DES MOINES – Major changes are now officially coming to Area Education Agencies in Iowa. Governor Kim Reynolds celebrated the signing of House File 2612, which shifted large amounts of guaranteed funding from AEAs to school districts who would rather use private services. The bill also established a state aid increase for students at 2.5% and increased base teacher pay for new teachers and those with 12 years of experience. The bill caps administrator pay for AEA leaders as well.

HILLS – One day removed from a vote to close its hometown school, the City of Hills is wanting the facility back after its closure. KCRG-TV reports city officials and residents believe the Iowa City School District should essentially donate the elementary school back to the town, as Hills initially sold the building to the district for $1 in the 1960s. The school board unanimously approved closure of the Hills Elementary School in response to budget reductions across the district.

CLIVE – The $1.13 billion jackpot in Tuesday night’s Mega Millions drawing was won with a ticket in New Jersey. Three Iowa tickets were just a number away from having a share of that jackpot, matching four of the first five numbers and the Mega Ball. One of those tickets won a $10,000 prize, while two won a $20,000 prize. The winners purchased their tickets in Ankeny, Burlington, and Dubuque.