February 2013 Board of Directors Meeting Recap

The February 2013 meeting of the Heartland AEA Board of Directors was held February 12, 2013. 

Public Forum and Correspondence 
Mr. Pete Evans, Iowa State University (ISU) Architecture Lecturer, gave a short presentation on why ISU would like to purchase the Mobile Science Lab (Project SEMI). The University would use the mobile lab to help promote 21st Century learning. Board members asked him to develop a formal proposal for consideration. 

Discussion Items 
Heartland AEA and Des Moines Public Schools Partnership 
Dr. Tom Ahart, Interim Superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools, discussed the partnership between Heartland AEA and the district. He acknowledged the efforts in developing the partnership, and AEA and district personnel have been able to identify things that have previously gotten in the way of collaboration. Genuine efforts have been made to build a positive relationship. Board members asked questions about the district’s needs and how the Agency could help. Dr. Ahart spoke about the need for elementary math consultants who could provide coaching and quality control in math curriculum, and the need for building a robust mentoring and induction system. The district needs Heartland AEA and they have to be more intentional in showing that need. 

Board Committee Reports and Activities 
Board Advisory Council – The council continues to meet quarterly. During the last meeting, members provided feedback on the AEA Compact that focuses on reciprocal accountability. They challenged the Agency to think about what it would mean to share ownership of a district’s student achievement results. 

Agency Culture Actions 
Ms. Laura Gillon, Executive Director of Human Resources, asked the Board for permission to either purchase or print birthday and sympathy cards to be sent to staff. The Agency wants to be a caring employer and to be conscience of how it uses public funds. 

CAO Quarterly Evaluation 
Board members held their quarterly evaluation of the chief administrator. Dr. Vincent shared an outline of the actions and metrics she is using to increase performance in the Agency’s goal areas. Board members appreciated the outline and asked for time to study the document. 

Exira and Elk Horn-Kimballton Petition 
A MOTION was made by Ms. Borgen and seconded by Mr. Christensen to approve the Exira Community School District Reorganization Petition, which is in compliance with Iowa Code and the Heartland AEA Reorganization Plan. Motion passed. 

Insurance Plan Design Changes and Plan Years 
A MOTION was made by Ms. Borgen and seconded by Ms. Wilson to approve the design plan changes and increase the single/family deductibles from $500/$1,000 to $750/$1,500, and prescription drug co-pays increases from $5/$20/$35 to $5/$25/$45. The plan year start dates for the medical flexible benefit plan and the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) will also be changed to July to match the insurance plan years. Motion passed. 

Board Member Comments 
• The March board meeting will be held in Atlantic due to the Exira and Elk Horn-Kimballton reorganization. A portion of the meeting will be open to the public to hear objections to the petition. Those wishing to carpool should notify the board secretary for arrangements. 
• Ms. Borgen discussed the chief administrator’s evaluation process and if it provided enough opportunity for dialogue. She questioned if some of the evaluations should be held in closed session, and whether the evaluation process should be held twice a year with an annual review. 

The Board entered into closed session at 7:39 p.m. to discuss the 2013-14 negotiations process. The Board returned to public session at 8:30 p.m.