Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:

A bill for an act relating to area education agencies, including modifying provisions related to the duties and powers of area education agencies, oversight by the department of education, funding, shared operational functions, and establishing a task force related to area education agency property and operations, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 2612.)

Subcommittee members: Wheeler-CH, Collins, Steckman

Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Location: RM 103, Sup. Ct. Chamber

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

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02-14-2024

Meredith Hughes Stiles []

Once more, I urge you to vote NO. The bill's failure to adequately fund special education services places a disproportionate burden on schools, jeopardizing the quality of support that students with special needs receive. This not only affects the students but also places additional strain on teachers and staff responsible for their care.The proposed bill not only affects students and teachers but also has severe implications for employment. Each AEA will reduce many positions, creating a ripple effect of economic hardship and increased unemployment in the education sector.I appreciate the crucial role that teachers play in shaping the future of our children. The bill's elimination of professional learning opportunities and content area consultants directly impacts educators' abilities to enhance their teaching methods and support struggling learners effectively.Schools will have inadequate funding to replace the services that are being lost. As many of our midsized and smaller rural districts begin reviewing the money that is currently flowing through their district to the AEA, theyre finding that those funds fall dramatically short of what would be needed to replace the services being lost.I cant stress enough that the repercussions of this bill extend beyond the classroom, affecting entire communities, and an entire generation of students. Education is an investment in the future of our society. The proposed bill, by undermining the quality of education and support services, jeopardizes the future success and wellbeing of our children. It is imperative to consider the longterm consequences and work towards a solution that prioritizes the needs of our students, families, and educators.Tens of thousands of Iowans, including the vast majority of school superintendents, have shown up at legislative forums, written emails, shared public comments, signed petitions and met with legislators oneonone to voice strong opposition to this legislation. It is clear that schools, and their families, have not requested this change.The groups named below registered opposed to the initial bill. We believe this sends a strong message to the Iowa legislature that these changes are not welcomed by school districts or other key AEA stakeholders:*American Academy of Pediatrics*Disability Rights Iowa*Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council*Rural School Advocates of Iowa*Iowa Speech and Language Association*Iowa Occupational Therapy Association*Autism Speaks*Professional Educators of Iowa*Iowa School Counselors Association*Iowa School Psychologists Association*Iowa School Social Work Association*Episcopal Diocese of Iowa*Iowa Catholic Conference*AFSCME Iowa Council*Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Action Fun*among othersThe $529 million figure that the Governor's office continually uses to describe the total cost of the AEA system does not match our calculations. However, despite repeated attempts to clarify, we have not received a response from her personnel. Additionally, it is false and misleading to say that the AEA system has no transparency or accountability.Providing in accurate information to sell a disastrous bill is shameful, regardless of political affiliation. I urge you to vote NO and continue to amend, including those who will ultimately be impacted most educators and families whose students will suffer.

02-14-2024

Elizabeth Luttrell []

I feel like a broken record. AEAs will lose their economy of scale if a plan like this becomes law. They were designed to make sure students and families all over Iowa could get the same services no matter where they lived. The statistics promoting why a plan like this is needed have been misleading, and don't tell the full story. Concentrating special education oversight from Des Moines is inefficient. I work near the Minnesota border and will not have the support I need which is provided now by my local AEA. No one in Iowa has asked for this law, nor have I heard from any Iowans who support this much restructuring of the current system which is working well in most cases (but can also be improved). Listen to experts in education and seek to understand exactly why the system is in place as is before changing major aspects of it. Supporting a healthy system is what supports students. Together as healthy teams, we can accomplish more.

02-14-2024

Teran Buettell []

You indicated that you could not support the governor's bill. But, you've watered it down and represented it, as if that will pacify the masses. You are making decisions too hastily, using inaccurate information, that will destroy a nationallyrecognized system of supports and services, decreasing local control, costing more money for the same services, and has absolutely no plan for addressing the concern that it is purported to address (the achievement gap, remember?) What part of this do you not understand? You are choosing allegiance to the blind political ambition of one woman, and perhaps your own political ambitions, over the welfare of hundreds of thousands of current and future Iowa school children. Do not advance this bill. Amend it to create an independent commission with representation from all stakeholders to study the issue in depth and make a sensible recommendation for improving cost efficiency while improving student outcomes without sacrificing equity and true local control. You declined to advance this bill once. You can do it again.

02-14-2024

Shelley Payne []

IOWA values local control, and it is important because the local people know what is needed for their students. AEAs are in the school buildings daily building relationships, making a difference for children, parents, and staff.Please look at this document that has information that is VITAL to you making a decision on the bill. This document has factual information on the AEAs. We are not a political entity trying to skew the narrative.I personally have staffed out 5 students from special education already this year, because they were meeting the standards and were performing at grade level. OUR GOAL is to get them out of special education and have them be independent productive IOWANS.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xNhXpX7CjAxAEDVlGdC6xoGEqIwJjFO/view?usp=sharingNAEP opinionhttps://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinionacloserlookatnaepdeclineswhataleadingedresearcherfindssurprising/2022/10?skwcid=AL!6416!3!602270476281!!!g!!&utmsource=goog&utmmedium=cpc&utmcampaign=ew+dynamic+recent&ccid=dynamic+ads+recent+articles&ccag=recent+articles+dynamic&cckw=&cccv=dynamic+ad&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu66RkdT9gwMVwhitBh2H8QFKEAAYASAAEgJscfDBwEThis vicious attack on Children and Families in IOWA, she cares more about unborn babies than the ones that are here needing to be educated and fed.According to the Governor in June 2023, FY2023 with a balance of $1.83 billion in the states general fund. It will cost a lot more to privatize the AEA services than to continue with the current plan.Please protect IOWA children from this senseless bill.

02-14-2024

Kristy Tiedt []

Again I am commenting on my extreme opposition to this bill. Again and again I have emailed legislators asking for a thorough and complete review of present concerns and the best solutions to address needs. This bill and all amendments fall very short in providing transparency and clarity while also failing to provide real solutions to the present problems. Please slow this process down and again vote no!

02-14-2024

Kate Boonstra []

Please vote no HSB 713, as it fails to remedy the fundamental flaws of the original legislation. Students eligible for special education AND nonspecial education students benefit from AEA services.Further study, by an independent entity with plentiful stakeholder input, is needed before making changes that will impact a generation of Iowa children.

02-14-2024

Samantha Perry []

I strongly oppose this bill. Should this bill pass, thousands of jobs would be lost statewide and this bill turns educational services into a competitive bidding process and students will not get the services they need. That is not what our schools or students need. This bill is not good for Iowa educators or students and families. Please support the Iowans you represent and do not vote to pass this bill. Do not have your legacy be letting down Iowas children and families.

02-14-2024

Amanda Wilcox []

Once again please vote NO! Stop this bill. Fee for service will harm rural schools and kids! Control given to the DE means those that know and work with the children in the communities will have no say and response will lag. Instead of calling the local AEA requests for help will be bogged down in Des Moines waiting for permission. HOW DOES THIS HELP KIDS?????

02-14-2024

Emily Hosch []

While I appreciate the efforts to come to a resolution, there are still many concerns. The volume of advocacy for the AEAs should speak volumes, and not just by AEA staff but from school staff and parents. Their advocacy is a clear indication the people did not ask or want this bill. Please keep reaching out to your school districts' staff and parents. Ask them want they want. Please take time and ask the questions, do the research to make sure we are making the right decisions. It's not just about money or loss of jobs, it's about Iowa's kids. We must protect them and do what is right for them. We have to get it right for them. They will be the ones most effected.

02-14-2024

Toni Merfeld []

I have been an Iowa educator for many years and have had the opportunity to work at many levels in our educational system. I am advocating for our AEAs and I respectfully ask you to consider my thoughts as they relate to supporting our AEAs in their current form.Please take the time that Iowas children deserve to understand the current educational system so that the right and best recommendations can be made. Please look at the data and share it with your constituents.Please support local control and allow schools, AEAs, and communities to have a voice in the recommendations for their schools and students.Please consider that AEAs are a system to enhance special education; AEAs do not provide special education instruction. They provide support services on IEPs such as speech, physical, occupational therapy to name a few.Fiscal responsibility AEAs have saved districts thousands of dollars on instructional resources for all students. Districts, particularly in rural Iowa, would not be able to afford the excellent services currently provided by their local AEA.

02-14-2024

Sara Perry []

I oppose this bill!Please slow this down and take the time to make a good bill that serves all our Iowa communities. A huge decision such as you're making can be made in future after some deliberate thought and study involving all educational partners. This legislation will completely upend a system that works for our Iowa students, families, and communities. There are certainly improvements that can be made to the system to make it more efficient. We need to make sure the priority is Iowa's students. Put our Iowa children first and vote NO to this bill!

02-14-2024

Maureen Lonsdale []

I urge you to vote NO on HSB 713. Please listen to Iowans! This bill will harm rural schools. We need to ensure that all schools have equal access to all services. A comprehensive, bipartisan study over the next year will allow us to understand any necessary changes needed.

02-14-2024

Diane Jackson []

I dont understand how this bill is being supported. It has not been transparent. The information has been mis represented. I dont see community support except in large districts. Please take time to do this correctly or not at all. This feels like politics at the expense of our children. Im sure whatever you try to replace this with will not be better or cheaper.

02-14-2024

Jaci Jarmes []

The negative impact this bill will have on the CHILDREN of IOWA is heartbreaking. Please, put the children first. Take the necessary time to truly study the state education system, from the classroom to the AEA supports to the director of the DE. Do the work to do what is best for our most precious resource. Iowa is better than this rushed legislation. Vote NO until a proper study has been completed.

02-14-2024

Lauren Vanderhorst []

I continue to oppose this legislation. I fear the impact this would have on our rural school districts. I also dislike the removal of local control as I feel those in our communities know our school districts best. A thorough review with all stakeholders included would be a much better approach.

02-14-2024

Julie Barwick []

Please take more time with this bill. While you are heading in the right direction, there needs to be a slower approach. Time is needed to study all the aspects before making decisions. Please move forward with the task force but wait until those finding are completing before making any changes.

02-14-2024

Terri Johnson []

I am once again commenting on my extreme opposition to this bill. Again and again I have emailed legislators asking for a thorough and complete review of present concerns and the best solutions to address needs. Please slow this process down and again vote no! The children, families, and educators of Iowa depend on the services provided by the AEAs. Please take the time to make the right decision which is to vote No.

02-14-2024

Kris Freitag []

Please vote no to HSB 713. The students in Iowa need a responsive system that has a fully funded AEA system of supports. Please convene a task force of some kind that brings together all of the stakeholders to get boots on the ground perspective of what the system needs to be successful and supportive for Iowas students.

02-14-2024

Barbara Krieger []

Please vote bo on this bill. This process needs to be slowed and a true study of the services and supports and AEA offers with all stakeholders need to take place. Listen the voters and stop this process.

02-14-2024

Kevin Schlomer []

Once again please vote NO to this bill. Decisions are being made too quickly. There needs to be a bipartisan study conducted that is composed of legislators, parents, superintendents, teachers, school board members, health care providers, and AEA leadership and staff. Three former directors of the Iowa Department of Education (Ted Stilwell, Dr. Brad Buck, and Dr. Ryan Wise) and one former deputy director (Dr. David Tilly) have all expressed concerns with this bill and all worked under Republican governors. Decisions are being made too quickly and centralize too much power under one director at the Department of Education. We all want ALL students to be successful and experience strong instruction. This bill, even with amendments, does not improve upon the AEA framework currently in place.

02-14-2024

Katie Vander Sanden []

Iowa schools need AEAs. I urge you to vote no on this bill. Rural schools will be at a disadvantage because eod this bill. Take your time to study the AEAs and do what is best for all the children of Iowa and vote no.

02-14-2024

Martin Lonsdale []

As a life long Republican, and a proud Conservative, let me be perfectly clear....Vote NO. I am baffled how we as Republicans can openly show hatred towards Iowas less fortunate and blame the AEA for Governor Reynolds failing of OUR public schools. Wake up and vote NO. Your choice now will determine my choices later. Good luck

02-14-2024

Kris Colwell [VOTER]

I am asking you to vote NO on HSB 713, emphasizing the critical importance of listening to the voices of Iowans, especially concerning its potential adverse effects on rural schools.It is imperative that we prioritize equal access to all services in our educational system. HSB 713 threatens this by jeopardizing the invaluable support services provided by AEAs to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). While AEAs do not directly administer special education instruction, they play a vital role in delivering essential support services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, among others.AEAs save districts thousands of dollars on instructional resources for all students. Rural districts in Iowa, in particular, rely heavily on these services and would face significant challenges in affording comparable support outside of their local AEAs.The overwhelming bipartisan advocacy for AEAs, from schools and parents, is a clear indication that the people of Iowa did not ask for this bill!

02-14-2024

Jennifer Proctor []

Please vote no.The changes I see in this version of the bill are not substantive in satisfying our need to protect services for children and our partnering districts and do not yet address the concerns that have been raised by our partnering districts, families and staff.Please do no harm to the children and families of Iowa. Every day I travel to 47 schools teaching children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. When a new child needs services, I am there. When a family learns that their child has hearing loss, I am there in their home holding their hand and walking beside them in this journey they never planned on. Every day my children (7th, 9th and 12th graders) utilize Heartland AEA digital resources for research and learning. Every day their teachers utilize supports from the AEA for professional development and learning in this ever changing world. Every day, districts use technology, cybersecurity, business/finance support which often unseen. When the worst happens AEA crisis response is available.Please do no harm, theres no reason to rush these changes. Vote no and spend more time to improve rather than dismantle the current system of services and supports for ALL of Iowas children, families and teachers.Thank you for your service,

02-14-2024

Mandy Arkfeld []

Once again, I urge you to vote NO to this bill. Iowa needs the AEA system to remain intact to ensure equity across large and small districts. AEAs are fiscally responsible and help all districts access specialists and resources that ALL IOWA STUDENTS need. This is reckless and rushed. Many thoughtful solutions/alternatives have been brought to your attention (e.g. see David Tilly). Please educate yourself and the options. A bill like this will ultimately dismantle the AEA system as we know it. Dont support this bill! Protect our AEAs. Protect our students. This bill is wrong for Iowa!!

02-14-2024

Shaunda Campbell []

I oppose this bill. The AEA provides a plethora of services catered to the individual needs of children, families and schools they serve. This bill will cause limitations on those valued services, especially in rural areas. Thousands of employees would be out of jobs and take their valuable skills to other states. The schools already have a hard time trying to fill vacant positions. There needs to be a true in depth study on the impact this bill would really have and not a poorly thought out rushed one.

02-14-2024

Jaqui Giltner []

Please kill this bill. You saw the first time how many constituents hated this bill and yet you brought it back. We arent adequately funding public schools, and now allowing larger schools to not fund the AEA means that rural schoolsmany of whom supported the very legislators putting up this billwill be left without access to services for kids. Ive never seen a group of legislators more hell bent to actively HARM their own constituents to please the governor. Please, try to grow a spine and a conscience and serve your constituentsWHO DO NOT WANT THIS BILL.

02-14-2024

Katie Hash []

I implore you, please vote no to this bill. Please create an independent, bipartisan commission to study and make a plan. How will this bill secure services for our rural districts? How does this bill suggest improvement in regards to student achievement? This bill takes away local control and gives it to the Department of Education. This is not something that can be undone. Stakeholders must be part of the conversation.

02-14-2024

Melanie Van Dyke []

Please vote NO on this bill. Please ensure that all children and families have equals access to education. Do this the right way. Slow down, take time to fully understand the whole picture and bring the right people to the table to have a conversation. Please vote NO on this bill!

02-14-2024

Jennifer McGregor []

I don't understand why this has been introduced again. Like the governor's version, nowhere in this bill does it state how the actions being proposed will improve student performance. The only way performance can be improved is by hiring and retaining the very best teachers and supporting their support staff. This includes paraeducators and all of the adults students spend time with during their school day. Included are the AEA supports that will be hindered by this proposed model. The main way that this objective can be achieved is funding. Fund the schools the way they should have been funded throughout the past 10 years, as well as the AEA system. Take time to provide an indepth study of the entire education system. Vote no to this bill, and any bill that does not put students first.

02-14-2024

Lynn Sheagren []

Please slow this bill down and spent time asking what the people of Iowa really want. Once you go too far it will be difficult to undo. Talk to parents, educators, AEA staff. Rural communities will suffer. We dont have the resources in place to support the needs of all children without the AEAs.

02-14-2024

Bill Poock []

Please vote NO on this legislation. it is important to engage all stakeholders to better understand solutions to a problem. Better yet, we need to better identify the actual problem here. A group of stakeholders in education can work together to identify the problems, and work together to find solutions that will involve Iowans. This current legislation continues to show that rural schools will be the big losers in this decision. Please vote no. Please listen to all of the constituents.

02-14-2024

Paula Thome []

I strongly oppose this bill. Please consider slowing down and really listening to constituents. This much opposition should tell you something. We should at least get a fair comprehensive review. Emphasis on local control is questionable considering the enhanced role of the Department of Ed. Bottom line this bill is just not what is best for kids.

02-14-2024

Shelby Schumacher []

Thank you to all of the legislators that worked to slow this down and not allowing it to go to vote a couple of weeks ago. We appreciate that you realize the negative implications this bill will have on providing equitable services to ALL students/districts/school staff in Iowa. Please vote no to this one, and allow there to be time to get the true stakeholders around the table to truly evaluate and discuss what the needs are. Local control is important.

02-14-2024

Theresa Smith []

Please vote no to this bill. This bill would hurt students in the end. The AEA is able to respond to individual district and student needs in a timely matter. This would hinder the efficiency already established. All students benefit from AEA resources allow them all access to the services provided. Thank you.

02-14-2024

Angie Green []

VOTE NO! PLEASE listen to the people of Iowa and stop this bill! Slow the process down and invite all parties to the table to draft a bill that will not harm Iowa's children! The one question that should be asked... How does this bill increase student achievement? The answer does not lie in giving so much control to the Dept. of Education!

02-14-2024

Val Giegerich []

I once again in opposition to this bill. You have received thousands of emails, phone calls, people attending public forums that are overwhelming against this bill.Please take time and slow this bill down.

02-14-2024

Kayleigh Goodman []

My name is Kayleigh Goodman. I live in Thurman, Iowa. Im writing to you today because I feel you should oppose HSB 713. My son was recently diagnosed with Autism. Before finding out he is autistic, he also has speech delay. I reached out to our Green Hills AEA because my son was falling behind. With the testing they do, he is behind. I would still be lost if I didnt have my AEA helpers. My son would be way behind than he is now. With their help, I was able to navigate and help my son better. With their help, he is able to tell me what needs through visuals. With their help, I wouldnt have the proper ways of how to deal with my son being autistic. Without them, my son wouldnt be in preschool now. Without our AEAs, a lot of parents would be lost and feeling more defeated everyday. Because of them, parents are getting the information and help we need to better our kids. There is so much that the AEA helps from birth until 21. I have also worked with students that have been helped by the AEA. They are thriving because of the support and help they get. Also with working with students, I am able to get the training I need from AEA to better myself for them. Without that, your schools would be behind on training. They wouldnt be able to help students with the training we receive. Im asking you as a mother and a staff member of FremontMills to vote no for Governor Reynolds bill. Her daughter is a teacher as well and clearly she doesnt want to help her daughter help students thrive in the classroom. Thank you for your time and please consider no.

02-14-2024

Caitlin DeMoss [Heartland AEA]

Members of the house, please end this by voting No on this bill. I was that little girl that grew up in small town rural Iowa that not only benefited by the AEAs general education resources, but I also worked with an amazing SLP to get me on track with the other students in my grade. As I went on to my secondary school, Twin Cedars, we benefited by have equitable resources that even the larger metro schools had because of AEAs.Passing this bill is not only irresponsible for Iowas education system, but also detrimental to those small, rural schools that simply do not having the funding or resources to keep up. This will make test scores plummet, teachers becoming fatigued and drive smaller school districts into the ground. As a mother I moved my family out of Des Moines to a smaller town because I wanted my boys to grow up in a small community where we look out for one another and have smaller class sizes. Passing this bill would devastate my community as it will many others throughout the state. In school we were taught to filter out what a credible source was and to analyze current, accurate data that didnt have bias. I implore you, let a bipartisan group of Iowans do a comprehensive review and then suggest improvements. Please do whats right for our kids, for our educators, and our schools. Please do whats right for IOWANS.

02-14-2024

Ashley Asberry []

I could not be more strongly opposed to these bills. Please do not fast track this and please please speak to local experts on this before there are changes. I do not understand how politicians are making decisions ABOUT our children without the time, professional input or follow of the data about the support needed for childrens education. Please please please discontinue trying to dismantle the necessary aspects of accesible education. There is no doubt this will be detrimental to education. Why is this happening at this pace without appropriate organizations, not potential plans, ready to seamlessly change this access?? Children have gone through enough with education between Covid, cutting public school funding, and now this??

02-14-2024

Michelle Vaughan []

I urge you to oppose HSB 713 as it fails to remedy the flaws of the original bill. ALL students benefit from AEA services. A decision this big needs deliberate thought and study, as well as input from ALL stakeholders. Former directors of the Iowa Department of Education, who have all worked under Republican leadership, have expressed concerns with this bill. Listen to your constituents and slow the process. Thank you for your commitment to the future of Iowas education system.

02-14-2024

Colleen Knipper []

Again I ask you to vote no on any bill that substantially changes our AEAs. These type of changes should not be made quickly. Our children will suffer the consequences, and those in smaller and more rural districts will be hurt the most. Please convene a bipartisan committee of Iowans , including all stakeholder groups (teachers, district administrators, AEA staff, parents and students) and provide them time and resources to do a thoughtful, thorough review of our current system before making changes. As Rep. Wheeler has previously stated, we have to get this right because it affects our kids. This bill is still a long way from getting it right.

02-14-2024

Hilbert-Lamphier Ronda []

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the potential impact of HSB 713 on all schools, including rural schools. To help illustrate the gravity of the situation, I would like to present an analogy that highlights the importance of supporting all schools.Imagine a garden with different types of plants, each requiring specific care and attention. In this garden, there are flowers, shrubs, and trees, each with its own unique needs. Now, let's imagine that a new rule is introduced that limits the resources and support available to all plants in the garden.While all plants in the garden would be affected by this rule, it is important to recognize that each type of plant has its own specific requirements. The flowers need regular watering and sunlight to bloom, the shrubs rely on proper pruning and maintenance to thrive, and the trees require sufficient space and nutrients to grow tall and strong.If the resources and support for all plants are diminished, it is inevitable that the flowers, shrubs, and trees will suffer. However, it is the trees, which take longer to grow and require more resources, that will feel the impact most severely. Without proper care and support, they may struggle to reach their full potential, and their growth and overall health may be significantly compromised.Similarly, in our education system, all schools depend on certain resources and support to provide a quality education to their students. However, it is crucial to recognize that different schools, including rural schools, face unique challenges and require specific support to meet the needs of their students effectively.By implementing measures that limit resources and support for all schools, including rural schools, we risk hindering their ability to provide a quality education. Just as the trees in the garden need extra care and attention to thrive, rural schools often require additional resources and support to overcome the unique challenges they face, such as limited access to resources and difficulty attracting qualified educators.Therefore, it is essential to consider the longterm consequences of HSB 713 on all schools, with a particular emphasis on the adverse effects it may have on rural schools. We must ensure that any legislation passed supports the needs of all students, regardless of their geographic location, and provides the necessary resources and support to help schools thrive.Thank you for taking the time to consider this analogy and its implications. I sincerely hope that you will give careful thought to the potential impact of HSB 713 on all schools and prioritize the equitable support and resources needed for their success. At this time, vote no.

02-14-2024

Colleen Knipper []

02-14-2024

Ashlee Madetzke []

As a constituent I ask that you please Vote No on this bill and really slow down to think about what pieces laid out will improve student performance and the multiple pieces that are going to make it difficult for rural schools to serve students with disabilities in any kind of rigorous way that leads to increased test scores. I once again am left confused now a bill focusing solely on funding sources is going to improve out student outcomes.

02-14-2024

Anna Westermeyer []

Please vote no on this bill. It still takes local control away from schools and districts and it does not best serve students. If the goal is revision of AEAs, then REVISE; do not gut a program that has been servicing Iowa students for decades when it can be revised. All AEAs are and have stated openly available to plan revisions and adjustments to better meet the needs of students. Vote no, stop the attack, and begin to work together to serve our kids!!

02-14-2024

Stacy Volmer []

As a parent of two children receiving special education services, I'm writing to beg you to slow down and reconsider the direction you are taking. The amended HSB 713 is too extreme, too fast, and too potentially damaging to the education of students, both general and special education across the state. Your proposal also removes local control and centralizes it in Des Moines. Can you guarantee that my children will not be hurt in this process?The vast majority of Iowans DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN! In fact, they appreciate the AEA system and want it to stay intact. Please listen to your constituents and do not demolish a system that is the envy of the nation. If the motivation is to truly improve educational outcomes for students in special education, please slow down and consider an independent, bipartisan committee to study the entire educational system in Iowa (DE, AEAs, and districts) over the next year and make evidencebased recommendations before any changes are made.VOTE NO on HSB 713!

02-14-2024

Lauri Whiskeyman []

Cannot strongly urge you enough to vote NO on this bill. There is there is nothing good coming out of this bill. It will only harm students. Listen to the public outcry about this! This will not benefit students. This will take local control away. If things need to change then lets work together to have that change but dont throw the baby out with the bathwater!

02-14-2024

Jennifer Brennan []

I oppose this bill. I am an early childhood educator who relies on the AEA to support early learners. I am a mom of a kid who has benefited greatly from AEA services. The likely impact of this bill is terrifying. Services will become hard to find in rural areas. Graduation rates will decrease. It is so important to take a look into this on a deeper level before moving forward.

02-14-2024

Tina Halverson []

Please vote NO on this bill. It is still an attack on Iowa's educational system and will harm children. There has been no new interaction or study with any stakeholders. This is still a flawed and hurried piece of legislation. There is NO SUPPORT for changes to the AEAs in such a swift process. I again urge you to stop this action and take the time to collaborate and work with stakeholders before any legislation is proposed.

02-14-2024

Jeff Glade []

Please vote NO for this bill. It is not what is best for schools and certainly not whats best for kids. The people of Iowa have made it clear that they value the AEAs and stand in opposition to these rushed, illconceived changes. Please listen to your constituents and do what is right.

02-14-2024

Cindy Newton [Parent, Teacher, Education Advocate ]

A NO VOTE is needed even after much appreciation for the efforts made by many to speak with stakeholders and make amendments that will improve this legislation. However, it still needs to be slowed down and given more thoughtful consideration. The bill still has feeforservice components that will harm small and rural school districts. The bill also takes away local control from area education agencies and hands it over to the Iowas Department of Education in Des Moines. These changes should not be fast tracked without local experts from our communities at the table! Please respect what the overwhelming majority of Iowans want. You work for us, not the Govenor and her politically focused agenda.

02-14-2024

Sam Keith []

Please vote NO on this bill. As a parent utilizing early access services, it is scary to think how quickly these unnecessary changes are being attempted. Schools, families, and Iowa's future needs AEAs. Do right by all Iowa children.

02-14-2024

Anita Palmer [None]

Again, I urge you to vote NO. The proposed bill will harm the education of ALL students in the state of Iowa. A comprehensive study needs to be completed before any changes are proposed. Local control needs to stay with those who are LOCAL. Iowa Department of Education is not in school buildings and the AEA staff are working with local schools to support their student's needs.

