Meeting Public Comments

Kristin Fisch [English Valleys CSD]

I urge you to support House File 33, which provides grant funding for high schools to extend agricultural educators' contracts by up to 60 days. As an ag teacher at English Valleys CSD, I dedicate significant time beyond my contracted days to support FFA and student development, often without full compensation. Without this support, many ag teachers, including myself, take on second jobs to make ends meet, increasing the risk of burnout and limiting the time we can invest in our students. This funding would allow educators to focus on providing highquality experiences, strengthening Iowas future agricultural workforce.

Melanie Bloom

Schoolbased agriculture education can be a powerful jobs program. Agricultural educators have the infrastructure and institutional knowledge to assist students with career exploration and workbased learning, but many of our agriculture and CTE teachers are not compensated for the extra time required to adequately supervise workbased learning. This funding would help school districts give more students the practical handon experience they need to be successful in future careers. Please support this bill to make the future brighter for agriculture workforce and entrepreneurs!

Sarah Martin [Shenandoah Community Schools]

Please consider voting in favor of HF 369; As a current agricultural instructor and work based learning coordinator, it has helped our school district retain, improve graduation rates, help students find the connection from the classroom to the workplace as well as impact rural communities by serving in high need occupations. As a WBL coordinator in a given week I have the pleasure of working with students from healthcare to technology. The most important part of the job is giving guidance and support to these students beyond the bell. I have traveled miles, meet with supervisor, and help with student evaluations outside of the confines of the school day to meet the demands of our rural community. The greatest advantage of HF 369; it would allow for the flexibility in timeframe to conference, educate, and train our businesses to build a solid partnership and fill labor shortages. As an agriculture teacher the, SAE project gives the modern classroom the unique opportunity to connect the farm to the plate. More importantly it is the conversation around the tailgates or in a rural business you see the light and hope of the next generation to come home and continue the rural community dream. Support our educators to continue to give the best future to Iowans!

Dr. Thomas Paulsen [Morningside University]

As a high school agricultural education teacher for 21 years and a teacher educator for the past 17, I understand firsthand the critical role extended contracts play in supporting highquality agricultural education (Ag Ed) programs. When I began my career, nearly all Ag Ed teachers in Iowa were employed on 11 or 12month contracts. These extended contracts allowed teachers to work closely with students on their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), which are foundational components of approved Ag Ed programs. While often referred to as workbased learning in broader educational circles, SAEs go far beyond that definition. Many students operate their own businesses, raise livestock and crops, and engage in numerous entrepreneurial ventures. My summer contract allowed me to meet individually with each student often alongside their families to guide them in achieving meaningful learning outcomes connected to these required activities.Leadership development is another essential element of SchoolBased Agricultural Education (SBAE). The FFA organization provides numerous summer leadership development opportunities. It is vital for teachers to have the time and availability to support student participation in these activities, accompany them to county and state fairs, coach them through leadership competitions, and while also continuing their own professional development.In addition, SBAE teachers are frequently responsible for maintaining schoolbased facilities such as greenhouses, land laboratories, and animal science labs. Agriculture is a yearround industry, and our educational programs must reflect that reality. Extended contracts are essential to maintaining quality programs and ensuring students are wellprepared to enter what I believe is our most important profession.Unfortunately, recent data indicates that more than 72% of Iowas SBAE teachers receive fewer than 30 extended contract days. Anecdotally, several teachers in NW Iowa receive as few as 010 days, which is simply not sufficient to support highquality programming. This lack of extended contract days also creates a competitive disadvantage in attracting and retaining teachers. Many graduates of agricultural education programs pursue careers in the agricultural industry rather than teaching, largely due to the absence of competitive contracts and extended time for program development. A clear example is a NW Iowa Career Academys Ag Ed program, which has remained vacant for several years in part because of a zeroday extended contract.As we approach the 100th anniversary of SBAE in Iowa, we must ensure that all students have access to the complete Ag Ed experience: classroom and laboratory instruction, SAE, and FFA. Providing consistent and competitive extended contracts for all Iowa SBAE teachers is essential to making this vision a reality.

