Iowa Senate Advances AEA Reform Amid School Leaders' Protest
The Iowa Senate has approved a bill that would reform the state's Area Education Agencies (AEAs), which provide special education and other support services to K-12 schools. The legislation passed with a 28-22 vote, with dissent from six Republicans alongside Democrats. This new bill proposes a shift in funding and operational oversight of the AEAs, allowing school districts to choose annually whether to contract with AEAs or seek private services for special education, media, and general education services starting in 2025.
The bill reflects a push towards a fee-for-service model that aligns with Governor Kim Reynolds' earlier proposals. The model would require AEAs to provide services only upon a district's request, with 90% of special education funds and 60% of media and educational services budgets being redirected to school districts. The remaining funds would be retained by AEAs. This move has been met with concern that it could compromise the stability of the AEA system.
Critics of the bill have raised concerns about the potential impact on the quality and consistency of services provided to students with disabilities. The proposed changes come in response to the U.S. Department of Education's designation of Iowa as "needs assistance" under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Some advocates have called for a slower implementation and the establishment of a task force to study the AEAs and make recommendations before proceeding with reforms.
As the bill moves to the Iowa House for consideration, where a different plan that maintains AEAs as the primary provider of special education services has been proposed, a compromise between the two chambers will be necessary. The legislation also includes a provision to increase the minimum teacher salary to $46,251, which would rank Iowa 12th in the nation for average teacher pay.
