Federal Updates
With Congress back in session, the Republican majorities in both chambers are working through the challenge of taking their different budget resolutions and generating an identical one in order to continue the reconciliation process. Senate Majority Leader, John Thune (SD) has set a goal of the House and Senate producing an identical budget resolution by April 11th, but the reconciliation process is still underway. Please join ACCT's Government Relations Team on April 4th at 1pm ET as they unpack updates in the Federal government including the latest on the reconciliation process and President Donald Trump's executive order to shut down the Department of Education. During this one-hour webinar, attendees will learn about the latest developments coming out of the White House and its agencies, Congress, and the federal courts; click here to register. Last week, Inside Higher Ed reported the aftermath of the reduction in force (RIF) that took place at the Department of Education (ED) two weeks ago, which reduced its workforce by nearly fifty percent. Higher Ed Dive reported that the majority of unionized workers laid off by the Department of Education came from the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), and the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). Monday, Inside Higher Ed published a deep dive into the extent to which the law allows the closure of the Department of Education and the transfer of its programs. The Department of Education has reopened the online application for income-driven repayment payment (IDR) plans and loan consolidation forms, which were formerly unavailable as the Department was revising the forms to comply with an injunction issued by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Gov. Reynolds, Iowa Department of Education Award Nearly $4 Million to Expand Career Academy Opportunities
Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education have awarded nearly $4 million in competitive grants to four Iowa community colleges - Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC), Southwestern Community College (SWCC), Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC), and Iowa Central Community College (ICCC) - to expand career academy programs in high-demand fields through new or enhanced regional centers. These grants aim to provide high school students with valuable experience, skills, and credentials, fostering multiple pathways to postsecondary success and strengthening the state's future workforce. To read more, click here.
Register Today to Attend Professional Development for Educators, Administrators Supporting Learners with Disabilities
The Iowa Department of Education announced two professional development opportunities for educators and administrators supporting learners with disabilities, scheduled for June 5-6 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The "Teaching for Impact" sessions will cover topics such as academics, college and career readiness, early childhood education, and behavioral health. Additionally, the "Leading for Impact" workshop is designed specifically for administrators to strengthen special education services within their institutions. These events aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of educators and leaders in supporting learners with disabilities. To learn more, click here.
Rural Healthcare Workforce - Des Moines Townhall April 8
The third town hall meeting will be held next Tuesday in Des Moines Iowa! The town hall will take place at the Des Moines Central Library in meeting room #3. There will be two sessions, one from 9-10:30 and the other from 12-1:30 to talk about: what the healthcare workforce shortage looks like in your space; what tactics are working; and support needed to recruit and retain workforce. Physicians, pharmacist, nurses, direct care workers, public health personnel, all healthcare professionals and administrators, community organizations, local business, patients and families, and community members are all welcome and recommended to attend. Register here.
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Names Bryan Renfro, PhD, as Next Chancellor
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) has appointed Dr. Bryan Renfro as its new Chancellor, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Renfro, currently serving as President of John Wood Community College in Quincy, Illinois, brings over 20 years of experience in community college leadership, academic instruction, and workforce development. His career includes roles such as Vice President of Academic Instruction at Paris Junior College and Associate Vice Provost of Academic and Workforce Affairs at Tyler Junior College in Texas. Dr. Renfro holds a PhD in Higher Education with a focus on Community College Leadership from Iowa State University, a master's degree in Anthropology from the University of Arkansas, and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Tennessee. He expressed enthusiasm about joining EICC, emphasizing his commitment to a student-first philosophy and the transformative power of community colleges. To read more, click here.