Your 2012 Form W-2 will be mailed to your home address this week.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (also known as the Affordable Care Act or Obama Care) requires employers to report on Form W-2 the cost of employer-sponsored group health insurance beginning with the 2012 reporting year. Staff members who participated in the Agency’s health insurance plan at any time in calendar year 2012 will have an amount reported in box 12, letter code DD of their W-2. The required amount to be reported is the sum of employer and employee premium contributions. Please note that this is informational only and the amount reported is not taxable.
Want to view your 2012 Form W-2 online? You can, beginning January 15, 2013. Login to your Employee Dashboard and select the Employee Online navigation tab at the top of the page. Once in Employee Online, go to the left side navigation and click on the “W-2 Info” link then on the “W-2 2012” link. This will open a PDF copy of your W-2 that you can print. Contact Payroll if you lose your W-2 and need an official replacement copy for tax filing purposes or for your permanent records.
A help document of tips to better understanding your W-2 can be found on the Intranet > Business Office > Payroll Forms & Information or by clicking here. This help document provides an explanation of certain boxes on your W-2.
If you have any questions, please contact Steve Jordan, Senior Payroll Specialist, at sjordan@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14908.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Processing of Iowa Individual Income Tax Returns Scheduled to Begin January 30
The federal legislation passed on January 1, 2013 to avert the “fiscal cliff” required revisions to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms and processes. As a result, the IRS plans to begin processing 2012 federal income tax returns on January 30.
Preparation of Iowa individual income tax returns is tied directly to federal returns. Therefore, Iowa will begin to process state returns on the same date the IRS starts to process federal returns. Neither the IRS nor Iowa will process paper or electronic returns prior to January 30, so there is no advantage to sending in a paper return. Taxpayers will receive refunds much faster by waiting to file electronically.
Eighty-eight percent of Iowans filed electronically last year. Filing electronically, with direct deposit, is the fastest way to receive a refund. Many taxpayers are able to eFile their federal and state tax returns for free. Watch the Iowa Department of Revenue Web site (www.iowa.gov/tax) for more details on electronic filing options.
The IRS also indicated while the vast majority of taxpayers should be able to start filing returns on January 30, some may not be able to file until late February or into March due to the need for more extensive form and processing systems changes. This group includes people claiming residential energy credits, depreciation of property or general business credits.
Preparation of Iowa individual income tax returns is tied directly to federal returns. Therefore, Iowa will begin to process state returns on the same date the IRS starts to process federal returns. Neither the IRS nor Iowa will process paper or electronic returns prior to January 30, so there is no advantage to sending in a paper return. Taxpayers will receive refunds much faster by waiting to file electronically.
Eighty-eight percent of Iowans filed electronically last year. Filing electronically, with direct deposit, is the fastest way to receive a refund. Many taxpayers are able to eFile their federal and state tax returns for free. Watch the Iowa Department of Revenue Web site (www.iowa.gov/tax) for more details on electronic filing options.
The IRS also indicated while the vast majority of taxpayers should be able to start filing returns on January 30, some may not be able to file until late February or into March due to the need for more extensive form and processing systems changes. This group includes people claiming residential energy credits, depreciation of property or general business credits.
Are You Using the Correct Mission & Non-Discrimination Statements?
We continue to see examples of outdated versions of the Agency’s mission statement and non-discrimination statement being used. Please re-read the correct versions below and ensure that you are using them appropriately. The non-discrimination statement is to be used on all formal agency documents and publications that are distributed to the public. Both statements can always be accessed under the Communications link on the Intranet.
Mission Statement
To provide services and leadership, in partnership with families, schools and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Heartland Area Education Agency 11 does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, genetics, national origin, religion, age, or disability. Direct inquiries to the Human Resources Director, 6500 Corporate Dr., Johnston, IA 50131-1603, the Director, Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-1004 or Director, Office for Civil Rights, Kansas City, MO 64106.
Mission Statement
To provide services and leadership, in partnership with families, schools and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Heartland Area Education Agency 11 does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, genetics, national origin, religion, age, or disability. Direct inquiries to the Human Resources Director, 6500 Corporate Dr., Johnston, IA 50131-1603, the Director, Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-1004 or Director, Office for Civil Rights, Kansas City, MO 64106.
Stay Connected With Facebook & Twitter
Remember you can stay up-to-date with news and information when you ‘Like’ Heartland on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/heartlandaea and ‘Follow’ us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HeartlandAEA! Do it today and pass on the word!
Iowa Dept. of Education’s Each & Every Child Newsletter
Click here to find the January 2013 issue of the Each & Every Child newsletter from the Department of Education.
Warning About Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Kit
If you use Mercy Clinic doctors, you may have received something in the mail in the last month from Polymedco, Inc. called a fecal occult blood collection kit, encouraging you to take a sample for colorectal cancer testing.
This sample kit was not sent by your doctor’s office and will not be covered under our insurance unless your primary care physician ordered the test. Also, Wellmark cannot confirm that Polymedco is an in-network provider. You are encouraged to talk to your doctor. Under our plan, your primary care physician may order a colonoscopy for you, and one routine test per calendar year will be covered in full with an in-network physician/outpatient facility.
