Recycled Binders
Our agency’s focus on a “culture of austerity” also ties nicely to being environmentally friendly and cutting waste and excess. We want to remind you of a great way to save money and cut waste: the recycled binder coop. Since the Agency began recycling binders, we have saved at least 150 of them from the landfill, eliminated the waste stream associated with their manufacture and distribution and have saved the Agency over $800. Remember, you can make a difference!
Here’s how it works… If you have a gently used three ring binder that you no longer need, bring it the loading dock area in the Johnston Office or send it to Jason Elliott in the Johnston Office, and he will add it to the inventory of used binders. If you need a quantity of binders for a workshop or project, don’t buy new—use the binder coop! Jason has hundreds of used binders at our warehouse that he has separated by color and size. If you would like to order binders from the binder coop, simply e-mail Jason at jelliott@aea11.k12.ia.us and let him know what size, color and quantity you need. Most people probably don’t care if the binder they are getting is new or used. In fact, most people would probably prefer to be given a recycled binder!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Reminder: Mandatory Harassment Free Workplace Training
This is a reminder that all Heartland staff must complete Harassment Free Workplace Training no later than Friday, January 29. If you have already completed this training or attended Harassment Prevention and Response Training for Supervisors, thank you for your cooperation and please disregard this reminder.
At Heartland we believe that all staff members have the right to work in a professional environment that is free from harassment. To help ensure this, we are asking that all staff members complete online Harassment Free Workplace Training. This training will teach Heartland staff how to recognize harassment, take action if harassment occurs and make sure their own behavior toward co-workers and clients is positive and respectful.
We ask that all staff complete the training by January 29. The training is available at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/prodev/harassment2/. We estimate that it will take approximately a half hour to complete.
Again, supervisors and program assistants who attended the Harassment Prevention and Response for Supervisors training are not required to complete the online training.
Any questions regarding the training should be sent to Steve Zimmerman, HR/Benefits Specialist, at ext. 14534 or szimmerman@aea11.k12.ia.us.
At Heartland we believe that all staff members have the right to work in a professional environment that is free from harassment. To help ensure this, we are asking that all staff members complete online Harassment Free Workplace Training. This training will teach Heartland staff how to recognize harassment, take action if harassment occurs and make sure their own behavior toward co-workers and clients is positive and respectful.
We ask that all staff complete the training by January 29. The training is available at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/prodev/harassment2/. We estimate that it will take approximately a half hour to complete.
Again, supervisors and program assistants who attended the Harassment Prevention and Response for Supervisors training are not required to complete the online training.
Any questions regarding the training should be sent to Steve Zimmerman, HR/Benefits Specialist, at ext. 14534 or szimmerman@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Reminder: Annual Notice of Enrollment for 403(b) Plan
On January 14 you should have received an e-mail making you aware of 403(b) enrollment. This article is a reminder about enrollment—if you wish to enroll in a plan and haven’t done so yet, please contact one of providers listed below.
What is a 403(b)? It is an employer-sponsored voluntary retirement savings program. While you are participating in the 403(b), salary reductions in the amount you choose are taken from your paycheck (before state and federal taxes) and deposited into a 403(b) account. Your 403(b) contributions and earnings are available at retirement to supplement your IPERS and Social Security income benefits.
Heartland is partnering with the State of Iowa’s 403(b) Plan, commonly referred to as the Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC).
Effective January 1, 2010, you have the option to select between five providers: VALIC (currently AIG), The Hartford, ING, Security Benefit and TIAA-CREF. Horace Mann, currently one of six providers, is no longer available for contributions.
• The minimum contribution per pay period, as dictated by our providers, is $10 per pay period.
• You have the option of traditional pre-tax contributions or post-tax Roth contributions. You should work with your financial advisor to determine what is best for your retirement planning.
• You can enroll at any time during the year and can then change the amount of your contribution 12 times per year (at the beginning of each month). All changes received by the end of a month will be effective at the beginning of the following month. For example, a change submitted between January 1-31 will be effective February 1.
• The Agency does not offer matching funds, but it is still very beneficial for you to start saving for retirement, even if you are only able to start with a small amount.
• In 2010, the maximum amount you may contribute per year is 100% of compensation up to $16,500. Also, if you have at least 15 years of service with Heartland or you are at least 50 years old, you may also be able to make additional catch-up contributions.
To start your contributions, contact one of the RIC’s investment providers. Contact information is available on the RIC’s website at http://ric.iowa.gov/403b/index.html. On the left side of the page, click on Providers and Investments and then click on Active Providers. Clicking on the Help button to the right of each provider will give you a list of agents who are authorized to sell their products. The agent can send you enrollment information and, at your request, will schedule an appointment to discuss your individual financial goals. Click here for an RIC enrollment form.