02-14-2024

Brooke Gassman []

Please vote no to this bill. The process needs to take into account what the vast majority of Iowans want, which is to continue to provide special education and instructional services through the AEA with local control.

02-14-2024

Tammy Gehling []

As a registered voter in Iowa I would like to say that I DO NOT support this bill. I believe in the AEA system and the services it provides to Iowas children. The system has existed for 50 years because Iowans are happy with their AEAs. Once these services are gone they will never return. This will have many unintended consequences that will impact the lives of all Iowans.

02-14-2024

Heather Kaufman []

I urge you once again to vote NO!! Passage of this bill will hurt services to students, their families, and impact every school across the state of Iowa. In addition, you have hard working professionals that work for the AEAs, living here, raising families here, education their own children here, putting money back into the Iowa economy. Taking jobs away from hard working Iowans and putting money into private companies in other states in the spirit of competition is not good for Iowa. Our kids deserve better, our families deserve better, hard working dedicated Iowa citizens deserve better. Please vote NO and put your time and resources into shoring up our current efficient and economical AEA system.

02-14-2024

Holly Seager []

With the overwhelming amount of Iowans saying no to this bill, how can you back this? Slow down and form a bipartisan committee with stakeholders present. Make informed decisions. Most of you had no idea what the AEA was before January. Is this best for kids or just good for a political agenda? I believe it is the later. Please consider slower the urgency and do what is right. Iowa will lose educational professionals and families. As a state we cant afford to lose either.

02-14-2024

Amelia Yule []

Do you REALLY want to vote yes on a bill that eliminates AEA follow up with NICU babies to ensure they are meeting their milestones and receiving therapies with no follow up system in place to care for these babies. I will promise to go to the polls and drag my Many, many mom friends with me who utilize these services and will vote every single person who voted yes out of office. We are tired of fighting for basic services for out children and you are only making it that much harder. I'm extremely disappointed at the lack of leadership from the governor on putting iowa's children first.

02-14-2024

Katherine Anderson [Central Rivers AEA -Early Access]

I encourage you to vote no on this bill. I would rather you follow the advice of Dave Tilly and set up a committee with all constituents that bill affects. I dont think that all oversight should be with the Department of Education. I have no faith in the timely manner in which they respond. I am very disappointed that this is being brought up again when clearly many Iowans have spoke and said they do not agree with dismantling the AEAs. Please slow down do they study and write a law that will truly make a difference for the goal of changing results for the children with disabilities. It has turned into a money issue and truly not anything that will change outcomes for students. Please go with a study instead of passing anything that could be harmful to our agencies that help ALL students. We have oversight with our board and the Department of Education. Since the orginal law was based on incorrect information from the Guidehouse report. I feel this should be tabled.i am very concerned about the future of Iowas school system as a whole and where all the decision making for our schools is coming from. Please vote NO!

02-14-2024

Claire Keith []

This process has been rushed and it is fundamental to have all stakeholders at the table when decisions are made.This bill will disproportionately impact those living in rural areas with small school districts. Rural populations are already shrinking as it is and if this bill is to pass then it will be even harder to get people to move to and stay in rural Iowa. As Iowa is a largely agricultural state, I would think that our state government would understand the importance of rural perspective in this decision, but it appears that those people werent of the slightest concern.

02-14-2024

Jennifer Funk []

I am asking you to vote NO on HSB 713. I believe we all want what is best for educators and for ALL students. The movement on this is done with such haste that it will have far reaching repercussions. A bipartisan study needs to occur involving all voices. Please vote NO.

02-14-2024

Katie Luttenegger []

This bill is not in the best interest of Iowas kids. Please complete a comprehensive review to collect all necessary information before passing a rushed radical overhaul. Take the time to create true improvements that are sustainable longterm.

02-14-2024

Dawn Williams []

The children across the state and myself are asking you to dig deeper into the facts and become knowledgeable about all aspects of this bill by gathering input from all stakeholders and strengthening a system that may need tweaked, not given a complete overhaul. Some things once done cannot easily be undone. VOTE No!

02-14-2024

Jamie Israel []

Again, we, the people who voted you into office, ask you to vote no in response to this bill. The AEAs are too vital to our Iowa school systems that to break them apart would be detrimental to the students, schools, teachers and families of Iowa to endure.

02-14-2024

Donna McClain []

I am writing to ask you to vote no for this bill. I am truly struggling with how this bill is still moving forward. We know you have received an overwhelming number of emt and comments about this. We also know that an overwhelming number of them are asking you to vote no. Please listen to the people that voted you into office. I believe the AEA chiefs are willing to work with you if you will please listen. I am also struggling with the fact that the Republican Party stands by local control and this bill takes that away and puts it in the hands of a single person. Please vote no!

02-14-2024

Mariah Tousley []

Please vote no. I continue to persist in asking our legislators to make responsible, databased decisions focused on improving outcomes for our students with disabilities. As a parent of two children who benefit from AEA services in both general and special education capacities, I fail to see how this bill will ensure substantial positive impacts on the quality of education our most vulnerable students deserve. Please take the time to table this bill, initiate a comprehensive review of the entire Iowa education system (focusing on all entities, not just the AEAs), and build a force of qualified educators and stakeholders to analyze the data and recommend an improvement plan. Iowa's students deserve better than this bill can offer.

02-14-2024

S Lange []

I strongly encourage you to vote no on this bill. The children, families, and teachers of Iowa need you to take a deeper look into the implications of this bill. Please take the time to make an educated decision with input from all stakeholders before progressing. This bill, even with the amendments, will damage the education system in Iowa.

02-14-2024

Ashley Rullestad []

Vote no. I work in special education and I have no faith in this government to provide adequate oversight for sped services in this state. Iowans dont want this. If it passes I will work day and night to make sure everyone who voted for it is voted out.

02-14-2024

Suzie Maas []

Vote no! This bill does not address the concerns that have been shared over and over again. Moving to a fee for service model will reduce the ability for AEAs to provide equitable service to all kids. This bill also continues to give all power and control to the Iowa Department of Education. Unfortunately, the DE is not in a position to handle this increase in responsibility. Further, while this bill claims to provide local control it does the opposite! Decisions will be made by the director, who will be advised by the Governor. That is not local control! AEAs are local. AEAs provide timely service. AEAs provide equitable services to make sure all children get what they need. We need AEAs. Our kids need AEAs. Vote no!

02-14-2024

Pippa Fineran []

PLEASE vote NO on this bill! I taught in a small district for 26 years and I know how important the AEA services were to me and my students! They provide everything from lending library services, printing and lamination services, professional development, specialists in all areasSPED, reading, math and countless other services. With the funding being cut in small districts constantly, having to pay for these services would be next to impossible. Students will suffer without the support of these important providers!

02-14-2024

Cassie Vazquez []

Thank you for your work to slow down the AEA bill in the house. However, I must admit that Im extremely disappointed that a new bill, HSB 713, was introduced.This fee for service will harm our small our rural districts. I also dont believe that power should be consolidated in Des Moines by the DE. Local control is important. AEAs are best served by our elected board made up of many former principals and superintendents.Please, lets stop this bill. Instead, lets sit stakeholders, the governor, and an independent group of community members to figure this out the right way.Thank you for listening and for continuing to serve and listen to your constituents.

02-14-2024

Paula Leach []

Please take this legislation off the table until you bring Iowans who live and breathe parenting, being, serving, and advocating for Iowas children with disabilities to the writing sessions. People who live in this world on a daily basis deserve to have a voice.

02-14-2024

Samantha Sierer []

Please stop this bill. You indicated that would not vote for the governors bill, but this version is mostly the same. The stakeholders have not been given input. AEAs and districts have not been to the table together to discuss how to best support students. This bill as written puts a hardship on districts and AEA employees and does nothing different to close the any achievement gaps. Local control is what is best for students and oversight by the Department of Education is not efficient or beneficial for anyone. This bill will ultimately slow down progress significantly. There is absolutely no reason this bill should be fasttracked. A fee for service model would not be costeffective and it would create a disproportionate burden on rural schools. The AEAs are a cost effective solution and dismantling their services would be detrimental to our state. VOTE NO.

02-14-2024

Sherri Imoehl []

Please vote no on this bill. Why is there such a rush? Our students, teachers, districts and communities deserve better. There is nothing in this bill that is identified to increase student achievement. Please take the time to understand and evaluate the AEA system. It is too important to rush.

02-14-2024

Alana Harrington []

I am asking that you vote NO on this bill. I am a parent and an early childhood educator. I have seen from both sides the benefits of the AEA. They provide essential support to help the children of our state. Iowa has long been known as a state that provides a wonderful education. The support of the AEAs are an important part of that. Please vote no and support our AEAs.

02-14-2024

Michael Maas []

I would like to share that you need to vote no tomorrow to HSB 713. As I have stated in the past I do not think that this is good for the children, the schools, the districts (especially rural district like the one I live in), the teachers, the families, and the communities! The rural districts are going to suffer the most as they do not have easy access to services. Are you expecting the districts that cant find/afford services to take virtual services? I think we all know how that ends . Not great! I am strongly urging you to vote NO to this bill as it will ultimately hurt our children and for what to save money even though Kimmy boasts about a surplus in the reserve accounts! It does not make sense!

02-14-2024

Kim Hintz []

Please vote NO regarding this bill. Rurally schools will not be able to afford and pay for these services provided by their local AEAs. In rural areas, there are waiting lists to get into private providers such as SpeechLanguage Pathologists and Occupational Therapists that many of our students with disabilities need. Also, these private services are very expensive and many families have insurances plans that do not cover these services where the services through the AEAs are free! Parents would also need to take time off of work to get these services from private providers which in turns will cause hardships for many families!!! Just know that the AEA impacts every student and teacher in the state through the use of AEA resources that they provide (trainings, professional developmental, data analysis, ongoing support for students with diverse needs, literacy, math and science kits, etc.) Voting NO would be a win for all students (general and special education) and schools. Lets make Iowa a state that values education once again!!!

02-14-2024

Jen Autera []

VOTE NO!!! This bill is still not a good choice for Iowas children. Smaller districts will struggle. Children will struggle! This bill has been rushed and not well thought out. It still puts children at risk of getting an equitable education. It puts well educated peoples jobs on the line. Educators, parents,the public and legislators have spoken out against this. And yet it is still getting pushed through without slowing down and taking a full look at what the outcome will be long term. A team of people from Iowa need to be the ones looking at the numbers not a firm from Virginia. Iowa's children deserve the services that are provided by the AEA. The DE already has a lot to handle adding more to a plate that is already full doesnt make it better. It makes more room for failure. Failure where children are concerned should not be an option. VOTE NO!! This is an election year not listening to the voters is not good practice.

02-14-2024

Tara McGrath []

I urge you to vote no on the AEA bill. This is not feasible for schools to sustain. Im looking into the future when we have parents unhappy with services and schools closing because they are not able to sustain the financial resources needed for their districts. People continue to speak out against changing the AEA without a study. Why are you not listening to us??

02-14-2024

Jenny Rants []

I am commenting on my extreme opposition to this bill again. There is large number of people that continue to oppose this bill and we continue to fight on. In my experience working with students who require special education services, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that AEAs can have on enhancing educational outcomes. AEAs serve as vital resources that bridge the gap between local school districts and the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities. One of the key strengths of our Heartland AEA lies in their ability to provide professional development opportunities for educators. As a special education teacher, I understand the importance of staying updated on the latest researchbased practices, interventions, and assistive technologies. AEAs facilitate workshops, training sessions, and collaboration that empower special education teachers to continually improve their instructional practices. Please stop this nonsense now. The teachers in Iowa do not want this.

02-14-2024

Brenda Dietiker []

Vote NO. I vehemently oppose the AEA bill as it fails to prioritize the wellbeing and interests of teachers, students, and the broader community of Iowans. This legislation overlooks the essential role that education plays in shaping our future and neglects to address critical concerns within our educational system. By undermining the support and resources provided by the AEA, this bill threatens the quality of education and the livelihoods of educators across the state. It is imperative that lawmakers consider the longterm consequences and implications of this bill before making any decisions. I urge them to listen to the voices of educators, students, and concerned citizens and vote against this detrimental legislation. Our collective future depends on it. Iowa needs our strong AEA.

02-14-2024

Erin Christensen []

Please vote no! Everyone talks about being here for the children, but how is this helping them? Taking more and more away from the children that need it most isnt the answer, Vote NO. These kids deserve a chance.

02-14-2024

Brian Weiner []

Please vote no on this bill. AEAs provide much more services than just special education, such as hearing screening at birth for both of my children, nocost physical therapy for my son who was born premature, and regular inhome visits to make sure my son is developing and assess if he is in need of any additional services. Without the AEAs providing these services I would have much more stress and worry about his development.

02-14-2024

Rebecca Wilson []

This newest version of this bill is insignificantly different from the previously amended version that many state legislators, both Democrat and Republican, assured voters was not a bill they could support. The biggest difference I can see is the timeline for implementation. While a longer time frame would be necessary to even make this bill feasible as written, it does nothing to address the fundamental flaws of this bill. There is still an overreaching concentration of power from locally elected boards to a single appointed position.The proposed changes would still create disparities in service provision across the state.The proposed funding structure would be detrimental to the quality of services the AEAs would be able to provide (compounding the significant funding cuts the AEAs have already had over the past several years).If an AEA chief administrator will be required to have a special education degree or endorsement, should not the person they report to, the Director of Education, also be need to meet the same requirement? (Or even just be required to have any type of degree in education?)AEAs provide services for a variety of students, but most importantly to our most vulnerable learners with the greatest degree of disability. The magic and success of those learners comes from the teaming of highlytrained and experienced professionals that are focused on quality support for that child and those who educate him or her, and not focused on billing and productivity. The percentage of learners that need the most intensive support measures progress by the word, by the inch, by a life skill not by some statewide metric where they get lost in the numbers.I believe it has been made clear that this bill is not what Iowans want. The most appropriate course would be to turn this in to a study bill: bring in the experts in the field and the shareholders and then let them partner with legislators to craft a bill that keeps Iowa's legacy of "Foundation in Education" alive.

02-14-2024

Gina Walter-Dunn []

I urge you to vote no on the amended AEA bill. Please form an independent bipartisan committee to study the concerns and make a quality plan. Smaller school districts will suffer. In the end, children will suffer. Please vote no!

02-14-2024

Amanda Larkin [Constituent ]

Please do not allow HSB 713 move forward. Vote NO. Many of the problems identified by both the original plan presented by the governor and this amended plan have been supported by false or misleading information not valid data or facts. Please just stop this bill all together. Take time to study the systems with all stakeholders, gather valid data, and determine what the questions really are that you are trying to answer. This bill will take away local control and equity of services to all children across the state of Iowa. This hurts our children! It is too important to push forward with so many changes that if studied would be found unnecessary. Most school employees do not support this bill at all. Small districts will fail and large districts will not be able to provide the quality and level of services they receive from the AEA. There will be increased lawsuits that the districts will have to address when parents do not have the impartial staff at the AEA to call as someone to listen to the concerns and work with the schools to advocate for the child, parent, teachers and school at the same time in order to meet the needs of the child. There is a way to address any problems that are found from an intensive study that does not change the entire functionalsystem. Please listen to the people, ALL the people and do not move this bill forward!

02-14-2024

Jill Purcell []

As the parent of a child with an IEP, I urge you to be prudent and not rush into the destruction of a large system due to the recommendations from an out of state consultant whose financing has not been revealed. It is quite likely there are ulterior motives to this report. Until we benchmark to a top performing state and determine where there are opportunities to improve, it is irresponsible to demolish a system needed by so many families, including mine.

02-14-2024

Sara Hughes []

Please vote no on this bill! Do not let our children in Iowa down. They need the AEA & so do our teachers! Keep our tax dollars in Iowa in our public schools. Let the governor know your constituents come before party lines. Do the right think & vote no!

02-14-2024

Anthony M []

As Republican voter I do not agree with newly amended version HSB 713/ SSB 3073 and find the bill discouraging terrible for special education and professional qualified staff at AEA in the state of Iowa. I hope you will join me in opposing this legislation in its current form. The governor promised a study and evaluation of the AEA system, but HSB 713/SSB 3073 removes the possibility for any improvement because it eliminates large segments of the system entirely. This bill needs full public transparency and further engagement from parents, teachers, administrators, and others that will be directly impacted. I believe we are going about this the wrong way, and theres a better way to improve outcomes for Iowas students.

02-14-2024

Kaylan Hobbs []

Vote no. Fee for service will not be beneficial and will especially be harmful to smaller and more rural schools. AEAs provide immediate assistance to schools, and this will NOT be the case if control is given to the Department of Education. This bill will not benefit Iowas children, and there is no proof or data that it will do so in the future. Bills shouldnt be passed just on possibility. This is too important.Please SLOW DOWN and get all key players involved in this discussion. Changes to this system should be influenced by educators, legislators, parents, the AEAs, and school districts. People who KNOW education need and deserve to be involved. Vote no.

02-14-2024

Laura Zimmerman []

This bill should not be fast tracked. With all of the opposition, there needs to be a comprehensive study of the impacts and input from families, school districts and AEAs, not a report prepared out side of the state. Slow down, listen to Iowans and then make changes that benefit the education system in the state. Vote NO on this bill.

02-14-2024

Rachel Graham []

Once again, I ask you to vote NO to the AEA bill. The amendments made to the original bill are not enough to make this bill worth anything. Changes can be made, but the process needs to slow down and all stakeholders should be at the table. If this bill is passed, there is no going back once it fails our students and our rural schools. They will be the ones to suffer the most. Those of you that represent small communities, you especially should be looking at this and how it will harm our schools. Please reconsider and wait for something that will actually be appropriate for our students.

02-14-2024

Barbara Tucker []

I implore you to vote against HSB 713 and any major restructuring of Iowas AEAs. By reducing or removing critical services, our most vulnerable young citizens will be negatively impacted and our rural schools will suffer greatly. Overwhelmed and overburdened families will be furthered stressed with drastic changes to the system, potentially delaying access to the services their children need. A bill like this, based solely on a report compiled by an outside consulting firm, shouldnt be pushed through without the input and involvement of all stakeholders. Do what is right for Iowa. Do what is right for our kids and families. Vote no on HSB 713.

02-14-2024

Holly Gerber []

I urge you to vote NO. I am a special education teacher of 21 years. For the past 18 years, I have taught in a special school setting that serves 80 students across 29 school with the Central Rivers AEA. Our building is owned by the AEA, and leased to the Cedar Falls school district. With the passage of this bill, we lose our building to the DE, 80 students with significant disabilities lose their beloved school, our inhouse PTs, OTs, school psychologist, itinerant vision teacher, consultant, among others may be out of jobs. The districts we serve rely on River Hills, and students across a significant portion of the surrounding areas rely on the services and expertise that are unavailable elsewhere.All students need our AEAs to remain as they are. Although I am a special education teacher, I have witnessed the significant impact that AEAs have in supporting ALL kids, their families, educators, and support staff.This bill is a flagrant failure to Iowas students. Kill this bill!!!

02-14-2024

Anita Christensen []

Vote NO on HSB 713. How on earth was a new bill researched, studied and written only a few days after Speaker Grassley announced they wouldnt take it up? Its shameful that the governor pressures representatives to vote for something that will harm their districts. Please have the courage to say no and truly represent those who elected you to serve them.

02-14-2024

Kory Hobbs []

I urge you to please vote no to this bill. This will not benefit our students, and there is no research to support the fact that it will start to in the future. Please slow down and include all of our key players in education when constructing such a bill. The people of Iowa have spoken and do not support this bill. Please vote no.

02-14-2024

Chris Hageman []

I beg you to vote no as this bill is detrimental to all students in Iowa. All students deserve the best from the adults in the state! This will impact students especially in our smaller districts. PLease hear the voices of your constituents and vote no!

02-14-2024

William Keith []

Just Vote No! This Bill does not focus on what is truly most important, the education and health needs of our children! This is another Political ploy to centralize control with the Department of Education and take it away from local control and the AEA. There is no clear and concise plan to replace the AEA system. A system that has worked well to aid our Children for years now. The only thing that a yes vote will do is ensure the bankruptcy of our kids future.

02-14-2024

Amanda Hennigar []

Again, I urge you to vote no to this bill. This is not something Iowans asked for or want. Nothing positive will come from this bill and it would only be detrimental to Iowa's schools and families, especially in rural areas. The AEA is an important cornerstone to Iowa's education system and should be left alone to do the work it was tasked with. Why is there such a rush to push this through? Before any restructuring of the AEA is considered, you must bring all the stakeholders together, let them have their voices included in any changes. These are the people who will be most affected by this. You have a responsibility to serve the people of Iowa and passing this bill would not only be a disservice, but a betrayal to your constituents. A disservice that they won't soon forget. VOTE NO TO THIS BILL!!! Thank you.

02-14-2024

Laurie Smith []

Please listen to the people of Iowa...the people you took office to serve. This amendment is no better, and does nothing to improve student performance or access to quality services. Slow it down, do the comprehensive review of the AEA system, and make rational, thoughtful changes. VOTE NO!!!!

02-14-2024

Elaine Baughman []

Please slow down with this bill. Allow for a comprehensive review by all stakeholders as to how best to improve special education services. This bill keeps alluding to problems and hires five additional staff per AEA to look for problems, but does nothing to ensure better services. It, unfortunately, will hurt small and rural schools. It does nothing to help students. Where are indepth fiscal studies? Please do not advance this bill. Iowans deserve more.

02-14-2024

Teresa Paulson []

I urge you to, once again, vote NO on this bill. The bill needs to be put on hold and a complete and thorough review needs to be done on the ENTIRE Education system of Iowa. This review would allow for a clear and concise plan on how to implement any changes to the existing system if needed. This would include a review of the Department of Education and its relationship with the AEA. Once that review is completed, then a new bill would be created. This bill in its current state has not demonstrated that it will improve any outcomes on student success, it only gives more power to the Department of Education. Please vote NO and start the process to create the bipartisan review. Please listen to the citizens of Iowa who are concerned about the impact of this destructive bill on the children and youth of Iowa, its schools, and the work force.

02-14-2024

Maddie Heimbaugh []

VOTE NO! We need the AEA to serve, support and advocate for the students and families of Iowa. This bill is going to take away some of the most important services in homes and schools for families in iowa. VOTE NO!!!

02-14-2024

Marilyn Anderson []

There is so much support for the jobs our AEA's are doing and the impact on so many. Please vote NO! Support our rural schools support our rural communities! The comments are overwhelmingly in support of the AEA's! Listen to the people!

02-14-2024

Hannah Childers []

Please vote NO on this bill. Take the time to do a proper study so we can determine the appropriate steps to help student achievement. These decisions will have a lasting impact for generations. We cant rush this decision and these changes!!

02-14-2024

Abby Lynn []

Please vote no to this bill. While some improvements have been made, there are still many actions that will harm students in Iowa. Vote no and enact a comprehensive review prior to making harmful cuts to Iowas education system.

02-14-2024

Adam Sierer []

I ask you to vote NO to HSB 713. This bill is a rapidly developed gut job to a nationally recognized system of supporting special education students throughout the state. This bill will hurt rural districts that do not have the resources to employ the staff necessary to support children with special needs. If changes are needed to close gaps in learning and programs they should be properly researched and vetted by educators and professionals instead of the pushing through a bill that is not supported by the people of Iowa.

02-14-2024

Carrie Hester []

I implore you to please, please slow down and give this bill the time it needs to be studied. Once drastic decisions are made, we can't go back and fix the catastrophic effects. Personally, I am exhausted, I am scared, and I am sad. OUR kids deserve better than a rushed bill. I feel that, with my colleagues and schools, WE make a difference. I truly believe that everyone wants the best for students. Thank you for reading this and I am confident that you will do what is right. Vote NO until a proper study has been completed.

02-14-2024

Jessica Pottebaum []

Please vote NO this bill does not support all learners in Iowa. As someone who works in rural districts, I can tell you these proposed changes will be detrimental. Resources are already limited teachers already don't have what they need to do their jobs, and that's WITH the support from the AEA. Please take the time to do this correctly, and put the children first. Iowa is better than this! Centralizing power under one director at the Department of Education is not feasible or responsible. If the goal is to improve the AEAs to make them more effective at supporting our schools, let's get all stakeholders involved and collectively come up with a plan. Gutting a system that has been around for decades is a mistake a decision not to be taken lightly. Please, please slow this process down so we can get it right!

02-14-2024

Amanda Vreeland []

Please, for our future children and the future of our state, please vote no! Instead, please take a year to study and listen to all the stakeholders. We understand change is needed, but pushing it through so quickly is no way to fix anything.

02-14-2024

Beth Harms []

Please vote no! The AEA is a large reason why my family has been able to thrive in rural Iowa. When my husband was a new teacher and I was a paraprofessional it was the AEA that welcomed us to the education community and offered us trainings and resources to develop our skills. When I began my career as a special education teacher on a conditional license it was the AEA that provided me with the timely training and coaching I needed to best support my high school students. When our son was born with a cleft lip and palate it was the AEA that provided us with the services he needed and collaborated with our University of Iowa cleft team. For all these reasons, I chose to become an AEA special education consultant with a focus on secondary students. All of these AEA services have allowed my family to thrive in a rural Iowa county when we otherwise would have had to seek outside services that may not have been financially or logistically feasible for us. We were able to receive support from folks who knew our community, knew professional best practice, and were able to provide tailored services for our needs. This is what inspired me to focus my professional energy on working with secondary students with disabilities to help them prepare to thrive in Iowa as well. Please support our AEAs.

02-14-2024

Denise McCarty []

Please vote no for HSB 713! This decision will influence every child in the state of Iowa! The ramifications will be long lasting. Please slow down and do a full comprehensive review of the AEA system. There is too much at stake not to!

02-14-2024

Jennifer Keith []

Please VOTE NO! Once again, this bill does not show how it will increase student achievement. Rather, it moves control from local school districts, school boards and AEAs to the department of education. It places a huge burden on smaller rural school districts who will not be able to afford to provide the same level of services they have in our current system. The losers are ultimately the children of our state! Arent they the most important resource we have? Dont we all strive to do the best for them? Please slow down this process and bring ALL the stakeholders to the table so that our decisions are made with all the right information and done in the best interests of our children!

02-14-2024

Dena Ellington []

02-14-2024

Pamela Schroder []

Please vote NO on this bill. It will still hurt our small and rural school districts. Please, please slow it down. Get focus groups together made up of families currently receiving services, families that received services in the past, teachers, paras, principals, superintendents, school boards. These are the folks that need to have the input not the Governor. Shes only seeing $$ signs. Again please vote NO, Thank you.

02-14-2024

Beth Tisher []

Vote NO. As a constituent and education professional, its important that we bring the right people to the table to analyze whats working, whats not, and make systematic improvements that bring statewide consistency to ALL learners, especially those in rural Iowa. We can do this if we stop the bill, formulate an independent commission, and use data that tells the real story about our learners. This bills cuts funding, does not provide the assistance schools need monetarily or professionally for the diverse learners that are in their buildings, and takes away the local control necessary to make prudent decisions for educators and learners.

02-14-2024

Claudia Tillman []

I, along with the vast majority of Iowans, continue to be VERY much opposed to this bill. Please SLOW DOWN in order to thoroughly investigate what changes might be appropriate for Iowas AEAs. By recklessly rushing this bill, you will be doing a great disservice to the Iowans you were elected to represent. Thousands of Iowas students will pay the ultimate price by not receiving the valuable services they need to succeed! Dont you want Iowas students to have the best education possible? Vote NO!

