(Greenfield) Iowa District House 23 Representative Ray Sorensen says that due to the Governor’s proposed reforms to Area Education Agencies, the AEAs have been a very hot topic this session.
Sorensen says the Governor’s office has stated that an amendment to the original bill is being proposed that shifts the control of state and federal special education funding from the AEA to local public school districts. It also allows schools to retain their share of the AEA funding for general education services. The AEAs would continue to provide all special education services, including Child Find and Early Access for children birth to three. AEA would also provide general education and media services if requested by schools and approved by the Department of Education.
He says under the Governor’s revised plan, special education oversight would shift to the Iowa Department of Education for accountability, transparency, and improved outcomes for students with disabilities.