Jillian Joyce [OABCIG CSD]

Passing HF 369 would help compensate agriculture education teachers for extended days which is a significant step toward strengthening Iowas agricultural education programs and ensuring the future of the rich agriculture industry in Iowa. Agriculture teachers play a critical roles in shaping the next generation of farmers, ranchers, leaders, agribusiness professionals, food scientists and environmentalists. Being able to provide extended contract compensation, we are not only able to recognize the dedication and expertise but are also able to attract and retain our highly qualified educators who are able to inspire students everyday and drive great creativity, innovation, and opportunities the field. This investment in agricultural educators will have many longterm benefits of supporting students growth with less turnover within Iowas agricultural education programs. I urge you to vote in favor of this bill as many hours I put in are over my contractual hours. With the support of this bill I would be able to give more time to my program instead of having to have my part time job. In order to continually add and better student opportunities agricultural educators need to be properly compensated.

Jamie Pudenz [IAAE/ Aplington-Parkersburg ]

I urge you to vote in favor of HF 369, a bill that is vital to the future of agricultural education in Iowa. As a young agricultural educator, I can personally attest to the challenges we face in a profession that is often influenced by outside competition and industry jobs. The skills of agricultural instructors are highly transferable, creating more opportunities for teachers but also increasing the challenge of retention. Many ag educators may choose higherpaying or more stable roles outside the classroom, leading to significant attrition.One of the toughest days in this profession is receiving the call from a colleague or friend who has decided to leave teaching. This call is made with a clearly heavy heart. These are passionate educators who love their work, embrace the challenges, and advocate for their students. Yet, without proper compensation for the immense list of extras, its hard to blame them for choosing a path that supports themselves and their families. This bill can help reduce that attrition rate in our field.Agricultural educators across Iowa are some of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals in agriculture. Many of Iowas agricultural business leaders can point to an ag educator who influenced their career path and set them on a course for success. These educators are shaping not only indemand careers but also the future of Iowas agricultural community.HF 369 is a direct solution to maintain a skilled and qualified pool of agricultural educators. Your support for this bill will help ensure Iowa remains a leader in agricultural education and provides students with the knowledge and inspiration they need to succeed. Keeping these educators in the classroom will ensure a future workforce that is both capable and PASSIONATE about Iowas agricultural legacy.Thank you for your time and consideration. I strongly urge you to support HF 369 for the benefit of Iowas agricultural education system and the future of our agricultural industry.

Rachel Vontalge

HF 369 is vital for supporting agricultural education and FFA programs, which equip students with essential skills like leadership, communication, and problemsolving. These programs prepare students for realworld challenges, but they require significant effort and dedication from teachers who go above and beyond to provide handson experiences and mentorship. Passing this bill will ensure that educators have the resources they need to continue fostering the next generation of skilled professionals. Lets pass HF 369 to invest in our students and their future.

Matt Lansing [Western Dubuque Schools]

As an Agriculture Education Instructor for 21 years, I find that our state whos number 1 industry is Agriculture we do not provide more direct funding, and opportunities to this programs. Value comes in the form of high quality teachers and programs who instill passion for agriculture to their students and provide them with leadership and career development while in our high schools. Being one of the largest chapters in Iowa with one teacher to lead it, I find it comical that we continue to do more with less, and any student I have had in Farm Business Management knows thatt there is a point breaking point as well as apoi t of diminishing return. We have cut Education for so long we are at a breaking point and it we feel Agriculture is truly Iowa, we need to pass this to help thee programs not only survive but to thrive. Please reach out as there is more to say but with 200 plus Agriculture students and FFA members, I have to get back to work!

Matthew Schroeder [Estherville Lincoln Central]

As an agricultural educator, the work we are able to do in the classroom simply isn't enough to provide the best education and leadership development possible for our students. FFA and agricultural education provide invaluable experience not found in other areas of students' academic careers. Agriculture is vital to this state and training students, especially those who do not come from an agricultural background, in this area is extraordinarily important. Ag teachers need support through extended days to extend the learning of our students to the next level. I currently work well over my extended contract days to manage our school barn, where students work, our school greenhouse, where students work, and our FFA program. This bill would allow schools to more adequately support Ag teachers and increase the desire for professionals to enter the field. I encourage everyone to vote YES on this bill and encourage the growth and education in Iowa's agriculture.

