A new twist in the plan to reform Iowa’s Area Education Agencies

(The Center Square) – The Iowa Senate must reconsider a bill that changes the state’s Area Education Agencies after the House of Representatives approved extensive changes.

House File 2612, as amended, requires school districts to use AEAs for special education. School districts can decide beginning on July 1, 2025 if they want to continue using AEAs for media services or go a different route.

Minimum teacher pay would increase to $50,000 over the next two years, making the starting salaries the fifth highest in the U.S., according to House Speaker Pat Grassley. The bill gradually bumps the pay for teachers with 12 years of experience to a minimum of $62,000 annually. The bill also sets aside $14 million that would give paraprofessionals a pay increase.

A task force to study special education is also part of the legislation.

Democrats accused Republicans of playing politics. Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, said they received the bill two hours before the vote on Thursday evening.

- Advertisement -

“The one thing Iowans are asking us to do is protect AEAs,” Konfrst said at a news conference. “Iowans don’t want this.”

The bill passed 51-43 and now goes back to the Senate.

Sen. Lynn Evans, R-Aurelia, who presented the bill and amendments in the Senate on Monday, said it is about giving children with disabilities the best service and education.

“Iowa is the only state that requires school to pay into an education support agency and then mandates that the schools use it,” Evans said. “The schools deserve to have more transparency and accountability for how their special education funding is spent. This bill provides them with more local control to base their spending on the unique needs of students in their districts.”

The Senate passed their version 28 to 22, with six Republicans voting against it.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds first proposed changes to AEAs in her Condition of the State address in January. She said the amended bill paves a path to strengthen Iowa’s education system.

- Advertisement -

“By reforming the AEA system, empowering school districts, and improving oversight and transparency, we are committing to better outcomes and brighter futures for Iowa’s students with disabilities,” Reynolds said. “They deserve nothing less. Equally important is ensuring our ability to attract and retain talented teachers for schools across our state. Raising minimum salaries for new and experienced teachers sends a strong message that Iowans value education and those who dedicate their careers to serving students.”

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Bill would adjust eligibility, add loan forgiveness to housing discrimination remedy

(The Center Square) – Supporters of Washington state's new...

Ohio Senate sends higher ed bill to House

(The Center Square) – A plan to ban diversity,...

Judge clears path for Trump to buy out 75,000 federal employees

(The Center Square) – A federal judge has cleared...

Illinois quick hits: United plane makes emergency landing at O’Hare

United plane makes emergency landing at O'Hare ...

After letter, Georgia State to allow pastor to share faith on campus

(The Center Square) – Georgia State University reversed its...

Democrats react to Trump policies, promise disruptions

(The Center Square) – Colorado Democrats continue to push...

Trump-endorsed candidate enters Arizona gubernatorial race

By Zachery Schmidt | The Center Square contributor ...

More like this
Related

Bill would adjust eligibility, add loan forgiveness to housing discrimination remedy

(The Center Square) – Supporters of Washington state's new...

Ohio Senate sends higher ed bill to House

(The Center Square) – A plan to ban diversity,...

Judge clears path for Trump to buy out 75,000 federal employees

(The Center Square) – A federal judge has cleared...

Illinois quick hits: United plane makes emergency landing at O’Hare

United plane makes emergency landing at O'Hare ...