Today is the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday. Dr. King dedicated his life to ensure equal opportunity for all. We are closer to that day now than ever before as will be evident in the inauguration of Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States.
As educators, we play a major role in ensuring equal opportunity. We ensure that a person's color of skin, religion, culture, wealth or poverty, immigrant status and language do not block access to education and that we meet people where they are with honor and respect. Our nation has come a long distance, but the journey is not over. We must continue to serve everyone effectively and successfully.
I encourage you to have a television on in the regional offices for the inauguration ceremony. This is an historic event, and as Americans, regardless of what our political views may be, we will want to remember this special event. With the challenges of the economy, war and threats of terrorism, every American must do his or her part. As the nation opens a new chapter in history, “God bless America.”
Monday, January 19, 2009
January 23 Office Meeting Information
All Heartland staff members are expected to attend an office meeting on January 23 unless arrangements have been made with your supervisor. The topics are expected to include updates on budget and facilities. All staff assigned to the Johnston office except those in Regions 9 and 10 should attend the meeting at 1:00 p.m. at New Hope Assembly Church in Urbandale.
Remember that regional staff will be attending Polishing Practice learning sessions in the morning (8:30) or afternoon (1:00) of the office meeting. If you have questions regarding attendance or coverage during the meeting, please contact your supervisor.
Please note that Regions 5, 6 and 7 will be meeting together in the morning at the Ames AEA office. Region 6 staff will attend their Polishing Practice session at the Best Western, while Regions 5 and 7 will stay at the office.
Click here for meeting schedules and locations.
Remember that regional staff will be attending Polishing Practice learning sessions in the morning (8:30) or afternoon (1:00) of the office meeting. If you have questions regarding attendance or coverage during the meeting, please contact your supervisor.
Please note that Regions 5, 6 and 7 will be meeting together in the morning at the Ames AEA office. Region 6 staff will attend their Polishing Practice session at the Best Western, while Regions 5 and 7 will stay at the office.
Click here for meeting schedules and locations.
January Board of Directors Meeting Summary
The Board recognized staff members who were instrumental in the 6445 remodeling project for their hard work and efforts. The building project came in under budget and on time.
Staff members recognized: Terri Barnes, Sheree Bergstrom, David Booth, Joshua Burke, Tuan Dao, Barbara Dietrich, Jason Elliott, Jesús Garcia, Dustin Gean, Mavis Hoogers, Jim Lagnese, Kathy Martin, Scott Mayne, Dustin McAninch, Mark McMurry, Bill Morlan, Nancy Penley, Mike Permann, Jennifer Thompson, Jennifer Ugolini, Matt Wellendorf and Brad Woods. After staff recognition, Board members took a brief tour of the 6445 building.
A public hearing for Heartland’s budget was conducted. The purpose of the hearing was to allow the public an opportunity to respond to the budget notice that was published the week of December 22 – 26, 2008. No one from the public was present to address the Board.
Dr. Kilcrease, Dave King, and Steve Prall shared some issues at the state and national level that could impact next year’s budget. The Agency is looking at more factors in projecting the budget than ever before.
The Board was presented with the 2009-10 proposed budget in a new format that aligned the budget with North Star initiatives. They were informed of the challenges of this budget because of unsure funding and the possible need for additional cuts. Revenues were based on best-known estimates and expenditures assumed no increase in FTEs but include the possible remodeling of the 6500 building. The Board will review the proposed budget and approve at the February meeting.
Dr. Kilcrease recapped a brief history of the 6500 building. The recap included the conversation that began last year, asking how much space was actually dedicated to teaching and learning. The answer was 24 percent. The Board then gave a directive to increase the amount of space to better meet the needs of staff, to provide more space for teaching and learning and to create regional service centers. Based on that directive, the remodeling of 6445 was completed and a committee has been commissioned to create a plan for the service centers.
The Board then reviewed the options for the 6500 building: 1) complete remodel, 2) lease an existing site, 3) lease-to-purchase a new building and 4) make necessary safety and health improvements. (These improvements would be to replace the roof, HVAC system and to update and repair the electrical system, plumbing, carpet and equipment and technology.) It was also recommended that the Board revisit the remodeling of the education centers in January 2010.
A motion was made and passed unanimously to approve option 4, make necessary safety and health improvements to the 6500 building.
Ann Wilson, board president, announced that there would be discussion on how to improve board relationships with LEAs at future meetings.
Due to the inclement weather, the chief administrator’s comments to the Board will be sent by email so the meeting could adjourn early.
Staff members recognized: Terri Barnes, Sheree Bergstrom, David Booth, Joshua Burke, Tuan Dao, Barbara Dietrich, Jason Elliott, Jesús Garcia, Dustin Gean, Mavis Hoogers, Jim Lagnese, Kathy Martin, Scott Mayne, Dustin McAninch, Mark McMurry, Bill Morlan, Nancy Penley, Mike Permann, Jennifer Thompson, Jennifer Ugolini, Matt Wellendorf and Brad Woods. After staff recognition, Board members took a brief tour of the 6445 building.
A public hearing for Heartland’s budget was conducted. The purpose of the hearing was to allow the public an opportunity to respond to the budget notice that was published the week of December 22 – 26, 2008. No one from the public was present to address the Board.
Dr. Kilcrease, Dave King, and Steve Prall shared some issues at the state and national level that could impact next year’s budget. The Agency is looking at more factors in projecting the budget than ever before.
- There has been a reduction in special education students and in student weighting. There are 350 less students with disabilities and for the first time, weighting is below allowable growth.
