We are pleased to announce that the Heartland Board of Directors has approved conditions of employment for all groups for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Below is a summary of key points for each employment group.
Teamsters - Classified Union
The Classified Union package for 2010-2011 is a total package increase of 1.38%. The Teamsters contract duration is for a two-year period of time. This package includes the increase cost of benefit coverage of 1.38% and a 0% increase to salary. The classified union group will also convert from an 8-hour day to a 7.5-hour day, with no change to annual salary for those who are exempt (not eligible for overtime pay) and an increase in the hourly wage for those who are non-exempt (eligible for overtime pay), which is no change in projected annual wage if no overtime hours are worked. Vacation and sick leave balances will be adjusted accordingly (a day of leave balance this fiscal year will equate to a day of leave in 2010-2011).
Additional improvements made to the Teamsters contract for the next two years include a more detailed reduction-in-force process, adjustments to vacation for those who work less than 218 days as well as credit for years of service towards vacation accrual for those moving from part-time to full-time status.
To learn more about these changes, please refer to the 2010-11 Teamster’s contract located on the Employee Dashboard under the Human Resources tab.
Heartland Education Association – Certified Union
The Certified Union package for 2010-2011 is a general fund package of 2.05%, and a combined package of 2.74%, which is inclusive of teacher salary supplement funds. The total package includes the increase cost of benefit coverage of 0.81%, allowing eligible employees to advance a step on the salary schedule, as well as the inclusion of Teacher Salary Supplement monies on the salary schedule. An additional compensation change is that Program Assistants and Team Leaders will now receive a flat stipend rather than a percent of salary increase.
A new interest-based bargaining approach was used this year for articles not associated with compensation. Through this new process, additional improvements made to the HEA contract include changes to the transfer process as well as the professional learning process. Some highlighted changes to the transfer process include the elimination of the 3-year rule; removing districts on contracts; better defining the difference between reassignment, transfer and position change; and the creation of a process for filling temporary vacancies. Some highlighted changes to the professional development process include the elimination of the $225 professional development allotment as well as the restriction to 2 days of professional leave, which was replaced with the creation of a team-based decision-making process focused on spending professional development monies which meet Heartland’s mission, goals and objectives, while focusing on agency-wide, work-group and individual development needs.
To learn more about these changes, please refer to the 2010-11 HEA contract located on the Employee Dashboard under the Human Resources tab.
Classified Non-Union (IT, HR, Business Office, Regional Secretaries, etc.)
The Classified Non-Union package for 2010-2011 is a total package increase of 1.42%. This package includes the increase cost of benefit coverage of 1.42% and a 0% increase to salary. The Classified Non-Union group will also convert from an 8-hour day to a 7.5-hour day, with no change to annual salary for those who are exempt (not eligible for overtime pay) and an increase in the hourly wage for those who are non-exempt (eligible for overtime pay), which is no change in projected annual wage if no overtime hours are worked. Vacation and sick leave balances will be adjusted accordingly (a day of leave balance this fiscal year will equate to a day of leave in 2010-2011).
Some additional improvements slated for this group include completion of a salary study with a third party company, HR Systems. Implementation of changes from the salary study is scheduled no later than the 2011-2012-fiscal year. Other changes include a Kaizen event to improve the evaluation process specific to the Classified Non-Union group and involvement in the agency-wide professional learning team to improve the processes involved with professional development for this group.
Certified Non-Union (Administration)
The Certified Non-Union package for 2010-2011 is a total package increase of 0.968%. This package includes the increase cost of benefit coverage of 0.968% and a 0% increase to salary. In addition, a salary study with a third party company, HR Systems, will be completed. This study will be focused on creating a salary band system for the Certified Non-Union and Classified Non-Union groups to ensure internal equity as well as competitiveness in the metro area. Implementation of changes is scheduled no later than the 2011-2012-contract year.
If you have any questions about this information, please contact Nola Bond, Director of Human Resources at nbond@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14318.
Monday, May 17, 2010
May 2010 Board of Directors Meeting Recap
Public Hearing
A hearing was held for the public to address concerns regarding the bid for the sound booth relocation and reconstruction. No one was present to speak at the hearing.
Agenda
The agenda was amended to include discussion items on the Iowa Department of Education’s AEA Study and the development of a board resolution on open records related to the Iowa Association of School Boards.
Discussion Items AEA Study
Ms. Sheila King provided an update on the AEA Study that is part of the Government Reorganization Bill passed during the 2010 legislative session. The Iowa Department of Education (DE) is convening a task force to complete the study and membership will include staff from the Area Education Agencies, School Administrators of Iowa, Iowa Association of School Boards, school districts, legislators and parents. The DE is also accepting input into the development of the study from AEA Chief Administrators and board members. Board members with input were encouraged to send their ideas or suggestions to Ms. King by Friday, May 14.