02-14-2024

Kerry Biondi-Morlan []

I urge you to vote no. This bill will hurt the students who attend school in smaller districts. A feeforservice model is not cost efficient nor is it effective. In addition, creating more layers of bureaucracy will not help close the achievement gap, it will make it worse. Create a task force, bring all parties to the table and fix what is wrong. Please do not create a mess just because a company from Virgina told you to. Iowans are not asking for this. They will work to vote you out of office when the services their kids get declines in quality.

02-14-2024

Deanne Hobbs []

Support Iowans! Support Iowa and its children. Please oppose the AEA Bill. Please take time to do the research. Talk to people that know! Dont just listen to agencies that make recommendations and dont see the AEAs in action. Talk to people who know.

02-14-2024

Norman Janet []

Once again I am asking you to slow down the process to dismantle AEAs. The fee for service Portion will only hurt small and rural districts. This bill also takes local control from local boards. Both the House and senate bills should not be fast tracked without local partners at the table. The Director of Education does not have the expertise nor the bandwidth to take this on. I understand you will add 5 new position from the DE to be placed in AEAs and 13 AEA positions at the DE itself. This is confusing since the complaint was that the AEAs were top heavy. Please vote no and gather more information before moving to the current bill you are working on. Your constituents voted you to represent them not for you to represent the Governor.

02-14-2024

Stephanie Cecil []

Please vote NO on HSB 713. It is largely the same as the initial proposal and does Not benefit the student or school districts. Please slow this process and take time to make a thoroughly informed decision. Please listen to the constituents of our state who want you to vote NO. Please do this for our children, families and educators.

02-14-2024

Katie Roling []

Vote NO on HSB 713! I am reaching out (once again) to ask you to please listen to the resounding message from the people of Iowa, who are imploring you to slow this process down. The AEAs and the services they provide are too important for kids and too intertwined with school districts across the state for structural changes to be made in haste. We need a full bipartisan study to be done of the issues, involving all stakeholders, before moving further.

02-14-2024

Cynthia Henriksen []

Hello,As a loyal Iowa voter and parent, I am disheartened to see that the Governor is, in fact, not listening to her constituents. There has been a very vocal and passionate outcry against the AEAs losing any more of their current funding and ability to support schools, students, and families within Iowa. As you know, during the last session, and at the very last minute, it was decided to cut more money from AEA budgets, impacting their ability to do their jobs. Now, the Governor is claiming that AEA is not doing its job. This is a catch 22; take away more and more funding over the years and then get upset if an organization struggles to fulfill its obligations. And yet, AEAs have very high customer satisfaction ratings. General education and media/technology ratings are all within the 90s in terms of percent of satisfaction on the 2023 survey. Why would we cut something that is so strongly supported and appreciated? Why take away such a large organization's buying power to help drive down costs for school districts? The Department of Education has already cut funding for the Family Educator Partnership program, which had a 94% satisfaction rating. I would also argue that it helped keep Iowa out of costly and timeconsuming litigation as well as being good for our families and students. I predict, in the near future, our time spent in litigation is going to escalate exponentially because of the lack of this resource.Now, let's talk about funding and support comparisons. In Iowa, we are so proud of education that we put it on our state quarter: "Founded in Education." And, we were one of the first states to create free, public schools in the 1850s. In the 1970s and 80s, Iowa spent more per student in education than the national average. But, as of the 201819 school year, we're funding each student over $1200 less than the national average now. It's been showing in our test scores, as the Governor likes to say. It's true that our NAEP scores have not stayed on par with the rest of the states in the union. But, this correlates heavily with our funding and support of public education. Margaret Buckton with Iowa School Finance Information Services says, "Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York were all in the bottom half back in the 90s for NAEP scores. They implemented statewide standards and high expectations and then also funded things like teacher training. They have formulas that provide resources to public schools that recognize poverty, because it may take a little bit more to provide everything that lowincome students need and then they add more time for instruction. They also have slightly lower class sizes than we do in Iowa." Those states have now risen higher in their NAEP scores than Iowa.It's also important to keep in mind, as families choose to take advantage of the education vouchers in our state and move to private schools, those students will not be tested by NAEP. NAEP only tests public school students. This means even less accountability for how those private schools are using our dollars and ensuring student progress. And, as the funding moves away from public schools, those being tested by NAEP are more likely to be the lowerachieving students that get "left behind." Again, Iowa has put our public schools in another catch 22 scenario.In conclusion, Iowa has a proud history of valuing public education for all. As Benjamin Franklin believed, educating everyone is in the best interests of the nation; an educated population is a population that will be invested and motivated to give back to the community and society in which they live. This means a more intelligent, productive, and healthy society, which will ultimately prevent so many community issues and save us reactive taxpayer dollars. An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. Benjamin FranklinLet's get back to AUTHENTIC "Iowa Nice" and start caring about everyone, particularly those who have less than us, struggle, and may not have the opportunities to move to a different school or have a school that can afford to find all these services on their own.

02-14-2024

Lisa Fitzpatrick [Retired DMPS paraprofessional ]

Please listen to the experts who truly know what the AEA's do! Leave them alone! If you really want to help education, FUND IT and let the experienced staff do their work!

02-14-2024

Melissa Heidesch []

I am asking that you vote No to this bill. The centralization of services and powers taken away from local control is reckless and will severely impact the services provided to rural schools and special education students across the state. I urge you to slow down the process and explore an in state study including LOCAL stakeholders.

02-14-2024

Sandi Sickels []

I am asking you to vote NO on this bill. The AEA system was created to ensure students have access to services and supports regardless of their zip code. This rips this access away from students in rural and small schools. There continues to be nothing in the bill that suggests these steps will improve academic achievement for students with IEPs. Its irresponsible to make drastic changes without having a thorough understanding of what the problem even is because the data presented by the Governor is not an appropriate measure of student achievement. Furthermore, the bill removes a districts ability to receive mental health therapy services from the AEA social workers through operational sharing. Access to mental health therapy is desperately needed in our rural areas. Please vote NO and take the next year to form a bipartisan group including all stakeholders to study the AEAs, determine strengths and needs in each AEA, and then make recommendations.

02-14-2024

Terry Anselme []

Vote NO to the amended AEA bill. Slow down and study the concerns and get all the stakeholders together to make needed changes. The proposed changes will not make for a better educational experience for students, teachers, or families in Iowa. Vote NO!

02-14-2024

Holly Messenger []

Please vote NO. What is the rush on this bill!?As the mother to a child who has significant disabilities and receives multiple educational supports, both directly and indirectly, from the AEA I know you will not be able to give him the same quality of education with a piecemeal, feeforservice approach. Step back. Listen to Iowans that this affects. Lets take our time and actually do what is best for ALL Iowa children. They are the future of our state, and they deserve careful consideration and all voices to be heard at the table.

02-14-2024

Kristen Jensen []

Please vote NO on HSN713. This bill strikes at the heart of Iowa's educational system. "Kids first" is what rings through the minds of every AEA employee that walks through a school door or anwsers a call to assist a student, teacher or parent. Their vast scope of services and resources provide an unmeasurable knowledge of help to all. Kind of like the "all" that you thought of as you took that oath to serve for your community, district and State. I took a similar oath when I became a school board member. I chose to serve ALL kids. I chose to serve as a voice for our community and our staff to do what was best for our schools. We, as Iowans, used to have high standards for education and strived to provide excellent resources to be competive among the best of the best. Who wins if you take away the vital resources that the AEA provide for ALL students and educators that show up everyday to make a difference? Not our schools. Even if you personally do not recall a time that the AEA provied a service for you, I am willing to bet that the educators that helped you become who you are, had help from somewhere along the way. I ask everyone of you think hard about how you want to return the support to those who chose to support you. The ones who did not have a voice but wanted you to stand in for them because they felt that you could make a difference. I ask you to PUT KIDS FIRST and vote to support the AEA and our schools.

02-14-2024

Alicia Kelly []

PLEASE vote NO to HSB 713. There HAS to be a solution that benefits ALL people of Iowa. Listen to the masses!!! The changes are STILL not substantive in satisfying our need to protect the crucial and essential services for children and our partnering districts. This version STILL does not address the concerns that have been raised by partnering districts, families and staff. Iowa needs ALL parts of the AEA, and this version continues to put critical pieces in jeopardy! Keep local control, LOCAL. This CAN NOT be the final version! PLEASE continue to advocate for slowing things down, listening to important constituents/stakeholders, finding a solution that is best for EVERYONE IN IOWA (especially RURAL Iowa) and (from the bottom of this brand new mamas heart) the saving of the future of education for ALL Iowas children.

02-14-2024

Marc Peter []

This bill has no business moving forward in either the House or the Senate. It is damaging to any school district outside of a major metropolitan area, it deprives our most vulnerable kids of essential services, it strips local control and hands it to Governor appointed bureaucrats that are not even mandated to be professional educators.Any legislator that votes in support of either of these bills will never receive another vote from myself.

02-14-2024

Kerry Newman [GHAEA]

I have been a principal in small, medium, and large buildings. In 2019 I was named the SAI Middle Level Principal of the Year and went on to represent Iowa as the NSSP Iowa Principal of the Year. I love being an educator! I have been with the AEA supporting schools for 4 years. I am motivated to write this for my love of schools, children, families, all AEA employees, service, and support. The Governor's AEA Bill was "bought and paid for." The Senate and House have reworked their own versions of the Bill and those Bills are both, in my opinion, unacceptable. Although I appreciate the efforts, but I urge you to VOTE NO. All versions of the Bills have been written without appropriate inputs and accurate data. More heartbreaking to me is the motivation behind the Governor's hyperfocus on this Bill and her desire to dismantle the AEAs. Here are some aspects of the Bill that are NOT good for all school community stakeholders.1 Centralizing all decision making power to the Director of Education, Director Snow, is irresponsible. I would argue she is not qualified to make decisions about Iowa Education. The Governor has also not made that position one of stability (4 Directors in 5 years).2 Turning the AEAs into a "Business" "Fees for Service" agency isn't who we are. We are designed to help schools, meet their needs, help them with whatever problem arises. Those things may not be "on the list." In addition, there is no way we can plan for staffing and our AEA employees deserve better. Rural Schools will not get the support they need and deserve.3 Our AEAs are governed by a board with members from all areas of our agency. Local school boards elect our AEA school board members. This is called LOCAL CONTROL. This is why we meet the unique needs of the schools in our agency. The Bills do away with our AEA Boards as governing bodies.4 This Bill does not come with a plan to ensure there are no gaps in services moving forward. In fact, given the Bill's timelines gaps will happen and those gaps may not be filled if resources are not available.5 This Bill opens the door for "Big Business" out of state, for profit companies to come into Iowa and gouge our rural schools. I have a great deal of data on our GHAEA efforts on the Science of Reading. We have trained over 1/2 of our districts and our data is showing progress!6 These Bills are removing supports from teachers. We need to increase supports to teachers, tenfold.WHAT IS GOING ON? IS THIS WHAT IOWA IS ALL ABOUT?STOP!Here's an idea SLOW DOWN! A change of this magnitude one that impacts so many deserves more time. The Governor's 136 page Bill was a shock to all. Our Iowa Legislators can commission a year long study, involving trustworthy, competent people. Keep the AEAs the way they are for 20242025 and work together to get better. I agree there are a lot of ways to improve our educational system! I want improvement! This is not the way!

02-14-2024

Jess Krob []

I urge you to vote NO to the new AEA amendment. It does not have the best interest of our children at heart. The idea that you can make changes to a 50yearold system in a month and it would be for the best is ridiculous. Does it need improvement? Maybe. Is this the way to do it? Definitely not. We need all stakeholders around the table. It has not thought through how rural districts will be supported, how teachers will access professional development, and how we will continue to efficiently provide students what they need on a daytoday basis. There is no way that control centralized in the Dept of Ed will improve the outcomes for students. Someone with an educational background should be leading educators. Education is not a business. Let the professionals do what they do best.

02-14-2024

Brenda Tousley []

I have been a resident of Iowa for 5 years now. We were happy that we were moving to a state with such a good reputation for education, much of which is due to the AEA system. Now as a resident, and grandparent of two grandchildren who have received services through the AEA I am sad at the attempt to dismantle the system that has many strengths. I am especially concerned that this is being pushed through too quickly, without study including the stake holders. I am concerned that rural districts will be disproportionately impacted. Even if small districts stay with the AEA it will likely be weakened as some districts choose to use other services. It concerns me that the governor has indicated she will dismiss all AEA superintendents and appoint their replacements. If political appointees are running the AEA this will take away the checks and balances system currently in place.While all systems typically can improve the choices for improvement need to be thoughtful and methodical and include those who receive services. I urge you to remember that you represent the people of Iowa and vote no on the bill.

02-14-2024

Sara Lincoln []

Vote NO for HSB 713. Area Education Agencies were created for equitable services across the state. This bill would take this away from districts that dont have access to these services. Let AEA professionals who live in these communities and are invested in these communities, continue to provide these services and not Big Brother sitting in a cushy Des Moines office. VOTE NO!

02-14-2024

Lindsey Clemen []

As a parent of young children in rural Iowa, my kids' daycare and preschool rely on media services, learning kits, books, and curriculum support materials. Their teachers also rely on the AEA to provide supports for students and professional development. AEAs are essential to all students in Iowa's success both general education and special education students. Our students are more than test scores. Fee for service will be detrimental to smaller districts and these bills dramatically impact local control for education. Hear our voices. Please protect our AEAs.

02-14-2024

D J []

Let this trash legislation die already. The vast majority of this state's public schools, and especially our rural schools, need the AEA as it currently stands. This proposed law does absolutely nothing to improve outcomes for special education students, so let's stop using them as an excuse. It's insulting to everyone's intelligence. There are many more practical and effective ways to support ALL students in Iowa, and students with disabilities in particular, that don't necessitate tearing down the supports they have because a handful of idiots deem them insufficient. Try funding the AEA sufficiently and see if that helps!Making any changes to the AEA system without a thorough study of the potential consequences is a foolish and dangerous idea. Your voters don't want this, and we will remember it when election time rolls around.

02-14-2024

Jean Tucker []

Please vote NO on HSB 713. Children in Iowa deserve better. The AEAs are a valuable resource that work closely with local schools to make sure all kids, especially those in rural areas, get the support services they need to be successful in the classroom.

02-14-2024

Danielle Martens []

Please vote no on this bill. AEAs are such a rich resource, especially for special education teachers. AEAs ensure equitable access for all schools, including our most rural districts. Where will our rural districts find support and professionals if not through the AEA? It will be very costly for schools, and there will be a gap in services. Please slow this process down and involve all stakeholders. Educators and families are not asking for this bill. Everyone is paying attention to who is benefiting from this bill. Please vote no!

02-14-2024

Keith Rau []

I am writing to urge you to vote NO on HSB 713, the bill relating to area education agencies. This bill still contains provisions for a feeforservice component for other services that AEAs now provide, this will harm schools in Iowa, especially small schools and rural school districts. This destroys the efficiency built into the current system that makes sure, regardless of where you live or the school you attend or teach in, you have access to those services. In addition, the bill still strips local control away from local AEAs and hands it over to the Department of Education in Des Moines. For example, why require Department of Education approval of the services a local school district wants to obtain from their local AEA? Who knows better what is needed, a person in Des Moines or the local district. AEAs already have local knowledge and a working relationship with the districts they serve, and the experts in place to deliver those services and deal with any reforms that may be needed. While I applaud the establishment of a task force, this should be done first, before any other action is fast tracked unnecessarily. No action should be taken on this matter without the input by ALL stakeholders. Slow down, listen to your constituents, and do what is right for the families, students and schools of Iowa. Vote NO.

02-14-2024

Kylie Butler []

Vote no to this bill. Restructuring the funding mechanism for AEAs will disproportionately harm rural schools. The existing funding mechanism enables even the smallest districts to access highly trained, experienced professionals. In a payperservice model, schools would afford fewer services and students and educators would receive less support. Moreover, centralizing decisionmaking power to the Department of Education would undoubtedly slow responsiveness to the needs of Iowa students, families, and schools. This bill does not serve the best interests of Iowa's students and families.

02-14-2024

Deb Thomas []

SSB 3073/HSB 542: FINANCIAL IMPACT VOTE NOI am a State Special Education Mediator, on contract with the Iowa DE. I am an independent contractor and have served as mediator for 16 years. This puts me in a very unique position. I want to share information that I know you have not heard that can have a significant impact on students with disabilities and their families and districts if the Governors proposal regarding AEAs passes.I have mediated and comediated nearly 200 mediations. These mediations have put me into contact with hundreds of families, teachers, AEA staff, district administrators, principals and students just to name a few of those with whom I have worked. Additionally, I have been coordinating and conducting AEA Mediator Training for the past 8 years for AEA staff in all nine AEAs. Several hundred AEA staff have been trained over the last 8 years in communication skills, dispute resolution skills and how to conduct mediations. The AEAs have made an enormous commitment to training their staffs to resolve differences at the lowest level to ensure student success and to maintain relationships. Why is this important? It is important because:Students with disabilities are better served when educators and families have good relationships. When there are unresolved or ongoing disputes relationships suffer. These very relationships impact students. Resolving disputes at the lowest level helps restore trust and relationships which again benefits the student.Due process hearings are very expensive for districts. The financial impact is greater for smaller districts. The average due process hearing can cost a district (+ or ) $20,000 (+ or ) $30,000 depending on the length and complexity of the case. One hearing. It is difficult to budget for this and there is clearly no plan in the Governors bill to account for any of these very important details.Having such a large number of AEA staff trained in dispute resolution helps support students, families, staff and districts to resolve disputes without a costly hearing which can further damage relationships and impact students. AEA staff are the ones who know and have worked with all the parties. This benefits the IEP process as well as the mediation process. Often, the AEA personnel are the last ones with an intact relationship with a family after the situation has risen to a high level of conflict.This increased conflict puts administrators, superintendents and school boards in a very bad position.As a mediator, it is hard for me to envision mediations without AEA personnel/staff at the table. The absence of the AEA staff would not benefit students, their families or districts.I have spent my entire professional educational career, which spans 47 years, advocating for and supporting families and children with disabilities and educators. And I have served in many roles: Special education teacher,AEA Special Education Coordinator (Coordinated the FEP)Disability Right Iowa Advocate, School board member and president, DE Behavioral Consultant, Adjunct special education professor (Primary course taught for 37 years Schools, Families, Communities and Disability), Program Director for the Mountain Plains Regional Resource Center (national network special education network supported through a grant with OSEP)Currently and historically, Iowa has one of the lowest numbers of due process hearings in the entire country see the links below for a report on Iowas dispute resolution data and processes:It is almost certain that if the SSB 3073/HSB 542 is passed that there will be increased due process hearings and due process hearing requests. Students and families will be negatively impacted when this occurs. It is costly to families and districts and disrupts student lives and education.

02-14-2024

Melissa Kissell []

I thank the House Sub Committee for making these amendments and listening to your constituents. Im still having difficulty understanding how this amended bill helps our students, however. How is putting all the power in the Department of Ed going to create gains in student achievement? How will this bill help our small rural schools? PLEASE VOTE NO ON THIS BILL. It still leaves so many unanswered questions.

02-14-2024

Brianne Bethards []

Please vote no on this bill. This feels extremely rushed. There has been so much opposition to this bill across the board. Our children deserve so much better. Do not remove more resources from children who desperately depend on these services, often times from the time they are born.

02-14-2024

Susan Wetrich []

I ask you to please consider the economic impact on all school districts, large and small. There are so many financial and best practice factors that have not been considered in this bill. Evidence based practiced show integrated, multidisciplinary services and working together as a team shows the beset results for student learning. If services are contracted through different agencies this type of multidisciplinary team approach will be next to impossible to accomplish. Service providers will not have quick access to low incidence support staff, library of assistive technology devices and appropriate professional development in our specialized field of training. Please realize there are many factors in the performance of special education services. Roles of LEA and AEA staff need to be defined with ways to use strengths, continue relationships and keep everyone accountable for best outcomes not just AEA employees. Please stop this bill and examine the best way to work through these issues.

02-14-2024

Lisa Andreasen []

I continue to have issues with this bill placing so much power in the hands of the Department of Education and specifically the Director of Education. This takes away the local control that we are usually so proud of in our state. Please take the time to do a comprehensive review of the AEAs with input from multiple stakeholders before making the changes proposed in this bill. We need to get this right for the future of our students. Rushing a bill through without proper consideration is not going to improve student outcomes. Iowans deserve a plan for AEAs, LEAs, and the DE that doesn't just reorganize the structure, but includes real strategies for improving student outcomes. This bill continues to focus solely on restructuring the system but does not provide practical strategies that will effect change to student outcomes. Please vote no for this bill.

02-14-2024

Mary Beth Korver []

Please vote no on this bill. Please listen to your constituents. You have an opportunity to turn this into something really great. You have an opportunity to turn back to your voters and say that you listened. Let's take the time to find solutions with all parties given a seat at the table. The new versions and amendments are a start (definitely appreciate the effort), but still a big no. Our local districts care about our students. They have researched and asked questions to better understand. Please do the same for your state. Please protect all of Iowa's students and schools. Do not move forward with this bill. The only bill to move forward should be one where more research, discussion and collaboration is had between all stakeholders. That is what is best for all of Iowa.

02-14-2024

Erika Runyan []

This bill will not be in the best interest of smaller school districts. There are not enough private companies to supply resources and they wont provide consistent service. This has been jammed through for out of state profit by consultant firms rather than those who know the needs of Iowa children.

02-14-2024

Audrey Mensen []

Im appalled that were still trying to push something through that never should have been proposed in the first place. Read your emails. Listen to the people who elected you. This is NOT good for Iowa. We have a robust AEA system that is working. Let the people with the knowledge who actually do the work have a real seat at the table. Its become so evident that there is an utter lack of understanding of how the AEA system operates. We dont expect you to understand it without working in it but please dont pretend youre qualified to be making monumental decisions about it. Push pause and regroup with stakeholders. The consequences of this legislature are monumental.

02-14-2024

Kelly Asperheim []

I implore you to vote NO to this bill. It will hurt students, particularly in rural school districts. I urge you to slow down and take the time needed with all pertinent stakeholders to study the best way to impact student achievement.

02-14-2024

Misty Nay []

Please vote NO to this amended bill. Iowans are screaming from the rooftops that this is not something that we want. School leaders, parents, teachers, and students themselves are telling you how damaging this is. It is time for our elected officials to listen and advocate for us. This bill is not well thought out and not ready to be implemented. Why are we forcing it through when the potential impacts are so so great? This bill does nothing to impact student achievement, which should be top priority. Get the correct people around the table and do it right!

02-14-2024

Holly Long-DeWolf []

Giving the AEA money to the local school districts changes who the client is for the AEAs. If the school district is the client, the child/family no longer is and that hurts children. That is what parents of students with special needs are trying to tell you.

02-14-2024

Laura Glenn []

Please vote the will of the people. Please vote with your constituents. Vote no! Please stop this bill to gut the services provide to the children of Iowa. Slow this process down and make reform the right way through careful, reflective, input from all stakeholders.

02-14-2024

Kelly Ward []

I again urge you to vote no, these are essential services all our schools need to be successful. If we want equitable education we need AEAs with local knowledge and understanding of the schools we serve. We do not need control of the DE making decisions about what districts need. In addition, consulting firms would have 0 understanding of local context or the needs of schools or individual students. Please vote NO!

02-14-2024

Tiffany Jund []

Vote NO!!! These amemdments CONTINUE to dismamtle what HAS worked and what IS meeting the needs of schools LOCALLY! The Superintendemts DID NOT ask.for this! Constituents DID NOT aak for this. The students are NOT asking you to disrupt their worlds. Parents are fearful and worried how their child will receive free and appropriate services with the 'proposed fee for services?' The rural schools and families will be left behind. Vote NO kill this BILL! Keep the children at the forefront of your decisions! AEA's serve ALL STUDENTS!

02-14-2024

Cheryl Brewer []

I am urging you to please vote NO on this bill. We need to slow this down and bring all stakeholders to the table for a comprehensive review! As an educator and a parent of children that went through the special education system I urge you to vote NO! Without the special education, media, and educational services offered by the AEA, two of my three children would not be where they are today! My third child also benefited from the educational and media services from AEA. As an educator, I have learned a vast number of resources and strategies through services from the AEA! Please vote No!

02-14-2024

Taylor Baumgartner []

Thank you for your time and energy throughout this process. The amended bill does not yet address the current needs in our state. Please take the adequate time to perform assessments to effectively evaluate the current structure to determine IF and WHAT revisions may need to come. Please vote no to this current amended bill.

02-14-2024

Teri Hockenson []

Please Vote No! Please create a bipartisan committee to really find out what is best for our children and their educational needs. I believe if you do and you listen to parents of the children and the rural schools the AEA supports, you will be voting No.

02-14-2024

Susan Bangert []

Please vote NO on HSB 713. It is never wise to make substantial changes to any agency in haste, without careful examination of the facts and consulting with the people with first hand experience. What is the rush?

02-14-2024

Katie Simpson []

Please vote no for this bill. This does not represent local control or parent choice. As a mother of a son with an IEP, fee for services is not the systematic and seamless team that he currently has in place. Local control will actually be further removed with oversight at the DE. The dates proposed do not allow AEAs an adequate taffing ttimeline. Iowans are not asking for this bill. Please vote no.

02-14-2024

Bob Janisch []

Vote No on HBS 713. Both of my children have benefited from AEA services. I dont know where our children would be without the expertise of the AEA staff working with them. My son now is working on a class at the local tech school and working part time. This is a tremendous achievement for him. Listen to the constituents of Iowa!!! You represent the PEOPLE, not the parties.

02-14-2024

Ash Kading []

Please vote NO to this bill. Iowans like our Area Education Agencies and the services they provide Iowa children. This bill would harm rural schools, diminish local input and empower the bureaucracy in the Department of Education. Needlessly trying to find fault with the AEAs and their employees who are dedicated to helping Iowa children every day should not be a priority of Governor Reynolds or the legislature.

02-14-2024

Melissa Hesner []

Please vote no on this bill. Fee for services will diminish the economy of scale offered by AEAs, hurting small and rural districts. In addition, this bill decreases local control by giving more power to the department of education.

02-14-2024

Alicia Moos []

Vote NO!! Wheres the data that shows that this will improve outcomes for children with disabilities??? You dont know because you havent taken the time to truly understand the needs! Slow down and do this right! Our kids deserve the best! They deserve our diligence!! Data based decisions!! Best practice! Students in rural areas deserve the same access as those in cities!

02-14-2024

Kayla Nagel []

I urge you to vote NO on this bill. No one has asked for this and it will be extremely detrimental to Iowa education, especially our rural schools. Slow the process, let us be involved in the changes. Listen to the schools, students, parents and employees.

02-14-2024

Stephanie Gronowski [Parent]

I am writing to express my opposition to this AEA bill. As a parent to a child with cerebral palsy, we rely heavily on AEA support for him to thrive in the classroom. I dont understand the haste of this legislation. If changes of this magnitude are being considered, a thorough study needs to be done so that youre actually helping students rather than simply cutting costs. Please vote No!

02-14-2024

Sadie J []

Vote no! If you arent going to listen to the adult Iowans, please listen to the kids. I am one. I have received AEA services since Kindergarten. I have made progress. The person assigned to my school was there for me during a very dark time in my life. She supported me and helped me to grow in my studies. Listen to the kids!!!!!

