June 2011 Board of Directors Meeting Recap

The June meeting of the Heartland AEA Board of Directors was held June 14, 2011.

Closed Session
The Board of Directors entered into closed session at 3:07 p.m. to conduct an evaluation of the Chief Administrator. Members returned to open session at 5:01 p.m.

Comments:
• Dr. Bridgewater informed Dr. Vincent that an additional year would be added to her current contract, her salary would be increased by $6,000 for 2011-12 and that her cell phone expense would be covered.
• Dr. Vincent shared that she is humbled to be serving a board that is so engaged and that the leadership team and staff are phenomenal and have contributed to the organization’s success.

Public Forum
No one was present to address the Board.

Discussion Items
Board Committee Reports and Updates
• Cultural Competency Committee – No report.
• Professional Development Committee – No report.
• Board Advisory Council – No report. • Board Policy Committee – No report.
• IEC/IAEP – No additional meetings have been held since the May board meeting.

Continuous Improvement Plan
Dr. David Tilly, Director of Innovation and Accountability, provided an update on the Agency’s Continuous Improvement Plan. The Agency has been working closely with the Department of Education on developing a plan that will have greater impact on improving student achievement. The plan will focus on four main areas: increasing learning growth, decreasing learning gaps between the advantaged and disadvantaged, increasing the core preparation rate and increasing graduation rates. Both organizations agreed to review the plan more frequently – on a 12-18 month cycle instead of once every five years. This will allow for adjustment as needed. Board members commented on recent organizational changes, their impact and how to measure the effectiveness of school improvement consultants.

2012 Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Legislative Priorities
The Board received a preliminary draft of possible legislative priorities for 2012. They will finalize their selection at the August 9 board meeting.

Administrative Salaries
Dr. Vincent discussed administrative salaries for 2011-12. Using comparative data from districts, other AEAs and the current list of salaries, she recommended a package increase of 2.94 percent for 2011-12. The actual cost for the Agency would be less than 2.94 percent, as some soon-to-be-vacant administrative positions will not be filled. Mr. Christensen shared his concern about the increase and if the level was too high for certain positions.

Action Items Administrative Salaries
A MOTION was made by Ms. Ann Wilson and seconded by Ms. Marcy Sparks to approve the 2.94 percent package increase for administrative salaries for 2011-12. Seven ayes, one nay. Motion passed.

IASB Membership Renewal
A MOTION was made by Mr. Cal Halliburton and seconded by Ms. Ann Wilson to discontinue the Agency’s IASB membership for 2011-12. A roll call vote was taken, two ayes, six nays. Motion failed.

Discussion:
• I question the amount of the dues and the worth of its membership. It is a troubled organization and the vision of the organization causes pause.
• Ideally, I would like to join, but I don’t want a repeat of the past year. We can’t change it or make it better if we withdraw. I think we need to give their new director a chance along with their board. If we see things are not improving, we can withdraw next year.
• I support the IASB. They provide a lot of services to the Agency such as insurance and legislative representation, and they are in concert with other groups and organizations. I also know they have gone through an unfortunate time.
• We need every partner we can get in education. The AEAs need all the support they can get in the months ahead. I think it would be a mistake not to join. I think we can write them with our concerns. Removing them does not strengthen K-12 education in Iowa.
• I want to send a strong message so they will change.

A MOTION was made by Ms. Marcy Sparks and seconded by Ms. Margaret Borgen to renew the IASB membership contingent upon a strongly written letter from Heartland’s board president that addresses the Board’s concerns. A roll call vote was taken, seven ayes, one nay. Motion passed. Board members were instructed to send their comments to Ms. Ugolini regarding their concerns and the content of the letter.

Chief Administrator Comments
• The AEAs and Department of Education held a two-day joint conference on June 7 & 8. Both days were spent discussing how the two organizations could better collaborate and strategically focus on education in Iowa. Additional meetings will be scheduled every month from July – January.
• Dr. Vincent attended a conference on June 14 with 400 educators in attendance. Department of Education Director Jason Glass gave opening remarks and was very candid about what was occurring at the federal level in terms of education and what could happen in Iowa.
• The Iowa legislature has reached a tentative agreement around a $5.9 billion budget. It will be a tough battle for the AEAs to prevent budget cuts for the next two years.
• Board members were asked to hold Friday, August 12 on their calendars. The Agency is planning to hold an all-staff meeting that morning. More details to follow.
• Dr. Vincent shared talking points that board members could use when discussing changes to the organization with outside partners.
• The Board will be asked to consider subcontracting one of the Agency’s employees as an interim superintendent next year. This will be added to the July agenda.
• Ms. Ugolini will add the Governor’s DE Summit to the August agenda.
• Ms. Ugolini will add the process for Board phone calls to the August agenda.