Preserve Iowa's AEAs for the sake of our schools

I am writing to express my deep concern about the potential cuts to Iowa's Area Education Agencies (AEAs) and to advocate for the preservation of all of their invaluable services. The impact of these agencies on our students, staff, and school leaders is immeasurable, and their services play a crucial role in the success of our school district.

AEAs provide essential direct services in a variety of areas such as speech and language services, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. These services are indispensable for the well-being and development of many students, ensuring that they have equal access to educational opportunities. Cutting these services would not only deprive students of much-needed support but also hinder their ability to thrive academically and personally.

The recent blizzard that struck most of Iowa caused a few days of school cancellations. When reviewing my calendar and rescheduling a variety of meetings held within our district on a single school day, I had to communicate with twenty-one different Grant Wood AEA staff who were going to be either virtually or physically present in our school district that day. The impact that these AEA staff have on the continuous improvement efforts within our district is obvious and their presence is profound. The expertise they offer in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, help enhance the overall quality of education in our district. Our collaborative work with many consultants from Grant Wood AEA provides teachers and leaders with valuable insights on instructional strategies that are instrumental in shaping a robust educational environment.

In addition to my role as an educator, I am a farmer’s wife, parent, small business owner, involved community advocate, and more. I understand the desire to ensure effective and efficient use of resources from a variety of perspectives. The idea of losing access to all of the services offered through Grant Wood AEA will not create a sustainable or more cost effective future for Iowa’s schools. The ability to manage the variety of supports, contracts, and more that the AEA currently offers creates additional burdens on the already full plates of boards, administrators, teachers, and parents throughout the state.

We must stand together to advocate for the preservation of Iowa's AEAs. These agencies are an integral part of the educational landscape, and any cuts to their services would have far-reaching consequences for the future students and staff within our schools. I urge our policymakers to carefully consider the immense value that AEAs bring to our education system and to prioritize their continued support. Let us ensure that our schools have the resources they need to provide the best possible education for our students, which includes access to ALL AEA services.

Anna Selk is an associate superintendent in the Benton Community School District.