02-14-2024

Valerie Sitzmann [Educator, Parent, Voter]

Please vote NO to HSB 713. Slow this process down. Please consider a comprehensive review with all of the IOWA stakeholders at the table to determine what changes need to be made. This bill will harm IOWA's students especially in the rural districts.

02-14-2024

Heidi Farquhar []

I once again urge you to vote no on the amendment HSB 713. This amendment makes no improvement. You still have not provided an answer or solution to the governor's main concern of improving test scores for those in special education and have stripped programs and services. This bill does not give local control to the school districts, it only give control to the Director of Education whose department cannot handle common questions now in a timely matter. You have added layers of reporting that the AEA need to provide to the DE, what if a school chooses private services, are they held to the same accountability to the DE? This bill is rushed, and not thought through with care. How can you change a whole institution in one legislative session without a full comprehensive review? This is bad policy for Iowa children, and they are the ones who will ultimately suffer. As a registered voter I urge you to vote NO on this amendment. Thank you

02-14-2024

Jodie Hoadley []

It is beyond my comprehension how the politicians involved in this push to dismantle every AEA in Iowa can justify their actions. There have been an untold number of educational experts who have not only expressed why but have also shown you why this should not occur! Please consider all those you are going to hurt with your actions, children, teachers, and the entire education system! These children are our future and the AEA that serves their school knows more about what they need to be a success in life than you do. You chose to be a politician, if you wanted to be an educator and an expert on what it takes to give a child a successful education you should have chose a different life course! Please leave our AEA system alone!! Vote No!

02-14-2024

Judy Nadrchal []

Please vote NO on this bill. As a parent of a child with a disability, I am very worried that my son will not have access to the general education and media services that the AEA provides. This will impact his quality of education. Rural schools will not be able to afford these services. Please dont rush this decision that will affect ALL Iowa students. Please take the time to do a comprehensive review with ALL stakeholders.

02-14-2024

Allison Brekke []

Vote No. Our AEA is a valued established system and should not be dismantled with one fell swoop. Slow down, come up with different options, give the people a chance to think. Or wait...is that what you are afraid of?

02-14-2024

Allison Brekke []

02-14-2024

Linda Boshart []

Please vote no on this bill. The proposed changes will be detrimental to the children and families of Iowa, particularly those in small, rural school districts. We need to ensure that all districts have equal access to all services. Please slow down this process to allow a bipartisan, comprehensive study over the next year so that any necessary changes needed can be examined and understood. This bill will cause irreparable damage to our public schools.

02-14-2024

Tracy Thomsen []

Vote no on this bill! It doesnt do what you say you want it to do help students getting special education services achieve better. It concentrates power and control of AEAs in political hands in Des Moines rather than local boards voted on by constituents. More importantly, it hurts the students in small school districts the most. Those small districts will not be able to get the same amount of services they have access to now. By everyone contributing a small portion of their flowthrough dollars now, EVERYONE gets access to many quality services. If this goes through, big districts will have the money and personnel to supply their students with many things (although at a higher cost), and small schools wont be able to afford everything they have access to now. AEAs were created so ALL Iowa students had access to quality educational services. Iowans used to be as concerned for their neighbors as they were for themselves. But, we are living in a time when its about whats in it for me? Im afraid that we wont do whats right for our students by taking the time to study the AEA system with input from all stakeholders to find ways to make it better BEFORE making changes. Instead, well get something passed to make political statements, because these AEA bills are not about kids but money and power.

02-14-2024

Doris George []

Please kill this bill. Please do right by Iowans and follow through with what the Governor spoke of, do the comprehensive review. Include stakeholders, study multiple sources of data and information, visit school districts and communities, talk to teachers and administrators. Are even the less than satisfied individuals in favor of this bill? Will this bill solve the academic achievement concern cited by the Governor? If you believe so, how? How will these changes improve student performance? Please slow down, push pause, and take time to really gather information that will inform you on the magnitude of this matter in order to make a better plan.

02-14-2024

Dusty Reese []

Please vote no on this bill. After reviewing the latest amendments, this bill will be a significant detriment to our students, schools and families. A large majority of school districts will not be able to afford quality services through a fee for service model. In addition, this bill decreases local control by granting so much power to the Department of Education. Your constituents have made their opinions clear on this bill. You owe it to the children of Iowa to do a proper review of AEAs rather than an impulsive action that will set us back decades.

02-14-2024

Anthony J []

I am in a 5th year program at my school. I am successfully completing a course through NCC. I have a job and am paying taxes. I was the lucky recipient of AEA services. Listen to the Iowans!!! Vote no to HBS 713!!

02-14-2024

Rebecca Carver [Heartland AEA]

I urge you to vote no. Take the time to engage in a thorough and thoughtful review. The AEAs are rooted in a problem solving model and staff are trained to be critical consumers of research as well as know how to engage multiple sources of information before making high stakes decisions. We do this everyday with our local educators. We would never make a high stakes decision for a child or school without gathering evidence from multiple valid resources, engaging in extensive interviews with all stakeholders and thinking through the likely outcomes of each decision. This is what we do each and every day for our Iowa students, families and educators. Allow the time to do this. Provide us the same thorough evaluation that we would provide to a student prior to making such a high stakes decision. Please vote no.

02-14-2024

Jen Kinder []

I stand with the majority of Iowa constituents and implore you not approve the bill. This bill does nothing to help the children, families, and schools of Iowa. My faith in democracy has me holding on to the hope that those in the Senate and House listen to their constituents and end this bill. Listen to those this bill affects and ask them their concerns and address them. The AEA knows improvements can be made and are willing to to do the work to make things better. Is the Senate and the House willing to put the same work in?

02-14-2024

Sarah Schmid []

Please vote no to this bill. The attention this bill has received should speak for itself! The negative impact this will have on rural schools, and our education system as a whole, is devastating. How will this bill improve learning outcomes for all students? Please listen to the people you represent and vote NO! Thank you!

02-14-2024

Lynn Selking []

It is commendable that you are trying to find middle ground, but I oppose this bill. Please take time to listen to what schools and parents are telling you. Please take time to study what changes are most likely to bring improved services to students. The Department of Ed is part of the executive branch and respond nimbly to needs of individual teachers and student situations. They must, of a necessity, paint with broad strokes. That leaves all the burden on the teacher to figure out how to implement their policies.Vote NO!

02-14-2024

Amy Liddell []

Please vote NO on HSB 713. We need to make sure all children and families have equal access to a Free Appropriate Public Education. Please slow down, take time to fully understand the big picture and bring the right people to the table to have conversations. Our rural school districts will be devastated by this fee for service model. Thank you for listening!!

02-14-2024

Janelle Kralik []

I was under the impression that when elected to be a representative or senator, a big part of your job is listening to your constituents. From what I am seeing and reading some of you have forgotten that. There have been many people, Republican and Democrat who have written, called, and spoken to you about their concern for the current AEA bill. As a constituent, I ask you to vote no on any bills, including amendments, that will result in changes to the Area Education Agencies at this time. We need to take the time for a thorough study of all the educational systems in Iowa and do it carefully, with a representative group of stakeholders. Iowa once stood proud as a state that led the nation in education and did not follow other states that were making changes only for political purposes. As an educator and parent, I know firsthand how important our local AEA is. My youngest son received services through the Green Hills AEA in the area of language delays. With the assistance of our district SLP, he was able to develop his language skills and vocabulary to be with his typically developing peers when he reached kindergarten. As an educator of students with disabilities, I am very thankful for the support that I receive from my partners through the AEA. I have a student who is receiving counseling sessions with an AEA social worker to help him through the trauma they went through at a young age. A couple of years ago I had a student who was deaf/blind and I was not trained for his disability. The AEA had a team in my classroom before he started attending to help set up the room and help make materials that I would need to use with him. They continued to come in several times throughout each month to see how I was managing and offering suggestions and muchneeded support. Through the AEA, I was able to get in touch with the State Department of the Blind where I was able to take classes at different times throughout the year and over the summer to help better serve this child and family. They also attended some classes as his disability was one that some had never worked with before. Living in a small community I worry about what my local school is going to do if they do not have the support of the AEA. My community is an hour away from Des Moines, which may not sound that far to some, but when you have a child who may not have the stamina to withstand that long of a commute, or the family doesn't have access to reliable transportation or even the funds, that put an even bigger burden on them. With AEA services being able to come to the school to work with the child during school hours, this helps the family and educators as they communicate with us right away what they did and would like to have us do. I sincerely hope every one of us can see that if these changes happen, without careful study of what we must keep, our communities and Iowa will continue to sink lower in education quality. I feel if we are having issues filling teaching positions currently, with the loss of support from the AEAs we may have even more resign, retire, or move. Please listen to us, your constituents, to what we are telling you. We must do better for our children.

02-14-2024

Kelsey Baker []

It's troubling to see both bills stripping local control from area education agencies, placing undue power in the hands of the Department of Education. The proposed feeforservice model seems destined to disadvantage rural school districts, potentially leaving them as 'losers' in this scenario. We need solutions that involve input from our local experts and strive for bipartisan support. Our communities deserve better than policies that threaten their autonomy and wellbeing. Let's work together to ensure our education system reflects the needs and voices of Iowa stakeholders.

02-14-2024

Shana Willenbring []

Vote no! This bill does not address the concerns that have been shared over and over again by the people who you said you would speak for when you were voted into office. Moving to a fee for service model will reduce the ability for AEAs to provide equitable service to all kids. This bill also continues to give all power and control to the Iowa Department of Education. Unfortunately, the DE is not in a position to handle this increase in responsibility. Further, while this bill claims to provide local control it does the opposite! Decisions will be made by the director, who will be advised by the Governor. That is not local control! AEAs are local. AEAs provide timely service. AEAs provide equitable services to make sure all children get what they need. We need AEAs. Our kids need AEAs. Vote no!

02-14-2024

Sieck Sarah []

I ask that you please vote NO to HSB 713. Iowa students need a stable and responsive system that includes a fully funded AEA system. AEAs are open to improvement because they believe in doing what is best for all Iowa students. By making drastic changes too quickly you will be undermining the quality of education and support services, jeopardizing the future success and wellbeing of all Iowa children.

02-14-2024

Amanda Reese []

Vote NO! For the millionth time! Why is this still around? Have you not gotten the picture from the thousands of emails and comments and conversations that the majority are opposed to this? Please. Vote. No.

02-14-2024

Kaylynne Christenson []

I appreciate that some consideration and change had been given to the initial bill, but I still implore you to vote NO to this amendment. Please slow this process and dedicate the time to conduct a comprehensive study of the AEA system, listen to voices of all stakeholders, and review ACCURATE data. Rushing this decision and following through with this bill will have catastrophic results for our students and educational system. The public outcry against this bill is strong. Please listen to your constituents and follow the will of the people: vote NO!

02-14-2024

Stephanie Gilbertson []

By passing this bill you would be doing a disservice to the children of Iowa, These children are the future and we are shaping them. Give them the tools they need to succeed. Do your diligence and research the need for these services. Our children have suffered enough these past 4 years!

02-14-2024

Justin Leonard []

This amendment to the original bill is still terrible. It seems as tho all that is being done is someone is being paid to rewrite the original bill over and over. This bill dismantles the areas and makes the schools go it alone. We continue to consolidate schools to save money. The plan of having schools figure out things on their own will increase their costs and decrease their services.

02-14-2024

Barbara Hahn []

Please vote NO on this bill. I find this to be short sighted. It would result in unnecessary chaos for schools. I would want you to think back to why the AEAs were begun in Iowa to help special ed kids. In their wisdom, the legislature knew that small rural districts couldn't easily seek out services for their disabled students. They banded together as AEAs to provide services for small schools that would be equal to those of the large districts. In contrast, I saw the small rural districts just across the river from me in Illinois struggle to provide services to students. Superintendents had to hire psychologists or speech paths or social workers by saying that they would pay for a day or two a week with a different district. It did not work well and nobody wanted to work for them . Often, superintendents would have to buy private services to have professionals come in to do evaluations. It was extremely expensive for them! This collapse of the AEAs is a suggestion with false savings. School administrators in small districts struggle to find teachers and often have AEA staff teach and mentor new, uncertified teachers. Asking those school administrators to seek out professionals such as psychologists, social workers, occupational and physical therapists puts an undue burden on them. If you have read the Des Moines Register , the Quad City Times, and several other Iowa papers, you have seen multiple articles in which school administrators and parents are pleading for the AEAs to continue. There have not been articles in which school administrators and parents are asking for this drastic change. This plan is simply an experiment, without broad input and thorough planning. What indicates that these changes would have a positive impact on student performance? What about a pilot program to really check out the consequences of this drastic action? It does not appear to be advisable to jump to this just because someone had a vague idea of what might a feasible plan. I ask you to maintain the AEA system, which several states with rural schools have envied. Please dont jump to an experiment that would hurt special education students. Please protect the services that are provided to the children of Iowa, not only in our larger towns but in our many rural areas. Please slow down the changes so that there is time to study possible consequences for our students.

02-14-2024

Cynthia Steflik []

I am strongly opposed to this bill or any other bill that puts the AEAs under the control of the DOE. I am in favor of a task force to study the situation but that is all. The task force, after proper research and study, can then decide if it needs to be transferred under the supervision of the DOE. I dont believe this situation has been approached in the proper manner. It is my understanding that there are 4 school districts out of 327 that have expressed concerns about their AEA services. That is .01%. Why on earth would that lead to suddenly completely dismantling the AEAs? Those school districts with concerns should work things out with the AEA they work with. This bill and/or the senate bill will be a disaster in implementation. I dont believe any of the legislators understand what a huge task this will be. It will hurt not only the students, the school districts, particularly rural ones, but also is going to leave 3,000 + people scrambling for new jobs. How does that help Iowas economy or their local economy? Please stop movement of this bill and set up a task force to determine what should be done. Thank you for your work on this issue.

02-14-2024

Kayla Marbach []

I continue to oppose this bill including all amendments. This bill lacks proof of changes that will improve the rate of success for our children. A fee for service model will negatively impact rural school the most. Please slow this down and vote no again. Let there be a comprehensive study to truly learn what all school districts, educators, parents, and AEA staff need to better provide thorough services to Iowas children.

02-14-2024

Liz Rich []

Twice this month our local school district has utilized the crisis team. TWICE THIS MONTH. I implore that you consider the profound impact that a robust and wellsupported AEA can have on our state's educational system. From early childhood interventions to special education services to professional development opportunities for educators, the AEA touches the lives of individuals at every stage of their educational journey.

02-14-2024

Marc Groen []

Vote against this bill. It is premature to draft a bill without conducting a comprehensive study and engaging with the educational experts and stakeholders involved. In particular, the fee for service model will pose significant challenges for rural districts, who will have to compete for scarce resources and services. The current AEA model provides these services through an economy of scale. The fee for service model will erode the quality and viability of the AEA special education services over time. It is essential that Iowa continues to support kids with disabilities with local staff members who live in our communities, not pay for service companies from outside of Iowa.

02-14-2024

Joe Rich []

Economies of scale refer to the cost advantages that organizations can achieve when they increase their scale of production or operation. This concept is particularly relevant for area education agencies (AEAs), which are entities responsible for providing various educational services to schools and districts within a specific geographical area. Here's how economies of scale make a difference for AEAs:Lower Average Costs: As AEAs serve multiple schools or districts within a region, they can spread their fixed costs, such as administrative expenses and infrastructure costs, over a larger number of clients. This leads to lower average costs per school or district served, allowing AEAs to provide services more efficiently and costeffectively.Bulk Purchasing Power: AEAs often procure educational resources, materials, and services on behalf of the schools and districts they serve. With economies of scale, AEAs can negotiate better deals and discounts due to their larger purchasing volumes. This enables schools and districts to access resources at lower costs than if they were to procure them individually.Specialized Expertise: AEAs can afford to hire specialized staff and educators to provide a wider range of services, such as curriculum development, professional development, special education support, and technology integration. With economies of scale, AEAs can allocate resources to recruit and retain highquality professionals with diverse expertise, enhancing the overall quality of services offered.Investment in Infrastructure: Economies of scale allow AEAs to invest in infrastructure and technology systems that improve the delivery of educational services. For example, AEAs can develop centralized databases, learning management systems, or online platforms for resource sharing and collaboration among schools and educators. These investments become more feasible with larger economies of scale.Improved Program Quality: With greater resources and efficiency, AEAs can develop and implement more comprehensive and effective educational programs and initiatives. They can conduct research, gather data, and assess the impact of their programs more rigorously, leading to continuous improvement and better outcomes for students and educators across the region.In summary, economies of scale enable AEAs to provide a wider range of highquality educational services at lower costs, benefiting schools, districts, students, and educators within their respective regions. By leveraging their size and scope, AEAs can address the diverse needs of educational communities more effectively and efficiently, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of the education system.

02-14-2024

Cindy Juhl []

I am asking you to vote no on HSB 713. Take the time to complete a comprehensive study of the AEAs. Include students, families, school districts and AEAs in the process to determine what is working well and what can be improved upon. Local control and support is important to Iowans. Please listen to the Iowans you represent and vote no.

02-14-2024

Chad Fritz []

Vote No to HSB 713. The future of our communities and state depends on a stable and reliable education system. Let's be responsible in our decisionmaking, do a complete review of the education system (DE, AEA, LEAs) and set goals for improvement rather than move services to outside/contracted providers with little or no investment in our communities or even the state.

02-14-2024

Brenda Gerdes []

Please vote NO onHSB 713, it does not fix the fundamental flaws of the original legislation. Further study is what Iowa children and family deserve to have happen before making these drastic changes. A student by a bipartisan representation of ALL stakeholders from ALL 99 counties before making changes that will impact a generation of Iowa children. Iowa children need you to not fix this in 4 weeks they need you to really study and do your due diligence. VOTE NO!

02-14-2024

Nicolette Critser []

I dont know a single Iowan who wants this. No one is asking you to defund Iowa AEAs and remove services for children and schools. So why pursue it? All children in Iowa benefit from AEAs, whether private, public, or homeschooled. Please stop ruining education in Iowa. Public schools are losing funds, public libraries are losing funds, and now youre going after a place that helps provide for the educational needs of special needs children and those who teach them. Please please vote NO.

02-14-2024

Gary Steflik []

In reference to HSB713, it is blatantly obvious that the Governor and her right wing members of the Iowa House and Senate are using some salary issues (AEA Administrators) to totally dismantle the AEA system in Iowa. Wouldn't it make sense to bring all shareholders together to make the AEA system better than to totally dismantle it and put it under the supervision of the DOE? I strongly oppose this bill in any form.

02-14-2024

Brenda Langstraat-Janisch []

Once again, I ask you to vote NO on HBS 713. The constituents of Iowa have expressed loudly that they have concerns with many facets of this bill and amended version of the bill. Will you represent the children and their families? You are their elected official and deserve to be heard!!! How will this version of the bill improve educational outcomes for children? School districts have expressed concerns with the Department of education assuming control over decision making. What happened to local control? Sounds to me like it is centralized control. Listen to the Iowans, but most importantly think of our children and our future generation!!! VOTE NO!!!

02-14-2024

Shannon Wilson []

Please vote no and allow further reflection and review to happen before making a decision. At this point in time the turn around to implement any of these changes is too short and would create inadequate transition. To legally provide children with their documented needs schools need to have personal, funding, and systems in place. If this is voted Yes you are jeopardizing that continuity of care.

02-14-2024

Melissa Melissa []

Please vote NO to this bill. It does not offer meaningful solutions and continues to dismantle services to our rural schools creating larger gaps for kids in smaller towns. Please, we implore you to put together an independent study with a variety of stakeholders to has our the problems and offer meaningful solutions that will benefit all of Iowa's kids and not strip them from the quality education they deserve as districts and AEAs partner together to provide. Vote NO!

02-14-2024

Angela Dvorak []

Please vote no! This bill still causes major equity concerns. When a fee for service model is in place, smaller schools will receive reduced access to critical services, AEA staff will be difficult to maintain, and the quality of services will be strained. Even with a 60/40 split, schools may use their funds differently which will impact and decrease services for all, including services for crisis response and emergencies that are unpredictable. Centralizing decisionmaking will also hinder local control, slow down responsiveness, and cause undue hardships. Schools, families, and our communities deserve to be stakeholders who are part of this process and a comprehensive review is needed before these radical changes change the lives of Iowans forever. This bill will create winners and losers and will harm our most vulnerable children and rural communities, the exact opposite of why the AEAs we created 50 years ago. I urge you to listen to Iowans and do whats best for our future, vote NO!

02-14-2024

Stephanie Storby []

Please vote No! Listen to the 3 Senators who asked challenging questions to Senator Evans about the proposed amendment. This is not about politics this is about Iowans. Being from a small, rural school district that prides itself on Education and our Public School System is what keeps our community connected and thriving this Bill will not provide the supports we need. What we have with the AEA is working! Our schools and surrounding districts do not want this. No one asked for this. Figure out a plan to bring your AEA Administrators, Staff, District Educators, School Administrators, Families and community representatives to the table. Strike this Bill and bring those already invested, educated, trained and providing services together to continue to improve education for our students. As stated in the Education Committee this evening this issue (if thats what some want to call it), should not be in Legislation. Remember that Senator Evans stated a justification of the bill was to provide continuity of service among all of the AEA regions/state. How does allowing schools to either provide special education services on their own, contract out to a private company, or keep area education services provide continuity of services? Proposing or moving forward any type of bill is not a way to provide equitable and efficient services to students. Again I ask, please slow it down or stop this process. Ask those already in elbow deep, working hard for our students and educators to come together to implement a solution. Thats what the AEA does every day. Each service provider leans on one another to implement strategies and provide best practice to meet students. If something isnt working, they go back to the drawing board to evaluate and create an a plan or system of supports for their students and districts towards better outcomes. This isnt about which party won or has control. Its about keeping our education system intact and doing whats best for education and Iowans. As a parent, this bill scares me. As a rural community member, the future of our district, the lack of consistency and transparency, and any oversight to the DOE in this bill scares me. Please listen to your constituents. This is an election year and I am confident that I am not the only one who will not think twice about not voting for a certain party but instead for the Legislator who cares about Iowa and one of our most valuable parts!

02-14-2024

Joel Gehling []

HSB 713 and HSB 542 are ill conceived and designed to tear apart the AEA system in Iowa. The AEA has been instrumental in providing educational and developmental support to the children of Iowa for decades. This bill would greatly undermine and destroy the great work that the AEAs do. This is another example of services that have been provided in Iowa at a high level that the governor wants to sell out to special interest groups. Education is not served by destroying the AEAs to sell out to the lowest bidder. That practice has already destroyed the Medicaid system in Iowa and made care even harder to find for the folks that truly need it. Advancing HSB 713 and HSB 542 will do the same to education and our children will suffer. Instead of tearing apart the AEAs and all of the great work the men and women in AWEAs do, lets support them. Stand up for the children of Iowa and say NO to HSB 713 and HSB 542!

02-14-2024

Kim Severson []

Please vote no! There needs to be time, care, and thought put into this before pushing forward with this legislation. This bill is taking away local control as well as eroding economy of scale which only hurts our rural school districts. While there is always room for improvement, this is not how we help future generations of Iowans!

02-14-2024

Emily Taylor []

I am reaching out and urging you to vote NO on this bill. While it is understandable that changes may need to be made, the decisions that will have a gigantic impact on all children in Iowa, are being made way too hastily. Slow the process down and do it the right way, with all of the stakeholders at the table working together. Isnt that what Iowa is about working together to create better futures for our kids? It starts with you saying NO to this bill!

02-14-2024

Melinda Padley-Jones []

I am asking you to vote no on this bill once again. This bill does not address the major concerns that were in the original bill, that this committee did not pass. This bill will still hurt rural school districts who will not be able to pay for the services that their students need. Students in Iowa deserve to have access to the services that they need in every school district in the state. The current AEA system ensures that every student has access to these services. Another issue is that this bill takes local control away from the AEAs and centralizes the control in Des Moines, where they will be less responsive and less understanding about the needs of each community in this state. If changes are going to be made, they need to be done thoughtfully and without being rushed through the legislature. Please listen to the experts and do not pass a bill that will harm Iowa's students.

02-14-2024

Kelly Danilson []

Please vote NO. This bill WILL hurt children across the state. As an educator and parent, I rely on accurate and meaningful data to make wellinformed decisions in my classroom and for my own family. This bill lacks reliable data. If we want Iowa to be a great state, we need to invest in our children. Please do not tamper with services that many children across the state need.

02-14-2024

Matt Ward []

As a concerned citizen I am reaching out to you to encourage you to vote no regarding the proposed AEA bill. The reductions proposed as part of the bill will have substantial negative effects for our school systems and students. I do worry for the future of Iowa Students and teachers going forward if significant cuts to the AEA occur. The AEA provides valuable services that I don't think can be replaced or duplicated by other means.The professionals currently in the AEA have the most expertise and knowledge in their areas to continue to provide the best services to our school communities, especially in Rural areas.

02-14-2024

Pat Stenzel [Iowa Voter]

I am against this bill and am requesting committee members vote NO. I understand you are trying to listen to the people of Iowa opposing this bill and yet still support the Governor. Since you have been made aware of the NUMEROUS reasons, truths and opinions of Iowans on why these current courses of action, are damaging to children and families, I will not reiterate them here. I will say, that now is the time to decide if you are truly a voice for the people you were elected to represent, or a follower of an administration who is putting forth an agenda to pick apart a system of support for children that is trusted by a majority of families, communities and educators. I know I will remember your decisions when it is time to vote in the next election.

02-14-2024

Kayla Monahan []

Please reconsider moving forward with this bill. The students in Iowa deserve so much better! As do the countless educators who rely heavily on AEA Supports and resources. This is Bill is not the answer to the "problems" with our education system.

02-14-2024

Jennifer Santiago []

I strongly encourage you to vote no on this bill. Anyone who has any sort of knowledge of process improvement understands that making sweeping changes without taking input from all stakeholders and working together to identify the root cause of a problem will lead you down roads of terrible solutions. This seems to be the path this legislation is determined to be on. I implore you to engage fully with schools and AEA employees to understand where any gaps are and *then* work to find viable solutions. Please stop trying to rush legislation through that a majority of Iowans have voiced opposition to.

02-14-2024

Thelma O'Neill []

Please protect all the children of Iowa who receive either general education or special education. Services provided by the AEAs are essential and assist in meeting the federal law. Districts of all sizes benefit. A slower careful examination would be a wiser plan.

02-14-2024

Kristin Morales []

Please vote no. Adding fee for services with the AEA will diminish the economy of scale offered by AEAs, thus, impacting small and rural districts. This bill continues to decrease local control by requiring services to be approved by the department of ed.

02-14-2024

Heidi Purk []

02-14-2024

Britini Jones []

Please vote no to this bill. Thank you for slowing this down and making amendments, but there are still too many questions and the bill still falls short for providing equitable opportunities for all children across the state. In addition, as has been stated many times before, there is not enough time for the AEAs, districts, or families to adequately prepare for such monumental changes. In the end, this will be most detrimental to the children. This issue should not be political. Please vote no and in turn propose taking more time and involving all stakeholders to do a thorough review of the AEAs so that the best decisions are made for everyone. Thank you.

02-14-2024

Holli Counsell []

Please vote NO to HSB 713. A comprehensive study has not been completed. Where is the data to support HOW and WHY these changes would improve test scores and support student achievement? The changes proposed do not provide cost efficient solutions for rural schools. ALL students need to have ACCESS to the same resources and support no matter where they live. Please do not fail our children, families, teachers, and AEA professionals. More information needs to be collected over a longer period of time before decisions can be made. These changes will not be sustainable over time. Short term decisions do not lead to long term success!

