Year: 2012

During last month’s board meeting, the board took action to update policy number 401.18 which ensures that the agency is not only a “smoke free” work place but also tobacco free.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our working environment, (including grounds, facilities and vehicles) free of tobacco!

AEA 267 River Hills School recently received a $100,000 boost from the Black Hawk Gaming Association to go toward building renovation. This latest donation, along with other significant contributions, puts the school closer to meeting goals to renovate all 24 classrooms as well as other areas of the school that need attention.

AEA 267 River Hills School serves 145 students with moderate to severe and profound development disabilities.

Certified contracts were mailed to staff on March 15. If you did not receive one, please contact the Personnel Office at 319-273-8245. Please remember that contracts are due back on April 5!

Did you miss one of the three meetings led by Dr. Mary Stevens on the new restructuring plan? Want to review the information shared? If so, you can watch a recorded version on our AEA 267 Eduvision site. Search for “Special Education Restructuring Plan” in the title bar. The presentation is broken up into four sections for viewing.

Do you want to participate in meaningful professional development? Good news! AEA 267 has compiled a list of additional professional development opportunities that are eligible for two days of educator quality funding based on your feedback.

This list includes:

1. Current options available through the AEA 267 Professional Development system.
2. Autism training in June
3. Professional Learning Community (PLC) conference in June
4. OT/PT State conference at Heartland AEA or in Ames (both in April)
5. Diversity workshop in June
6. Learning Teams on a variety of topics. Top identified choices include: Early Communication Skills in Children with Down Syndrome, Handwriting Without Tears, Working with Premature Infants, and ICN sessions for students with significant disabilities
7. AEPS* (Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children)

Thanks to all who shared ideas for these new learning opportunities! The results can be viewed below:

For more information, contact your sector coordinator, supervisor or Kim Neal, AEA 267 Site Superintendent.

*More information to follow.

All of Iowa’s Area Education Agencies provide physical therapy services to help students with physical disabilities be successful in all learning environments. In this new video, see firsthand how AEA physical therapy services have helped Caroline Hill, a first grader who was born with cerebral palsy. Hear from Caroline, her mother and others on how the AEA has helped Caroline thrive at home and at school. (Be sure to click the play symbol to begin.)

Each year, agency staff members are given an opportunity to respond to a needs assessment survey around both organizational and personal effectiveness. Traditionally, the response rate hovers around 50%. While the participation rate dipped slightly this year, responses still remained extremely favorable which is reassuring given the many changes staff have had to adjust to.

Highlights include:

• 91.16% of staff reported that the agency consistently uses the continuous improvement process.
• 89.37% of staff reported that the agency consistently uses data to drive implementation of actions.
• 89.28% of staff reported that the agency consistently provides services that meet local school district needs.
• 88.02% of staff reported that the agency consistently demonstrates proactive leadership.
• 96.16% of staff reported that they understand how the agency’s values play a role in their work.
• 94.77% of staff reported that they understand how the agency’s operating principles play a role in their work.
• 98.46% of staff reported that over the last year they have improved their own skills in service content competency.
• 94.04% of staff reported that over the last year they have improved their own skills in using data in making decisions.
• 96.69% of staff reported that over the last year they have improved their own skills in relationships.
• 95.98% of staff reported that over the past year they would rate the quality of their own work as excellent.

For further analysis, download the Four Year Comparison of Annual Internal Needs Assessment

On Thursday, February 24, AEA Chief Administrators hosted a legislative breakfast at the Capitol. It was an opportunity to connect with those who serve us and share the great work we do for Iowa’s kids every day. A flyer highlighting a story from each of Iowa’s AEAs, was distributed. (Additional success stories can be found on the Impacting Lives blog.)

The AEA 267 Board of Directors met March 7, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the AEA 267 Cedar Falls Conference Center for their regular meeting. During the meeting, the board:

• Reviewed and approved the consent agenda.
• Heard a report from Consultants for School Improvement; Belinda Blackburn, Dee Dienst, Laurie Hayzlett, and Dianne Hinders about their role in the AEA and the services provided to our LEA partners.
• Authorized administration to seek bids for a lease for one school bus for the  AEA 267 Four Oaks program.
• Accepted Jerry Schnabel’s recommended bid for Internet services to AEA 267 and our partners.
• Authorized the administration to purchase computers for the 2012-13 school year.
• Approved quotes for the Clear Lake phone system.
• Approved administration’s purchase and relocation of a new data center for AEA 267.
• Approved renewal of the True North Logic system contract for online Professional Development registration and room reservation.
• Heard a First Reading of Board Policy 607.1 – Care, Maintenance and Disposal of Agency Records.
• Approved Board Policy 606.6 – Audit Committee.
• Approved revised Board Policy 401.18 – Tobacco Free Workplace as presented by Dr. Sullivan.
• Approved the extension of the audit agreement with Hogan Hansen for the 2011-12 audit.
• Discussed a name change for our AEA along with new name suggestions. Voted to table the discussion until the May board meeting.
• Approved Dr. Horn’s recommendation for our Charles City Office.
• Heard a variety of reports from directors and fellow board members.

Dr. Roark Horn and Dr. Anne Sullivan facilitated a strategy session for collective bargaining immediately following the board meeting.