What they’re saying

“The behavior of some students has intensified over the years, and we in Iowa have not done a very good job of continuum of services.”

— Susie Meade, Shared chief administrator of Grant Wood Area Education Agency and chief academic officer of Heartland Area Education Agency (The Gazette)

“We've seen violent behaviors become more and more outlandish over the last few years, putting our adults in situations where we have heard reports of harm being done, not only physical, but mental to staff members. We certainly have to provide the safest environment for them as well.”

— Sen. Lynn Evans, Republican senator from Aurelia, Iowa (The Gazette)

“Mental health, conduct disorders, autism — those are very different needs. If you shove them all into a therapeutic classroom, who is that teacher and how do they have the skills to teach those different things? We need to be very mindful about who is providing these services.”

— Sen. Molly Donahue, Democratic senator from Cedar Rapids and a behavior disorder teacher (The Gazette)

“It's essentially creating segregation in public education, which violates federal law.”

— Catherine Johnson, Executive director of Disability Rights Iowa (The Gazette)

“where we are right now is beyond the point that I'm comfortable with in terms of violence, threats, disruptions, bad behaviors and things like that. It's evolved to the point where a student assaults his teacher and nothing can be done about it.”

— Nathan Arnold, Deputy director of Professional Educators of Iowa (The Gazette)

What’s next

The bill will need to be approved by the Senate Education Committee by the end of this week to be eligible for further consideration during the current legislative session.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the complex and contentious issue of addressing disruptive student behavior in schools. While supporters argue it is necessary to protect students and teachers, opponents warn it could violate federal laws and further marginalize students with disabilities. The debate underscores the need for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to supporting the diverse needs of all students.