A selected summary is provided of the Iowa state legislation relating to area schools and standards for area community colleges and vocational schools. Part I contains the specific chapters (280A and 286A) of the Code of Iowa that pertain to area vocational schools and community colleges. Chapter 280A deals with the division of the school and county system; the methods for merging county schools systems; the process of formulation, investigation, submission, and approval of plans for merging school areas; the role of state boards, governing boards, and directors of merged areas; the election of boards of directors of merged areas; the status of merged areas; budgeting, funding, and acquisition of property by merged areas; the authority of area directors; powers of the state board; the prohibition on certain uses of funds; and the uses of an additional tax-cash reserve fund. Chapter 286A covers general aid to schools, resource allocation, and a uniform accounting system. Part II contains standards for area community colleges and vocational schools as set forth in Chapter 670 of the Iowa Administrative Code, as well as recommended guidelines covering administration, faculty, curriculum and evaluation, libraries, student services, facilities, physical plant, building and site approval, regional accreditation, and methods of disbursing funds. Appendices include state policies, by-laws, and rules and agreements relevant to area schools. (HB)