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basis to justify radical changes to AEAs. Rather, the proposal falls into the category of “a solution in search of a problem” and “follow the money.” This is a money-grab and power-grab as part of the governor's continuing campaign to privatize public education, not improve it.
The dynamic being created is this: large districts will be tempted to "go it alone" and do what they can for themselves, hollowing out the AEAs, making them implode financially, leaving small rural districts stranded and gasping for air. Down the road, that will be used as a pretext for a state takeover of the whole system, followed by privatization.
Broad-based public opposition felt personally and directly by legislators in the majority party, not rational argument, will derail this train. Cosmetic changes like those the governor is making (letting AEAs continue to provide all their traditional services, IF the districts decide to continue seeking them and IF the Department of Education approves) do not alter the bill's fundamental flaws.
The legislation was proposed after the governor met with some hand-picked superintendents whose sincere feedback is now being used against them. They are unwitting pawns in the governor’s subterfuge. Since superintendents collectively govern the AEAs, they can simply be directed to fix any real problems to the extent they exist.
I have been encouraging people to contact their school board members, encouraging them to speak up and to be public about their concerns. They represent the broader community and cannot afford to be silent. School leaders must address not just the “merits” of the legislation, but also the motivation behind it – to mortally wound the AEAs. People will be told they are falling prey to “fear-mongering” (the Speaker of the Iowa House has said this). Don’t fall for it. The dangers are real.
Perhaps most important, legislators need to continue hearing directly from parents, family members and students who benefit from AEA services. Those views need to be sent via phone calls or personal communications directly to the families’ own state legislators, especially those in the majority party. The pressure must be relentless -- Change tracks and take the professional, adult approach: Get all the stakeholders together to do all the research, gather input, deliberate, then send common sense proposals to the General Assembly that don't surprise anyone.
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