AEA amendment passes in Iowa Senate; bill heads to Gov. Reynolds’ desk
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Area Education Agency reform is on the verge of becoming a reality. In a 30-18 vote, Iowa Senators passed an amendment to HF2612 that was previously passed by the Iowa House.
DOCUMENT: HF 2612
The amendment increases salaries for beginning teachers. This year, it would raise the new teacher’s minimum salary to $47,500 and for veteran teachers with 12 years of experience increase to $60,000. Next year, starting teacher pay would increase to $50,000 and 12-year veterans would make a minimum of $62,000.
The amendment includes $14 million in funding for education support personnel such as paraprofessionals.
The amendment brings changes to multiple aspects of Area Education Agency, or AEA, funding.
For special education, there is no change from the current model for the upcoming school year. School districts would be required to use AEAs for all special ed funds. Next year, special ed funds would be sent to districts, who must send 90% of that funding to AEAs. The remaining 10% can be kept within the district if they choose to do so.
For media and education services funds, districts would get more flexibility immediately. AEAs would get 40% of these funds while the district can use the remaining 60% at their discretion. For the 2025-2026 school year, districts get 100% control of the funds.
In a statement, Governor Reynolds stated:
“Today’s vote by the Senate sends a strong message: every Iowa student deserves a world-class education, and the compensation of every Iowa teacher should reflect the importance of their role.
“Over the last several weeks, this bill has been the focus of much discussion and debate. Change is seldom easy, but it is necessary to achieve better results. Reforming the AEA system creates accountability, transparency, consistency, and most importantly, better outcomes for all Iowa’s students.
“I want to thank Senate leadership, as well as the education committee members and legislators who worked to keep the conversation moving forward. I also want to express my deep appreciation to the school district superintendents, administrators, teachers, board members and others who took the time to meet with us and discuss both the challenges and opportunities the bill presented. Their insight was invaluable to reaching a compromise.
“I look forward to the work ahead to implement this bill and the possibilities it holds for Iowa’s students.”
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart also responded, saying:
“By voting to weaken Iowa’s Area Education Agencies, Republicans have put their personal political agendas and their need to appease Governor Reynolds above the Iowans they represent.
It’s time to vote for Democrats so we can create balance in the legislature, end these partisan political power plays, and make sure Iowans’ voices are heard.”
The bill will now make its way to Governor Kim Reynolds’ desk where it will be signed into law.
The Governor says she will sign it Wednesday at 1:30 pm.
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