The regular meeting of the Heartland Board of Directors was held on April 10, 2012.
The Board entered into closed session to discuss the 2012-13 negotiations process. The Board entered into closed session at 3:01 p.m. and returned to public session at 3:54 p.m.
Discussion Items
Special Education Services
Dr. Jerry Gruba and Ms. Rachelle Dawson, Heartland AEA Regional Directors and Ms. Barb Rankin, Director of Behavior Programs & Youth Homes and Ms. Vicki McCool, Director of Special Education, from the Johnston Community Schools were present to speak about special education services; specifically what they have looked like historically and how they have evolved over the years. In the past, the focus was on identifying special education students to make sure they received the supports they needed to make achievement gains. This practice has evolved and the focus is more on helping students receive the right instruction to make gains. AEA staff members work closely with teachers to help build instruction and to monitor students’ progress. Ms. Rankin and Ms. McCool spoke about the partnership between the Agency and the Johnston district and how that has helped the district build capacity around instruction.
Appointment of Board Treasurer
Mr. Terry Wycoff was recognized for his years of service as Heartland AEA’s board treasurer. He is retiring after 30 years, having served the Agency as treasurer since 1982. Mr. John Linch was given the oath of office as the new Board Treasurer.
Public Forum and Correspondence
Dr. Vincent noted director district changes for the Dallas Center-Grimes and Winterset CSDs. As part of the 2010 census, some districts have had to reconfigure their director district boundaries due to shifts in population.
Board Committee Reports and Activities
• Board Policy Task Force – The task force is working its way through the 300 series. Before the task force moves further, work is being done to align the rules and regulations with the Agency’s staff handbook.
• Board Advisory Council – The council met at the end of March. They are honest and provide good input about the Agency’s work and services and will meet again on May 3.
• IEC/IAEP – Dr. Bridgewater will provide an update at the May board meeting.
Board Resolution – Heartland AEA Board of Directors’ Director Districts
As a result of the 2010 census, the AEAs will examine their director district boundaries as population changes could impact director district assignments. The University of Iowa is working on district maps for all of the AEAs and will submit its findings within the next week.
Board members were asked to consider if they wanted to stay with a nine-member board. If they wanted to increase or lower the number of directors that would have to be decided upon at the same time director district assignments are finalized.
Quarterly CAO Review
Board members held their quarterly review of the chief administrator.
• Board members are pleased with the progress that’s being made in Des Moines Public Schools to form a better partnership. The work and response from administrators has been good.
• Dr. Vincent is conscience of district sensitivity and treats each district respectfully.
• She keeps the Board informed about legislative issues and other areas of concern and members appreciate her perspective.
• The report this evening on special education was exemplary. It indicates the progress the Agency is making in districts, and the feedback was honest and direct. This may not be happening in every district, but it’s pleasing to see in Johnston.
• Dr. Vincent’s involvement with the Department of Education and the AEA system is important to the Agency. It would be helpful to learn more specifically about how she is showing her leadership in these areas.
Affirmative Action Plan Review
Ms. Gillon, Executive Director of Human Resources, and Mr. Tony Chiaramonte, Human Resource Generalist, reviewed the executive summary of the Agency’s Affirmative Action Plan. They reviewed the key findings and discussed the goals for June 30, 2014, that include increasing the number of minorities and balancing the gender equity across the Agency. The Affirmative Action Committee will meet quarterly to determine what actions are needed to accomplish these goals. Board members discussed the correlation between the Agency’s workforce and increasing student achievement. Having a richly diverse population within the organization could only help.
Action Items
Board Resolution – Director Districts
Tabled.
Approval of the 6445 Administration Center Roof Contract
A MOTION was made by Dr. Bridgewater and seconded by Ms. Sparks to accept the bid from Academy Roofing of $41,900 including the alternative bid for two extra inches of insulation at $9,950 for a total of $51,850. Motion passed.
Mr. Prall will follow-up with board members regarding the impact of extra insulation and thermal shock.
Consideration of Approval of the Certified Union (CU) Contract Contingent on Ratification
A MOTION was made by Mr. Christensen and seconded by Dr. Bridgewater to approve the certified union contract contingent on ratification by the Heartland Education Association. Motion passed.
Confirmation of Acceptance of the Classified Union (CLU) Tentative Agreement
A MOTION was made by Ms. Wilson and seconded by Ms. Sparks declaring the Board would have accepted and approved the classified union tentative agreement had it been ratified by the Teamster’s. Motion passed.
Approval of the Classified Non-Union (CLNU) Package Increase
A MOTION was made by Mr. Halliburton and seconded by Ms. Sparks to approve the recommended package increase of 3.77 percent for the classified non-union staff. Motion passed.
Approval of the Certified Non-Union (CNU) Package Increase
A MOTION was made by Ms. Sparks and seconded by Dr. Bell to approve the recommend package increase of 3.25 percent and resulting salaries for the certified non-union staff. The MOTION was AMENDED by Dr. Bell and seconded by Ms. Sparks to include approving additional funds for closing the salary gap between regional directors.
The original motion was voted upon and passed. The amended motion was voted upon and a roll call vote was taken. Amended motion passed 7 to 1. Seven ayes and one nay (Christensen).
Chief Administrator Comments
• The Agency is still trying to find a successor for the Chief Financial Officer. Dr. Vincent will keep the Board informed of any updates.
• The Agency is working on issuing contracts in a timely manner. Dr. Vincent is very pleased with the work of the negotiations team.
• Dr. Vincent will add as a future agenda item the work and collaboration of the AEA system and the Department of Education.
• Response to Intervention (RtI) will be a topic that the Board will hear more about over the next few months. It’s still too early to bring as an agenda item.
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