Des Moines Public Schools
Ms. Sheila King will meet with Superintendent Nancy Sebring on May 19 to discuss shared planning for the 2010-11 school year. A conference call will also be held on May 13 to discuss the June meeting with Des Moines Public Schools’ leadership and Senators Jack Hatch and Matt McCoy.
Newton Regional Education Center
Mr. Prall provided an update on the Newton Regional Education Center. Currently the Agency is looking to partner with the Newton School District which announced in April it would be closing Emerson Hough Elementary School. Newton school district Superintendent Steve McDermott has indicated that pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by parents, the building is expected to be vacant by the first week in July. The district has announced that it will relocate administrative staff and the Head Start program to the Emerson Hough building, but there would also be room for a Heartland office. Mr. Prall plans to tour the school soon and stated the outlook to partner is good.
Board Comments AEA Governing Board
Dr. Earl Bridgewater and Ms. Margaret Borgen represented Heartland at the April 15-16 AEA Governing Board meeting. The majority of the meeting focused on the status of the Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC). The IEC is currently working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on operational issues that were outlined in their complaint submitted last winter. The lawsuit against the IEC filed by Hawkeye Foods also failed in the appeals process and will continue forward. Dr. Bridgewater also noted that the bylaws for both the Governing Board and IEC Board will be reviewed and revised.
Closed Session
The Board entered into closed session at 6:36 p.m. and returned to open session at 7:40 p.m.
Closed Session
The Board entered into closed session at 7:48 p.m. and returned to open session at 9:17 p.m.
Closed Session
The Board entered into closed session at 9:23 p.m. and returned to open session at 10:32 p.m.
Action Items
A MOTION was made by Ms. Margaret Borgen and seconded by Dr. Steve Rose to approve the recommendation made by Ms. Nola Bond regarding Certified Non-Union (CNU) negotiations. Borgen, Bridgewater, Christensen, Halliburton, Rose, Sparks, and Wilson ayes, Turnquist opposed and Bell absent.
A MOTION was made by Dr. Steve Rose and seconded by Mr. Nels Turnquist to approve the plans, specifications and bid from Robert’s Construction in the amount of $24,937.00 for the reconstruction and relocation of the sound booth at the Johnston Regional Education Center. Motion passed unanimously.
Board Resolution
Mr. Cal Halliburton submitted a draft resolution requesting that the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) comply with the same requirements for open meetings and open records as prescribed by Iowa law and administrative code. Ms. Jenny Ugolini will follow-up with IASB on if a similar policy within their organization has already been instituted.
A hearing was held for the public to address concerns regarding the bid for the sound booth relocation and reconstruction. No one was present to speak at the hearing.
Agenda
The agenda was amended to include discussion items on the Iowa Department of Education’s AEA Study and the development of a board resolution on open records related to the Iowa Association of School Boards.
Discussion Items AEA Study
Ms. Sheila King provided an update on the AEA Study that is part of the Government Reorganization Bill passed during the 2010 legislative session. The Iowa Department of Education (DE) is convening a task force to complete the study and membership will include staff from the Area Education Agencies, School Administrators of Iowa, Iowa Association of School Boards, school districts, legislators and parents. The DE is also accepting input into the development of the study from AEA Chief Administrators and board members. Board members with input were encouraged to send their ideas or suggestions to Ms. King by Friday, May 14.
Des Moines Public Schools
Ms. Sheila King will meet with Superintendent Nancy Sebring on May 19 to discuss shared planning for the 2010-11 school year. A conference call will also be held on May 13 to discuss the June meeting with Des Moines Public Schools’ leadership and Senators Jack Hatch and Matt McCoy.
Newton Regional Education Center
Mr. Prall provided an update on the Newton Regional Education Center. Currently the Agency is looking to partner with the Newton School District which announced in April it would be closing Emerson Hough Elementary School. Newton school district Superintendent Steve McDermott has indicated that pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by parents, the building is expected to be vacant by the first week in July. The district has announced that it will relocate administrative staff and the Head Start program to the Emerson Hough building, but there would also be room for a Heartland office. Mr. Prall plans to tour the school soon and stated the outlook to partner is good.
Board Comments AEA Governing Board
Dr. Earl Bridgewater and Ms. Margaret Borgen represented Heartland at the April 15-16 AEA Governing Board meeting. The majority of the meeting focused on the status of the Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC). The IEC is currently working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on operational issues that were outlined in their complaint submitted last winter. The lawsuit against the IEC filed by Hawkeye Foods also failed in the appeals process and will continue forward. Dr. Bridgewater also noted that the bylaws for both the Governing Board and IEC Board will be reviewed and revised.
Closed Session
The Board entered into closed session at 6:36 p.m. and returned to open session at 7:40 p.m.
Closed Session
The Board entered into closed session at 7:48 p.m. and returned to open session at 9:17 p.m.
Closed Session
The Board entered into closed session at 9:23 p.m. and returned to open session at 10:32 p.m.
