DES MOINES, Iowa — Gov. Kim Reynolds shared in her 2024 Condition of the State address her mission to focus on Area Education Agencies — AEAs — and the education of students with disabilities.
Since her initial plan, Reynolds has amended her proposal to revamp the program. The latest version of the bill is currently at a standstill in the Legislature, as it didn't make it past subcommittee. As talks continue, families who receive this help are kept on their toes, too.
The governor's proposal would stop funding AEAs directly by allowing districts to be in charge of where they contract their special education services. Heartland Area Education Agency Director Dr. Cindy Yelick shares they have been busy speaking with lawmakers about this legislation.
"We have had direct conversation with several legislators both in the House and the Senate, both formally at the capitol, through forum, legislative forums across the state," Yelick said.
The agency was formed in the 1970s with the mission to provide equity of services across the state. Yelick is worried the bill would impact their ability to uphold that mission.
"A major concern for us is that if the system is fundamentally changed to a fee-for-service model, that it would not provide the same access of services across the state," Yelick told Local 5.
It's a mission that serves the bustling household of five AJ and Noah Putz are living with disabilities. Their mother Leann relies on the AEA program for support in their home and in the classroom.
"Having the AEA in place to be able to help us in the classroom has, it's really taken a lot of worry and really work off of our plates. We both work full time. You know, they get to know our children really well. They get to know what works and what doesn't, they listen to our input," Leann Putz said.
Putz notes the commitment and resources provided by the AEA have ensured her boys receive the education they deserve.
"We have all of our AEA staff, with OT and PT, gosh, psychology and speech-language pathology. They've all been really instrumental in our boys' education."
As far as the legislative decisions, Yelick wants legislators to lean on Iowans who are affected.
"The conversation really needs to be centered on what is best for Iowa kids. That's where we need the conversation to be directed and for us to make the best decision we can for all learners in our state," she said.
As for the Putz family, they hope legislators don't rush the decision-making process.
"We've had this agency in place for 50 years. Let's not rush to just overhaul the whole thing and then," she said.
As far as the next steps for House Study Bill 542, the Iowa Legislature says conversations will be tabled until a meeting later this month.
Reynolds is having difficulty drumming up support among her own party, as some House Republicans are against this bill. Republican Speaker of the House Pat Grassley anounced that House Republicans have an AEA reform bill in the works.
On the other side of the aisle, Iowa House Democratic Leader Rep. Jennifer Konfirst hopes this bill doesn't make it out of funnel, as there are other education bills legislatures should be focused on.
"Whether it's the governor or the speaker writing an AEA proposal, it's still one that an out-of-state company recommended and not one that is solving a problem that Iowans have brought to our attention. So I'd rather we focus on things like funding public education, making sure kids eat in the summer, things like that," Konfirst said.
Reynolds' office said in a statement:
"Conversations continue with legislators, parents, teachers, and superintendents on how to improve special education in Iowa. since day one, the governor has been focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities and supporting our educators - things everyone agrees should be addressed."