Dear Panthers~
The legislative session began last week, and Governor Reynolds presented her Condition of the State address last Tuesday. Recently released HSB 542 includes sweeping changes to Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) that would be effective prior to July 1, 2024. Schools will not be able to adequately prepare for these changes. These changes will negatively impact rural schools, including Knoxville, the most.
From a local perspective, we support taking time to do an honest evaluation of all components of the AEA system and then working collaboratively with them to modernize structures and services that maintain the critical services for all Iowa students while being responsive to Iowa taxpayers and maintaining some local control. The AEA crisis response team, mental health services, professional development and training supports, technology assistance, and special education services have all been invaluable to us in recent years. The governor’s proposed bill would eliminate all of these areas except special education. The state currently provides funds for all of these areas but would only provide schools with the special education portion in the future. Above is a chart of AEA services to demonstrate the impact of this proposed bill. Click on the graphic to enlarge it.
Currently, the Department of Education (DE) Director is appointed by the governor. The new bill gives the DE Director immense authority over many things that are currently controlled by locally elected board members.
I agree with the governor that no agency or organization should be on autopilot--the world is quickly changing, and it is prudent to constantly be collecting viable data and adapting our systems. Making new laws without studying the impact, though, will likely be devastating for our educational system in Iowa.
Yours in education~
Cassi Pearson, Superintendent
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