Action Items
A MOTION was made by Ms. Margaret Borgen and seconded by Dr. Steve Rose to approve the recommendation made by Ms. Nola Bond regarding Certified Non-Union (CNU) negotiations. Borgen, Bridgewater, Christensen, Halliburton, Rose, Sparks, and Wilson ayes, Turnquist opposed and Bell absent.
A MOTION was made by Dr. Steve Rose and seconded by Mr. Nels Turnquist to approve the plans, specifications and bid from Robert’s Construction in the amount of $24,937.00 for the reconstruction and relocation of the sound booth at the Johnston Regional Education Center. Motion passed unanimously.
Board Resolution
Mr. Cal Halliburton submitted a draft resolution requesting that the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) comply with the same requirements for open meetings and open records as prescribed by Iowa law and administrative code. Ms. Jenny Ugolini will follow-up with IASB on if a similar policy within their organization has already been instituted.
Update on Sound Booths Installation
Plans are on schedule for the installation of a sound booth in the Johnston Regional Education Center (REC). Pre-installation construction will begin in the office on May 24. To remind you, the sound booth (which is now at the Woodside office) will be installed where Conference Room 7 is currently located. The last day for hearing tests at the Woodside office will be May 27, and the booth will be removed from the office on June 7. Installation of the booth at the Johnston REC is expected to be completed by June 18.
Please remember that during construction and installation, there will be noise, dust and general activity related to construction. Workers will do their best to minimize these distractions, but they will be present. Staff members are encouraged to use the front entrance doors to the Johnston REC as much as possible as the south doors will see a lot of activity. When the project is completed, two parking spaces in front of the south door will be reserved for parents bringing their children to hearing appointments.
A sound booth will be installed in the Knoxville office towards the end of June. This booth is being donated by Mississippi Bend AEA from an office that is being closed in June.
These sound booth projects are important to the Agency’s mission of helping our children grow and learn. Heartland is fortunate to be able to improve the access for our children and families to the services offered by our audiologists using the sound booths. The impact of a hearing loss on a child’s development and educational progress can be profound, and early identification and appropriate intervention is invaluable. The sound booth projects are being paid for by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Part C/619 funds.
Please remember that during construction and installation, there will be noise, dust and general activity related to construction. Workers will do their best to minimize these distractions, but they will be present. Staff members are encouraged to use the front entrance doors to the Johnston REC as much as possible as the south doors will see a lot of activity. When the project is completed, two parking spaces in front of the south door will be reserved for parents bringing their children to hearing appointments.
A sound booth will be installed in the Knoxville office towards the end of June. This booth is being donated by Mississippi Bend AEA from an office that is being closed in June.
These sound booth projects are important to the Agency’s mission of helping our children grow and learn. Heartland is fortunate to be able to improve the access for our children and families to the services offered by our audiologists using the sound booths. The impact of a hearing loss on a child’s development and educational progress can be profound, and early identification and appropriate intervention is invaluable. The sound booth projects are being paid for by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Part C/619 funds.
For Certified Staff: Functional Communication Training Coming in July
On July 6 Heartland is offering an internal training on functional communication. This course is intended for AEA staff who serve students with challenging behaviors who do not demonstrate the use of appropriate verbal or augmentative communication as a replacement to problem behavior.
This course will provide best practice knowledge and hands-on experience in instructional strategies for building the communication skills of students with developmental delays. Per diem is available for this class, but because of that, size is limited. Logistic information for the session can be found with the Universal Registration system. If you have questions, please contact Stacy Volmer, Program Assistant for Challenging Behavior & Autism, at svolmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14494.
Register using Activity Number IS014999991101.
This course will provide best practice knowledge and hands-on experience in instructional strategies for building the communication skills of students with developmental delays. Per diem is available for this class, but because of that, size is limited. Logistic information for the session can be found with the Universal Registration system. If you have questions, please contact Stacy Volmer, Program Assistant for Challenging Behavior & Autism, at svolmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14494.
Register using Activity Number IS014999991101.
Reminder: Applications Being Accepted for New Certified Staff Mentors
New staff mentor applications are to be sent to Sarah Brown by May 21. There were some issues with the form that was in last week’s Connection, so a new version was downloaded in the blog. You can download it by clicking here as well to make sure you have the correct version.
Glossary of Educational Abbreviations, Acronyms and Terms
Click here to download a glossary of abbreviations, acronyms and terms commonly used in the education field and that are common in many conversations had and documents created at the Agency. It has been added to the Intranet under Critical Communication>Communications Assets>Glossary of Education Terms.
Reminder: Agency-wide Retirement Reception May 21
Join us at the agency-wide retirement reception as we honor Gayle Bortz (Speech-Language Pathologist/KN), Marlys Jordan (Agency Liaison School Social Worker/JO), Jill Miller (Speech-Language Pathologist/JO) and Mary Tighe (Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant/GC). The reception will be held at the Johnston Regional Education Center in Conference Rooms 3 & 4 and begins at 2:00 p.m. with the recognition of retirees beginning at 2:30.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)