If you are currently investing in the 403(b) plan, no action is needed on your part; however, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with your financial advisor to review your investment plan. If you have questions, please contact Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us, or Steve Jordan, Payroll Specialist, at sjordan@aea11.k12.ia.us.
What is a 403(b)? It is an employer-sponsored voluntary retirement savings program. While you are participating in the 403(b), salary reductions in the amount you choose are taken from your paycheck (before state and federal taxes) and deposited into a 403(b) account. Your 403(b) contributions and earnings are available at retirement to supplement your IPERS and Social Security income benefits.
Heartland is partnering with the State of Iowa’s 403(b) Plan, commonly referred to as the Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC).
Effective January 1, 2010, you have the option to select between five providers: VALIC (currently AIG), The Hartford, ING, Security Benefit and TIAA-CREF. Horace Mann, currently one of six providers, is no longer available for contributions.
• The minimum contribution per pay period, as dictated by our providers, is $10 per pay period.
• You have the option of traditional pre-tax contributions or post-tax Roth contributions. You should work with your financial advisor to determine what is best for your retirement planning.
• You can enroll at any time during the year and can then change the amount of your contribution 12 times per year (at the beginning of each month). All changes received by the end of a month will be effective at the beginning of the following month. For example, a change submitted between January 1-31 will be effective February 1.
• The Agency does not offer matching funds, but it is still very beneficial for you to start saving for retirement, even if you are only able to start with a small amount.
• In 2010, the maximum amount you may contribute per year is 100% of compensation up to $16,500. Also, if you have at least 15 years of service with Heartland or you are at least 50 years old, you may also be able to make additional catch-up contributions.
To start your contributions, contact one of the RIC’s investment providers. Contact information is available on the RIC’s website at http://ric.iowa.gov/403b/index.html. On the left side of the page, click on Providers and Investments and then click on Active Providers. Clicking on the Help button to the right of each provider will give you a list of agents who are authorized to sell their products. The agent can send you enrollment information and, at your request, will schedule an appointment to discuss your individual financial goals. Click here for an RIC enrollment form.
If you are currently investing in the 403(b) plan, no action is needed on your part; however, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with your financial advisor to review your investment plan. If you have questions, please contact Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us, or Steve Jordan, Payroll Specialist, at sjordan@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Change of Location for Region 9 Regional Meeting
The location of the Region 9 regional meeting on January 26 has changed. It will now be held in Conference Room 13 at the Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 building) instead of Conference Rooms 3 & 4.
January 2010 Board of Directors Meeting Recap
The Heartland AEA Board of Directors met for its regular board meeting on January 12.
An amendment was made to the agenda to include an update on the board goals, the AESA conference and the AEA governing board meeting. The recognition for Superintendent Dennis Wulf was also rescheduled for February.
No one was present to speak at the public hearing regarding the 2010-11 proposed budget or the public forum.
Discussion Items
Board Goals
Dr. Jane Bell reviewed the goals developed by board members. It was agreed that the following goals would remain in place until 2011.
Goal 1: To be responsible employers.
Goal 2: To be fiscally responsible and accountable.
Goal 3: To continue Heartland’s transformation.
Goal 4: To advocate for a unified state AEA system.
2008-09 Audit
Mr. John Pittman with Pittman and Company, LLP reviewed the results of the Agency’s 2008-09 audit. Mr. Pittman met with the Board Audit Committee who reviewed and approved the findings. The results of the audit indicate that the Agency is in-line with general accounting principles and standards, and it has been given an unqualified clean audit opinion of its financial statements.
Amended 2009-10 Budget and Proposed Budget for 2010-11
Mr. David King updated the Board on the 2009-10 amended budget and discussed concerns about the FY 2010-11 budget. The recent budget cuts have been disappointing and have caused the Agency to review its resources as they become more limited. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, together with $850,000 from fund balance, is budgeted each of the next two years to cover gaps in the budget. The Agency will not be able to maintain a 5 percent fund balance during these times of budget shortfalls. Since there the Agency has no taxing authority, it will have to settle on a lower percentage balance for the next several years.
As the Agency moves into FY 2011-12, it is anticipated that additional continued funding reductions will result in dramatic challenges and changes for the Agency. Based on the State’s financial condition, it is expected that the Agency will not receive full funding for the next few years and ARRA funds will be consumed. It will also be harder to make more non-personnel cuts in the future beyond what is already being done. The District Services Council is meeting every week to review how services can be made more efficient and will move quickly to act on these challenges.
Action Items
Technology Server Bunker
The Board approved the construction of the technology server bunker pending final approval from the Department of Education. Contracts were approved from Brocon Services LLC in the amount of $148,000 for general construction and Wolin Electric LC in the amount of $15,769 for electrical contracting.
Board Comments
Dr. Earl Bridgewater shared that he heard numerous compliments regarding Ms. Sheila King’s role as interim chief administrator at the December AESA Conference. He spoke with other AEA chief administrators who were very complimentary of the work Ms. King has been performing at Heartland.
