The cutoff date to enter leave requests for the 2011-12 school year is July 3, 2012. Supervisors need to approve all 2011-12 leaves by July 9. This will allow us to calculate and display actual, rather than estimated, leave balances for 2012-13 by the end of July.
Calendar exchange requests for 2011-12 must be submitted and approved by June 30.
July new hires will not see their leave balances displayed until July 15, while August new hires will not see their leave balances until August 31.
Monday, June 25, 2012
June 2012 Board of Directors Meeting Recap
The regular meeting of the Heartland Board of Directors was held on June 11.
Public Forum and Correspondence
Dr. Dave Tilly addressed the board during the public forum. He thanked the board for his opportunities at Heartland. He informed the board of a new position he has accepted at the Iowa Department of Education. Mr. Turnquist and Dr. Bridgewater voiced their appreciation to Dr. Tilly.
Dr. Vincent introduced Kurt Subra, Chief Financial Officer Successor, and welcomed him to the Heartland team.
The Board acknowledged receipt of director district resolutions for the Carlisle, Coon Rapids-Bayard, West Central Valley, Prairie City-Monroe and Southeast Warren school districts. As part of the 2010 census, some districts have had to reconfigure their director district boundaries due to shifts in population. Dr. Vincent said there may be one or two remaining districts.
Discussion Items
Board Committee Reports and Activities
Ms. Wilson shared an update on work of the board policy committee. The committee members recently spent a full day working and are near completion of the 400 series. Ms. Wilson voiced appreciation for fellow board members who serve on the committee, and Dr. Vincent added that it is nice to have such a diverse talent pool working on these policies.
Impact of AEA Funding Cuts
Mr. David King updated the Board on the impact of the legislative AEA funding cut for 2012-13. Of the statewide special education total, the funding reduction is $27.5 million. This is the same funding reduction as in the current year. AEA 11’s portion of the state total is $6.2 million. Mr. King shared information of how the funding and reductions are shared with the Des Moines School District. Des Moines will again see a reduction of about $1.7 million, also the same as the current year. Mr. King said that just as this year, we need to fill this gap from other resources and cost savings. We have an increase in enrollment and an increase in Media Services and Educational Services funding, but these will not be sufficient to cover the cut nor the increases in salaries and benefits.
He explained projections of how funds will be used to cover shortfalls, and perhaps including using Part B carryover funds. These funds were put in abeyance for a period of time as a precautionary resource. In addition to the funding cut from state revenues, there is a potential significant reduction in federal education funding that could occur this coming January. Dr. Vincent added that the state department is looking at this now and funds flowing through to AEAs are about 18-months out. If reductions occur in January, we have some time to prepare before the impact comes from the Department.
Mr. King then shared some history of special education controlled funding (i.e., state foundation aid). Heartland AEA has had an increase in enrollment of just under 8% from 2001-02 to today. Inflation has been 30% over the same time period. However, our net special education funding has increased only 25.8%. Our funding level is at the same level now as it was in 2008-09. There was a brief discussion held on the variances in statewide AEA fund balances, legislative efforts moving forward to tell our story and our interest to influence those who have direct input into the Governor’s budget.
Agency Staff Changes for 2012-13
Ms. Laura Gillon shared a graph illustrating staff changes that occurred during the 2011-12 school year. She shared that although resignations are a bit higher this year, we have experienced success in hiring due to earlier completion of negotiations. Board members had a brief discussion on whether we have specific data on the reasons why staff resigns, and Ms. Gillon replied that we don’t always know why people don’t sign their contract. Dr. Bridgewater expressed appreciation for the format of how the information was shared, and Dr. Vincent expressed thanks to the Human Resources staff for their work.
Update of Status of District Service Plans
Ms. King gave a brief update on district service plans. She summarized that the focus this year was data driven and good alignment to service areas. There was much collaborative work done this year between Regional Directors and Dr. Susan Leddick, and she shared that the Regional Directors are looking forward to having conversations with the Board in September. Dr. Vincent added that the concept of district service plans is real and ongoing and we want them to be flexible to the needs of the districts. Moving forward we may want to mirror ours the same as the DE. There will be a future focus on healthy school indicators, RTI data, results on curriculum and growth in addition to standardized testing. The work we have will be a good foundation. Ms. King shared positive feedback received from some teachers who have been receiving instructional coaching.
Chief Administrator Comments
• Dr. Vincent requested that board members begin thinking about a retreat to be held in August or September as a working session. Jenny will send some possible dates out to board members and ask preferences on timelines. Board members were asked to send specific topics to Jenny.
