Day on the Hill with Iowa's AEAs, IASB^® & SAI

Monday, Jan. 26, 2026
One Voice for Iowa Students

Register Now

REGISTRATION NOW! Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs), Iowa Association of School Boards^® (IASB^®) & School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) invite you to the 2026 Day on the Hill! This advocacy event will begin at the State Historical Building in the morning for an optional brief session on talking points and logistical information for advocating at the Capitol. Following the training, attendees will head to the Capitol to meet and network with legislators in the rotunda and to support the displays showing innovative programs and initiatives happening in Iowa public schools. Register today! 

Event Schedule 

9:30–10:30 a.m.—Registration at the Historical Building

10:30–11:45 a.m.—Briefing at the Historical Building

• Welcome Remarks, Cindy Yelick, Chief Administrator, Heartland AEA 
• Lobbyist Panel featuring lobbyists from the AEAs, IASB and SAI. Moderated by D.T. Magee, Executive Director, IASB 
• Managing Controversial Discussions, Dana Schon, Associate Executive Director, Professional Learning, SAI 
• Capitol Logistics, Michelle Johnson, Government Relations Director, IASB
• Closing Remarks/Send-Off, Lisa Remy, Executive Director, SAI

11:45 a.m.–Noon—Journey to Capitol Building

Noon–3 p.m.—Advocate at the Capitol

Student Showcase—Featured Districts 

Bettendorf Community Schools—K–12 Career Exploration

Cardinal Community Schools—Preschool & Daycare Program

Cedar Falls Community Schools—CAPS

Cedar Rapids Community Schools—STEAM Program, Metro High School

Central Lyon Community Schools—Student Constructed Home

Clayton Ridge Community Schools—Four-Day School Week

Des Moines Independent Community Schools—The Central Campus Tech Registered Apprenticeship (BTS Program)

Hamburg Charter High School—Career-Based Learning Experiences

Harlan Community Schools—Student-Led Help Desk

Johnston Community Schools—Dual Enrollment Courses

Marion Independent Community Schools—Transition Programs

Mason City Community Schools—Key Club 

Mid-Prairie Community Schools—Student Built House Project

Sheldon Community Schools—The Champion Network

Southeast Polk Community Schools—Skilled Trades Extension Center

Statewide—iJAG

Urbandale Community Schools—Learn to Soar Class (Project-Based Learning)

Waukee Community Schools—Aquatic Experiences Program

Western Dubuque Community Schools—Service Learning Programs

In-Depth Advocacy Webinars

In-Depth Advocacy Webinar—Condition of the State
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, Noon–1 p.m.
Via Zoom

SAVE THE DATE! Join education advocacy experts for a recap of the governor’s annual Condition of the State address. The webinar provides a preview of what’s to come this session, including new education issues on the horizon and issues that might reappear, and will help ensure you are up-to-date as you advocate for your schools in the 2026 Iowa legislative session!

In-Depth Advocacy Webinar—Condition of the Budget
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, Noon–1 p.m.
Via Zoom

SAVE THE DATE! In this brief rundown of the state of the budget and school finance funding issues, IASB will hit on the key things you need to know —covering Iowa’s economy and state revenues, the governor’s budget recommendations, and important issues to watch beyond school aid funding during the 2026 Iowa legislative session.