(L to R) Sam Miller, David Barajas, Tammy Barajas, and Karl Kurt at the 2017 AEA Boards Conference.
David Barajas, CEO of the Marshalltown Regional Partnership, has been named a Friend of the AEA by Iowa’s Area Education Agencies. Barajas received the award during a presentation at the AEA Boards of Directors’ Conference on March 30 in Johnston. This is the first year for the awards and it is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate outstanding individuals for their contributions to education and the AEA system.
The Friend of the AEA acknowledges contributions by policymakers, citizens, board members, school district partners, businesses, and organizations who have been great partners and demonstrate strong support for furthering the mission of Iowa’s AEAs.
Barajas was nominated by Debra Holsapple of Marshalltown High School who stated that: “As a business leader in the community, David is always looking to support the students and members of Marshalltown Community Schools. Barajas has been instrumental in bringing Project Lead the Way Biomedical and Engineering programs to a reality at Marshalltown High School. Barajas has also been involved in raising funds to complete renovation projects at the school.”
“It is our pleasure to select David Barajas as a Friend of the AEA,” said Sam Miller, AEA 267 Chief Administrator. “ He has been a great supporter of the Marshalltown Community School District, and actively participates in the work of Iowa’s Area Education Agencies.”
The Iowa Legislature established Iowa’s Area Education Agencies in 1974 to be an effective, efficient and economical means of identifying and serving children from birth to age 21 who require special education services. This decision was a result of the federal law mandating a free, appropriate, public education for children with disabilities. Since that time, Iowa’s nine AEAs continue to provide services to every public school district and accredited, nonpublic school in Iowa. While Special Education comprise about 80 percent of the services offered, the mission of Iowa’s AEAs it to improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children.