• Dr. Vincent informed the Board that Heartland’s IDEA Part C Early Intervention procedures have been reviewed by the State Department of Education. On all counts we received affirmation that we met the standards required. Jerry Gruba and Cindy Yelick coordinated these efforts.
• Dr. Vincent shared success stories and highlights she heard from staff at the end of the year Regional Meetings.
Board Member Comments
• Dr. Bridgewater informed the Board that he has been attending the AEA chiefs meetings and is thrilled to see new faces, ideas and efforts of the new chiefs. He would like to have a process to communicate what they do each month.
Public Forum and Correspondence
Dr. Dave Tilly addressed the board during the public forum. He thanked the board for his opportunities at Heartland. He informed the board of a new position he has accepted at the Iowa Department of Education. Mr. Turnquist and Dr. Bridgewater voiced their appreciation to Dr. Tilly.
Dr. Vincent introduced Kurt Subra, Chief Financial Officer Successor, and welcomed him to the Heartland team.
The Board acknowledged receipt of director district resolutions for the Carlisle, Coon Rapids-Bayard, West Central Valley, Prairie City-Monroe and Southeast Warren school districts. As part of the 2010 census, some districts have had to reconfigure their director district boundaries due to shifts in population. Dr. Vincent said there may be one or two remaining districts.
Discussion Items
Board Committee Reports and Activities
Ms. Wilson shared an update on work of the board policy committee. The committee members recently spent a full day working and are near completion of the 400 series. Ms. Wilson voiced appreciation for fellow board members who serve on the committee, and Dr. Vincent added that it is nice to have such a diverse talent pool working on these policies.
Impact of AEA Funding Cuts
Mr. David King updated the Board on the impact of the legislative AEA funding cut for 2012-13. Of the statewide special education total, the funding reduction is $27.5 million. This is the same funding reduction as in the current year. AEA 11’s portion of the state total is $6.2 million. Mr. King shared information of how the funding and reductions are shared with the Des Moines School District. Des Moines will again see a reduction of about $1.7 million, also the same as the current year. Mr. King said that just as this year, we need to fill this gap from other resources and cost savings. We have an increase in enrollment and an increase in Media Services and Educational Services funding, but these will not be sufficient to cover the cut nor the increases in salaries and benefits.
He explained projections of how funds will be used to cover shortfalls, and perhaps including using Part B carryover funds. These funds were put in abeyance for a period of time as a precautionary resource. In addition to the funding cut from state revenues, there is a potential significant reduction in federal education funding that could occur this coming January. Dr. Vincent added that the state department is looking at this now and funds flowing through to AEAs are about 18-months out. If reductions occur in January, we have some time to prepare before the impact comes from the Department.
Mr. King then shared some history of special education controlled funding (i.e., state foundation aid). Heartland AEA has had an increase in enrollment of just under 8% from 2001-02 to today. Inflation has been 30% over the same time period. However, our net special education funding has increased only 25.8%. Our funding level is at the same level now as it was in 2008-09. There was a brief discussion held on the variances in statewide AEA fund balances, legislative efforts moving forward to tell our story and our interest to influence those who have direct input into the Governor’s budget.
Agency Staff Changes for 2012-13
Ms. Laura Gillon shared a graph illustrating staff changes that occurred during the 2011-12 school year. She shared that although resignations are a bit higher this year, we have experienced success in hiring due to earlier completion of negotiations. Board members had a brief discussion on whether we have specific data on the reasons why staff resigns, and Ms. Gillon replied that we don’t always know why people don’t sign their contract. Dr. Bridgewater expressed appreciation for the format of how the information was shared, and Dr. Vincent expressed thanks to the Human Resources staff for their work.
Update of Status of District Service Plans
Ms. King gave a brief update on district service plans. She summarized that the focus this year was data driven and good alignment to service areas. There was much collaborative work done this year between Regional Directors and Dr. Susan Leddick, and she shared that the Regional Directors are looking forward to having conversations with the Board in September. Dr. Vincent added that the concept of district service plans is real and ongoing and we want them to be flexible to the needs of the districts. Moving forward we may want to mirror ours the same as the DE. There will be a future focus on healthy school indicators, RTI data, results on curriculum and growth in addition to standardized testing. The work we have will be a good foundation. Ms. King shared positive feedback received from some teachers who have been receiving instructional coaching.
