The Heartland AEA Board of Directors meeting was held on August 10, 2010.
Public Forum
No one was present to speak at the public forum.
Discussion Items
IASB Legislative Priorities
The Board of Directors discussed and finalized its legislative priorities for 2011. These will be submitted to the Iowa Association of School Boards to help charter advocacy efforts for improving education for Iowa students.
1. Sustain funding for school improvement including curriculum development, student assessment, analysis in-service training, professional development and technology assistance.
2. Set an allowable growth rate that encourages continuous school improvement and reflects actual cost increases experienced by school districts and AEAs.
3. Create policy and a separate funding mechanism for the operation and maintenance of AEA facilities.
4. Increase funding for accredited early childhood programs, particularly four-year-old preschool and wrap-around programs. Include four-year-olds in public school enrollment counts using a discrete weighted formula reflecting full-time or part-time participation.
5. Establish special education funding that accurately reflects costs.
6. Allow AEAs greater budget flexibility across division lines (Special Education, Media and Educational Services) to better reflect the demand for AEA services.
Board Government Advisory Council
Dr. Paula Vincent reviewed new legislation that was passed during the 2010 legislative session calling for the AEAs to develop a Board Government Advisory Council. The council will be made up of 14 constituents, with a minimum of three parents. Board members discussed options on how to invite individuals to serve on the council and decided to seek input from internal and external groups and committees. The council is required to meet twice a year with the first meeting tentatively scheduled for December or January.
Board Policy 419 Disclosure of Wrongful Conduct
Board members reviewed the second reading of draft Board Policy 419 Disclosure of Wrongful Conduct. Mr. Cal Halliburton asked if the policy had been in place years ago would it have benefited staff. It was agreed that it would have created safe opportunities for employees that didn’t exist before.
Regional Education Center Remodeling Project Plans and Specifications
Mr. Steve Prall shared that the plans and specifications for the Regional Education Center remodeling project in Johnston were updated based on decisions made during last month’s board meeting. The plans now incorporate the mechanical changes that were approved at the July meeting.
Newton Lease Agreement
Mr. Steve Prall informed board members that the Newton Community School District approved the lease agreement at its July 26 school board meeting. A copy of the agreement was available for review. Mr. Prall highlighted a few of the terms and conditions and expressed his gratitude for the assistance he received from Newton schools Superintendent Steve McDermott in finalizing the details.
Action Items
Board Policy 419 Disclosure of Wrongful Conduct
The Board voted unanimously to approve Board Policy 419 Disclosure of Wrongful Conduct.
Regional Education Center Remodeling Plans and Specifications
The Board voted unanimously to approve the Regional Education Center Remodeling plans and specifications as presented.
Board Resolution 3-2010 - Sets the date and time of the public bid opening for the Regional Education Center remodeling project
The Board voted unanimously to approve Board Resolution 3-2010 that sets the date and time of the public bid opening for the Regional Education Center remodeling project.
Board Resolution 4-2010 - Sets the date and time of the public hearing for the Regional Education Center remodeling project
The Board voted unanimously to approve Board Resolution 4-2010 that sets the date and time of the public hearing for the Regional Education Center remodeling project.
Board Resolution 5-2010 - Sets the date and time of the pubic hearing on a proposed Lease Agreement not to exceed $1,500,000 to finance the Regional Education Center remodeling project
The Board voted unanimously to approve Board Resolution 5-2010 that sets the date and time of the public hearing on the proposed Lease Agreement not to exceed $1,500,000 to finance the Regional Education Center remodeling project.
Board Resolution 6-2010 - Amends the agreement of the Agency’s health reimbursement plan
The Board voted unanimously to approve the amendment to the Agency’s health reimbursement plan.
Newton Lease Agreement
The Board voted unanimously to approve the Newton Lease Agreement as submitted.
Designation of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funds
The Board voted unanimously to approve the designation of funds for ARRA projects and initiatives to be completed during the 2010-11 fiscal year.
Chief Administrator Comments
• Numerous agency staff were able to attend the School Administrators of Iowa conference last week. The conference had a strong emphasis on today’s learners and technology.
• Additional federal legislation will be sending more funds back to schools. Iowa Senator Tom Harkin was persistent in getting support for this funding.
• Dr. Vincent noted the incredible amount of work that staff did to prepare for the new school year. She attended the new staff orientation and found it to be one of the most informal and relaxed orientations she has attended. Staff contributed a lot to making new employees feel at home and getting necessary and critical information to them. Staff has also been reviewing data to see the current state of the Agency and have been working with parents. Hats off to the staff who represent our agency.
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