by O. Kay Henderson | Mar 25, 2024 | News, Politics & Government
A key state senator says the debate over the future of Iowa’s Area Education Agencies, teacher pay and general state funding for schools has delayed decisions on tax policy. “To the big income tax question, we really need to get a budget and figure out...
by O. Kay Henderson | Mar 21, 2024 | News, Politics & Government
The Iowa House has narrowly passed a package to hike teacher pay, increase general state support for schools and keep Area Education Agencies as the main provider of experts who assist schools with special education needs for students. House Speaker Pat Grassley of...
by O. Kay Henderson | Mar 19, 2024 | News, Politics & Government
The Iowa House has sent the governor a bill giving state and local law enforcement officers authority to arrest undocumented immigrants and have them deported. The vote came two hours after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed a similar Texas law to take effect, at least...
by O. Kay Henderson | Mar 18, 2024 | News
The Iowa Senate has voted to give school officials the option of bypassing Area Education Agencies and providing services to students with disabilities by hiring private contractors or district staff. Senator Lynn Evans of Aurelia, a retired superintendent, is among...
by O. Kay Henderson | Mar 18, 2024 | News, Politics & Government
A key lawmaker says the Senate may soon debate what has turned out to be the central issue of the 2024 legislative session. Three weeks ago, the Iowa House passed a bill to maintain Area Education Agency special education services for students with disabilities, but...