Iowa’s AEAs Enter a New Era: Changes as the 2024-25 School Year Begins

Educators can expect to see some changes as the new school year gets underway

Legislation passed during the 2024 legislative session has ushered Iowa’s AEAs into a new era. Many services that have been offered at no cost to districts will now have a fee. 

Specific changes you will see as the 2024-25 school year launches:

Educational Services

• Educational services purchasing decisions: Each district will have a designee(s) determined by the superintendent who can make purchasing decisions on behalf of the district.
• Consultant time: Consultant time is now authorized by decision-maker(s) in the district as part of an overall District Service Plan.
• Fee update: Per legislation, a new fee structure for professional learning courses went into effect on Aug. 1, 2024.
• New registration site: The AEAs will launch new professional learning registration sites this fall.

Media Services

• Media services purchasing decisions: Each district will have a designee(s) determined by the superintendent who can make purchasing decisions on behalf of the district.
• Fee update: Per legislation, a new fee structure for Creative Services (printing, graphic design, lamination) will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2024.
• Van delivery: Due to funding changes, AEA vans will now stop at schools once a week rather than twice a week. Complete this form to let us know if you have a pickup.
• New library catalog: AEAs are moving to a common vendor for their library catalogs. The new Heartland AEA library catalog launched on Aug. 19, 2024.
• Fees for Braille transcription: Fees will now be charged for Braille transcription materials for students who are blind or have vision impairments.

Special Education

• Shifting work to focus on required priorities: Districts may experience slight differences in special education services.

Things are a bit different, but AEAs remain committed to partnership, communication, relationships and quality service as we usher in a new era.

More Information

Expanded information on AEA services can be found in the slidecast linked below.

Iowa’s AEAs Enter a New Era