Gearing Up for Session: Iowa’s AEAs’ Legislative Priorities for the 2020 Iowa Legislative Session

Each individual AEA Board of Directors in the AEA system has approved these legislative priorities this fall. 

This year our system is advocating for financial support and policies that provide critical services for Iowa students, including student behavior, mental health, and well-being, as well as access to equitable supports across Iowa’s AEAs. We believe a solid foundation in these areas will position Iowa students for a life well-lived. We will be working with legislators to understand the impact of these priorities on our work with local school districts, families and educators.



PRIORITY: Well-being

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) are committed to supporting schools in promoting healthy learning environments that address the social, emotional, behavioral and mental health needs of students. Iowa’s AEAs can ensure that services are aligned equitably to every student, in every county, and every school. 

PRIORITY: Future Ready

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies can support a Future Ready vision for every child, in every county, in every Iowa school.  Our agency is equipped to support teachers and districts with access to resources like the Work-Based Clearinghouse and ready them to embrace performance and work-based learning opportunities. 

PRIORITY: Updated and Equitable Funding

Just as school districts operate at different funding levels, the same funding challenge is hindering the effectiveness of the Iowa AEA system. The current funding formula for the AEAs was established by the Iowa legislature in 1974 and needs to be updated to reflect per pupil inequities and changes in student populations. 

PRIORITY: Supplemental State Aid (SSA)

To truly provide the children of our state with the education they deserve, we have to move beyond the rhetoric about world-class education and fund education appropriately. 

PRIORITY: Fully Funding Iowa’s Area Education Agencies

For many years the Department of Management has reduced the annual appropriation designated to the AEA system. This shortfall has been in place since 2002 and is impacting service delivery for Iowa’s students. 

Any staff with questions about these priorities is encouraged to reach out to Chief Administrator Jon Sheldahl.