02-14-2024

Joan Amick []

As legislators who promised to represent the people of Iowa, I hope you will listen to all the teachers, superintendents, and parents who are asking you to vote no on this bill. Take time to listen to the experts in our state. Our governor is NOT an educator. Our new Director of Department of Education is not an educator. Listen to the professionals who have worked in states that have "fee for services" and have also worked in Iowa. They have told you how much more expensive it is and how hard it is to find services. Why would we break apart an integrated system that is working? Yes, I agree we can always improve what we are doing, but SLOW DOWN and think it through in an organized, thoughtful manner. Please consider David Tilley's thoughtful proposal to study the AEA's with all the important people at the table. Why would we rush through something so important? Our teachers depend upon the AEA support. Our families continue to share the impact their AEA service providers have had on their children. I hear the talk about the importance of local control, but then the bill gives all the power to the Director of the DE. Please vote NO! Take time to make sure we get this right!

02-15-2024

Anne Delaney []

Again, I respectfully oppose the this bill and the proposed amendments. The initiation of this bill was to address student achievement concerns. What part of these changes in the proposed bill are proven to address and improve student achievement? Please stop this bill. Take the time to do a comprehensive task force that would analyze what parts are working and not working in our education system before dismantling AEAs. The consequences of this bill would be detrimental to our rural school districts across the state. Please consider our students as a top priority in this situation, the future of their education is at stake.

02-15-2024

Sean Casey [Heartland Feeding]

This bill is rushed, is thoughtless and is a feeble attempt to rest control over a system that has shown an impact for decades to allow a single person appointed at the Governors whims to control one of the largest sources of taxpayer money earmarked specifically for kids and families (in the case of EI). No matter which side of the fence you are politically, this harms kids. Voting in favor of this rushed policy that doesnt fix any states problems without good forethought into it is unconscionable, irresponsible, and a poor legacy for Iowa kids. Kids are where everyone agrees upon. Everyone would also agree that educators do more with less. This system is the best system in the US and until and unless there is a very clear problem identified with which this is a possible fix, there is no way anyone should be in favor of this unless you are in bed with private providers coming in to make a quick buck. The current system has checks and balances are certainly consolidation is a means to save money if that is even the goal. Districts are consolidated yearly to save money and resources. But scraping the system and placing an agent in charge of its destruction will likely cripple the state educationally. There are states that have a hands off approach to education in the south and they suffer for it. States aspire to have a system like the AEAs, you are considering tossing this system At your own peril. Good luck with that. I no Longer live in Iowa and I worked for the Iowa DE for almost a decade. This is one of the dumbest, uninformed bills I have ever seen advanced. You have to be nuts or have an agenda to deconstruct one of the states best systems. I have no horse in this fight. I dont live in Iowa any longer but speaking from experience to make change you need an evidence based alternative that shows it delivers on the problem (that has never been identified) being solved. None of that is here and this bill is equivalent of blowing up a building that is completely operational and asking everyone to move their offices to a building that should be razed.

02-15-2024

Fairchild Katie []

As an independent voter from a small town if this bill passes it will show me that any Republican representative or senator is not listening to their constituents. This will motivate me to ensure that they never be considered for future political decision making power.

02-15-2024

Sara Shoop []

PLEASE VOTE NO. Abraham Lincoln once said The peoples will, constitutionally expressed, is the ultimate law for all.. Overwhelmingly, the people of Iowa are expressing their will for legislators to vote NO on this bill. Listen to the calls of your constituents to end this legislation until a comprehensive review of the achievement gap and AEAs can be completed by a bipartisan committee and then create legislation to address the gaps with representation of all stakeholders involved. All parties can agree we want what is best for our children. Our children deserve wellinformed, unbiased reviews of the data pertaining achievement gaps, and a comprehensive evaluation of both AEAs and the Department of Education specific to what their current practices are to mitigate these gaps, improve student achievement, and identify areas where improvement is needed. Our children, families and community members deserve transparency from the Department of Education on their past and current practices for overseeing the success of students in special education including how they directly support educators and schools to ensure students in special education are achieving as expected. Our AEAs and schools deserve the respect of being treated as professionals if they are not performing up to par, provide an evaluation, give opportunities to correct, and provide oversight to ensure corrections are made. Our educators and paraprofessionals deserve to treated as though they are as important as they are and given a standard to meet with the supports needed to meet these standards. If I had an hour to solve a problem I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and five minutes thinking about solutions. Albert Einstein. If we want to do what is best for Iowa's children, then let's take the time to it right. Rather than rushing into solutions, frantically, let's take the time to identify the reasons for the gaps in achievement. Once we identify those factors, we can work together to develop solutions.

02-15-2024

Alicia Rasmussen []

Please vote NO to HSB 713. Please consider making your action item that of creating a comprehensive review team and plan instead of continuing to amend a bill that will not help students with the issues the governor has given and that the vast majority of Iowans disagree with. With the thousands of Iowans opposed to this bill, it does not seem necessary to continue with amendments, but instead find a way to support a review process. The governor has picked data and information that is inaccurate, false, and misleading regarding test scores, budget information, structure, oversight, etc of the AEAs and student achievement. We need to take time to collect and utilize convergent data (multiple data points from multiple sources) to help make these high stakes decisions for our students, families, districts, and staff. The AEA services are embedded into districts in such a cost efficient and time efficient way. Even though some legislation think this bill isnt cutting services, changing to a fee for service model causes services to be less timely and have less continuity of care. Those employees who are hired by the district in a fee for service model may have less reason to advocate for children and families as they need to keep their client/district satisfied. Please vote NO and move toward a problem solving approach with all parties (qualified in education and based in Iowa) involved. Thank you for your consideration.

02-15-2024

Annette Clarahan []

This bill would be harmful for OUR kids. If OUR kids truly matter, take the time to do a bipartisan study of the whole educational system from the classroom to AEA supports to the Director of the Dept. of Education. A Feasibility Study should occur as well, to distinguish if schools and the AEA's could sustain with the funds they will be receiving. I've always had the understanding that When you are elected to office you represent your constituents. We're better than this. And, our future is watching.

02-15-2024

Stacey Huffman []

This bill will put all children in Iowa at a disadvantage. Special Education students are gen Ed Stu students first. As a former AEA OT and now a Professor of OT. The economical changes this will bring to Schools and communities will be significant especially in rural areas. New OTs are doctoral level trained with significant amounts of school debt. They will not stay in Iowa with the salary changes that could be involved with passage of this bill and with no OTs willing to take these desperately low wages . You will not have districts being served therefore not meeting federal mandates for their services. In a fee for service model, school districts will not be able to afford these services that ultimately will have to exist to make sure districts have the federally mandated services of therapists. The average new therapist has 180200k of school debt and with projections that starting salaries could be at 55k, they will be financially burdened and unable to work in the school environment. Not only having economic impacts in our state but also people will move to neighboring states to work for better pay and ability to pay student loans

02-15-2024

Renae Roberts []

Please vote no to HSB713. As a former long term AEA employee I have witnessed the value of the current services and supports AEAs provide to educators, students and their families. Consistent communication including regular in person contact among AEA staff members, school administration and educators is highly benefical in building relationships within Iowa schools. The proposed changes will greatly reduce these relationships. I believe this will negatively impact the progress ALL Iowa students make towards their personal and academic goals and achievements. Please listen to the citizens of Iowa, Administators and educators in schools, AEA service and support staff and especially the opinions of families served. Drastic dismanteling and/or elimination of essential services that are best provided by an AEA is not appropriate.

02-15-2024

Amanda Freese []

While I can appreciate the House of Representatives trying to address the concerns with the original bill, this new bill still falls significantly short. Again, I ask what are the specific concerns being addressed through this proposed legislation? The AEAs were designed to not only provide special education services, but to also leverage school districts buying power for media services, provide highquality and affordable professional development and provide supports to teachers, administrators and families to ensure all students, regardless of where they live have access to highquality materials, resources and ultimately an education. The fee for service model will have an adverse impact on such supports.This is another NO vote. I remember in my preservice training days to become a teacher, one of the pieces of Iowa that made it such a successful model for other states was local control and Area Education Agencies. This bill removes both of those by first giving control to the states Department of Education and significantly reducing the effectiveness of AEAs.In one breath we hear our governor lamenting test scores and bemoaning our AEAs. In the next, she is touting literacy instruction based in the science of reading and encouraging training in LETRS through a forprofit business. The truth is, our AEAs have already been providing that same training plus inperson implementation support for a number of years. Their cost to districts is significantly lower than the $9.2 million price tag being floated around for the other option.Instead of this rushed overhaul (and overreach), do the right thing. Stick to what you knew was wrong the first time. Set up a study to define specific areas of concerns for individual AEAs to address as improvements are needed.You have the ability to be the voice of reason. While this new bill addresses some initial concerns with the first bill, it still falls short in assuring equitable educational opportunities for all students in Iowa. Supporting the important programs of the AEAs fully will not only benefit our students, it also will help districts recruit and retain teachers. Please vote no.

02-15-2024

Amy Ripp []

I strongly urge you to oppose HSB 713 as it fails to remedy the flaws of the original bill. ALL students benefit from AEA services. A decision this crucial can not be made in haste. All stakeholders need to be at the table, as well as input Former directors of the Iowa Department of Education, who have all worked under Republican leadership, have expressed concerns with this bill. Listen to your constituents and slow the process. Thank you.

02-15-2024

Mindy R []

Please vote against HSB 713. Despite the extensive input from thousands of concerned Iowa constituents, the legislation on AEA reform and reduction persists and will have significant implications for all of Iowa, particularly our rural communities. Upon reviewing the contents of this bill, it is evident that the efforts fall short of clearly addressing how it intends to effectively improve desired student outcomes, especially for those students with special needs. We can all agree that there is much work to be done, and the infrastructure of Iowa's Area Education Agencies (AEAs) serves as a critical state asset aimed at achieving equitable, efficient, and economical solutions to support over 500,000 students across 99 counties in our educational system. It is imperative for our legislators to ensure that we are not imposing solutions onto misguided and misinformed problems. Thank you for your dedication to this crucial work, and I urge you to continue engaging and collaborating with educational experts and constituents on this legislation. Your service is deeply appreciated.

02-15-2024

Annie Volker []

Vote NO on HSB 713. This bill looks like the "dog ate your homework" ... I don't think I have to remind you that you work for the people of Iowa. The people of Iowa who have fervently voiced their opposition to the AEA bill. There is no meaningful examination of the consequences (both intended and unintended) of this bill. It is inherently flawed. You've already heard loud and clear from the constituency (as well as some of the most revered educational experts in this State). What I can assure you is that if you continue to refuse to listen, the thousands and thousands and thousands of parents, grandparents, educators, taxpayers and VOTERS who fiercely protect their children every single day will also show up on election day to make sure the people who DO NOT protect their children are no longer holding office. Slow down and do your homework...

02-15-2024

Cindra Porter []

Please vote NO to HSB 713. The students in Iowa need a responsive system that has a fully funded AEA system of supports. Please take the time to convene a task to study this issue before making changes to a system already in place; a system that Iowans are overwhelmingly saying they need and do not want changed.

02-15-2024

Amanda Elliott []

Please vote NO to this bill. Gather information through a comprehensive study of AEAs so that any recommendations and consequent changes made to how they operate can be evidencebased and truly in students' best interests. The current bill is going to make processes less efficient, hurt rural schools in particular, and is not something Iowans are in support of.

02-15-2024

Cal Long []

No no no. Please vote No on this bill. I fail to understand why we continue to try and push through legislation that the overwhelmingly vast majority of Iowans DO NOT want. Rather, take the time to study and seek the input from administrators, teachers, parents, and students to learn what changes, if any, they are wanting or feel are necessary.

02-15-2024

Amie Smith []

Vote NO for this bill. The fee for service may cause significant challenges for our rural districts in my area. The Department of Education having control is not local control. Bring all stakeholders together for meaningful collaboration to improve education in our state.

02-15-2024

Kim Johnson []

Please vote no on this bill! This process has moved way too quickly for something that will have a huge impact on Iowas most vulnerable population. Please take more time to study this bill and get the facts. Small rural districts are having to consider virtual services for OT, PT, and speech. Is this really the best we can do for our students???!

02-15-2024

Bridget Castelluccio [Parent, Teacher, Advocate, Iowan, Voter]

Please vote NO on this bill. We must educate ourselves on all of the needs, roles, responsibilities, financial planning, accountability, etc. to help our education system. This should be done BEFORE we vote on a bill. Please create a study group with stakeholders at the table to do a comprehensive review and work together to help our students be successful. This needs to be done BEFORE there is a bill. Listen to ALL the Iowans speaking out about this extremely important topic. Listen and collaborate with the Iowa educational experts such as former Department of Ed leaders, ALL superintendents, educators, and parents. Vote NO.

02-15-2024

Patrick Tisher []

Vote No. If Iowans did not ask for this, listen to your constituents and conduct more thorough data collection before hastily making unwarranted changes. Study it first and improve education using Midwest people and values.

02-15-2024

Kara Shannon []

Once again please vote NO to this bill. Moving a bill forward by funnel date is moving too quickly and not allowing for adequate decisionmaking. First, moving more control to the Department of Education and the Director (not an educator and wouldnt even be qualified to hold the positions proposed) will not lead to improvements. We have a process for schools through ESSA that is used for accountability. Perhaps something similar to that process could be used for AEAs. It would allow the AEA and local stakeholders that actually receive services to have input on things like leadership, infrastructure, assessments, data based decisionmaking and strong instruction through a tiered system of supports. Giving the opportunity to our schools to provide feedback would be more local control. The more local you keep the feedback and accountability, the more improvements you will see. Our teachers and leadership in our buildings can and do provide the feedback to make improvements. Allow them the opportunity to go though a process with their local AEA instead of people wholl hold a position at the Department of Ed and have no knowledge of what is actually occurring in that district and with that AEA. Please vote No!

02-15-2024

David Behmer []

Vote "No" on the proposed bill. This bill reduces the quality of services and support to all students, families and educators. Spend more time to better understand the impact of this legislation. I have not seen a single reason to expedite this bill, especially since the general pubic does not support it!

02-15-2024

Dana Harskamp []

Vote No! The amendments proposed are not in the best interest of Iowas children. Slow down and bring the right people to the table to work together to positively impact change for kids. This is not the answer.

02-15-2024

Dana Spooner []

Once again, I strongly encourage you to vote against this bill that will hurt and destroy education for Iowas children. I have shared my personal story with you in personal emails about how the AEA has had a huge positive impact on my education and, in turn, my life.

02-15-2024

Melinda Partlow []

I urge you to oppose HSB 713 as it does not adequately address the original bill's deficiencies. AEA services are crucial for ALL students in Iowa, and rushing this decision is concerning. It is essential that this bill undergoes full public scrutiny and engagement from parents, teachers, administrators, and all other stakeholders who will be directly affected. Time is needed to study all the aspects before making decisions. Please move forward with the task force but wait until those finding are completed before making any changes.

02-15-2024

Jenny Lidgett []

Please vote no on this bill. The revisions are not the answer. The lack of further study on what is really needed and working in the AEA system is needed. If this bill passes the specialty services currently provided by local AEA staff will be eliminated, OT, SLP needs of the students are at stake. Funneling everything through the DE will be a more strain on an already bogged down system than is necessary. 3. Do not remove access to media services. There is no way the rural districts across IA are going to be able to afford what AEA has provided for a minimal cost. 4. Ensure that AEA's are still allowed to provide Crisis Intervention Services and continue to fill the critical need in mental health care (For example Perry, IA)5. Make sure that they have funding plans in place with transparency. The AEA is designed to create more affordable access to timely care compared to private companies (which is something districts can choose under this new bill). 6. Lastly, you can share your concern with the SLP, OT, PT, and psych services you might receive under this bill. Do we want highly qualified, caring community members to serve our districts or a teletherapist from NY? We do not want our specialized staff to leave our state for opportunities that are more stable. We also want our general education staff to have the support necessary for ALL of their students. This bill is a hasty push for reform. Our teachers, students and families in Iowa deserve better. Rural districts will suffer most. This is not just about the dollars, it should be about the children.

02-15-2024

A K []

Please pass the AEA bill. They are too top heave with administrators. They are not equitable across AEAs. When I worked for one and went to another and brought up a question/concern, my new AEA shared we just have higher standards than the other one.

02-15-2024

Dana Spooner []

02-15-2024

Donita Christensen []

I am reaching out to urge you to oppose HSB 713. This bill poses a significant risk to children and will have detrimental effects on rural schools. The services provided by the AEA benefits all students and a decision of this magnitude must not be rushed. Hold off on all changes to the AEA system until a study is completed. Please include parents, students, teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders that will be directly impacted in a task force before making changes to the AEA system.

02-15-2024

Kelly Ashworth []

Once again I urge you to vote NO!. The only part of this bill that needs to move forward is the task force so all of you can take the time to learn and understand this complex system. There is clearly a continued lack of knowledge. There are so many mistakes in this bill. We serve children from birth to age 21, not age 5 to grade 12. There are 9 AEAs, not 15. While we do provide some services such as evaluation and speech services to non public schools, most of them do not have special education teachers to implement IEPs. While I support the idea of accountability for students with IEPs if you take public funds, this is a can of worms you may not want to open with non publics. Limiting our ability to address general education performance and only focusing on special education denies the fact that students with disabilities are General education students first and during the evaluation process they remain general education students with IDEA protections. Adding positions to AEAs seems to add to costs and not decrease costs. Why are they needed to makesure we follow the law? It seems we are already doing a great job as we have one of the fewest rates of due process in the country. In regards to improving instruction, why dont we give IDEADA a chance to work? If you dont know what Im talking about, I suggest you vote No and then go learn some more. I could write more, but for now please vote NO!

02-15-2024

Alana Hougland []

Please vote NO to this bill. Its disturbing that there has been little to no conversations from our government with workers within the AEA who actually work with these kids every day and KNOW what these kids need and different ways they could be better supported. I think this bill will disproportionally affect small school districts with less funds because they would inevitably have less resources or would have to use a consolidated AEA who will be stretched thinner than they already are. We moved to Iowa from another state for the fact that the school district and special needs services were what I thought to be good.. but now Im questioning that decision. The AEA has helped us every step of the way along our childs developmental journey and I dont know where we would be without them. One of the proposed cuts, media, is actually devastating because thats the realm of all of the equipment. We were able to borrow wheelchairs, special seats, walkers, you name it in times where things were unavailable or unaffordable.

02-15-2024

Angela Bacon []

I urge you to void NO on this !! It makes no sense and its not what most of us parents or Iowans want. We need our small rural schools to have these resources available to them!! Our AEA has been a valuable resource for our school district for many years!! I also think its ridiculous that some firm from out of state can draw any conclusions on what Iowans need or want when it comes to education!! Please listen to Iowans and parents!! And our tax money should not be spent on private schools!!! Thats another negative on this administration that will be remembered at voting time!! Please dont harm our rural schools any more

02-15-2024

Denise B []

Please vote against this bill! Reading comments it is clear people are against and concerned about the outcome of this bill and the educational opportunities that will be taken away!Having people who know the AEAs and our educational system in Iowa need to have input and be on a committee to help make changes to this bill. Taking time and learning first hand exactly how, what, and the opportunities AEAs give our schools. Again,please vote no! Do not forget how much our children need your help!!!

02-15-2024

Katelyn Cusick []

Please vote NO to HSB 713. I appreciated the effort in trying to find a middle ground, but this is not the answer. This is goi my to be incredibly harmful for rural schools and not make services efficient. We are supposed to trust the DOE to control all of this, many of which with no education experience, rather than the experts on education? Lets slow this down and do a comprehensive review of the AEAs and the DOE. There is too much on the line for our students. As an educator, I use AEA services every day in some capacity. Please listen to the people of Iowa. This is not good for Iowans.

02-15-2024

Elizabeth Hill []

Bill HSB 713 threatens vital funding for our rural school districts to receive critical services through the AEA system. Currently, these districts pay only a fraction of the actual costs for these services. Many of our rural schools, already facing tight budgets and a declining enrollment, would now suddenly face major new expenditures just to maintain existing programs. This immense added financial strain could force districts to cut teaching staff, increase class sizes, or curtail beneficial services. Before implementing changes, we must carefully analyze the funding model to prevent hampering the education of students in smalltown Iowa who already lack advantages available in urban areas.As an educator, my priority is to provide the best possible learning environment for my students. AEA's media resources contribute to this. From classroom technology to instructional materials tailored for varying abilities, these resources help engage young learners with unique needs and backgrounds. This proposed bill threatens these resources and disregards valuable input from those directly involved in education.I urge you to consider the feedback of Iowans and, most importantly, vote "no" for the sake of the future of education in Iowa.

02-15-2024

Andrea Raber []

Please vote no! This bill is not good for children and schools in Iowa. A fee for service model will be harmful to the quality and availability of services and supports that children need. The economy of scale that AEAs provide is crucial for districts, especially rural districts. Vote no.

02-15-2024

Gina Iverson []

Please vote no to HSB 713. Iowa schools rely on AEA services, and they'll struggle to get the same support without their local AEAs. HSB 713 threatens the crucial support services AEAs provide to students with IEPs. AEA staff don't directly teach, but they problem solve student needs (general education and special education), and AEA staff provide direct services for speech therapy, physical therapy, and more. The intertwined services that AEAs provide to our school districts, particularly our rural districts, save schools money on resources for all students. Pay attention to what Iowans are saying, it's pretty clear that the people of Iowa didn't ask for this bill. So, please, vote NO!

02-15-2024

Michala Pedersen []

This is still TOO FAST! Please do not pass this bill, it is still harmful especially to rural schools like the one my children attend. There needs to be a comprehensive study with all stakeholders present before any decisions are made! Your constituents are still saying NO to this bill.

02-15-2024

Amanda Wilcox []

Please vote no. How do you expect to retain the level of expertise you have on staff with the AEA now implementing a fee per service model? Who is going to stay when they do not know year to year if they have a job? This hurts kids and schools in the level of service the AEA can provide in that kind of structure. It also means turnover and the employees not knowing thier kids and districts needs in the way they do now

02-15-2024

Melissa Grennan []

Please vote no. Take the time to study the AEA current structures and services. Build on and replicate across the state what is going welldont destroy a system that has so many strengths. Students in rural schools will be greatly impacted negatively. This includes both learners in general education and with Individualized Education Plans. Control must remain at the local levelnot in Des Moines. I pleadplease vote no.

02-15-2024

Denise Perez []

Vote no to this bill and all amendments. The AEA provides a wide range of services to a variety of Iowans. It is obvious that not one of the stakeholders were consulted before the writing of this bill. If the goal is to improve AEAs then those impacted most should be at the table for these discussions.

02-15-2024

Heather Applegate []

Please vote no on this bill. It hurts students! It hurts rural communities! It hurts Iowans! Do a comprehensive study and make laws based on that. We only have one chance to do this right. Please dont hurt Iowans education.

02-15-2024

Amy Emmett []

You were elected to represent the people in your district, not the Governor. Please read all these comments, all the emails you have received, listen to all the calls that have been made, and all the people who have showed up to oppose this bill. It has been stated numerous times by several different Representatives that the public feedback has been overwhelmingly against this legislation. Special needs moms are used to having to advocate for our kids. We do it almost every day. But it is so frustrating and disappointing that on top of everything else we also have to fight our state government to continue services and programs that we know are vital for our children. Please vote no.

02-15-2024

Emily DeCook []

Please protect the AEA! The services provided by the AEA are invaluable to schools and students. As a teacher I have taking trainings, got things printed, and used resources and without those it would make my job harder. Also, as a parent to a child getting services from the AEA I see their value first hand because my child is thriving due to their help. This bill threatens her services and the connection she has with members of our local AEA. I cannot say enough about what the AEA has done for me and it baffles me why it needs to change. Looking through comments, social media, and talking to people from both side of the aisle it seems like people do NOT want this to pass. Isnt it the job of our government to pass legislation that people want? If there is so many people speaking out it does not seem like something supported by the people. Please protect the services for our students!

02-15-2024

Erin Bergman []

Please do what is best for kids and vote no to this bill! As an educator, I have worked in a state that did not have an AEA. While yes, every child received special education services, they were not EQUAL services like what is provided by the AEA. Dont ALL of Iowas children deserve the same services, whether they live in a small rural school district or a large urban school district? How is giving the Director of Education (who is not an educator) more power and creating more state level jobs getting rid of the administrative bloat????? Please do what is best for ALL of Iowas children and vote no to this bill!

02-15-2024

Katy Rolfes []

Vote no! This bill would have significant negative impacts on the future of Iowa children and is not supported by the vast majority of Iowans. I have had so many family members benefit from the services of the AEA. Schools do not have the funding nor the personnel to make up for the services the AEA provides.

02-15-2024

Brea Baxter []

Please vote NO to HSB 713 and listen to the feedback of your constituents. Breaking up the integrated AEA system that provides equitable access to professionals and resources across Iowa would be detrimental to students, families, educators, and schools. It is concerning to have centralized power over AEA services coming from Des Moines when our local communities know our needs the best. Rural districts would suffer the most under this proposal. Thank you for your consideration.

02-15-2024

Paula Heber []

Please vote no to this bill. Iowa students, educators, school districts and communities depend on ALL the services the AEAs provide. Students across the state deserve equal opportunities to access their education. Please consider the negative impact this could have on so many people across our state and vote no.

02-15-2024

Daniel Carver []

I do not support this bill and would ask representatives to vote no. Representatives should craft a bill that allows for an indepth analysis of the AEAs by a task force of stake holders to identify areas for improvement. But this bill in its current form will increase the bloat and bureaucracy with in the Department of Education and will not help teachers or students in Iowa.

02-15-2024

Kelsey Bowers []

This legislation is misguided and harmful. Please do not break up an integrated service that is already doing so much for Iowa's children. Stop this bill. Slow down and get stakeholders at the table.

02-15-2024

Scot Hughes []

I am writing to encourage you to rethink this assault on Iowas AEAs and all the services they provide for Iowa families and students. The most egregious part of this bill is the funding changes; going to a feeforservice model will destroy the AEA system as we know it, punishing smaller, rural districts as larger, urban districts continue with their funding advantages for special education and other services. The current passthrough funding isnt a negative its working exactly as designed, ensuring students anywhere in the state have access to the same quality level of special education support, student psychology services, teacher support and training, and invaluable cirriculum supplies and guidance in science, math, and other educational support. I continue to be amazed that the state governments response to any element of public education that needs improvement is to take away funding/state resources and expect educators to somehow perform better with less. Exactly the opposite is the case Iowa should be providing more support, financial and otherwise, to public education, while strengthening the parts of our system that already work to bring highquality assistance to students and school districts. Thats just what our AEAs do. They need your support, not your efforts to dismantle them.

02-15-2024

Mandy Burns []

Please stop playing politics and listen to the people. Those in education including multiple former Directors of the Dept of Ed have spoken out about serious concerns. Please listen to them. Parents have spoken out against this bill. They do not want it. Please listen to them. Schools and superintendents have spoken out against this bill. It is not good for their districts. Please listen to them. It is time to decide whether we continue down this destructive path that will be extremely detrimental especially to our smaller rural districts or we continue to play politics with facts from out of state groups who have no idea what it is like in Iowa education systems. Can we really say this is about the kids or is it just about the money? Please stop this and listen to those who know. If you truly care about what is best for our kids and our schools, this is what needs to be done.