Dusti Ingles

I urge you to vote yes for HF 369. As an agricultural educator, I know this bill is crucial for supporting quality educational experiences for students in Iowa. Additionally, this legislation is important for recruiting and retaining highly qualified agricultural educators in the state. Voting yes to this bill will positively support Iowas strong tradition as a historically national leader in both agriculture and education.

Heidi Hull

To members of the committee, I strongly urge you to vote in favor of this legislation. As an agricultural educator who has a school district that resides in four counties, a significant portion of my nonteaching contract is dedicated to supporting students in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) which for some means time at county fairs. With four county fairs annually, I spend just shy of fifty percent of my summer supervising my students and assisting with the county and state fairs. I am proud to have so many students engaged in some sort of production agriculture through their own entrepreneurship experiences or workbased learning programs. Especially as the gap between the farm and plate seems to continue to widen in our country. Iowa has always been proud of our agricultural roots, now is the time to support those in education who are continuing that work on a grass roots level.

Josie Kelly

During my time as an Iowa FFA State Officer, I had the opportunity to travel across the state, visiting agricultural education programs and working closely with agriculture teachers. In every classroom, at every contest, and at every convention, I saw firsthand the dedication these educators pour into their students, often far beyond the hours outlined in their contracts.Agricultural educators do more than teach in the classroom; they advise FFA chapters, supervise Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), coordinate community service projects, and help students prepare for leadership and career development events. Many of these responsibilities take place outside of the standard school day, yet teachers are expected to fulfill them without adequate compensation for their time. I watched teachers sacrifice their evenings, weekends, and summers to provide students with lifechanging opportunities.As a former state officer, I benefited from the countless hours agriculture teachers invested in their students. I also saw the burnout that results when these educators are stretched too thin. Extending contract time for agriculture teachers is not just about fair compensation, Its about sustainability. If we want to continue developing strong, engaged, and skilled students through agricultural education, we need to ensure the teachers leading these programs are supported, both financially and professionally.This bill would recognize the realities of agricultural education and provide a necessary investment in the future of both teachers and students. As someone who has experienced the impact of dedicated ag educators, I strongly support efforts to extend contract time and ensure these professionals are valued for the critical role they play in shaping Iowas agricultural leaders.

Elizabeth Hadley

As a future agricultural educator, I strongly support the creation of an agriculture education grant program within the Department of Education. Agricultural education is vital in preparing students with realworld skills, leadership development, and a strong connection to their communities. However, many schools face financial challenges in providing handson learning experiences, supporting FFA programs, and ensuring educators have the resources needed to grow their programs. This grant program would help bridge those gaps, strengthening agricultural education and its impact on students.Success in agricultural education programs starts with the educator leading the way. Without adequate support, educators cannot provide the full benefits of a strong aged program, limiting opportunities for students. Investing in agricultural education is investing in the future of Iowas workforce, rural communities, and agricultural industry. This grant program would provide essential resources to ensure both educators and students thrive. Please support this bill to help sustain and expand agricultural education across the state!

Alaina Gebel

As a future agriculture educator, I am in strong support of this grant. Agriculture is the backbone of all communities. Our agriculture educators play an instrumental role in supporting and educating the next generation of community leaders. This grant will support agriculture teachers and compensate them for the hours they spend with students outside of the school day and throughout the summer. Supporting this grant supports the future of agriculture.

Todd Frohwein [Colo-NESCO CSD]

I strongly support HF 369 and urge the Legislature to pass this bill. It is vital to the future of agricultural education in Iowa. This bill plays a critical role in supporting agricultural education and FFA programs, which equips students with essential skills such as leadership, communication, and problemsolving. These programs provide students with the handson experience they need to tackle realworld challenges in agriculture and are made possible by the dedication of educators who go above and beyond to offer mentorship and practical learning opportunities. However, these efforts require the proper resources, and HF 369 will ensure that teachers have the support they need to continue fostering the next generation of skilled professionals in Iowa. Iowas economy has always been rooted in agriculture, and its essential that we continue investing in the future of this industry. Passing this bill will not only benefit students and educators but also strengthen Iowas agricultural legacy for generations to come. I encourage you to vote yes on HF 369 and demonstrate your commitment to the future of Iowas agriculture and education.