This bill introduces significant modifications to the governance and funding structure of area education agencies (AEAs) in Iowa. It establishes a board of directors for each of the nine AEAs, replacing the previous supervisory role of the Department of Education, and streamlines the operational framework by removing several subsections from existing law. AEAs are now mandated to provide educational services to both public and nonpublic schools within their jurisdictions, with a new emphasis on board governance for budget preparation and approval. The bill also outlines new funding provisions, including a professional development supplement calculated based on prior fiscal allocations, and ensures that special education funds are effectively utilized, particularly for contracted services from AEAs.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Code 2025, introducing a requirement for school districts to pay deficiencies to AEAs quarterly, while reducing funding amounts by $7.5 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024. It modifies the funding structure for media and educational services, ensuring that funds are allocated as specified, and removes provisions allowing school districts to use unallocated funds for general purposes starting from the same fiscal year. The legislation also revises funding calculations for teacher salary and professional development supplements, ensuring compliance with existing budgetary requirements. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the operational efficiency and accountability of AEAs while ensuring effective delivery of educational services across Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.9, 256B.3, 273.5, 273.11, 273.2, 284.13, 257.16, 8.31, 257.35, 257.37A, 257.37, 273.6, 257.10