At a recent town hall, a woman asked about Area Education Agencies and the future of education in Iowa.

That question stopped me for a second, because for me, AEAs aren’t just a policy debate in Des Moines — they’re personal.

My mom is a 20-year ISEA member, working for the AEA as a physical therapist. I grew up watching what that work really meant, both to her and to our community.

I’d like to share a bit more about my mom and the importance of these programs, but if you’re in a hurry, it would mean a lot if you could chip in a grassroots donation before closing out of this email.

My mom would spend her days driving around Northeast Iowa — back roads, hills, snowstorms, January ice — because that’s what it took to reach kids who needed extra help.

We worried every time she left in winter, not knowing if she was late because she was still helping a child or because she was stuck in a snowbank. But that’s the job.

So when people ask me, “what happened to the AEAs?” my answer is simple:

They worked.

Which begs the question, “why take away something that was delivering for children, parents, and schools?”

The truth is, it has nothing to do with education — and everything to do with insiders in Des Moines putting special interests over public service.

I’m running for governor because Iowans deserve better. Our children deserve better.

If I’m elected, Iowa will invest in our schools and our kids’ futures. Will you help me make that a reality by chipping in $25 toward my campaign to be Iowa’s next governor?

If you’ve saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately.

Your support really means the world to me, John, so thank you.

—Rob Sand