02-15-2024

Stacy Huisinga []

PLEASE VOTE NO. Our schools rely on our AEA employees to lead us through the constant process of gathering data, forming behavior interventions, analyzing progress monitoring data, and fine tuning behavioral intervention plans so that ALL CHILDREN may receive their legal right to a free and appropriate education. Teacher ed programs do not equip us to do this, we need these specialists working alongside us in each and every school. We need the services we have now in every school in order to Keep our schools safe. VOTE NO

02-15-2024

Melissa Williams []

It is with grave concern that I address the proposed bill currently under consideration. This bill, if passed, would not only fail to support improvements or enhancements but would utterly disrupt the very system upon which our districts rely. It is crucial to understand that this bill does not just hinder progress; it poses a significant threat to the quality of education our children receive.By eliminating educational services, media, and technology support, this bill directly diminishes the resources available to students, impeding their access to essential learning tools and information. Our educators firmly believe in supporting all children as general education students first, providing them with foundational resources before addressing specific needs. The current AEA system intertwines resources crucial for supporting students with special education needs, empowering teachers to effectively support all students. Isolating special education services from other essential resources severely undermines teachers' ability to meet the diverse needs of their students.Furthermore, the removal of content area consultants jeopardizes the strategic assistance needed to address the varied learning needs of students, particularly those facing challenges in their educational journey. This impact will disproportionately affect smaller rural schools, exacerbating existing disparities in educational opportunities and straining already limited resources. The bill's failure to adequately fund special education services places an unjust burden on schools, compromising the quality of support that students with special needs receive.Additionally, the bill's elimination of professional learning opportunities and content area consultants directly hampers educators' abilities to enhance their teaching methods and support struggling learners effectively. Moreover, the removal of digital resources and online databases impedes students' academic pursuits, hindering their ability to complete assignments and conduct research.It is essential to recognize that the repercussions of this bill extend far beyond the classroom, affecting entire communities and the future success and wellbeing of our children. Education is an investment in the future of our society, and any legislation that undermines its quality and support services jeopardizes that future.Therefore, I urge you to vote against this bill and instead work towards a solution that prioritizes the needs of our students, families, and educators. We cannot afford to undermine the foundation upon which our children's futures depend.

02-15-2024

Peggy Hall []

Iowans are overwhelmingly against this bill vote NO! If you truly represent your constituents and not the governor, voting no is the only option.In any case, this is being rushed/pushed through. Why? Iowa used to be the BEST and topranked public school system and we were that for a reason. Vote no, or we will look long and hard at voting people out that aren't listening to their constituents.

02-15-2024

Audrey Wheeler []

Please vote NO! This bill is not what is best for rural school districts in Iowa and is definitely not what is best for students and their families. I urge you to bring the right people to the table to join in on the conversation and collaborate together. The rural school districts and students of Iowa deserve better than this.

02-15-2024

Donald Baxter []

It is heard to believe that our state legislators would vote no on this bill without getting the views of the people that this bill affects. With a bill that affects the school system across the entire state there should have been studies done to evaluate what the services of the AEAs do for the schools. Please vote no to have time to do an effective study.

02-15-2024

Kathie Hicok []

Please vote NO. This bill will decrease support to children, families and schools and will NOT help student achievement. Iowans have clearly shown their concern with it since it was dropped on everyone. This much public opposition from both sides speaks volumes about the value of the AEAs as they are structured now.

02-15-2024

Debra Brokaw []

This legislation will have a detrimental impact on our rural schools. As an educator and a parent, I believe we must oppose this legislation.The proposed legislation includes feebased services, which we know would greatly affect our already struggling rural schools. I recently attended a forum where two superintendents shared their concerns about the extremely harmful consequences this legislation could have on their districts.One of the reasons I am opposed to this legislation is because it centralizes power in one location and one person, depriving us of the local control that our districts need. Our country was built on checks and balances, and we must fight to maintain that.Additionally, this legislation threatens the essential support provided by the AEAs, enabling our teachers to implement evidencebased practices and stay uptodate with the latest educational resources and technology. Without the AEAs, our teachers will struggle to keep pace with our students' needs.I kindly ask for your support in opposing this legislation and encourage you to engage in conversations with the superintendents, principals, teachers, counselors, and parents who are directly affected by these changes. Together, we can make a difference in protecting the quality of education for our children.

02-15-2024

Amy Wichman []

This bill still is not where it needs to be for Iowas educators, children, and families. Vote no! While I appreciate the on going conversation and efforts to update, there still is not enough attention to details. We must do more for Iowans! And, in particular, we cannot turn all this power over to the Iowa DE schools need to make decisions quickly they cannot be waiting for de approval. Again, vote no.

02-15-2024

Missy Card []

Please slow down this process and vote NO! If student achievement is the end goal then taking away resources and services is not the answer. Nowhere in this bill is a solution to the identified "problem" stated. Get the right people around the table and let's work together to do what is best for our Iowa kids and families!

02-15-2024

Valery Fuhrman []

02-15-2024

Amy Pattee []

I am once again pointing out that this bill is still providing FAR TOO MUCH POWER to the Director of the Department of Education. When did this become a power, control and money issue? I thought this was about doing better for our students? How is that going to happen with a fee for service model? It will DESTROY EQUITY AND ACCESS for ALL SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS! This will NEGATIVELY IMPACT rural, small and midsized schools that will not be able to afford all of the services and supports they currently use and need. This bill will create more work for school administrators and business offices and make it more difficult for teachers and families to get the support and services they need in a timely manner. This bill is NOT about doing better for STUDENTS. This is about dismantling and restructuring AEAs to provide state government more control. Too much is at stake to make these decisions without the data and evidence needed to support your proposed changes. We need to take the TIME necessary to ensure any changes made will not be at the detriment of our children and schools.

02-15-2024

Jeanne Rochford []

I urge to vote no to HSB 713. This bill will hurt our Iowa children and families. This bill is not family and student centered. We need a task force of all stakeholders to gather input. This process is being rushed. Please listen to the people of Iowa who put you in charge to represent them.

02-15-2024

Bridget Carberry Montgomery []

I urge you not to pass this bill. The AEAs are too important to ALL of Iowas children, both urban and rural. The services they provide allow schools to pool resources to utilize expensive databases, as well as the amazing support services that they provide to our teachers and students. Who will respond to the next crisis situation? An unknown bureaucrat from Des Moines, or a trained professional that already serves the school? Please dont change a system that is working!

02-15-2024

Chelsey Jensen []

Once again, I urge you to vote no! I am against this bill in so many ways. This will be a huge negative impact on rural schools. I fear for general education students and special education students and the impact this will have on their access to supports, media, and so much more! Talk to the people who work this job daily, to more rural schools , and let the educators help with a bill. Most important, listen to the families, the Iowans, we all want whats best for our kids. This bill is not it!

02-15-2024

Kelli Robertson []

I have pleaded with legislators from a parent perspective (all of my kids have 504 plans and have utilized AEA general education support services), from a taxpayer perspective, from an Iowan perspective, and from an AEA perspective (I am currently an SLP for Grant Wood AEA).ISSUE #1: People are not understanding how our AEA services work. Our AEAs due to size or 'economy of scale' are like the convenience of a Costco or Sam's Club you can gain access to instructional materials and programs, specialized services and expertise for a fraction of the cost. Even if you are at the far corners of the state, you can access these services and supports.ISSUE #2: People are repeating "there will be no cuts to special education." This is COMPLETELY false!!! Has anyone dealt with 'one off' contracts? Services that are subpar (virtual or distant services vs. onsite services)? Lack of providers? (which we are already dealing with especially in rural areas). These will all be multiplied and certainly WILL CUT SERVICES in special education, and our kids will suffer the consequences. I went back to being a direct service SLP because Grant Wood AEA has had pretty significant shortages of SLPs wanting to go into education... AND WE ARE IN THE HEALTH/UNIVERSITY CORRIDOR. Luckily, the AEAs have typically been able to offer more secure employment packages to attract SLPs and other specialty services. If we were all contracted without AEAs where there are some 'pools' of people to shift around, districts would have to scramble to provide services and there would likely be students who would have periods of NO SERVICE at all if they couldn't find staff. This would be a HORRIFIC cut to continued service and support of our special education students.ISSUE #3: Because I have a regional AEA/site with a lending library (speechlanguage assessments, assistive technology tools/devices, AAC devices and supports, etc.) AND I am working in schools all day long, I can either go to the agency after work and check out things I need for my job the next day or I can request for it to be vanmailed to me and get it within about 23 business days or less. My access to these materials for my daily work and service to special education students would be SIGNIFICANTLY hindered if all of these materials are housed in a central location (Des Moines) that I couldn't get to or get materials from in a timely manner if at all. And if districts were to hire their own SLPs? Would they know that they will need to have a collection of professional assessments? Would they know to budget for materials? Would they know be able to afford devices that may or may not work for students because they weren't able to have lending trials?So many problems... and I don't even hear the support for this bill.I have heard a couple people cite that they don't get the same service at their AEA. If that's the case, then we should certainly look at whether there are AEAs with discrepancies in service or performance. But that is NOT what this bill or the revision is addressing. We need to have a 1year study to look across AEAs at all that we provide, how we provide it, and the quality/standard of our services. We need to look at the bright spots of where things ARE working.We do NOT need to demolish this entire intricate system in haste over misguided information, lack of facts, lack of data, and lack of communication. This is NOT what Iowans want!!!

02-15-2024

Jason Martin-Hiner []

I urge you to vote NO on this bill. This version has very little improvement over the last one and has several typos due to the haste of putting it forward. Why the rush and lack of respect for public input? Disrupting efficient (and valued just look at all the public comments) systems like the AEAs without meaningful research into the impact is negligent. The fallout for education in our state with the passage of legislation like this bill will be felt for decades, with educators and students suffering from the results. Slow down the process so that we can do what is best for education in Iowa.

02-15-2024

Andrea Matheson []

This bill still does not do enough to ensure AEAs will be able to continue to provide the level and quality of services we know our educators and students need. Please slow this process down to allow for a thorough and thoughtful review that allows all IOWA stakeholders to be at the table.

02-15-2024

Lisa Wymore []

I strongly oppose this bill. This bill fails to address the fundamental flaws of the original legislation. This will disproportionately impact students and families in small, rural schools. Please vote NO. Instead, take time to complete an independent study with broad stakeholder input. Iowa children deserve better. These decisions are far too important to make quickly. Please take the time to study AEAs and make wellinformed decisions to ensure equitable, efficient, and highquality services for each student in our state.

02-15-2024

Megan Weaver []

Please vote NO to HSB 713! This bill does not adequately address the huge concerns that are being shared by vital stakeholders in our educational system. The AEA provides for services and supports that are comprehensive, cohesive, and integrated into our schools and communities. Breaking that system apart in a fee for service model will eliminate the economies of scale that allow our students and schools to receive high quality services in a way that best meets their needs. You cannot guarantee equal services under this bill. Please slow this down, vote NO!

02-15-2024

Stacy Behmer []

Please take the time to honor the wishes of those who voted for you to represent them and meet with all the key stakeholders for passing legislation that will have ramifications to a system that you are unaware of because the AEAs are a complex system that are nimble to work to provide each student what they need, that may be a team of special ed services, professional learning for their teacher, accessible instructional materials from the library, or a $4000 piece of PT equipment to trial for a student with a physical disability. The support that comes with ALL of those things is priceless.

02-15-2024

Mindy Cairney [Registered Republican Voter]

Please vote no for this bill. Our AEAs are like an insurance policy. It covers all of the things you may need and provides the service when you need it. How will they provide these services when the very system has been dismantled?

02-15-2024

Amy Jackson []

I am urging the committee to vote no to this. I appreciate the listening and changes. It still adds too much more administrative costs. There is already an oversight process, lets use that and have meaningfulConversations with all those involved,Students, parents, AEAs, district and DE.If there are special requirements for the AEA head administration thank I think it is fair to saw the DE head should also have an educational licensure as well as they are to be more experienced if having oversight. Moving oversight more to DE does take away local district/school board decision making. Lets keep local control. A few for service is going to prevent schools especially in the rural areas to not get all services needed. Please review why was the AEA created but legislation and yes with Republican backing years ago.Collective sharing benefits all. Districts have had years to create their own system and AEA is alway open and willing to listen and grow. Please letsDo what our Governor initially told everyone lets spend time and actual do a review before we makeAny changes. Thank you.

02-15-2024

Kris K [school board member]

This will force small districts to close; there is no longer local control over raising tax rates to sustain the significant loss of AEA support. Our small rural district has 22 AEA staff members available to us at a moment's notice where do we hire that?? When we have a new student who needs audiology support, how long will that child wait until the DE aligns support? How will a feeforservice model work when the AEA can't hire employees?

02-15-2024

Jennifer Turner []

I am opposed to this bill. Your new AEA bill is better than the previous ones and definitely better than the Senate bill, because it continues economy of scale for special education and because it does not completely centralize control under the director of the Department of Education. However, it does create a number of new administration positions, which does not make the education system less "topheavy" which was supposed to be a concern. I must wonder why state government is even doing this? We have repeatedly told you to slow down and include stakeholders to determine what, if anything, should be done? It seems that you are trying to make this less bad but also make the governor happy. She doesn't need to be happy; the people of Iowa need to be happy. I urge you to do study before you put any bill out there, and I mean real study with all stakeholders and asking all the appropriate questions. Please do not advance this bill. It may be better but it's still a solution without a problem and doesn't improve anything.

02-15-2024

Robyn Willock []

Thank you to those who have listened for understanding; however, this HSB713 Bill does not reflect the best interests of all Iowa stakeholders, most importantly, the students and educators. I encourage you all to vote No to this bill. A bipartisan committee created the AEA system providing equal access to services and opportunities for all Iowa children, regardless of zipcode, through economyofscale. AEAs have become the foundation of Iowas educational structure that has withstood six governorships including both parties, spanning fifty years. This is an educational structural system that is admired, many states aspire to emulate, and have studied. At minimum, time needs to be taken for a bipartisan committee of Iowa stakeholders including teachers, district administrators, AEA professionals, parents, students, and legislators to collect the correct empirical data with integrity over one school year. In that time, any problems can be more accurately defined with objective information used to address those defined problems, and have an informed decisionmaking process for proposed revisions. Many support services are secondnature to caring professionals, who are also community members, and have not been defined or recorded through a fee for service lens. Much additional time is currently provided to assist, coach, model, and listen to teachers and parents. The high number of new and temporarily certified teachers serving a multitude of student needs often have a high turnover rate. AEA professionals are frequently accessible for these needs, typically at all hours, often on nights and weekends as well, because they are part of the community. These services are beyond any contract for fee and absolutely have never been budgeted for. In attempting to over monetize every act of caring or serving, all parties will suffer, most of all, the children and the future of our state. This legislation deserves at least one year of conscious review of credible data before legislators make hurried highrigor decisions and dismantle fifty years of locally supported structure that will impact thousands of lives and our states future for decades to come. Financially, it does not make sense to pay more money for fewer services, which is exactly what this bill proposes.

02-15-2024

Corey Rogers []

I implore you to listen to the thousands of Iowans who have asked you to slow down, talk to all stakeholders, and do a year of study before passing legislation that makes irrevocable changes to the AEA system that supports our students and educators. Consider the thousands of services the AEAs provide and investigate if the proposed changes will positively impact Iowans.

02-15-2024

Stephanie Maury []

I appreciate your dedication to our community and public schools. While I acknowledge the importance of evaluating educational systems and addressing the needs of students with disabilities, I urge you to consider the unique context of rural districts like the ones I serve, and my children attend. I believe it is vital for the voices of Iowa school boards, students, and their families to be heard before any legislative action is passed. I also believe its important for those with the subject matter expertise to be involved in the design process to ensure its designed for success and implementation for all applicable parties. I am opposed to HSB 713. Please vote no.

02-15-2024

Maureen Mark []

Once again, I urge you to please no on this bill. You have heard from thousands of us from all walks of life that just is too rushed and needs to be well thought out for our children. Please listen to your constituents!

02-15-2024

Shalyn Huber []

Im urging you to please vote no to this bill! Our students and educators deserve the AEA services. Please do your research and talk to the people doing the work or receiving the support! I am the educator I am today because of the AEA. Please do your research and vote NO.

02-15-2024

Kris Baldwin []

I am writing yet again to beg you to vote NO to this bill and the current addendum. The current changes are minimal and are still unacceptable and damaging to all children and educators in Iowa. Please don't move all the decision making to the department of education who has no idea what is going on locally the AEAs know what is going on locally. Do not allow a fee for service system we know this doesn't work in other states and children wait for services, can't pay for them, and suffer immensely. Please vote no, halt this progress, and allow the stakeholders to work together to make any needed changes. I just beg you to do what is right and you know this bill is not what is right for Iowa children.

02-15-2024

Amy Snow-Dehmer [Parent, School Social Worker, Iowan, VOTER]

Please do not pass this bill. Plain & simple, VOTE NO! If, & only IF, you have completed a comprehensive review & have a clearer understanding of all of the supports & services that our AEAs provide to all schools & still find the need for changes that will benefit our children, teachers, & districts should introducing such a bill be considered. Please slow down & do your due diligence. This amended bill is not it.Iowans are overwhelmingly against this bill. As an advocating parent, proud School Social Worker, lifelong Iowan, & VOTER..I am among the majority against unnecessary, damaging changes to Iowas AEAs. If you truly represent your constituents & not the governor, voting no is the only option to represent those YOU SERVE. VOTE NO. In this important year, constituents will look long & hard at voting people out that aren't listening to their constituents.

02-15-2024

James Scheer []

I oppose the original and the version currently being discussed. When I came to Iowa 39+ years ago Iowa was 1st in the nation in education. That is no longer the case. The argument that schools know best what they need fails to acknowledge the benefits the AEA brings to the table.

02-15-2024

Kathryn Atkinson []

I strongly urge you to VOTE NO!!! Its exhausting and depressing to think our legislators could possibly approve a bill that has SO MUCH opposition from parents and educators who had real positive experiences within our current AEA system. Please take more time to study before breaking an entire system that may only need a TINY bit of fine tuning! Thank you.

02-15-2024

Julie Honan []

This Iowa constituent and voter wants you to OPPOSE HSB 713. You are moving WAY to fast to appease one person. You are making a decision that will negatively impact the future of Iowa education. 1. Before dismantling an integrated AEA structure in just a few months, establish a plan to do an independent, expertled evaluation on areas of strengths and weaknesses. 2. The sole power for education should not be provided to the director of the Department of Ed, Makenzie Snow, who was hired in June 2023 from Virginia. 3. Do not remove access to media services. There is no way the rural districts across IA are going to be able to afford what AEA has provided for a minimal cost. 4. Ensure that AEA's are still allowed to provide Crisis Intervention Services and continue to fill the critical need in mental health care (For example Perry, IA)5. Make sure that they have funding plans in place with transparency. The AEA is designed to create more affordable access to timely care compared to private companies (which is something districts can choose under this new bill). 6. Lastly, you can share your concern with the SLP, OT, PT, and psych services you might receive under this bill. Do we want highly qualified, caring community members to serve our districts or a teletherapist from NY? We do not want our specialized staff to leave our state for opportunities that are more stable. We also want our general education staff to have the support necessary for ALL of their students. Please read every single one of these comments and take data on who agrees and disagrees with the bill that you are presenting and vote accordingly.

02-15-2024

Angela Cooper []

As a mom & physician assistant from Lansing, I strongly oppose limiting services provided by Area Education Agencies. It will be detrimental to Iowa students & school districts, especially those in rural areas. I have had my children, nieces & nephews, great nieces & nephews, as well as many patients directly benefit from AEA services. I hope you will listen to your constituents & a very large number of Iowa citizens by not supporting this bill.

02-15-2024

Sue Slavens (retired Iowa public school secretary, parent, grandparent) []

Please VOTE NO for amended AEA Bill HSD 713.Ive been hearing a false claim from Governor Reynolds about her proposed amended AEA bill, that if you like your AEA, you can continue to use your AEA. If you dont like your AEA, your district can take the money and go somewhere else for service.The truth is the AEA system is built on an economy of scale model much like a coop.At any given time, a school district may be using more or less than the amount of flow through dollars they contribute to the overall AEA budget, based on fluctuating needs. Factors can include the current needs of their student population as well as initiatives derived from their individual comprehensive school improvement data.Changing to a system of opt in/opt out of your AEA is not feasible from a staffing or programming perspective especially given Iowas shortage of workers in key service areas. AEAs work to retain the best employees possible to serve school districts by allowing them to share talent vs. compete for it. Should this legislation move forward, it will result in a complete collapse of the system of support services serving children and educators.Please dont change vital services to Iowa students. Education is not a place to cut corners to save money. Cutting AEA services and funding is not the best or only way to increase teacher pay or decrease property taxes.Thank you for your service to Iowa and considering my opinion.

02-15-2024

Jill Kalvig []

I have written a couple of letters to the legislators in opposition to this bill. Even after the amendments this bill will harm public school students in rural areas across Iowa. Rural Iowa doesn't have the amenities of metro schools. AEAs equalize this playing field for all students. Please do not pass this. Take the time to study and make a more educated decision on this topic for our state. Our students depend on this vote.

02-15-2024

Vicki DeMoss []

I employ you to VOTE NO to HSB 713. Although I understand this amendment was written to address some of the issues with the original proposed legislation and attempts to create a task force to address how AEA services should be provided after splintering the intricate and integrated way that the system of supports are weaved into the structure and function of the schools and communities themselves. All of the proposed need for changes are based on inaccurate, skewed, and downright misrepresentation of facts! None of the proposed legislation or amendments provide any evidencebased data or references to support how these changes will improve services to children, impact student learning, nor promote cost savings or efficiencies. I find it interesting, yet quite disturbing, that there are specific professional, experience, and licensure qualifications for AEA staff, which is in direct contrast to those who are currently in the position to provide oversight and sole decision maker who serves at the pleasure of the Governor and not an elected official, has none of the aforementioned qualifications, experience, or professional licensure. In my professional role as a direct service provider in one the AEAs and services I provide are categorized under Special Education services currently, it is very unclear from any of the amendments whether I would be able to continue to provide all of the general education supports to students, teachers, and schools as I do now. Therefore, I have grave concerns that there is a high risk for loss of services despite the notion from lawmakers that this would not be the case.

02-15-2024

Abbie Keibler []

Please vote NO to HSB713. Your constituents and Iowa taxpayers have spoken loudly and clearly in opposition to this bill. It is time to listen and do the best for Iowa's children. We are already seeing a flee from AEA employees as they fear losing their positions or worrying year to year if they will be retained. This will make hiring nearly impossible and force districts to incur significant costs from out of state and/or virtual providers that will not serve our Iowan students with the academic integrity they deserve.

02-15-2024

Amy Bucciferro []

Iowa AEA's are a vital part for all children's learning. They support all students (both General Education and Special Education) and all the teachers. AEA's are controlled locally to fit the needs of all students. Without local control, there will not be any "individualization" or personalization to what supports are given to schools. Schools need all the support right now to continue to help students learn and grow. Please continue to vote no and ask for a better comprehensive review on the AEAs to guide changes. These changes are not good for our students and staff that support them.

02-15-2024

Jeri Messenger []

Please stop all action on any AEA bill/amendment. Vote no. Take the time to create a bipartisan commission and study and evaluate with all stakeholders having input. This issue deserves more than an amendment hastily put together in a couple of weeks. You have heard from hundreds of Iowans regarding this matter. Represent those voices. Vote no.

02-15-2024

Lea Kleinmeyer [Mary Welsh Elementary]

I am opposed to this bill. The impacts on rural schools will be tremendous. I appreciate on a personal note and from my educational standpoint the support and resources our AEA provides. Iowa children need the AEA!

02-15-2024

Jeanna Kakavas []

AEAs will lose their economy of scale if a plan like this becomes law. They were designed to make sure students and families all over Iowa could get the same services no matter where they lived. The statistics promoting why a plan like this is needed have been misleading, and don't tell the full story. Concentrating special education oversight from Des Moines is inefficient. How does partially funding schools and AEAs make children win? And how does moving jobs out of state and some children potentially receiving support via telahealth make for equal services across the state. Please vote no for this bill. Take time and slow down. Give the AEAs a chance to fix the kitchen before you blow up the house. The foundation is good.

02-15-2024

john moss [grandparent, school board member ]

I feel like a broken record. AEAs will lose their economy of scale if a plan like this becomes law. They were designed to make sure students and families all over Iowa could get the same services no matter where they lived. The statistics promoting why a plan like this is needed have been misleading, and don't tell the full story. Concentrating special education oversight from Des Moines is inefficient. No one in Iowa has asked for this law, nor have I heard from any Iowans who support this much restructuring of the current system which is working well in most cases (but can also be improved).I believe this law was drafted by a nonIowa located consulting firm which has been discredited by 3 republican governors. Don't negatively impact our students. Have a study done by Iowans(educators, stakeholders, etc.) to review this system, identify actual problems and propose solutions. Lets do this rightthe impact to our students can be immense.

02-15-2024

Nancy Fry Dvorak []

Stop the madness! This bill needs to be voted down. Do not pass it! Public education in Iowa is under attack by Kim Reynolds. This is just a continuation of her all out attempt to close small public schools so she can continue to fund private school vouchers. When you passed her voucher system, Iowa money is being sent out of state to administer the system. By the third year it has the potential to take over 300 million dollars out of Iowa public schools. Now she wants to cut the AEA by reducing their positive affect of providing services to these same public schools!!! Your constituents have repeatedly told you no! Listen to us. Do not advance this bill.

02-15-2024

William Pattee []

Like its predecessors, this bill removes the economies of scale model which provides equity and access to all students and schools. The result will be a widening in the achievement gap between small rural and large urban schools. The proposed fee for service model makes it impossible for small and midsized schools to afford all of the services they currently use and need for their students. No legislation changing the current AEA model should be passed until a comprehensive study involving all affected parties (schools, teachers, Iowa families and the AEA) is completed. Please vote no on passing this bill.

02-15-2024

Erin Vander Velde []

I continue to urge the legislators to step back and complete a review rather than move forward with this legislation at this time. The masses have spoken, and there are VERY FEW in favor of these sweeping changes to the Area Education Agencies. The work the AEAs complete in Iowa supports ALL learners, families, educators and school districts. Allow this good work to continue, and seek to improve it rather than dismantle it.Thank you,Erin Vander Velde

02-15-2024

Abby Weiland []

Once again, I urge you to vote NO. The haste with which the legislature is trying to get something passed on the topic of AEAs is irresponsible at best, and dangerous at worst. Lets do our due diligence on this. Lets bring stakeholders to the table and take our time. Lets work to understand this complex and multifaceted system, and collaborate as we move forward. Your constituents have been loud and clear. And now its your choice, will you listen?

02-15-2024

Cathryn Layer []

Please do not pass HSB713. Work with the AEAs for at least a year to more clearly understand the many varied services they provide for our children. By doing so they are, of course, addressing what parents look for when moving to a community. The AEA professionals live in our rural communities and have established professional relationships with school supervisors and teaching staff, something rarely established from one central office in Des Moines.If you truly want to serve your communities, fund the AEAs and work with them to better understand all that they provide for the districts you represent!

