Month: May 2014

Two government agencies have pooled their purchasing power to provide low-cost distance communication tools. Each of Iowa’s Area Education Agencies and the Department of Education has purchased Zoom licenses for their employees. Zoom is a cloud-based, video conferencing service that can be accessed from computers, mobile devices and room conferencing systems. With this tool, a host can invite up to 25 or 100 participants to connect via video conferencing. It also includes screen sharing, annotation, chatting and recording functions.

The Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC), an initiative of Iowa’s AEAs, coordinated the bidding process which led to drastically discounted pricing for the next five years. The IEC is also working to make licenses available for schools, colleges and universities.

“Zoom will save thousands of dollars which are put back into providing services for kids,” said Brent Siegrist, AEA Executive Director. “This distance communication platform will be used by all of our peers across the state making communication seamless. The cost savings also translate into fewer miles traveled and lessen travel time for our staff.”

For more information, contact Dr. Jerry Schnabel.

Requests for AEA 267 video production services are on the increase as video continues to expand in popularity both as an instructional tool as well as to promote agency services.

New sections of both the public and staff websites have been added to provide additional support and resources including ideas for “do it yourself” (DIY) video projects. Check out these great resources the next time you are thinking about how a smaller video project could enhance your work!

Questions? Contact Tiffany Schmitt.

The AEA 267 Board of Directors met Wednesday, May 7 at 5:45 p.m. in the Garner-Hayfield High School Media Center for a public hearing regarding the sale of the Forest City Office property. No objections to the sale were noted. The board then met at 6 p.m. for a public hearing regarding the proposed merger of Garner-Hayfield and Ventura school districts.

Immediately following the Reorganization Hearing, the board met for their regular board meeting. During the regular meeting, the board:

• Considered input from the public hearing and possible action on the sale of property in Forest City.
• Approved the Iowa School Cash Anticipation Program (ISCAP) resolution.
• Approved computer purchases for the 2014-15 school year.
• Approved membership with the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) for the 2014-15 school year.
• Approved the mutual agreement with Clear Lake Community School District to close the Clear Lake Learning Center program.
• Heard a first reading of the following board policies
  • 700 Series (General Public Relations)
  • 800 Series (Information and Technology Services)
• Ratified the Master Contract for 2014-15 with the AEA 267 Education Association.
• Set salaries for Non-Union Support Staff (NUSS) and Administrative staff for the 2014-15 school year.
• Heard a variety of reports from directors and fellow board members.