Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals
• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success
Effective July 1, 2018, the IPERS contribution rates for employees and employers will increase as mandated by law. For employees, the rate will increase from 5.95% to 6.29%, and for employers, the rate will increase from 8.93% to 9.44%.
This change will be reflected beginning with your July 13th paycheck. The rate change will increase employee contributions by $3.40 per pay period for each $1,000 of wages, and the employer’s contribution will increase by $5.10 per pay period for each $1,000 of wages.
If you have any questions about this change, contact Steve Jordan, Senior Payroll Specialist at ext. 14908.
As you know, Heartland AEA’s 403(b) (tax sheltered annuity) program is part of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services’ Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC). Beginning July 1, 2018, RIC has added six new investment providers: AXA Equitable, EFS Advisors, GWN Securities, National Life Group, Security Benefit and TCG Administrators. These new providers are in addition to the existing providers of Horace Mann, MassMutual, VALIC and Voya.
It's important to note there are some key differences between the existing providers and the new providers. The current providers (Horace Mann, MassMutual, VALIC, Voya) have been vetted through a stringent request for proposal process. In addition, the providers and their underlying investments are reviewed annually by RIC and an outside investment consultant to determine fund performance and objectives, management stability and fund diversity. Additionally, RIC has negotiated lower fees and expenses on behalf of participants, and there are no sales charges, annual contract fees, fund transfer fees or restrictions/penalties for eligible distributions and exchanges between the providers.
The new providers being added July 1, 2018, have not been subjected to the same vetting process. Rather, the providers have met a few basic requirements to participate in RIC. There are no restrictions on the administrative fees/sales commissions that may be charged. Financial consultants may be inclined to sell investments with these new providers because the consultants receive higher sales commissions from them.
This At-A-Glance document gives you a high-level summary of all the 403(b) investment providers. If you are interested in using one of the new investment providers, you will need to complete a 403(b) Salary Reduction Form for payroll deductions beginning July 1, 2018, as well as open an account with your chosen provider. If you’d like to learn more about the 403(b) program, visit the RIC’s website.
If you have any questions, contact Steve Jordan, Senior Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14908.
Heartland AEA’s fiscal year will end on June 30, 2018. In order for the Agency to close its books in a timely and accurate manner, the Business Office needs your assistance in returning date-sensitive items.
- For payroll-related work completed on or before June 30, turn in timesheets and submit addendum online forms with appropriate approvals to the Payroll Department by July 5, 2018.
- Review open Addendum Online assignments and close addendum assignments that will not have any additional hours logged.
- For travel, mileage and purchases occurring on or before June 30, turn in claim forms, expense claims, invoices for services or professional development/travel forms with appropriate approvals to the Business Office by July 11, 2018.
- Do not put dates from two different fiscal years on the same timesheet, vacation request or in-area travel form. In-area travel forms with two fiscal years will be returned for correction.
IMPORTANT: If extenuating circumstances cause a delay in submitting expenses related to fiscal year 2018, Aug. 31, 2018 is the last date the Business Office will accept and process any claims for expenses occurring on or before June 30, 2018.
A separate year-end communication was sent directly to budget managers and support staff. If you have any questions, contact Brian Whalen, Business Manager, at ext. 14005 or Heng Fongkhamdeng, Accountant, at ext. 14417. Thank you for your assistance.
The July 2018 School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education is now available.
For the past few years, Bravo Sports has worked with Iowa college football teams offer discounted tickets to games for staff from Iowa’s AEAs and their families. (Unfortunately, Iowa State isn’t included this year.) Find out more information about discounted tickets to five Iowa Hawkeye football games on Bravo Sports’ website.
Star Staff
This message was sent by Angie Dugger (School Psychologist/AD).
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| Emily Donovan |
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| Jen Gilmore |
I would like to express my deep gratitude to Emily Donovan (School Social Worker/AD) and Jen Gilmore (School Social Worker/IN) on the Challenging Behavior & Autism Team. As a first-year school psychologist trained out-of-state, I knew very little of ABA principles and application within a school setting. After completing their "Survey of Applied Behavior Analysis Principles and Applications" three-part series, I have gained invaluable knowledge and practice in supporting some of our most vulnerable students. Their skills, patience and passion for student advocacy are inspiring. I've especially appreciated Emily's dedication to going above and beyond in supporting districts helping them to feel more confident in addressing behavioral concerns. Also, I've learned so much from her at our regional behavior consultation meetings and hands-on assessment experiences within the regional school setting. Coming from another state, I know these are all very unique training experiences not available to most practitioners, so I appreciate them that much more. I feel honored to have learned from these amazing behavior analysts/trainers! Thank you, Emily and Jen!!
Happy Anniversary!
Happy one-year Heartland AEA anniversary to our chief administrator, Jon Sheldahl! You made it!
New Employees
Jadie Boens (Director of Special Programs/YES)
Erin Hadley (Substitute Shelter Care Teacher Associate/YESS)
Position Changes
Shara Garner-Holderness to Regional Administrative Assistant (Shelter Care Program) from Substitute Shelter Care Teacher Associate
Title Changes
Tony Chiaramonte to Director of Human Resources from Human Resources Manager
Births
Congratulations to Jenny Padgett (School Psychologist/AD) and her husband, Jordan, on the birth of their daughter, Maya Ruth Padgett. Maya was born June 23 and weighed 7 lbs. 14.1 oz. and was 20.5 inches long.