An amendment was made to the agenda to include an update on the board goals, the AESA conference and the AEA governing board meeting. The recognition for Superintendent Dennis Wulf was also rescheduled for February.
No one was present to speak at the public hearing regarding the 2010-11 proposed budget or the public forum.
Discussion Items
Board Goals
Dr. Jane Bell reviewed the goals developed by board members. It was agreed that the following goals would remain in place until 2011.
Goal 1: To be responsible employers.
Goal 2: To be fiscally responsible and accountable.
Goal 3: To continue Heartland’s transformation.
Goal 4: To advocate for a unified state AEA system.
2008-09 Audit
Mr. John Pittman with Pittman and Company, LLP reviewed the results of the Agency’s 2008-09 audit. Mr. Pittman met with the Board Audit Committee who reviewed and approved the findings. The results of the audit indicate that the Agency is in-line with general accounting principles and standards, and it has been given an unqualified clean audit opinion of its financial statements.
Amended 2009-10 Budget and Proposed Budget for 2010-11
Mr. David King updated the Board on the 2009-10 amended budget and discussed concerns about the FY 2010-11 budget. The recent budget cuts have been disappointing and have caused the Agency to review its resources as they become more limited. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, together with $850,000 from fund balance, is budgeted each of the next two years to cover gaps in the budget. The Agency will not be able to maintain a 5 percent fund balance during these times of budget shortfalls. Since there the Agency has no taxing authority, it will have to settle on a lower percentage balance for the next several years.
As the Agency moves into FY 2011-12, it is anticipated that additional continued funding reductions will result in dramatic challenges and changes for the Agency. Based on the State’s financial condition, it is expected that the Agency will not receive full funding for the next few years and ARRA funds will be consumed. It will also be harder to make more non-personnel cuts in the future beyond what is already being done. The District Services Council is meeting every week to review how services can be made more efficient and will move quickly to act on these challenges.
Action Items
Technology Server Bunker
The Board approved the construction of the technology server bunker pending final approval from the Department of Education. Contracts were approved from Brocon Services LLC in the amount of $148,000 for general construction and Wolin Electric LC in the amount of $15,769 for electrical contracting.
Board Comments
Dr. Earl Bridgewater shared that he heard numerous compliments regarding Ms. Sheila King’s role as interim chief administrator at the December AESA Conference. He spoke with other AEA chief administrators who were very complimentary of the work Ms. King has been performing at Heartland.
Preparations Being Made for 2010-2011 Agency Calendar
It’s that time of year again...time to develop the agency calendar for next school year! Regularly occurring internal committee meetings and professional development sessions (for either internal or external clients) need to be included on the agency calendar. Last year we received several questions regarding which meetings needed to be added to the calendar and which did not. Any meeting that is scheduled on a regular basis (e.g., once a month) is required to be scheduled centrally, as well as all trainings. If you have questions regarding if a meeting needs to be included on the internal or external calendar or have any general questions about the agency calendar, please contact either Sarah Brown (internal) at ext. 14380 or sbrown@aea11.k12.ia.us or Cheryl Risen (external) at ext. 14587 or crisen@aea11.k12.ia.us.
If you have meetings to add to the calendar, please send the below information to Janice Walter (jwalter@aea11.k12.ia.us) by February 20.
Name of committee/activity:
Dates of all meetings:
Times of all meetings:
Number of participants (this can be a range):
Locations (all locations will be assigned at a later date):
If you have meetings to add to the calendar, please send the below information to Janice Walter (jwalter@aea11.k12.ia.us) by February 20.
Name of committee/activity:
Dates of all meetings:
Times of all meetings:
Number of participants (this can be a range):
Locations (all locations will be assigned at a later date):
Coffee Available for Guests Attending Agency Events
In an effort to maintain excellent customer service while keeping costs in mind, Heartland is no longer providing coffee for internal meetings; however, we will continue to offer coffee to guests attending meetings/classes at agency facilities.
If you are having a meeting in any Heartland office and would like coffee provided for your guests, please contact Tiffany Wingert in advance (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) at ext. 14002 or twingert@aea11.k12.ia.us. Ordering in advance will ensure the coffee will be ready for guests when they arrive.
Also, if you haven’t already noticed, there is now a coffee vending machine in the lounge at the Johnston Regional Education Center that offers regular and flavored coffee and hot chocolate at very reasonable prices.
If you are having a meeting in any Heartland office and would like coffee provided for your guests, please contact Tiffany Wingert in advance (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) at ext. 14002 or twingert@aea11.k12.ia.us. Ordering in advance will ensure the coffee will be ready for guests when they arrive.
Also, if you haven’t already noticed, there is now a coffee vending machine in the lounge at the Johnston Regional Education Center that offers regular and flavored coffee and hot chocolate at very reasonable prices.
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