The Channel - a blog for Central Rivers AEA staff and board members Our Mission: To Deliver High-quality, evidence-based, and strategic services to our education partners that meet the diverse needs of iowa's learners (birth-21_), educators, and school Communities.

Month: June 2014

  • Results of the 2014 Culture/Climate survey are in!

    Thank you to the 343 of you who participated in the 2014 Culture and Climate Survey. This important survey provides feedback on how AEA 267 employees feel about critical issues such as recognition for their work, the extent to which their opinions count in decision making and knowing what is expected of them.

    Earlier this month, the AEA 267 all-agency Leadership Team reviewed the results of the 2014 survey and brainstormed actions to continue down the path of continuous improvement. In the fall, a more thorough plan will be shared with you via Intersections including specific actions the agency will take to keep improving. Overall, however, results are overwhelmingly positive! Please review them by downloading this PowerPoint presentation put together by Janelle Brouwer, who has been assisting with the analysis process.

  • Summer hours begin June 9

    summer-office-hours_COLORJust a friendly reminder that summer hours will begin on June 9 and run through August 8. Official office hours will be 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. during that period. If you are going off contract for the summer, please ensure that your voicemail greeting and “out of office” email message indicate who is handling inquiries in your absence along with when you plan to return. If you have questions, please visit the staff website (remember to use your email username and password to access).

  • New benefit for AEA 267 employees

    The Business Office is happy to announce that employees covered under our Long Term Disability Insurance policy will have access to identity theft assistance as of July 1, 2014. Both employees and their family members are covered at no additional cost and with no additional sign up.

    Having your personal information stolen can be stressful and overwhelming. If you lose your wallet, suspect credit card fraud or if any of your personal or financial information were to become compromised, you are just a phone call away from help. A dedicated person will assist you in contacting the necessary agencies, completing the required paperwork and providing the follow-up and support you need through the restoration process.

    The attached flyer provides you with the contact information and an outline of its services. Please keep this item for your records. It is also available on the staff portal under My Benefits, Information Center.

  • Location change for NE sector meeting, reminder about dates for all

    Due to the costs involved in renting outside facilities, it has been decided to hold the NE Sector meeting on August 12 in the AEA 267 Cedar Falls Conference Center vs. a separate location in Waverly. Also, given space considerations in the AEA 267 Cedar Falls Conference Center, River Hills School staff will meet on August 13 on their campus as opposed to joining one of the sector meetings.

    August 11 –  NW Sector and Pinecrest Center at AEA 267 Clear Lake Office

    August 12 – NE Sector and Bremwood School at AEA 267 Cedar Falls Conference Center

    August 13 – East Sector at AEA 267 Cedar Falls Conference Center

    August 13 — River Hills School at River Hills School campus

    August 14 – South Sector at AEA 267 Marshalltown Office

    Have a great summer (for those going off contract) and see you in August!

  • June Board Recap

    The AEA 267 Board of Directors met Wednesday, June 4 at 4 p.m. in the Cedar Falls AEA 267 Administrative Conference Room for a work session focused on the annual evaluation of the chief administrator.

    Immediately following a break for a meal, the board met for their regular board meeting in the Cedar Falls AEA 267 Conference Center. During the regular meeting, the board:

    • Heard a program review regarding an update on the Special Education compliance process from Dr. Mary Stevens, Dennis Sinclair and Greg Koppes.
    • Approved the Professional Development agreement with Morningside College for 2014-15.
    • Approved the Professional Development agreement with Viterbo University for 2014-15.
    • Approved the renewal of the contract with the State Training School for Special Education and Transition services for 2014-15.
    • Approved the renewal agreement with Jester Insurance for Agent of Record services for the AEA 267 Workers Compensation Insurance including the Retro Program for 2014-15.
    • Approved the EMC Insurance Program for 2014-15.
    • Tabled until the July meeting, the renewal of the Ethernet Lease with Iowa Communications Network for the AEA 267 Cedar Falls campus effective July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2019.
    • Approved the second reading of the following board policies:
      • 700 Series (General Public Relations)
      • 800 Series (Information and Technology Services)
    • Determined AEA 267’s legislative priorities for 2015.
    • Heard a report from Dr. Roark Horn regarding the agency four-year facility plan.

    The AEA 267 Foundation meeting was held immediately following the regular board meeting.