Governor Kim Reynolds has introduced a bill aimed at reforming the state's Area Education Agency (AEA), sparking a lively debate among the public. While some of the bill's reforms could directly impact property taxes, their importance lies in broader government reform efforts. As a largely independent agency located between state and local governments, the AEA raises important questions about cost effectiveness and operational streamlining on the one hand, and transparency and public accountability on the other.
Iowa's nine AEAs provide a variety of educational and related services to school districts, including providing specialized training for teachers and performing graphic design and media-related services, as well as serving students with special needs. , and other resources. The total budget for fiscal year 2023 was more than $529 million, provided by a combination of federal, state, and local funding sources. Property taxes account for 19% of AEA's revenue.
Given the vast size of these institutions, staff numbers in the thousands, and close involvement in the important field of education, how do they use taxpayer dollars to provide their services? needs to be seriously discussed. Each school district should have a say in how it meets the needs of its students, and the state should have some oversight authority.
In her State of the State address, Governor Reynolds stated that her goal is not to cut funding for educational services, especially for students with special needs, but rather to allow school districts to have flexibility in serving students and to He emphasized that the goal is to stop paying for services that do not have the required amount. using. They can continue to use their own AEA's services, look to other AEAs in the state, contract with outside providers, or use their own AEAs within the district, all under the oversight of the Iowa Department of Education. You can hire your own professional staff.
The reaction of some Iowans to Reynolds' announcement has been puzzling, if predictable. If the services provided by his AEA in Iowa are important, the need for transparency and accountability becomes more important, not less. Strong public sentiment for institutional change reinforces the need to ensure the effective functioning of the state. Rather than cowering at the prospect of a review, educators should hurry to the table for serious discussion. Simply accepting the status quo and leaving the entire system on autopilot does a disservice to students, school districts, and taxpayers.
If the services AEA provides are not essential, reconsidering expenses is consistent with Governor Reynolds' focus on streamlining government and could also lead to property tax relief. In fiscal year 2020, local governments collected more than $6 billion in property taxes from Iowans. School districts, the primary driver of property tax bills, accounted for nearly $2.5 billion of that amount. Education also consumes 56 percent of the state's general fund budget.
In recent years, Iowa state government has modernized and reduced bureaucracy. Last session, Congress passed her first comprehensive state government reform measure in 40 years. For example, Iowa has consolidated 37 executive branch agencies into 16. Governor Reynolds also initiated an executive review of Iowa's regulatory laws to eliminate excessive and outdated regulations. Congress is currently considering the Board and Commission Review Committee's recommendation to abolish or consolidate 111 of the 256 boards and commissions.
Bringing changes to the state's education system is also not new. The governor and the Iowa Legislature recently expanded options for parents, reduced barriers to open enrollment, expanded charter schools, and introduced a universal education savings account (ESA) program known as Students First Education Savings Accounts. . In his first year, ESA usage has far exceeded initial expectations, demonstrating the demand for flexibility and options in education.
The continued increase in spending proves that Iowa's leaders are prioritizing education. As Congress considers reforms to her AEA, it is worth noting that it maintains the quality and accessibility of essential services for students with significant needs. But schools need more than just money. More flexibility is needed to determine how to best serve students.
Chris Ingstad is the president of the Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation and John Hendrickson is the policy director of the Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation.
This article originally appeared in the Ames Tribune: It's time for conversation: Navigating change in education