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The Department of Education and Area Education Agencies are collaborating to implement HF2612.
School Districts Choosing to Receive Special Education Services from a Contiguous AEA
AEA Special Education Funded Staff Involvement in General Education Interventions
Distribution and Use of State and Federal Special Education Allocations Beginning July 1, 2025
Back to top2026-27 List of Approved AEA Professional Development
In accordance with Iowa Code 256.9(36) and 273.2(3)b, the department requested that AEAs submit professional development offerings for approval. The goal is to ensure consistent professional development offerings across the state that support the implementation and continuous improvement of Iowa’s strategic
priorities. AEAs are authorized to provide the professional development on this list as of January 31, 2026.
Professional Development Rubric
2026-27 List of Approved AEA Professional Development
Back to topFAQs
HF 2612 Implementation FAQs 3-3-25
Senate File 659 Implementation Frequently Asked Questions 9-5-25
Senate File 659 (SF659), signed into law on June 11, 2025, establishes a mechanism for the distribution of education and media services funds generated by students enrolled in an accredited nonpublic school to Area Education Agencies (AEAs).
Back to topAEA Accreditation
Iowa Code 273.10 and Iowa Administrative Code chapter 281 – 72 requires the Iowa Department of Education to conduct an AEA accreditation process of the AEA and for the State Board to determine whether a program of an AEA shall receive initial accreditation or shall remain accredited.
On March 27, 2024, HF2612 was enacted, which modified the accreditation standards to add a focus on learners with disabilities, add standards for special education compliance and learning environment, and add instructional practice requirements for media and technology. The Department of Education piloted an accreditation process during the 2024-25 academic year using the updated and expanded set of statutory accreditation standards applicable for each AEA. The process resulted in an accreditation recommendation to the State Board of Education for each AEA, as well as the identification of required and recommended actions for continuous improvement and strengths upon which to build for each standard area.
Central Rivers AEA Accreditation Report
Grant Wood AEA Accreditation Report
Great Prairie AEA Accreditation Report
Green Hills AEA Accreditation Report
Heartland AEA Accreditation Report
Keystone AEA Accreditation Report
Mississippi Bend AEA Accreditation Report
Northwest AEA Accreditation Report
Prairie Lakes AEA Accreditation Report
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Annual AEA Services Reports
AEAs Annual Service and Cost Report
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AEA Budget Information
Iowa Code 273.3(12) requires the State Board to review the proposed budget of each area education agency (AEA) and either grant approval or return the budget without approval with comments of the State Board included. An unapproved budget shall be resubmitted to the State Board for final approval not later than May 15.
On March 27, 2024, HF2612 was enacted, modifying the funding model of AEAs effective with the budget year beginning July 1, 2024. The published and proposed budgets approved by the AEA boards are enclosed. Also included is an updated budget (i.e., updated expenditures by function and updated revenues by sources) reflecting funding changes pursuant to HF2612.
Central Rivers AEA Annual AEA Budget Report
Grant Wood AEA Annual AEA Budget Report
Great Prairie AEA Annual AEA Budget Report
Green Hills AEA Annual AEA Budget Report
Heartland AEA Annual AEA Budget Report
Keystone AEA Annual AEA Budget Report
Mississippi Bend AEA Annual AEA Budget Report
Northwest AEA Annual AEA Budget Report
Prairie Lakes AEA Annual AEA Budget Report
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