Green Hills AEA announces special education center and budget compliance for 2026

The Iowa State Board of Education convened on March 21, 2025, to discuss various educational initiatives and budgetary matters, with a focus on the Green Hills Area Education Agency (AEA). The meeting began with an overview from the school business official of Green Hills AEA, who reported on the agency's extensive reach, serving over 37,000 students, nearly 3,000 teachers, and 40 districts, including two charter schools and six non-public schools.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the announcement of a new Special Education Center of Excellence, set to launch on July 1, 2026. This center will focus on providing assistive technology supports for learners with disabilities, addressing a critical need within the educational community. The budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 reflects an increase of 7.8 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in special education, alongside shared services such as a child find team and preschool specially designed instruction services in collaboration with Great Prairie AEA.

The financial outlook for Green Hills AEA appears positive, with the agency reporting no changes in owned or leased properties and a projected ending balance exceeding $5 million. The budget also meets the statutory requirement for a 30% reduction in administrative expenditures by July 1, 2026, achieving a rate of 31.6%. The director recommended approval of the budget, citing its compliance with statutory requirements.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the growing need for mental health support in schools. The AEA has expanded its mental health social worker program, increasing the number of qualified social workers from three to eleven. This initiative aims to provide school-based therapy, particularly beneficial for rural schools where access to mental health professionals can be limited.

In conclusion, the Iowa State Board of Education meeting underscored the commitment of Green Hills AEA to enhance educational services and support for students, particularly those with special needs and mental health challenges. The board's approval of the budget and the introduction of new programs signal a proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of Iowa's educational landscape.