We last updated you on the status of the Regional Education Centers (RECs) in September, so we would like to provide you with an update of what is currently happening in relation to the RECs and co-location opportunities within our schools. The Agency is in the process of implementing an REC model to improve service delivery to our school districts and to utilize our financial resources more effectively. In addition, the Agency is exploring co-location opportunities within schools to increase efficiencies relating to staff service delivery.
Phase I
During the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Directors approved the Agency’s plan for five RECs (Johnston, Adel, Newton, Ames and the West side of the Agency) with the goals of reducing financial resources committed to facilities and reducing the square footage footprint of the Agency.
On March 1, 2009, the REC Committee (RECC) provided its Phase I report with recommendations to the Executive Council. The report cited data sources, general recommendations, location-specific recommendations and proposed timelines. The Phase I Regional Education Center (REC) Planning Committee, which represented multiple stakeholders, developed a recommendation for the design and programming of all regional education centers. The work of the group considered current and future needs of the Agency, the impact of agency initiatives, feedback from district staff, the impact of technology, options for partnerships, flexible spaces and file storage. It was noted that all RECs should have professional development space, office space for staff, a sound booth, storage space and professional resources/materials. Executive Council approved the Phase I report, which serves as the source document for Phase II.
Phase II
From April 2009 to present, various REC committees/sub-committees and co-location sub-committees were formed to assess and analyze opportunities in Newton, Adel, Knoxville, Ankeny and Johnston. Based on feedback from these sub-committees, revision of the original Phase II REC commissioning document was necessary to provide further guidance, especially regarding co-location opportunities. Phase II (revised) encompasses FY 2009-2010 planning and implementation of REC and co-location opportunities.
Facility and capital projects at the AEAs have no funding stream. The Operations Support Council (OSC) and the District Services Council (DSC) worked very hard to prioritize agency projects in relation to allocation of ARRA funds. Both councils forwarded their analysis to Cabinet, and Cabinet agreed upon a recommendation to Executive Council to allocate a small portion of ARRA funds to facility-related projects to assist in the implementation of the REC model and better position the Agency for the future.
Currently, the status of REC-related activities and co-location is:
• Knoxville - Co-location opportunities within the region were explored, but were not suitable to meet agency and staff needs. The current Knoxville office will be reconfigured to incorporate more suitable square footage allocations for staff and teaming space at a very low cost.
• Newton REC - Initially, negotiations with DMACC to relocate the Newton office to the DMACC campus in Newton were entered into last spring. Unfortunately, the negotiations did not produce the desired outcome. A search for more suitable office space in the Newton community began and has resulted in current negotiations for space in the Iowa Telecom building. Initial negotiations indicate a cost savings over current expenditures, and the space meets REC requirements set by the Phase I REC committee.
• Johnston REC - The 6500 planning committee has been working hard to develop a layout that will improve service delivery and facility space efficiency. As of the last meeting on December 3, 2009, consensus on layout to include a sound booth, additional classroom space, improvements to restrooms, HVAC and carpet replacement was made. The committee continues discussion on staff space and library space allocation and expects to submit a recommendation soon.
Currently, the revised REC and co-location timeline is:
• Knoxville reconfiguration – No later than June 30, 2010
• Woodside lease termination – No later than June 30, 2010
• Newton REC – completion No later than July 31, 2010
• Johnston REC – completion No later than December 31, 2010
• Adel REC – prioritization moved to FY 2010-2011
Implementation of the REC model and co-location concept is a complex task because of systemic ramifications. Staff relocation and/or facility reconfiguration impact financial and human resources, service delivery and distribution systems. All committees are working towards effective sequencing of construction and staff relocation to minimize impact on service delivery.
If you have any questions or comments about these plans, please contact Steve Prall at ext. 14423 or at sprall@aea11.k12.ia.us.
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