Chief Administrator Comments
• Dr. Vincent requested that board members begin thinking about a retreat to be held in August or September as a working session. Jenny will send some possible dates out to board members and ask preferences on timelines. Board members were asked to send specific topics to Jenny.
• Dr. Vincent informed the Board that Heartland’s IDEA Part C Early Intervention procedures have been reviewed by the State Department of Education. On all counts we received affirmation that we met the standards required. Jerry Gruba and Cindy Yelick coordinated these efforts.
• Dr. Vincent shared success stories and highlights she heard from staff at the end of the year Regional Meetings.
Board Member Comments
• Dr. Bridgewater informed the Board that he has been attending the AEA chiefs meetings and is thrilled to see new faces, ideas and efforts of the new chiefs. He would like to have a process to communicate what they do each month.
Staff Space
Star Staff
In this space you can read about the great things Heartland staff members are doing professionally, to support our schools or to support their co-workers! Please send these types of good news messages to comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.
The following messages were sent via the Agency’s Tech Coordinator listserv.
I wanted to say thanks to Tuan Dao (Network Administrator/JO), Lance Wilhelm (Director of Technology/JO), Denise Krefting (Instructional Technology Consultant/AD) and everyone at the AEA regarding technology this year. Thanks for the stable, reliable systems this year and all of your guidance. Well done!
- Cory Houghton, Technology Coordinator, Earlham Schools
I concur, Cory. Nevada could not function without the AEA Tech Team.
- Ann Malven, Technology Coordinator, Nevada Schools
I agree with you both. It was a wonderful year, and it is good to know that I have the expertise of the AEA team just a phone call away.
- Jim Grife, Technology Coordinator, Colfax-Mingo Schools
Name Changes
Candice Green from Candice Gravett
Courtney Whittington from Courtney Hurdle
New Employees
Julie Bardin (Substitute Shelter Care Teacher Associate/PCDC)
Kevin Fangman (Director of District Services/JO)
Sherri Fitzpatrick (Substitute Shelter Care Teacher Associate/PCDC)
Stacey Geiger (Substitute Shelter Care Teacher Associate/PCDC)
Marie Johnson (Shelter Care Teacher Associate/PCDC)
Julie Raddatz (Substitute Shelter Care Teacher Associate/PCDC)
Keri Steele (Regional Director/JO)
Kurt Subra (Chief Financial Officer/JO)
Kathleen Van Sickel (Substitute Shelter Care Teacher Associate/PCDC)
Births
Congratulations to Sara Mercer (Program Assistant, Special Education Accountability/JO) on the birth of her daughter, Keisha Sara Mercer. Keisha was born June 7 and weighed 8 lbs. 8oz. and was 20.5 inches long.
In this space you can read about the great things Heartland staff members are doing professionally, to support our schools or to support their co-workers! Please send these types of good news messages to comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.
The following messages were sent via the Agency’s Tech Coordinator listserv.
I wanted to say thanks to Tuan Dao (Network Administrator/JO), Lance Wilhelm (Director of Technology/JO), Denise Krefting (Instructional Technology Consultant/AD) and everyone at the AEA regarding technology this year. Thanks for the stable, reliable systems this year and all of your guidance. Well done!
- Cory Houghton, Technology Coordinator, Earlham Schools
I concur, Cory. Nevada could not function without the AEA Tech Team.
- Ann Malven, Technology Coordinator, Nevada Schools
I agree with you both. It was a wonderful year, and it is good to know that I have the expertise of the AEA team just a phone call away.
- Jim Grife, Technology Coordinator, Colfax-Mingo Schools
Name Changes
Candice Green from Candice Gravett
Courtney Whittington from Courtney Hurdle
New Employees
Julie Bardin (Substitute Shelter Care Teacher Associate/PCDC)
Kevin Fangman (Director of District Services/JO)
Sherri Fitzpatrick (Substitute Shelter Care Teacher Associate/PCDC)
Stacey Geiger (Substitute Shelter Care Teacher Associate/PCDC)
Marie Johnson (Shelter Care Teacher Associate/PCDC)
Julie Raddatz (Substitute Shelter Care Teacher Associate/PCDC)
Keri Steele (Regional Director/JO)
Kurt Subra (Chief Financial Officer/JO)
Kathleen Van Sickel (Substitute Shelter Care Teacher Associate/PCDC)
Births
Congratulations to Sara Mercer (Program Assistant, Special Education Accountability/JO) on the birth of her daughter, Keisha Sara Mercer. Keisha was born June 7 and weighed 8 lbs. 8oz. and was 20.5 inches long.
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