If you have any further questions, contact Wellmark at (800) 355-2031 or Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385.
This sample kit was not sent by your doctor’s office and will not be covered under our insurance unless your primary care physician ordered the test. Also, Wellmark cannot confirm that Polymedco is an in-network provider. You are encouraged to talk to your doctor. Under our plan, your primary care physician may order a colonoscopy for you, and one routine test per calendar year will be covered in full with an in-network physician/outpatient facility.
If you have any further questions, contact Wellmark at (800) 355-2031 or Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385.
Follow-Up to Agency Culture Survey and Feedback
In May 2012, a random sample of Heartland AEA staff was asked to respond to a survey that could be compared to high performing organizations. This survey provided baseline information on the current state of our culture or “how we do things around here.” The results of this survey were highlighted during the all staff meeting in August and additional review has occurred in work groups and regional meetings over the past few months.
In addition to the steps that each staff group has identified that they can take to contribute to a positive agency culture, the Agency Planning Council (APC) is also taking specific steps:
In addition to the steps that each staff group has identified that they can take to contribute to a positive agency culture, the Agency Planning Council (APC) is also taking specific steps:
- Attending planning council/operations meetings to assist with two-way communication throughout the Agency.
- Adjusting the assignment of Regional Director Jim Verlengia to provide coordination of agency culture-building efforts. As a part of this coordination, Jim will establish on office in Room 10 of the Johnston Regional Education Center to more immediately be available to assist in coordination of workplace suggestions and concerns.
- Hosting several small group conversations in multiple office locations as an open forum for staff to ask questions and/or provide input for additional steps that can contribute to an improved agency culture.
Transition at Johnston Regional Education Center
As we continue to celebrate the life and legacy of our colleague, Sharon Kurns, we are also making some adjustments to support key functions and responsibilities. One of these adjustments is adding an office for Kevin Fangman, Director of District Services, in the Johnston Regional Education Center. Kevin will be providing support to the Region 4 staff.
Work continues to help coordinate functions for the months ahead and to assist with planning for the longer term. Any staff member who has questions or wishes to provide input to this process is encouraged to contact their individual supervisor.
Work continues to help coordinate functions for the months ahead and to assist with planning for the longer term. Any staff member who has questions or wishes to provide input to this process is encouraged to contact their individual supervisor.
Job-Alike Professional Development Plans Now Available
The Professional Learning Committee has posted the Job-Alike Professional Development Plans on the Intranet > Professional Development > Professional Learning Plans. Click here to access the plans. If you have any questions about a specific plan, please contact the lead group members listed in the plan.
Teacher Quality Offerings are Now Open for Registration
Below please find the options for Teacher Quality for 2012-13. These options are open to certified staff only. We ask that you use your professional judgment as to what course or study group you sign up for. This should be something you will use in your current position. Registration for TQ will be open from January 14 through January 31, 2013. You must be registered on or before January 31 in order to participate. There are two types of offerings: study groups and courses. The dates for the courses are listed, but as we did last year, you will register for the study group and smaller groups will be formed based on geographic locations.
Click here for the list of TQ offerings.
(The list contains links to the UR for each study group/course. After you click on the link, it will take a few seconds to load.)
* Click on the activity number for a description of the course or study group. If you want to see course objectives, assignments etc, scroll to the bottom of the description and click again on syllabus.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: I looked online and can’t find the options for TQ.
A: Because the options are not open to anyone (only Heartland certified employees) they are not listed on the catalog. You will need the activity number to go online and register through the Heartland website.
Q: Can I do more than one activity?
A: Yes, you can do more than one activity; however, you will only be able to receive TQ money for one activity.
Q: I took a class last year; can I retake the class this year?
A: TQ is intended for new staff learning. Participants can only be paid for classes they have not taken before. Also, if you are using the course for renewal of your license, you cannot use the same course (or one with the same title) if you have used it in the past.
Q: What if the TQ class is full?
A: If a TQ offering is full, we will try to get an additional section set up for participants. If this is not possible you will have the option to enroll in a different offering that is not full. So that we can determine if another section is needed, please sign up for the offering as a wait list participant.
Q: What do we need to do in order to form a study group (this is not the case for “classes” as those have instructors, dates and times already set)?
A: Study groups need to have at least 4 people involved (1 person to be the facilitator and 3 people as participants). Once registration is closed (Jan. 31), sections will be established based on geographic regions. Participants will then be notified about the membership of their group(s) sometime in mid February. At that time, groups will need to collaborate on choosing a facilitator (who cannot earn credit) and when and where they will meet.
Q: What are the responsibilities for Study Group Facilitators?
A: If you are leading a study group you still need to register. You will receive an extra $50 for being the study group facilitator. If participants in the study group take the course for Drake credit, you will also earn the Drake stipend. You will not be able to receive credit. As the facilitator you will be responsible for ensuring the group completes meeting logs, the final concept paper, and addendum pay forms. They also must determine and issue grades and record those in the web-based instructor center. If you are facilitating a study group you can participate in other TQ options, but you would only be paid for the one you are facilitating. As a facilitator you do not need to be a content expert, but must be able to facilitate the group learning. You must also have a vita on file with professional development.
