February 2012 Board of Directors Meeting Recap

The Heartland AEA Board of Directors meeting was held on February 13, 2012.

Public Forum
No one from the public was present to address the Board.

Discussion Items
Board Committee Reports and Updates
Board Advisory Council - The advisory council met January 17. Members are getting comfortable with their role as an advisory council and are offering feedback.
IEC - Dr. Bridgewater noted that the AEA Board of Directors approved the contract to hire the firm Eide and Heisinger as government liaisons. The firm will be preparing weekly updates that will be forwarded to board members. The firm has been able to grasp the roles of the AEAs and has been able to get up to speed quickly.
IASB Lobbying Day - Mr. Halliburton participated in the IASB lobbying day. He was able to meet with legislative staff to discuss the AEAs and proposed funding cuts. There continue to be questions regarding AEA administrative salaries.

Action Items
200 Board Policy Series
Additional changes were made to the 200 board policy series. As the Board Policy Task Force continues revising the series, more changes could occur. The policies will be brought back again next month for a second reading.

2011-12 Amended Budget
A MOTION was made by Ms. Wilson and seconded by Mr. Halliburton to approve the 2011-12 amended budget. Motion passed.

2012-13 Proposed Budget
A MOTION was made by Mr. Halliburton and seconded by Ms. Wilson to approve the 2012-13 proposed budget. Motion passed.

Chief Administrator Comments
• The AEA Board of Directors Conference will be held April 12 - 13, 2012.
• Dr. Vincent shared that many of the attorneys that Heartland AEA uses have been recognized by their peers, clients and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for outstanding service.
• President Obama released his budget yesterday. It looks like many of the education grants will be consolidated which could be a mechanism for making reductions.

Board Comments
• Board members asked if the Board Agenda Planning Committee could be scheduled for the same time each month, specifically the fourth Tuesday starting at 3:30 p.m. Ms. Ugolini will put together a proposal of dates for the next meeting.
• Dr. Bridgewater asked Dr. Vincent about her expectations from the Governor’s Education Reform Plan. There seems to be traction around post-secondary assessment and hopefully some work on comprehensive support for literacy. She didn’t expect to see any additional funding and what funds are available will likely go towards assessment and accountability.
• Mr. Halliburton discussed the research around lead poisoning and challenging behaviors in children. He questioned if the Iowa Department of Public Health has ever pursued the distribution of lead poisoning in correlation or association with children with challenging behaviors.

Closed Session
The Board entered into closed session at 4:03 p.m. to discuss the 2012-13 negotiations process. The Board returned to public session at 5:43 p.m.