Year: 2013

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

It now appears that an extension of the current reduction in Social Security tax will not go beyond December of 2012. Please let this serve as yet another reminder that beginning with your January 2013 paycheck, your actual “take home” pay will be 2% less.

Finally, if you have an opportunity, please wish Dennis Scudder well as he completes his final month with the agency before retiring. Dennis has served as the helm of AEA finances since 1974, as one of the original employees of the system. He has done an outstanding job as a steward of public resources and in guiding the financial decisions of the agency.

For several years the agency has hosted an Office Support Professionals Day (OSPD) to provide staff members with an opportunity to meet and learn together around common needs. While this day served a purpose, staff members now have an opportunity to participate in customized professional development that meets their unique needs through the new evaluation process. Thus, the “one size fits all” approach to learning no longer fits.

Thank you to those who have assisted with this event in the past.

The AEA 267 Board of Directors met January 2, 2013 at 4 p.m. in the AEA 267 Cedar Falls Conference Center for a work session.  During the work session the board explored the results of the Culture/Climate Survey presented by Janelle Brouwer, Special Education Coordinator, and were given a financial update by Dennis Scudder, Director of Finance.

Following the work session, the regular meeting was held at 6 p.m.  During the meeting, the board:

• Heard a program review regarding the AEA 267 Leadership Teams.
• Approved the 2013-14 Proposed Budget for Publication.
• Approved agreements with Hampton-Dumont and Marshalltown School Districts for the Ladders to Learning Program.
• Approved the Extended School Year Calendar for 2013.
• Approved the 2013-14 Office Calendar.
• Heard a variety of reports by directors and fellow board members.