02-15-2024

David Castelluccio []

I cannot implore you more strongly to please slow down this process that will greatly affect education throughout our state. With only misinformation out of the governor's office, decisions are being made without the proper facts and the input of the education community. A greater understanding of the impacts of the AEA's, and ALL of the services they provide (and will no longer be able to provide if this bill passes), needs to take place by our legislators, so that they can make a sound and reasoned decision with regards to the education system throughout the state of Iowa. Please vote NO on this current form of the bill, and work towards a greater understanding of this incredibly important issue for your constituents. We MUST educate ourselves, BEFORE we legislate ourselves!!!

02-15-2024

Nancy Stumma []

I vote No! This bill would be cutting out the resources for our teachers to do their job and continue to try and better our future generations. This program provides hundreds if not thousands of jobs, but it helps all of our children because they are in the school system. The students who need the additional help are allowed those opportunities through GWAEA. It also allows all the other students in a classroom to have a more productive and fluent classroom without as many disruptions, which enhances and strengthens the learning for every student. In a society where we are striving to be better, you would be cutting the legs out from the teachers. Can a farmer still farm without a tractor? Yes, but they wouldn't be as productive nor as effective. The GWAEA is like a tractor in a classroom. You wouldn't take the tractor away from the farmer, nor should you take the tools and resources GWAEA provides away from our teachers. My children are in the elementary school system and the developmental behaviors that the teachers are still dealing with since Covid is astronomical. My childrens classrooms I hear daily of the disruptive students. And that is with the current resources. You wouldn't ask your surgeon to operate in the dark. So please do not cut the tools and resources from our teachers and school districts

02-15-2024

Marilyn Stirler []

Why is the legislature pushing this bill along? A comprehensive review that includes representation from ALL stakeholder groups could result in better outcomes for students and families but hurried amendments will likely have negative consequences. Thousands have spoken against this bill that will damage the AEA system and further undermine public education in IA. Listen to your constituents. Vote NO and instead create a nonpartisan committee to investigate what changes are actually needed.

02-15-2024

Shelly Schreck [IKM-Manning School]

PLEASE Vote NO! The proposed fee service model will make it IMPOSSIBLE for our small, rural school to afford all the services our students currently use! Why the haste? Iowa isn't ranked very high with a national education score. Don't our kiddos deserve better?

02-15-2024

Janice Dickerson [Atlantic Community Schools]

Please vote no on the HS 713. I am a teacher librarian that uses the media staff and materials frequently as well as other services from the AEA. Before making a decision on AEA's please take the time to study the changes that are needed. Do not rush the process. As I teach my students, make sure the information is from a credible source without bias. As I continue to read and dissect this bill, it seems that all of the important information is lacking. Please continue the study of the AEA's with the people that have direct association. Parents, rural school districts, midsize districts and AEA staff are the ones affected the most. Make Iowa great again by listening to all of your constituents.Thank you.

02-15-2024

Megan Ault []

At its core, this bill is still detrimental for all of Iowa's students. It would take away local control and centralize it in Des Moines. It removes valuable supports for students, educators, and AEA professionals. It takes away control of funding, again going to Des Moines, and replaces services that have always been provided with flow through dollars for fee for service. When you look at the "fair market value" of these services through private companies, you will realize how expensive educational services truly are and how much the state saves with area education agencies that are able to utilize their economy of scale. This bill will destroy education in Iowa public, private, general education, and special education. I implore you to strongly consider listening to Iowa citizens that unilaterally oppose this legislation.

02-15-2024

Marcia Hughes []

PLEASE VOTE NO on HSB 713. The children of Iowa deserve a fully funded, equitable, and responsive AEA system. You must ensure that all schools in our state maintain equal access to all AEA services! Please take the time needed to bring together a bipartisan task force that represents all stakeholders to review what the system truly needs to be successful and supportive for ALL of Iowas children.

02-15-2024

Cathryn Layer []

02-15-2024

Jessica Roman []

NO legislative action for AEAs until a comprehensive analysis has been completed involving all stakeholders, including a financial analysis of cost to contract services through a private entity vs. the current cost of AEA services. The Guidehouse analysis has been discredited multiple times by former DE directors, there is no evidence provided that indicates this bill will have a positive impact on students or schools, and there is no indication in the bill of how effects will be measured (positive or negative). Bad data makes for bad decisions. Iowas kids deserve a better approach than this

02-15-2024

Cathryn Layer []

02-15-2024

DEBBIE BERTELSON []

Once again PLEASE VOTE "No" This will hurt our rural schools and will take so much away from our kids needing this! My grandsons are making leaps and bounds with the help of the AEA at our school. We need our AEA! Please do not take this away from our children's needs! NO NO NO!!!!

02-15-2024

Shelley Conover []

Please vote NO once again!!! Let's slow the process down, bring all stakeholders to the "table" and complete the comprehensive review. It's that simple. This should have NEVER ended up in legislation.

02-15-2024

Emily Borrison []

Please vote no and slow this bill down. It does not consider what is best for all children in the state of Iowa, especially those in rural communities. Let's work together to create a system that is sustainable.

02-15-2024

Kari Vondrak []

Vote no to HSB 713! We vote you into office to listen to our voices. Our voices are saying no to this bill. As a family who has utilized the NWAEA services for over 18 years, this has been a vital part of the success of our family and disabled daughters. Without NWAEA and their support, our daughters would not be where they are today. As residents in of a rural community and school district, NWAEA has played a vital roll in the success of our school district and their students. The support provided by NWAEA has been phenomenal. Its crucial there be more research put into this bill before rash decisions are made that will have detrimental impact on students and their families.

02-15-2024

Carla Lee [Retired]

Again I urge a no vote on this. If anything, please consider a study bill. You can't gut AEAs and believe that will improve education. That doesn't even make sense. Vote NO on this for Iowa kids!!!

02-15-2024

Savannah Nelson []

I am writing to let you know this bill is not good for Iowa students or schools. There has not been enough discussions with wide ranges of stakeholders to move this forward. There needs to be more time and consideration put into potential financial impact and service ramifications. The decision making should NOT be centralized in DesMoines. We do not need anyone without a good history or background in school education making decisions for these types of organizations. Someone without any political background needs to be making decisions influencing the education system.

02-15-2024

Jonathan Danker []

Please Vote No on HSB 713. As an Autistic Person, AEA helped me with my education when I was growing up. This bill could see unintended consequences like a one on one associate could lose her job and child doesnt have the needs to succeed in schools. If you want to help students and teacher, Please Vote No on HSB 713.

02-15-2024

Marisa Keeney []

Please vote NO on this ridiculously overreaching legislation that will do nothing but bring further harm to the educational system in Iowa. The Governor & legislators who continue to put forward legislation of this type only have their own interests & those of private consultation in mind. Stop making decisions that move our state further and further from its previous status as a leader in education. This legislation would bring so much more inequity to the provision of special education services in our state. This would be most harmful to the small rural districts. Do better!

02-15-2024

Krystle Stehno []

Please vote NO on passing this bill. All this does is further defund public schools just like the school voucher system did (who could have predicted that private schools would simply raise their prices the same amount of the voucher, right?). We should be trying to fix the system rather than breaking it further and bringing capitalism and forprofit industry into our schools.

02-15-2024

Becky Thorson []

Please vote NO to this amended bill. Let government do what it was designed to do and represent the will of the people. This bill will devastate the AEAs ability to be responsive with justintime supports, and our rural schools and students will suffer the most. Please, I implore you to come together as a bipartisan team and do what Iowa had done for decades and supported its educational system and students. I cannot tell you how much this bill grieves my heart at the impact it will have. It will unravel so many supports.

02-15-2024

Jean Strable []

Please vote no on this bill. The AEAs ensure that all children, parents, caregivers, and families have equal access to and support for education. While reviewing any process is fine, it should not be done in a hasty manner just to move a piece of legislation forward.

02-15-2024

John Amick []

Please say "No!!!"For thirty nine years, I was an educator in Iowa's public schools. I worked with children with disabilities, coordinated Special Education services in my school, and was a principal for many years.I can't tell you how many times the people providing services from the Area Education Agency helped by intervening in crisis situations, utilizing their expertise that the rest of us didn't have, to resolve the issues. As you can tell, I am a HUGE supporter of all that the AEAs do for local schools.The bill on the table is trying to fix a problem that does not exist. Sure, improvements can be made, but destroying the current model without thoughtful research and planning promises to have short and longterm effects that we can only dread! Slow down!!! What will the system look like in the end? Does anybody know?

02-15-2024

Flannery Beals []

Please vote no. I do not see how this bill is reflective of what Iowans want or are asking for. "Parental choice" has recently been one of the ubiquitous term in Iowa's legislature; although, I am perplexed as to how that only applies to some legislation. Parents do not want this. They have demonstrated their disapproval on social media, during legislative forums, and most importantly, in your inbox. The manner in which this new bill has been rolled out feels extremely comparable to the governor's roll out of the original bill. It seems like, and bear with me here, it is not actually about the success of Iowa's students at all. How is this best for students? What data do you have that substantiates this model will work? How can you ensure rural schools will not be harmed? Again, I will be sharing some of the questions that have been posed by the Republican Representative Jon Dunwell, whom I respect and admire for his dedication to our students and his constituents, which is seemingly rare characteristic within the party. Please ask yourselves these questions prior to voting on something that will inevitably lead to inequity we cannot even begin to fathom. Here are his questions: "We need to begin with the rural in mind. How does this help my rural districts? If larger districts leave an AEA, will it reduce services to the smaller districts?" "What specifically are the positive outcomes/benefits the proposed plan will bring to our students and staff? How will it raise test scores? Will it provide more boots on the ground, better quality of services, or easier access to services?" "What are the benefits to placing the AEAs directly underneath the Department of Education? Why is this accountability better than the existing accreditation standards? Will the regionality of the AEAs be lost?" "What are the specific services that will no longer be available from the AEAs? Why shouldnt they be offered by the AEAs?" I hope you are the courage to do the right thing.

02-15-2024

Manda Thomas []

My name is Manda Thomas. I live in Wiota, Iowa. I am writing to you today because I feel you should oppose HSB 713. My son was diagnosed with Autism and one sided deafness. Before finding out he is autistic, he also had speech delay. I reached out to our Green Hills AEA because my son was falling behind. I would still be lost if I didn't have my AEA support. My son would be even more behind academically than he is now. With their help, I was able to navigate and help my son academically and socially. Without their help, I wouldn't have had the techniques of how to deal with my son being autistic. Without them, my son wouldn't be in 3rd grade now. Without them my son's single sided deafness would have gone undiagnosed for several more years. Without them my son wouldn't have the technology in the classroom that makes it equitable for him. They have worked tirelessly with his medical team to ensure he is successful in the classroom. They have provided services and technology to our rural school system that we would have otherwise gone to the city for and paid thousands of dollars for. Without our AEAs, a lot of parents would be lost and feeling more defeated everyday. Because of them, parents are getting the information and help they need to better our kids, Iowa Kids. There is so much that the AEA helps with from birth until 21. I have also work with students that have been helped by the AEA. They are thriving because of the support and help they get. Also with working with students, I am able to get the training I need from AEA to better myself for them. Without the AEA's, our schools wouldn't get the trainings and support that we need to ensure the success of each of our students. I am asking you as a mother and a staff member of CAM to vote no for Governor Reynolds bill. Thank you for your time and please vote no.

02-15-2024

Claudia Brown []

I implore you to vote "No" on this issue. I believe that we should first do a comprehensive cost benefit analysis that allows all stake holders to provide feedback and offer solutions. I'm concerned that smaller rural districts simply don't have private providers for all the services provided by their regional AEA. I live in the suburbs, in a large school district that probably will have many providers and can go with the ones offering the most cost savings, however I'm concerned for my rural neighbors. Please vote "No" and allow more time for a deep review and for small districts to be able to complete cost benefit analysis. Thank you for your time.

02-15-2024

Jessi Carver []

I am writing to strongly oppose House Bill HSB 713, particularly its proposed changes to area education agencies (AEAs). This bill threatens to undermine the effectiveness and autonomy of AEAs, jeopardizing the quality of education in Iowa.The bill's modifications to AEA duties and oversight, along with its funding provisions, could disrupt vital support services for schools and students. Additionally, the proposed task force on AEA operations risks unnecessary delays and bureaucratic red tape.I urge you to reject HSB 713 and prioritize the needs of students and educators in Iowa.

02-15-2024

Emma Bouza []

Please vote no on this bill. Do not let this pass through subcommittee and committee today. Why does this all need to be done so quickly? I know that you have heard from thousands of Iowans who oppose this legislation. Why do you continue to listen to the handful of those who support it and ignore the vast majority. This is not how a democracy works and you are absolutely not representing your constituents.

02-15-2024

William Tilly []

Please vote NO on this bill. There is NO reason to rush here and many of the proposals contained are not completely thought out and some are quite ill advised. Creating a huge bureacracy within the department of Ed to control local provision of special education services will NOT improve results. Its has been tried before in our state. This is just one example. There are so many provisions that need much deeper study than has been done with many questions to answer. As it stands, THIS BILL WILL HARM IOWAS CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS. 500 thousand children are counting on you to protect their interests. We are Iowans, thats what we do. Family is everything. Given the magnitude of whats being proposed this bill, with the tectonic impacts it will have, the ONLY responsible vote is NO to this bill! And YES to a comprehensive study of the impacts of these propoposals BEFORE they are implemented. If these changes are worth making, they are worth making in an informed, thoughtful way. Next session is soon enough! VOTE NO!

02-15-2024

Angie Hance [parent, grandparent, voter, taxpayer]

Please vote against. This bill still does not provide the support that districts and students will need. The AEA is a long standing organization that deserves much more consideration for change than has been given here. You cannot tear down an institution without knowing the short and long term implications of proposed changes. A study needs to be done. School districts value our services based on the Hanover Survey which is done regularly. One of my biggest concerns is about an AEA's opportunity to operationally share AEAs are able to help districts with things like special education director, therapeutic services with a masters level social worker, HR, and others. Under the new bill, AEAs will not be able to operationally share as they would no longer be considered a "political subdivision." The original drive behind this legislation is purportedly to better support students with disabilities. This is an unsubstantiated and a rather bold claim. In fact, it is unclear how any of these changes will improve outcomes and close gaps for students with disabilities, or address federal compliance concerns. We need to slow down this process. AEAs and districts cannot plan for the upcoming school year, set their budgets, hire staff and make decisions about how to work with this new system in the next four months. We need to study this more before moving forward. Keeping everything the same for one year, increases the likelihood that we dont make matters worse for our students, families, and schools. This bill devalues local control. While districts get to decide how to use the special education and education services funding, the Iowa Department of Education still has overreach. The AEAs are open to improvement opportunities, but we must be thoughtful in our approach. We would recommend a review of the AEAs be conducted, with representatives such as superintendents, parents, AEA staff, and other key stakeholders at the table, utilizing the data we all agree on.

02-15-2024

Jayne Parsons []

Please vote no on this bill. I understand that you have attempted to compromise, but this bill still leaves many uncertain parts that will especially impact rural district. While the bill does slow down the process it does not include as much input as needed from stakeholders . Please stop the process use the task force to complete study and then make changes using data

02-15-2024

Phyllis Kulisky []

Please vote no on this bill. Why are our constituents pushing this bill through when the majority of our educators who are the experts on the AEAs are being disregarded? Im sure most parents who are using these services feel the same way. Our AEAs offer tremendous services to the students of Iowa. Please rethink this.

02-15-2024

Phyllis Kulisky []

02-15-2024

Phyllis Kulisky []

02-15-2024

Phyllis Kulisky []

02-15-2024

Brenda Royer []

Please vote NO on HSB 713. This bill, if passed, poses significant risks to our rural school districts and threatens to create disparities in access to vital services for students and families across Iowa. It is crucial that you take the time to carefully consider the concerns of all stakeholders, rushing through such a significant decision without thoroughly examining its longterm consequences would be irresponsible. I urge you to slow down and call together a bipartisan committee with representation from all stakeholders, so we can ensure that the voices of Iowans are heard, and that any decisions made are wellinformed and serve the best interests of our students and families. We need to make sure that we aren't inadvertently harming the very people we aim to support. Instead, please work together to find solutions that benefit all Iowans and provide equal access to essential services for every student and family.

02-15-2024

Farrah Olson []

I am concerned about the timing on this and the rush to get through. I am also highly disappointed that Iowa's people are not being listened to as it is clear the vast majority of the public is not for this bill. Please reconsider working with all entities throughout the next year to make systematic changes. Before this bill destroys an agency that has 50 years of positive relationships and proven expertise in working with individuals, staff, community resource partners, and families. This system is foundational in making positive growths and it would not be wise to change any part of it until it can be collaboratively discussed with all parts.

02-15-2024

Carie Masters []

This bill does not support ALL students, ALL schools, ALL families and ALL communities. This bill DOES NOT improve student improvement. This bill DOES NOT support having the BEST resources for our schools ALL DAYEVERY DAY! When will our legislators put CHILDREN FIRST? When will ALL STAKEHOLDERS be involved to support what is BEST for children of IOWA? What happened to local control for our school districts? All CHILDREN need equity of services in Iowa. An unselfish person thinks about what is good for other people, not just about their own advantage. Please be unselfish for our children. An unselfish legislator would ask themself What CAN I DO to support ALL students? And the clear response would be to VOTE NO!

02-15-2024

Glen Rogers []

Please vote no on this rushed bill. If you truly care about the children of Iowa you will take longer than the shelf life of a loaf of bread to completely dismantle and overhaul a support system that has served them for over 50 years. Removing critical supports in fields such as computer science education where Iowa wants to lead the nation will hurt Iowas economy and tax base. Education is an easy investment for the future, and this short sighted plan will do nothing but cause future shortfalls in the great state of Iowa!

02-15-2024

Shyla Bagge []

Please vote no for this bill. I am concerned this bill is not putting students and their educational needs first. Our students are the future of Iowa and I believe every student deserves to have supports in place to be successful. It is disappointing that the voices of Iowans are not fully being heard and wish you take a pause and really look at what is happening for our students.

02-15-2024

David Hill []

Please vote NO. Instead, please conduct an indepth evaluation of the AEA system that includes input from parents and members of the public, as well as the private schools and public schools served by the AEA.

02-15-2024

Kristin Lohse []

Please consider the full implications of limiting the AEAs value Iowa student and teachers. Opportunities provided by the AEA are an influential piece of our students educational experience and an intangible part of what differentiates the Iowa education system from the rest of the nation.

02-15-2024

Tom Landeros []

The proposed changes would still be catastrophic to students with special needs. The legislature should first study what real problems exist and then recommend ways of fixing any problems. Taking a hammer to the existing system that functions well to fix a few minor problems (if they exist) will put the learning of many children at risk. Like doctors, your first rule should be to do no harm. When you make sweeping changes like this without knowing the facts, it looks like you just want to profit by privatizing services and do not have the children's needs in mind.

02-15-2024

Laura Beckman []

I urge you to vote no. This bill is not in the best interest of Iowa's children. Take the time to create true improvements that are sustainable longterm instead of shoving through this radical overhaul. This is not the way to bring Iowa education to the forefront again.

02-15-2024

Jennifer Mars []

Please vote no. I am still not seeing how these drastic changes to the AEA system will improve student outcomes. I fear for services provided to our small rural districts (like the area where I live). Let's take time to study what the AEA does and provides for our districts. If services are inequitable across the state, let's work to fix the inequity but not dismantle the entire system to correct smaller issues. Make the table for discussion bigger, not more restrictive.

02-15-2024

Angie Gansen []

STOP trying to push something that has not been thoroughly looked at just to have something to appease the governor. This presents as a money grab and shift for DE control when nothing presented (beyond a reasonable doubt) shows will be in the best interest of the students, teachers, and schools. The unintended consequences of these actions have been VERY CLEARLY shared with every legislator multiple times. It has been stated legislators don't want to be told what NOT to do, but to offer suggestions. You do not have to pass a bill to work with the AEA's in streamlining and improving their services. If the true concern is special education proficiency scores, look closer at the BOEE licensing practices and removal of license renewal requirements. Our highest need students MUST have the highest qualified educators working with them, not the undertrained.You have other bills flowing through that are working against the AEA bill. You have bills being pushed that address looking at the standards and that will strip the fluff and get back to the basics. You already have a solid AEA system in place that is more than willing to adjust and improve. Overall, it is irresponsible and reckless to think anyone (from the outside) can take less than 46 weeks to replace something that has taken 50 years to evolve. Listen to all of the people who this directly affects. Do not move this forward!

02-15-2024

Tony Reid [Retired]

No one has demonstrated that there is a problem here. A few random test scores do not demonstrate a problem; if you want to find out how our kids are doing let's round up all the data, formative and summative, on all our kids, both kids with deficiencies and those without, and those who used to be special ed but who improved and were staffed out. Let's study it longitudinally (over time). Let's examine the impact of higher numbers of English language learners, of lower funding, of Covid and other mental health challenges. If there's a problem, let's carefully design a program to address it rather than simply guess what the problem was.

02-15-2024

Nancy Veldhuizen [NA]

Please vote no for this bill. Don't dismantle a system that has worked well for so many years. Create a task force to see if or how AEAs can be more efficient, but don't change anything until you have accurate information to guide decision making. There is too much at stake to rush this bill through.

02-15-2024

Tim Lohse []

HSB 713 PLEASE VOTE NO! I am reaching out to discuss proposed legislation impacting Iowa AEAs. It appears this legislation aims to narrow the AEAs focus solely to special education programs, potentially excluding other valuable teacher and student initiatives. While I fully support programs catering to our special needs students, I am concerned about the potential consequences of eliminating broader AEA services. These services play a crucial role in providing STEMbased learning opportunities that benefit all Iowa students.For instance, last year at Forest Grove Elementary in Bettendorf, IA, my daughters 4thgrade class undertook a significant multimedia project focused on food scarcity. Guided by Mr. Maurer, STEM lead at the Mississippi Bend AEA, they delved into various aspects of the issue, from measuring food waste to learning about historical challenges like the Great Depression. This culminated in a comprehensive presentation showcasing their findings, which not only impressed but also left a meaningful impact.Beyond the core curriculum, this project offered invaluable experiences such as engaging with a nonprofit leader, handson compost bin construction, teamwork development, and utilizing technology for presentations. As a marketing professional, I recognize these activities as essential for students' skill development and future career readiness.Limiting the AEAs role to special education programs risks depriving students of such enriching experiences. Its vital to consider the broader implications and uphold the value these programs bring to Iowas educational landscape, distinguishing it from others nationwide.Thank you for your time!Tim

02-15-2024

Mary Stevens []

Please slow down the process and vote no on HSB 713. If the purpose of making changes to our current integrated educational system is to improve outcomes for students with disabilities then we need to have evidence that the changes will actually lead to better outcomes. Before making any changes please commission a bipartisan committee to conduct a transparent, comprehensive study with input from all stakeholders to determine recommendations for improvement. These recommendations can then be acted upon during the 2025 legislative session.

02-15-2024

Heather Sievers [Advocates for Iowa's Children]

Public Comments by Heather Sievers, RN, MSN, MACP, BSS, CPHQ, RTY, mother of a child of disabilities and Founder of Advocates for Iowas Children. First of all, thank you to our House for not signing forward the original and extremely detrimental AEA reform bill at the last House subcommittee. This new bill HSB 713 does have some improvements, including requirements for a study as requested by our communities before making adjustments to services (I hope this study includes our educators and AEA experts to evaluate accreditation standards). Additionally, this writes back in the critical support for media and education services, although the funding provided for these is still unclear. However, this bill is still definitely not what we need? Why are we rushing to move a bill forward in 1 months time that dismantles an integrated system that has served the needs of our schools and children over the last 50 years? Why are we gambling and risking creating gaps in care for our most vulnerable populations? The only reason I can assume is that this is about control of money, not really about the care of our schools and students. Feeforservice models continue to fail, so why are we dismantling an integrated, shared provider model we currently have within our AEA system today. This bill still moves us into this feeforservice model, and our communities are very concerned about this leading to reduced quality of care and delays in access to timely services needed to meet the need of our students and to federal and state requirements.Currently with our AEA shared provider system, a therapist can be deployed, and we have no delays in start of care, meeting the federal mandates for FAPE requiring schools ensure start of services within 60 days for every child with a need identified (the AEA therapists provide assessment within 30 days, with start of care by 45 days). Our kids deserve timely and quality care.This bill moves away from a shared provider model by limiting the area of scope for one school district to only be able to use one AEA agency. Why are we creating legislation that does not support convenient access to qualified therapists and providers?This bill leads to loss of jobs, not maintaining critical providers within our already stressed workforce. The AEA will only be able to hire and maintain staff based on the annual budget approved and available. The AEAs will not be able to have staff onhand, hired and available to deploy throughout a school year if a new need is identified, especially since districts cannot share providers from other AEAs. If no one is available to hire through the costeffective AEAs, schools may be forced to choose a nonIowa private company, many through poor quality telehealth services, to meet the 60day FAPE start of service requirements, reducing quality and effectiveness of services. This does not support our Iowa critical workforce shortage when we can maintain our critical providers in our own state. Our kids, therapists, special education providers, teachers and schools deserve better.This puts schools at risk for failure to meet state and federal service requirements if providers are not accessible to meet our childrens unanticipated needs throughout the school year, and also for multiple costly lawsuits that burden our already stressed and underfunded schools.Within the Bill: Pg 2021 RE: DIVISION II AREA EDUCATION AGENCIES GENERAL 13 PROVISIONS. The bill provides that, effective July 1, 14 2025, the area education agencies will be under the general supervision of the director of DE, and the boards of directors of the area education agencies will serve in an advisory capacity. Additionally, education agency to submit the proposed annual budget to the director of DE for approval not later than March 1 of each 23 year. The multiple versions of these bills went further to outline that the Director can determine in March annually a rejection of budgets and make decisions to eliminate provider positions requested by our school districts annually.Why do we have a single person who is not even an educator responsible for sole decision making around budget and service approvals? The community does not trust this current director because she continues to move from location to location every 18 months and has not had good results in other states. Furthermore, the community has lost trust in our Director of DE position over time, as this person has turned over annually over the last 5 years. How can we rely on this role to make the best decisions for our schools. Schools should be able to determine what their needs are, not someone who doesnt work in the schools or know the needs of the communities and children served. That decision belongs to the school districts.The Director of DE has the ability with this bill to determine which positions are funded or not on an annual basis as part of approvals for budgets requested by the school districts. This creates so much uncertainty for our providers. How would you feel if every year, you wouldnt be sure if you would have a job the next year? They have families to care for too, and we have already lost some of our AEA providers and therapists to other opportunities because of the trust that has been broken by our legislation this session. This bill also does not allocate additional funding to support Crisis Intervention Services. We need a shared model for Crisis Intervention Services so our AEA providers across districts can deploy to meet the needs, just as they did for the terrible Perry shooting recently. Their support was invaluable, and we are not ensuring funding to continue this critical service.Additional concerns related to the focus on Children of Disabilities only in this bill regarding special education services. Our AEA has continued to serve many children that maybe do not have a disability diagnosis, but are in our general student population and are identified to have a gap or a need. How can we guarantee that all our students have what they need for services to have the best outcomes overtime? This bill still does not promote improvements in academic achievement. We have to slow this bill down or stop it completely until we can guarantee that our schools and our children will not be negatively impacted. Please do not move this bill forward. Our communities are asking you to represent them and their needs, but we fear you are not listening. I might remind you that this is also an election year, and we are paying attention to the decisions you are making during this legislative session. Thank you.

02-15-2024

Rachel Berkland []

Please vote No to this bill. The services that the AEA's provide are vital to our children in general education and special education. Please consider all stakeholder's before making such a decision.