Q: What if the activity I sign up for does not have enough people?
A: If a course or study group does not have enough people, you will have an opportunity to sign up for a different activity. You will be notified in early February if the activity does not have enough people.
Q: Can I use the credit to move on the salary schedule?
A: The credits from TQ offerings can be used to move on the salary schedule. Please make sure that you review the procedures outlined in the HEA agreements document on the Intranet and complete the needed steps for using TQ offerings to move on the salary schedule. This is your responsibility.
Q: Can I take a TQ offering during contract time?
A: Yes, however, this requires prior supervisor approval. If participating in the TQ offering on work time, you will not get paid TQ money and will not be able to use the credit to advance on the salary schedule.
Q: Can Classified staff participate in Teacher Quality offerings?
A: Classified staff can participate in TQ offerings but are not able to be paid out of TQ money.
Q: How much money will I receive for participating in TQ this year?
A: After registration closes and we know how many people are participating, we will be able to determine the amount of money people will receive for TQ. We are anticipating that the amounts will be similar to last year.
Q: What are the deadlines?
A: Registration for TQ courses and study groups begins January 14 and goes through January 31, 2013. Classes and study groups will take place between February 2013 and June 30, 2013. All learning opportunities must be completed by June 30, the end of the fiscal year.
If you have further questions about Teacher Quality, contact Sue Schirmer, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14379 or your discipline facilitator.
Click here for the list of TQ offerings.
(The list contains links to the UR for each study group/course. After you click on the link, it will take a few seconds to load.)
* Click on the activity number for a description of the course or study group. If you want to see course objectives, assignments etc, scroll to the bottom of the description and click again on syllabus.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: I looked online and can’t find the options for TQ.
A: Because the options are not open to anyone (only Heartland certified employees) they are not listed on the catalog. You will need the activity number to go online and register through the Heartland website.
Q: Can I do more than one activity?
A: Yes, you can do more than one activity; however, you will only be able to receive TQ money for one activity.
Q: I took a class last year; can I retake the class this year?
A: TQ is intended for new staff learning. Participants can only be paid for classes they have not taken before. Also, if you are using the course for renewal of your license, you cannot use the same course (or one with the same title) if you have used it in the past.
Q: What if the TQ class is full?
A: If a TQ offering is full, we will try to get an additional section set up for participants. If this is not possible you will have the option to enroll in a different offering that is not full. So that we can determine if another section is needed, please sign up for the offering as a wait list participant.
Q: What do we need to do in order to form a study group (this is not the case for “classes” as those have instructors, dates and times already set)?
A: Study groups need to have at least 4 people involved (1 person to be the facilitator and 3 people as participants). Once registration is closed (Jan. 31), sections will be established based on geographic regions. Participants will then be notified about the membership of their group(s) sometime in mid February. At that time, groups will need to collaborate on choosing a facilitator (who cannot earn credit) and when and where they will meet.
Q: What are the responsibilities for Study Group Facilitators?
A: If you are leading a study group you still need to register. You will receive an extra $50 for being the study group facilitator. If participants in the study group take the course for Drake credit, you will also earn the Drake stipend. You will not be able to receive credit. As the facilitator you will be responsible for ensuring the group completes meeting logs, the final concept paper, and addendum pay forms. They also must determine and issue grades and record those in the web-based instructor center. If you are facilitating a study group you can participate in other TQ options, but you would only be paid for the one you are facilitating. As a facilitator you do not need to be a content expert, but must be able to facilitate the group learning. You must also have a vita on file with professional development.
Q: What if the activity I sign up for does not have enough people?
A: If a course or study group does not have enough people, you will have an opportunity to sign up for a different activity. You will be notified in early February if the activity does not have enough people.
Q: Can I use the credit to move on the salary schedule?
A: The credits from TQ offerings can be used to move on the salary schedule. Please make sure that you review the procedures outlined in the HEA agreements document on the Intranet and complete the needed steps for using TQ offerings to move on the salary schedule. This is your responsibility.
Q: Can I take a TQ offering during contract time?
A: Yes, however, this requires prior supervisor approval. If participating in the TQ offering on work time, you will not get paid TQ money and will not be able to use the credit to advance on the salary schedule.
Q: Can Classified staff participate in Teacher Quality offerings?
A: Classified staff can participate in TQ offerings but are not able to be paid out of TQ money.
Q: How much money will I receive for participating in TQ this year?
A: After registration closes and we know how many people are participating, we will be able to determine the amount of money people will receive for TQ. We are anticipating that the amounts will be similar to last year.
Q: What are the deadlines?
A: Registration for TQ courses and study groups begins January 14 and goes through January 31, 2013. Classes and study groups will take place between February 2013 and June 30, 2013. All learning opportunities must be completed by June 30, the end of the fiscal year.
If you have further questions about Teacher Quality, contact Sue Schirmer, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14379 or your discipline facilitator.
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