September 2010 Board of Directors Meeting Recap

The Heartland AEA Board of Directors meeting was held on September 14, 2010.

Public Hearings
Regional Education Center Renovation Project
No one was present to speak at the public hearing regarding the Regional Education Center Renovation Project.

Lease Purchase Agreement to Finance the Regional Education Center Renovation Project
No one was present to speak at the public hearing regarding the lease purchase agreement.

Public Forum
No one was present to speak at the public forum.

Discussion Items
Board Recognition
Heartland AEA Partnership Director Nikki Roorda was present to talk about the partnership between Heartland and the Ankeny Community School District in a literacy and language project. The project is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education and the University of Northern Iowa. The Heartland/Ankeny group was one of nine to be chosen to participate in the project that includes professional development for teachers who work with students with significant disabilities. Ms. Pam Dodge and Dr. Susie Meade from the Ankeny Community School District were present to represent Ankeny teachers Michaela Grundmeyer, Scott Holt, Sara Ostrem who are participating in the project. Heartland staff members who are participating are Amy Garrett and Deb Rohweder.

Board Government Advisory Council
Dr. Vincent updated board members on the development of a Board Government Advisory Council. A great deal of work was done last year while preparing for the Agency’s accreditation. Part of that process included finding district staff and constituents who were willing to be part of the interview process. That list of volunteers has been reviewed and cross-referenced against the advisory council requirements, and the Agency hopes to extend invitations to some of the same people.

Accreditation Report Update
Dr. Vincent reported that she will meet with the Iowa Department of Education (DE) on Thursday, September 16 to hear the final results from the Agency’s accreditation report. Board members were given a copy of the accreditation summary and there was nothing shocking or troubling in its recommendations. Many of the items noted will be addressed as the Agency develops action plans and moves forward. The greatest celebration is the DE recommends full accreditation as all requirements were met including the area of Shelter Care. Dr. Bridgewater noted that the accreditation process does not involve the Board in any way.

Iowa Association of School Boards Delegate Assembly
Ms. Margaret Borgen agreed to act as the Agency’s delegate at the Iowa Association of School Boards Delegate Assembly on November 17. Mr. Nels Turnquist will act as alternate.

Board Policy Review: 201.4, 201.6, 201.7, 201.9, 202.2, 202.3, 202.4, 202.5
Dr. Vincent noted that these board policies are being updated to bring them in-line with changes made by the legislature. When they are approved, they will fully align with Iowa Code. Board members approved the first reading, and these policies will be brought back for a second reading in October.

Action Items
Regional Education Center Remodel Contract Approval
A MOTION was made by Mr. Cal Halliburton and seconded by Mr. Bruce Christensen to approve the contract by Ruepke Construction of Derby, Iowa for $780,000 for the renovation of the Johnston Regional Education Center, as the company was the lowest responsible bidder. Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution to Take Action and to Authorize a Lease Purchase Agreement in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,500,000
A MOTION was made by Mr. Nels Turnquist and seconded by Dr. Earl Bridgewater to authorize the development of a lease purchase agreement in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 for the renovation of the Johnston Regional Education Center. Motion carried unanimously.

Board Policy 511 Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy
A MOTION was made by Mr. Cal Halliburton and seconded by Mr. Nels Turnquist to approve Board Policy 511 Internet Acceptable Use and Safety. Motion carried unanimously.

Approval of Agreement between Lakeview Specialty Hospital and Rehab, Urbandale Community School District and Heartland AEA
A MOTION was made by Dr. Earl Bridgewater and seconded by Mr. Bruce Christensen to approve the agreement as presented between Lakeview Specialty Hospital and Rehab, Urbandale Community School District and Heartland AEA. Motion carried unanimously.

Board Comments
• Ms. Ann Wilson noted that next month the Board’s leadership will change. Dr. Earl Bridgewater will become president and a vice-president will need appointed. Dr. Jane Bell and Mr. Bruce Christensen have agreed to bring a slate forward to the next meeting. Any member wishing to have his or her name proposed should contact Dr. Bell or Mr. Christensen.
• Dr. Rose would like to discuss at a future meeting requesting bids from higher education institutes for giving credit to courses. Any questions pertaining to this topic should be sent to Jenny so she and Dr. Vincent can collect that information and follow-up on answers.
• Board members also requested a list of contracts and expiration dates, such as the Agency’s auditors. This would help increase the Board’s knowledge base.

Chief Administrator Comments
• Dr. Paula Vincent expressed her appreciation for the Board and its input and support as the Agency moves forward.
• Mr. David King shared an e-mail he received this week regarding the Agency’s on-line expense system. The system was one that the Agency helped create so staff could complete their expenses online with an automatic workflow/approval process. The company that helped design the system would like the Agency to help demonstrate the program and how it can be utilized to their user group as it will become part of the company’s systems package. It was nice recognition of a product the Agency helped create that will be marketed and shared.
• Work continues on the Parent Advisory Council. Ms. Grace Bargstadt and Ms. Sharon Kurns are actively involved to improve the council, as it has great potential.
• As Dr. Vincent has visited with staff members and partners, one theme remains constant –they care about children. There is a great deal of talent in the districts and at the Agency.
• The AEA Chief Administrators had a chance to meet with gubernatorial candidate Terry Branstad. A meeting invitation has also been extended to Governor Culver. Governor Branstad indicated that education is a top priority and that we can’t do business as we’ve always done. It appears that regardless of what happens after the election in November, education will be a top priority.