02-15-2024

Rob Brookhart []

Please vote NO to HSB 713, as it fails to remedy the fundamental flaws of the original legislation or amendments. Further study, by an independent entity with broad stakeholder input, is needed before making changes that will impact a generation of Iowa children. Enacting this will cause years of educational loss for our students, especially for smaller rural districts. The loss of available services can not be quickly created when a need arises without the AEA. Iowa has valued local control and by moving decision making to the Department of Education will reduce the ability to understand the ongoing and changing needs of local schools that local boards have successfully handled in the past. While the flawed report indicate that administrative costs are too high, this will just create even more administrative costs by adding more positions at the Department of Education. Iowa has had a strong tradition of making sure that children, no matter where they live, in both public and accredited private schools have had equal opportunity to the same services and resources. This bill will destroy that opportunity to learn. Iowa loses by rushing this bill without more in depth study. The AEAs provide so many supports and services and work in harmony that quickly eliminating or diminishing any part will cause unintended consequences for the whole state educational network. Our children deserve better than this!!

02-15-2024

Peggy Leggett []

I am vehemently opposed to this bill. You KNOW this bill is NOT good for Iowa students or schools. There have not been enough discussions with a broader range of experts in the field of primary and secondary education and psychology to move this forward. Much more time is needed to consider both the potential financial impact and service reductions, ESPECIALLY in the services to our smaller, rural based schools, before this moves forward. The decision making components of this proposal should NOT be center in DesMoines, where the needs of the majority of the smaller schools are not clearly understood. I ask you to vote no on this bill as it now stands. The education and needs of our most vulnerable population, the children of Iowa, are at stake!

02-15-2024

Kim Burrack []

This bill away critical services to small and rural schools. It takes away local control and gives it to the Department of Education. These ideas should not be done without talking to school districts, families, and AEA staff who will be affected negatively by this bill. A thoughtful study done by experts in Iowa of AEAs should be done before any action is taken.

02-15-2024

Lauren Manca []

Please vote no for this bill. I understand that the AEAs are not perfect but I do recommend that if you are to change anything, maybe you should be educated in the thing you are trying to change. Coming from Georgia, I will admit I was confused by the AEAs but the more I learn about them through my graduate studies and through observations, I will say Iowa has a really good thing going with the AEAs. The AEAs provide so many services to individuals that would not usually get them in other states. The AEAs not only support special education services but they also provide technology and instructional support which is extremely beneficial and needed for our rural areas that are more affected by funding and shortages. The AEA helps bring equality for this reason. If this bill is to go through, the inequality in our system will be heightened due to districts having to pay for services they now get for free.

02-15-2024

Tanya Biggers []

As a general education teacher, the support of the AEA is essential to ALL student success. Student success should not be privatized but instead should be supported with AREA education associations. The emphasis on AREA is intentional. Often, privatization leads to lack of personalization and attention to what local agencies need. Protect the success of ALL children and maintain the AEA's. Any issues with the current AEA's should be addressed by local stakeholders and not the government.

02-15-2024

Brandie Gean []

PLEASE DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BILL! No one is asking for it, but if you must, then consider these items:1. A slowing of the timeline to give more thoughtful consideration to proposed changes to an advanced and complicated system.2. Involvement of all stakeholders in the process of proposing changes to the system, including students.3. Oversight of the system remains with local school boards and not the DOE.4. Separation of the teacher pay from this bill and teacher pay in a bill of its own.5. Greater understanding of the reason for the funding to provide equity in rural vs urban schools. A way to support our rural schools if larger schools are given a choice in who they receive services from.6. Continued instructional services that benefit many public and nonpublic schools. There may be a need actually to expand this.

02-15-2024

Barb Harms []

Thank you to all of the legislators who have listened to constituents and worked to amend the AEA bill. I appreciate that you realize the negative implications this bill will have on providing equitable services to ALL students/districts/school staff in Iowa. I urge you to please vote no to HSB 713 my greatest concern is that a feeforservice model for special education services will create inefficiency and inequities for districts and students, especially in our rural areas. I also would hate to see a loss of local control with the extreme shift of oversight to the Department of Education. I urge you to allow time to get the appropriate stakeholders around the table to truly evaluate and discuss workable solutions.

02-15-2024

Marvin Fedders []

Vote no on HSB 713. This bill still does not address what the issue is. The timelines, lack of stakeholder involvement, and the impact on students and families will not be realized until it is too late.

02-15-2024

Lois Hartje []

Please vote NO on this bill. As a republican, I am so disappointed that I have not seen any of our legislators publicly state they are against the bill. This sweeping change needs to be carefully vetted with all the stakeholders.

02-15-2024

C Wilson []

As a parent of two young adults who are successful today due to the support of the local AEA I am asking you to not follow party lines and stepUp to represent those that elected you. Create a task force with all stakeholders represented and look for ways to improve but do not destroy what works in the process. Vote no and stop this process

02-15-2024

Michele Harrison []

Vote no on HSB 713. As is the bill continues to diminish local voice, reduces economies of scale, declines to separate the new teacher bill pay, and creates unrealistic timelines to make thousands and thousands of decisions. The bill completely lacks clarity vagueness will get us no where.

02-15-2024

Wanda Moss []

Old enough to remember teaching when the AEA did not exist. I urge you to seek out and carefully listen to those whose lives will be dramatically affected as you try to fix something that I feel is not broken.

02-15-2024

Angela Ramsey []

AEA does so much for our children and provides jobs for hundreds of people. Passing this bill puts children with special needs in more rural areas at risk for not being provided with the services they need. It will also cause hundreds of families to be crushed by a parent, spouse or individual loosing their job.

02-15-2024

Rita Elser []

Vote NO on any solutions that do not start with a well defined problem. Decision making is guaranteed to be flawed otherwise. No bill or amendment can fix an undefined problem based on limited data. Take the time to define the problem well in order to lead to break through decisions. The speed at which changes are a being proposed and rushed does not set solutions up to be successful. STOPtake the time to have the problem well defined by stakeholkers. If not students, educators, and taxpayers will suffer.

02-15-2024

Amber Bridge []

I urge you to vote NO on this. The media services for our rural schools is essential and shouldn't be up for conversation. All schools deserve access to materials to support learners in the classroom. Local control is essential to make the best decisions for our local schools.

02-15-2024

Tyler Denton [Marion Independent School District]

Please vote "no" as, if it passes, it will serve as the straw that broke the camel's back of Iowa's education system. Not only am I speaking for all of the students I serve in each of the five buildings of my district, but my own three children at home.

02-15-2024

Angie DeWaard []

This bill is still damaging, and I urge it not to be furthered on for a vote. While larger districts will most likely always have the money and manpower to provide these services, smaller districts will continue to rely on the AEA having staff available to provide specialized services that are hard to find in many rural communities. If a district doesnt have enough funds to provide the federally required services, it falls back on the property taxpayer. This will further exacerbate the variances in property tax rates across the state. While larger districts such as ours in Ames would likely be able to absorb the services, this again puts rural districts at a large disadvantage.

02-15-2024

Wisniewski Meredith []

Do not pass this! It will do such a disservice to our schools and younger population that used so many services the AEA provides. The AEA fills so many gaps most people do not even now what is all involved.

02-15-2024

Leah Grant []

I urge all parties to vote NO on this bill. It is a thinly veiled attempt to privatize education in our state. Do not be fooled by the statements surrounding "school choice" in the matter most schools would opt to fund AEA any way and the fact that our Governor wants to remove this funding is simply another indicator of her lack of knowledge in regards to the education system and what our educators want.

02-15-2024

Whitney Wolf []

Please vote NO on this bill. This bill will devastate our schools and communities, especially rural districts. Our children and educators deserve better. They deserve a seat at the table to help come up with a better plan for all involved. The vast majority of Iowans are telling legislators over and over again that we do NOT want this, why wont our representatives listen? Why is there such a rush to push these harmful bills through? Please listen to your constituents and take the time to actually study and work with all stakeholders (parents, teachers, superintendents, AEAs) to come up with a plan that will actually work to help our children. And please, do not take away local control of our schools and AEAs and give it to the Department of Education, especially when there is high turnover in the Director role and the current director does not have relevant experience or credentials.

02-15-2024

J C []

Thank you for voting to slow down this process. However, more time is needed to make changes including all stakeholders after looking at allOf the available data. I moved to Iowa with my husband because of the quality of education in the state, both as a professional that works in the state and as a future parent. Having lived in several other states, I thought I would stay in iowa the rest of my life. However, we are seriously considering moving out of state due to repeated legislation designed to decrease funding and resources in education. Additionally, I am no longer convinced that Iowa is the best place to be raising my children. Although my children do not require special education services, I know firsthand how these changes will hurt educators and the children they serve. There are so many consultants supporting so many teachers with not only special education services, but also general education services. I can say with absolute certainty that ALL children will be hurt and their education will suffer drastically if these services that most people dont even know are being provided are altered without even understanding how they work.

02-15-2024

Leslie Dickinson []

I am again writing to ask you to vote NO to this bill. This is all happening to fast and there are too many major components at stake to pass something like this through so quickly and carelessly. Our students will struggle. Our educators will struggle. Iowa education will fail. I am unsure in reading this proposal how any of this is supposed to help our most needed special education students. Our school districts cannot adequately plan for next year with all of these quick changes. Get a study group together with all parties involved to find a way that everyone can work together to help all students. This bill does not give local control. It sends all control to the Director and the DE. Slow this process. Give everyone a proper chance to look things over and make the necessary changes so that all students will succeed.

02-15-2024

Brittany P []

Please slow decision making on this bill down and take the time to take a deeper dive into the actual data and what services the AEA provides. Making the decision to pass this new amended bill would be detrimental to our students

02-15-2024

Kim Wise []

First, thank you for being curious and open to new information. You've given Iowans hope that the legislative process can work! PLEASE continue to listen and vote NO on this bill. The original drive behind this legislation is purportedly to better support students with disabilities. This is an unsubstantiated and a rather bold claim. In fact, it is unclear how any of these changes will improve outcomes and close gaps for students with disabilities, or address federal compliance concerns. We need to slow down this process. AEAs and districts cannot plan for the upcoming school year, set their budgets, hire staff and make decisions about how to work with this new system in the next four months. We need to study this more before moving forward. Keeping everything the same for one year, increases the likelihood that we dont make matters worse for our students, families, and schools. This bill devalues local control. While districts get to decide how to use the special education and education services funding, the Iowa Department of Education still has overreach. The AEAs are open to improvement opportunities, but we must be thoughtful in our approach. We would recommend a review of the AEAs be conducted, with representatives such as superintendents, parents, AEA staff, and other key stakeholders at the table, utilizing the data we all agree on.Thanks again for being willing to listen and what's right for rural Iowa schools!

02-15-2024

Ron Russell []

Please vote no to HSB 713. While I appreciate the efforts to amend the original bill in a more positive direction, my read of this bill continues to include so many issues that will damage education and in particular special education support in Iowa. While there is a proposal for a task force to study the AEA system, the narrative seems to indicate that Iowa would be in a one year holding pattern of "supervision" by the State Director and Department of Education and the description of the task force seems to suggest that this group will immediately look at HOW to disassemble the AEA system, rather than investigating whether there is a problem to begin with. And while suggestions of a topheavy system was one factor contributing to this proposed legislation, I read HSB 713 describing the establishment of whole new tiers of administrative oversight, spending money on an entirely new layer of administrative oversight by the Department of Education, AND sending 5 administrators to each AEA on site to ensure that state and federal laws are followed. This seems ludicrous, as it is inarguable that Iowa's AEA system has done an outstanding job of ensuring that IDEA and Iowa Rules of Special Education are followed and that students, since the 70's have had access to an appropriate education. And reading the new narrative on funding changes, leaves me and I'm sure many others struggling to understand how funding would actually play out. Would AEAs still serve all districts but have even fewer funds to do so? So many questionable proposals to attempt solving a problem that I think most Iowans don't even believe exists. Please move to end this process, and encourage a study engaging stakeholders and families not just outside companies, and legislators.

02-15-2024

Gina Iverson []

I oppose HS 713 and ask you to vote NO. As a taxpayer, voter, and an educator with 40 years of experience, this bill is detrimental to the students of Iowa. You have received overwhelming opposition to this bill from students, school staff, families, and constituents, both Democrats and Republicans. Your represent the people of Iowa, your job is to listen to the people of Iowa and to vote according to what the people of Iowa need. This bill was not asked for by the people of Iowa. Vote NO!

02-15-2024

Julie Reed []

I urge you to listen to the people of Iowa. Vote NO. Listen to the educators, administrators, families and people of Iowa who have all expressed concerns with this bill and the destructive nature it will bring to our educational system in Iowa. I am an Iowa educator of 32 years. AEA s are a valuable resource and asset to our school districts, making multiple services available and accessible to our students, families and educators at all levels. Please consider supporting our families , students and staff members instead of deconstructing and dismantling the established educational system of Iowa.

02-15-2024

Karen Hesse []

Please vote no on this amendment. While I appreciate the efforts to improve upon the governor's original bill, this amendment still does not address the grave concerns that the voters of Iowa are expressing. Please heed the advice of expert educators who understand the negative consequences that the proposed changes to AEAs will have for students and school districts, especially in rural areas. Please respect the overwhelming majority of Iowans who continue to speak out against this revised bill. Many suggestions have been made for how we can slow this process down and seek to thoroughly understand any problems that this legislation is seeking to address. Please listen to your constituents. Thank you.

02-15-2024

Ann Meiners []

Please vote "NO" to this bill as is. The Area Education Agencies need to retain control of their services and their ability to scale is what makes them invaluable in rural areas. Please SLOW DOWN the overhaul of this very important part of Iowa's education system.

02-15-2024

Ashley Gellings []

As an educator and parent I urge you to vote no on this bill. This bill will negatively impact all Iowa children. Please consider taking time to study and understand if the AEA's are meeting the needs of children across Iowa before making huge changes statewide.

02-15-2024

Chad Bartlett []

I urge you to vote NO for either version of this bill.There are still people in Des Moines writing a Bill that they have very little experience or knowledge of how it will impact all of those within our state. Is there work that can be done? Of course. Let's do it collaboratively. If you want more accountability, there is plenty of space for that within the current system.Getting more hoops for school districts, AEAs, and everyone involved to access the same supports does not create a better system.

02-15-2024

Joseph Woracek []

As an Iowa educator with over 15 years of experience, I am writing with significant concerns and opposition to amended House File 713. This legislation moves to unilaterally and abruptly disrupt educational services provided to students, families, schools, and Iowa communities. This bill continues to diminish local control and is creating big government with control transferred centrally to the Director of the Iowa Department of Education, rather than leaving it in the local control of our communities. This bill continues with harmful timelines. As stated earlier, the abrupt nature of these changes are in themselves a harm to students, families, and schools. Anyone who has ever enacted largescale system change knows it takes time to ensure critical services, supports, and outcomes are not lost in the process. With the timelines proposed I am unhappily confident that student performance will dip as all entities involved try to grapple with the realities of this shift in support. I urge you to slow down this process, engage in a thoughtful study of educational services in the state. This study should be completed by those living and working in Iowa and focus on utilizing a convergence of multiple sources of data and input to guide decisions that are in the best interest of children in ALL communities.

02-15-2024

Mary Schoeppner []

Please vote "NO" on dismantling the AEA. This would seriously disrupt our educational system in Iowa. Why mess with a system which is not broken? Why are we paying Virginia to implement their plan?The new Department of Education head has never actually worked in the education field and is from Virginia. Their environment is not Rural Midwest. Please vote "NO". Too much is at stake for our most vulnerable citizens. We need to protect our children. Please vote "NO"

02-15-2024

Sara B []

As a mother of a child who has benefitted from services provided by highly qualified individuals through our AEAs, I cant imagine my sons future without the high quality support weve been given. It is greatly concerning that even following an overwhelming response from constituents in opposition of such a detrimental bill with offensive amendments as an offering for a solution to such a radical proposition is still being considered. Where is the accountability for elected officials to represent the people they serve rather than acting with their own agenda? Unfortunately, this continues to be not in the best interests of Iowas children, families, and educators and is simply unacceptable. Please put our children first and vote no.

02-15-2024

Mary Schoeppner []

02-15-2024

Bethany Votroubek []

I thank you for slowing down the process so far. I urge you to vote no on this bill and to take this much of a change even slower. Any move of oversight to the department of education for oversight risks the department gutting staff later as they did with the Family Education Partners program that they recently cut with no legislative oversight. Also all special education students are general education students first. Cutting services to general education will negatively impact special education services.This will also cut back on needed services such as the crisis response team that provided assistance after the school shooting in Perry. This team responds on a weekly basis when a school experiences a student or staff death.Again, I urge you to please vote no to this bill. Instead take a year to do an audit and determine the best way to move forward.

02-15-2024

Sarah Corbin []

Vote no to this bill. This bill will remove key resources for students across the state of Iowa. Additionally restructuring will cause jobs to be lost for our already delicate education system and more burden placed on educators. Please take time to understand the full impacts of this bill on those who need the resources the most.

02-15-2024

Jennifer Dillon []

Like other comments listed here, I still urge legislators to vote No on this AEA bill. The amendment language continues to compromise the Republican Party value of local control and puts it with the Department of Education or specifically with the Director. Reducing local control makes me concerned that local values and needs will no longer be the first thought toward providing ongoing services to students, families, teachers, and communities.

02-15-2024

Heather Main []

Please vote no. While I appreciate the previous bill not being passed through, this amendment still does not take into consideration the concerns voiced by parents, educators, etc. Any form of this current bill will be detrimental to our local rural schools. If you honestly care about ALL students, please take into account how this will impact our smaller schools. AEA's have existed for 50 years, and this bill that has come out over the course of 1 month will completely destroy any progress that has been made to make any and all services available to districts despite their size. Please continue to take the time, talking to those who provide these services, and come up with a bill that actually addresses what you are hearing from your constituents.

02-15-2024

Kelsey Owens []

Thank you for the revisions to the original bill, your work is much appreciated. With that, please take the time to build upon your work by SLOWING DOWN and voting NO to HSB 713. The AEAs are open to improvement opportunities, but we must be thoughtful in our approach. We would recommend a review of the AEAs be conducted, with representatives such as superintendents, parents, AEA staff, and other key stakeholders at the table, utilizing the data we all agree on.

02-15-2024

Claire Pittman [Mississippi Bend AEA]

I ask that you oppose HSB 713. This amendment continues to lack concrete measures as to how these changes to the AEA will directly impact the test scores of special education students. This bill cripples the AEA's ability to maintain a full staff and provide comprehensive services to all of Iowa's students.

02-15-2024

Tom Schoeppner []

Why are we trying to push the AEA bill through so quickly? There are so many parts to consider and the transition has serious consequences. For the sake of students, teachers and families please vote "no". Please slow this down and listen to those who are actually on the ground floor working with education. They are truly concerned about the families they serve and not themselves. Vote "no"

02-15-2024

Ronda Reid []

I appreciate that your proposal slows down the process and take some time to look at what's important. I also am concerned about the uncertainty that it causes. Please consider leaving in the portion where there's a task force that works to develop the best solutions and practices for AEA that benefit all students. Then, based on those by partisan recommendations from all stakeholders, look at moving forward to make the adjustments that are needed. Please stop this process and vote know and take the time needed to make appropriate decisions.

02-15-2024

Caleb Bonjour [Gladbrook-Reinbeck CSD]

Caleb BonjourSuperintendentGladbrook Reinbeck CSD600 Blackhawk StreetReinbeck, IA 50669caleb.bonjourgrrebels.netFebruary 15, 2024To the Members of the House Education Subcommittee:Subject: Strong Opposition to HSB 713Dear Honorable Members,I am writing to you today as the superintendent of Your School District, representing a rural community deeply intertwined with the values and expectations of local governance in education. My purpose in writing this letter is to voice unequivocal opposition to House Study Bill 713 (HSB 713), which I believe undermines the very principles that have long upheld our state's educational system.The amendments proposed under SSB 3073, which HSB 713 furthers, depict a shift in educational oversight that is both alarming and regressive. It is a move that favors larger and more affluent districts while leaving smaller and rural schools at a significant disadvantage.HSB 713 is poised to centralize power within the Department of Educationa department that has seen a revolving door of leadership, with six directors in the past twelve years. This instability is a harbinger of the challenges ahead, should the bill pass. More so, the current director's lack of firsthand experience as a school leader or educator in Iowa casts doubt on their ability to empathetically and effectively guide our AEAs and school districts.The bill's pivot to a feeforservice model for special education and the cessation of operational sharing agreements are particularly concerning. These changes threaten to erode the essential support structures upon which smaller districts rely, potentially leaving our most vulnerable students without necessary resources and heightening the burden on local taxpayers.Moreover, HSB 713 lacks clarity on critical issues such as funding specifics, service contracting, and the impact on collaboration between districts and AEAs. Without clear directives and assurances, our districts are navigating in the dark, unable to plan for the future or to ensure that we can continue providing the quality of education our communities expect and deserve.I implore the members of this subcommittee to consider the longterm ramifications of HSB 713. Education in Iowa has always been a collaborative effort, relying on the strength and support of AEAs and the local control that empowers districts to meet the unique needs of their communities. This bill, as it stands, threatens to dismantle this successful structure and replace it with a system that centralizes decisions, disregards the nuances of local needs, and destabilizes the progress we have worked so hard to achieve.Let us not forget that these decisions will resonate beyond the walls of our schools and into the future of our state. I stand ready to engage in constructive dialogue to find solutions that truly serve the best interests of Iowa's students and educators.Thank you for your attention to this matter of great importance.Sincerely,Caleb Bonjour

02-15-2024

Julie Winters []

Please vote no on this new legislation. Let's take the time to figure out what It Is is needed first before we go making changes. I appreciate that you did add some conditions that will help but we still need to go farther. Why are we destroying some thing that isn't broken and that the people of Iowa have clearly said they want to continue. Please listen to your constituents.

02-15-2024

Caleb Bonjour []

Caleb BonjourReinbeck, IA 50669calebbonjourgmail.comFebruary 15, 2024Dear Members of the House Education Subcommittee:Subject: Parental Concerns Regarding HSB 713As a parent of three children attending Iowa schools, I am writing to express my profound concern regarding House Study Bill 713 (HSB 713). The proposed changes to our states educational system are not only disconcerting; they threaten to disrupt the very fabric of our children's educational experiences.The shift towards centralization and the Department of Education's increased control over special education and professional development is a departure from the local oversight that has historically been responsive to our childrens needs. The lack of stability within the Department, with six directors in just twelve years, signals potential risks to the consistency and quality of services our children receive.The move to a feeforservice model for special education could create inequalities that are particularly worrisome. As a parent in a rural district, my fear is that the services which have been crucial for the support and growth of my children may become financially inaccessible, or worse, diluted in quality due to budgetary constraints.Furthermore, the discontinuation of operational sharing agreements could limit the resources and opportunities available to students, particularly those in special education. The implications of such a shift could be dire, affecting not only the educational outcomes of our children but also the broader community which relies on the schools as pillars of learning and development.Clarity is sorely needed regarding the specifics of funding, the contracting of services, and the overall impact on district collaboration with AEAs. Without a clear understanding of how these changes will be implemented, it is impossible to support a bill that appears to undercut the values of community, equality, and educational excellence.I strongly urge the subcommittee to reconsider the trajectory of HSB 713. As a parent, my priority is the wellbeing and future success of my childrenand by extension, all children in Iowa. We need assurances that our voices are heard and that decisions made at the state level will not hinder the potential of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.Thank you for your dedication to Iowa's educational standards and for taking the time to consider the concerns of a parent deeply invested in the future of our states education system.Sincerely,Caleb Bonjour

02-15-2024

Malorie Thompson []

I urge you to vote no on this. I this bill is harmful to children and families in Iowa. As a student, I grew up, reaping the benefits of a school district who used AEA Media services and so much more! As a parent, I now have reap the benefits of AEA services for my own children. It is beyond scary to think that decisions are being made without getting input from the people it affects and the people who live in this every day. Cutting AEAs hurts, children and the state. Every child is a general education child first. Without the supports for general education in the classroom, all childrens education is at stake. Moving control to the Department of Education is actually taking away local control. I fear that continuing with this bill will lead to a serious decrease in quality of services for children, as well as rural districts, shutting down and or not having the means to support children. Ella is our interested in providing best practice services, which does not mean they are not open for improvements, but I urge you to have the right people at the table and take the time to learn what appropriate changes can be made so that we are not throwing the baby out with the bathwater. it currently feels like we are working towards making change for the purpose of making change rather than to solve a problem or make improvements. Vote no. As a voter in Iowa, how legislators vote and handle themselves through the work of this bill will directly impact my future voting decisions.

02-15-2024

Heather McAtee, LISW [GPAEA]

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker, working in a shared agreement with two Rural school districts in Southeast Iowa.These two districts would otherwise not have a Social Worker on staff, available 23 times a week. I am currently on my 30 min lunch break and am looking at a referral list of 30 plus students that have parental consent for mental health and social emotional services. Without this availability in the schools, the majority of these children would fall through the cracks. The mental health of our children in IA should be your utmost concern. Just in the past 2 weeks, in SE Iowa we have had a serious attempted suicide (AEA crisis team responded) and a threat of another school shooting by a student. Cutting AEA services for our students is NOT the right path forward. Please slow the process down and do some serious in depth research of what this would mean for Your Iowa children

02-15-2024

Lisa Wilson []

I strongly urge you to vote no on this bill. Support of this bill will deeply hurt the students, families and teachers who utilize the vast array of services that are available to them through the AEA system. Iowa schools benefit from the economy of scale provided through this system, and our smaller and rural districts in particular have much to lose through this bill. The voice of Iowas parents need to be heard and any changes to this system needs to include input from parents, teachers, community and school administrators.

02-15-2024

Boni Rhum []

I was born and raised here in Iowa, which I used to think of as a Democratic state but as the years have passed we seem to be getting farther away from those original ideals. Democracy is supposed to be a system in which our elected officials listen to the people and are vested in the citizens of Iowa (especially our kids) that is supposed to be characterized by advocating. I havent seen many of our legislators really and truly listening or advocating for their constituents which has been very disappointing. I do not support this bill and ask that you dont either. All amended versions of the AEA bill basically look like a washed out version of the 1st. This practice is something similar to what we find a MS/HS student doing when they need to make adjustments to a report before handing it in. The fast tracking of this bill without listening to constituents and doing your due diligence of researching the facts and outcomes will have long lasting repercussions. I as well as many others will lose services and jobs plus our youth will have lapse in the help they receive to meet their needs as the DE muddles through without a plan already in place to cover our students' needs.

02-15-2024

Lisa Hughes []

Please VOTE NO to the amended bill that removes AEA oversight from the areas that they service. Consolidating the AEAs to a central control of the governor appointment members removes local control that the local AEA boards have. The teachers and students need to have better access to the resources each AEA provides, not making the decision makers being in the large city. The needs in one location do not reflect the needs in a rural setting. Pushing thru a bill that was created quickly, pushed thru discussion quickly and forced to vote with little time for public comment doesn't seem like it would be beneficial to the education system and to those that rely on the AEA for support. Education is a topic that shouldn't be rushed thru to find the unattended consequences later on. Those unattended consequences could be huge negative impacts to our children and their progress in learning. Give time to discuss the topic with those that are closely tied in to the process of AEAs supporting school, family members of the students being supported and teachers that benefit from the resources. This isn't a topic that should be pushed thru quickly to satisfy a person's political agenda.