DES MOINES, Iowa — State lawmakers met on Tuesday to discuss legislation that may re-design area education agencies.
House Study Bill 542 is the legislation lawmakers proposed that would give the Department of Education oversight over the nine AEAs in the state.
During Governor Kim Reynold’s Condition of the State Address, she outlined a plan to reform the performance metrics for students with disabilities.
She said the funding levels for special education are already higher in Iowa than the national average. Therefore, she turned to the AEAs, who are providing special education services in the state.
Her plan would restore special education funding to schools, but would eliminate media support, crisis response, and mental health support services and funding.
Cindy Yelick is the Chief Administrator for Heartland Education, the AEA that oversees Des Moines and surrounding areas in Central Iowa.
She said that the proposed plan is concerning to her because it can have major impacts on resources available to schools, especially in rural areas.
“It would …