We need to slow down the process and consider the consequences of this legislation. At Dallas Center - Grimes CSD we would lose 15 full time employees. We can’t replace these people who have worked closely with our teachers and students.
Here are some facts:
- AEAs provide services to teachers, paraprofessionals, special education students and general education students
- AEAs can provide services at a lower cost because of their economy of scale. For example- Charlie’s private speech therapy = $200/ 45 minutes. AEA Speech = $50/ 45 minutes
- Per Iowa code no more than 5% of total expenditures can be spent on administrative compensation
- AEAs help school districts comply with state and federal legislation around quality and accountability
- Rural districts which make up the majority of Iowa schools (DCG has 4 rural schools) will be the most impacted if passed