Month: January 2014

Did you know that 88% of Iowans filed their income tax returns electronically last year? Filing electronically or “e-filing” is easy, safe, and decreases the time it takes to receive your refund. Those individuals who are 25 or younger, 65 or older, or in the military may qualify to efile for free. For more information, visit www.iowa.gov/tax

The Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) website offers a convenient feature called “My Account” which offers individualized information about your IPERS benefits. This feature allows you to view a record of contributions, keep your contact information up-to-date, estimate your benefits, and update beneficiary information. For more information, visit www.ipers.org

Did that headline grab your attention? Of course you make a difference! Every day, AEA 267 staff members are doing incredible things to improve the lives of children and families and/or positively impact teaching and learning where they work.

Beth Strike is in need of your success stories! What makes a great success story? Stories have a better chance of attracting news media interest when they meet one or more of the following criteria: (1.) the story is current; (2.) there is a local angle; (3.) well-known organizations or people are involved from the community–could be a partnership we have with another organization; (4.) there is something “unique” or different about the story (this really helps!); (5.) the story has a “human” element to it to grab the reader/viewer’s attention (perfect for the type of stories we have to share); (6.) there is some conflict involved (typically not stories we like to involve ourselves in); and/or (7.) the story topic presents something completely new.

Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

• What has happened in the past month, six months or year that is new, different or relevant in the way the service or program you are involved in is delivered, received or administered?

• Can we provide a case study (with names) of a student, family, teacher or AEA staff person that exemplifies an agency service/program? Keep in mind that we need people who are very willing to share their story.

• Have you won a significant award in your field?

• Can a development in one of our services tie into a well-known week, day or event?

• Do you have a well-known expert coming to speak to educators or others?

• What significant projects are we partnering with other organizations on?

• Is there a trend that we could provide comment on?

Remember to contact Beth Strike to make all contacts with the news media. Your story ideas are welcome!

Thank you to everyone who donated both cash and prizes for the 2013 Food Bank Drive. Together, we were able to raise $1,887 to help stock food pantries in Iowa. What a great accomplishment! Special thanks to Kerri Wilson, Donna Perry, Morgan Frederick, Tricia Petersen, Joan Coffin, Beth Strike, and Lori Thomas for their support and assistance with this process.

On December 18, a random number generator was used to pick the winners of the prizes donated by our administrative staff. The winners are:

The AEA 267 Board of Directors met Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 6 p.m. via a conference call from the AEA 267 Cedar Falls Conference Center for their regular meeting. During the meeting, the board:

• Approved the 2014-15 proposed budget for publication.

• Approved the first reading of the following board policies:

  • 300 Series (Administration)

  • 400 Series (Personnel)

• Approved the agreement with Dunkerton CSD for the Ladders to Learning program for the 2013-14 school year.

• Tabled a recommendation for an Insurance Consultant.

• Tabled action on the purchase of Media Vans.

• Heard a variety of reports from directors and fellow board members.