- Additional cuts could come from the state. It’s been said not to expect any good news nor to expect full funding for allowable growth.
- Proposals have been submitted for negotiations. In the past, the Agency has used allowable growth as a guideline, however that may look different this year. Depending on the amount of the final settlement, staff may be cut.
- The 6500 facility has serious infrastructure issues and that needs to be part of the financial landscape.
- Hiring, out-of-state travel and equipment purchases (over $500) have been frozen.
The Board was presented with the 2009-10 proposed budget in a new format that aligned the budget with North Star initiatives. They were informed of the challenges of this budget because of unsure funding and the possible need for additional cuts. Revenues were based on best-known estimates and expenditures assumed no increase in FTEs but include the possible remodeling of the 6500 building. The Board will review the proposed budget and approve at the February meeting.
Dr. Kilcrease recapped a brief history of the 6500 building. The recap included the conversation that began last year, asking how much space was actually dedicated to teaching and learning. The answer was 24 percent. The Board then gave a directive to increase the amount of space to better meet the needs of staff, to provide more space for teaching and learning and to create regional service centers. Based on that directive, the remodeling of 6445 was completed and a committee has been commissioned to create a plan for the service centers.
The Board then reviewed the options for the 6500 building: 1) complete remodel, 2) lease an existing site, 3) lease-to-purchase a new building and 4) make necessary safety and health improvements. (These improvements would be to replace the roof, HVAC system and to update and repair the electrical system, plumbing, carpet and equipment and technology.) It was also recommended that the Board revisit the remodeling of the education centers in January 2010.
A motion was made and passed unanimously to approve option 4, make necessary safety and health improvements to the 6500 building.
Ann Wilson, board president, announced that there would be discussion on how to improve board relationships with LEAs at future meetings.
Due to the inclement weather, the chief administrator’s comments to the Board will be sent by email so the meeting could adjourn early.
Next Fiscal Year Leave Balances Available
Beginning Monday, January 19, 2009, the 2009-2010 projected leave balances will be available in the Leave Online system. This will allow staff to request leave through June 30, 2010. These leave balances are based on your current work assignment. If your work assignment is to change next fiscal year, these balances will change accordingly.
Revised Business Card Order Form Available
The business card order form has been revised to reflect the recent changes in the Agency’s phone system. The new form is available on the Intranet under Communications Assets or you can download it by clicking here. Please send all order forms to Claire Spellman, Communications Administrative Assistant, in the Johnston office or e-mail them to cspellman@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Heartland to Sponsor Immigration Forum February 11
Heartland is proud to sponsor an immigration forum on February 11, 2009, at the conclusion of the Iowa Culture and Language Conference. The forum will include a panel of national and local experts who will share facts about refugees and immigrants in Iowa and implications for educators. Heartland staff is invited to attend. Contact Shelley Christensen at schristensen@aea11.k12.ia.us for a registration form. There is no registration fee.
Session Four of Iowa Core Curriculum Training Approaching
Session four of the Leadership Training for the Iowa Core Curriculum will begin the last week of January. Registered participants will receive an e-mail with session details as the date approaches. If a participant needs to attend a session held at a different location or on a different date, they are asked to contact Linda Hoobin, Teaching and Learning Consultant for the Iowa Core Curriculum, at lhoobin@aea11.k12.ia.us to verify location, time and date.
Cognitive Coaching and Fierce Conversations Training to be Offered
Cognitive Coaching training is being offered this spring at the West Des Moines Learning Center on February 23 & 24 and March 23 & 24, 2009. Cognitive Coaching is a process for supporting individuals working together to improve their skills in a variety of situations.
Cognitive Coaching (Level 1) is a 4-day experience during which participants will build their communication and problem-solving skills through the process of becoming intentional about how we mediate for someone else’s effectiveness. Practice using the planning and reflecting conversation maps will be included. Research, modeling and practice will support learning how to integrate skills of trust, rapport, pausing, paraphrasing and mediational questions in conversations. Sign up is through the Heartland Professional Development Web site by clicking here.
Fierce Conversations training will be offered on March 12-13, 2009, in Conference Rooms 3 & 4 in the Johnston office. This workshop is based on the book Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott and will provide participants with opportunities to practice the structured conversations from her book. Sign up is through the Heartland Professional Development Web site by clicking here.
Cognitive Coaching (Level 1) is a 4-day experience during which participants will build their communication and problem-solving skills through the process of becoming intentional about how we mediate for someone else’s effectiveness. Practice using the planning and reflecting conversation maps will be included. Research, modeling and practice will support learning how to integrate skills of trust, rapport, pausing, paraphrasing and mediational questions in conversations. Sign up is through the Heartland Professional Development Web site by clicking here.
Fierce Conversations training will be offered on March 12-13, 2009, in Conference Rooms 3 & 4 in the Johnston office. This workshop is based on the book Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott and will provide participants with opportunities to practice the structured conversations from her book. Sign up is through the Heartland Professional Development Web site by clicking here.
Capacity of New 6500 Meeting Rooms
A request was made to list the capacity of the new meeting rooms in the 6500 building. They are as follows:
- Room 7 - 15 people
- Room 9 - 20 people
- Room 10 - 10 people
- Room 11 - 12 people
- Room 12 - 12 people
- Room 13 - 20 people
- Room 14 - 45 people
- Room 16 - 12 people
- Room 17 - 10 people
- Room 18 - 10 people
- Room 19 - 12 people
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