Our office buildings, grounds and River Hills School are always looking spotless, thanks to our custodial/maintenance team! While they may be more behind-the-scenes, their hard work does not go unnoticed!
Cedar Falls office:
Kevin McKenzie, Supervisor of Buildings/Maintenance
To support a timely staff replacement selection process and assist in budget planning, the Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors approved an incentive be provided for Certified, NUSS, CWA and Administrative Staff who provide early notification of their intent to resign or retire at the end of the 2023-24 work year.
The proposed incentive would be administered as follows: 1. Commitments of separation by resignation or retirement at the end of the 2023-24 work year, and
2. Notification of resignation or retirement received in the Human Resources Office before January 2, 2024, and
3. Accepted by the Board no later than the regular meeting on January 3, 2024,
4. Will receive an early notification incentive payment of $2,000, payable June 20, 2024,
5. Subject to the employee fulfilling their individual employment contract obligations for the 2023-24 work year. Staff resigning or retiring who separate prior to the end of the 2023-24 work year are not eligible for the early notification incentive.
6. Staff must have worked for CRAEA for three full years to receive this incentive.
7. Staff may only receive the incentive once per their employment with CRAEA.
An ERG is a workplace affinity group organized around a shared interest or identity. ERGs give employees an opportunity to connect with people who may share similar identities and/or experiences. They provide an opportunity for support for those who are members of protected classes or marginalized communities. ERG members (with the support of a liaison of similar identity or you) are encouraged to bring forward concerns that surface to help the agency make changes to ensure all staff feel welcomed and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. If you are interested in joining an ERG, please complete this Google Survey or reach out to Dr. Dana Miller.
Continuing Courageous Conversations:
Central Rivers AEA strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcomed and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Continuing work done by the Equity Committee and through the guidance of the Equity Coordinator, we will implement DEI training and provide resources to create awareness, educate and reinforce policies that support diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Bi-weekly “Courageous Conversations” will be a space, virtual or in person, for staff to gather for 45 minutes to have guided conversations, ask questions and learn about DEI topics.
Want to submit questions or comments anonymously to discuss during the bi-weekly meetings? Do you have general thoughts or questions about DEI+belonging that you would like to submit anonymously? Fill out the “Courageous Conversations” Google survey.
Upcoming book study opportunity:
Keep an eye out in the upcoming editions of The Channel for information regarding a book study.
Congratulations to the October Central Rivers AEA staff that were nominated for a Difference Maker Award by our LEA partners (school administrators, superintendents, principals, teachers, etc.). For our October nominees, here is what our LEA partners that nominated you had to say:
Kaylah Godfrey, SLP
“Kaylah impacts the culture of the building in such a profound way – it is hard to put in words! Between her smile, her kind words and cards of encouragement, every staff member appreciates all she does for us. Watching her work with students is heavenly! Every kid enjoys visiting with Miss Godfrey. She is an employee that truly makes school great and is a breath of fresh air! Central Springs is so lucky to have her!” -Central Springs school administrator
Brian Foster, Work Experience Coordinator
“Brian always strives to do the best he can to enhance the lives of young adults that need a concerned, caring adult!” -WSR Transportation/Maintenance Secretary
Ronda Reid, Special Education Consultant
“Through thick or thin, Ronda has been there for our students and staff. She has been an advocate for our parochial school with the public school. She has ensured that we are successful with our IEP meetings, our data collection and the needs of our teachers in working with our IEP students. Ronda always gives 120%!” -St. Paul & LIED Center school administrator
Crystal Klahsen, SLP
“Crystal is a huge asset to our students who need speech services. She works so hard to accommodate all the different classroom teachers’ schedules when setting up her scheduled times to meet with students. It’s such a joy to see & hear her enthusiasm for each student. It is very clear to those lucky enough to witness her interaction with students how much she cares for each student. Crystal has always been such a positive role model for kids. She comes in everyday with a smile and dedication to her job. Not only have I seen her interact with other students, Ms Crystal also worked with my daughter for many years. During that time I watched my daughter grow with her speech leaps and bounds.” -DNH support staff and teachers
Somer Muller, Special Education Consultant
“Somer works closely with our staff on advising services for students. She always helps communicate with parents about their student’s needs. She is great.” -BCLUW school administrator
The Educational Directory for 2023-24 has been updated and can be viewed and downloaded on the agency website under the Resources page. If you would like to have a printed copy, please contact your region’s administrative assistant.
During our kickoff meeting in August, all Central Rivers AEA staff had the opportunity to participate in a game of human bingo. Staff who filled out and turned in their cards were included in a random drawing. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Dawn Swehla, Special Education Consultant – Cedar Falls (Montage GC from Joel)
Charlie Patterson, Youth Shelter Teacher – Woodhaven (Montage GC from Joel)
Andrea Haaland, Special Education Consultant – Cedar Falls Montage GC from Joel)
Jeika Pinero, Early Access Service Coordinator – Cedar Falls (Montage GC from Joel)
Stacey Lyons, Work Experience Coordinator – Cedar Falls (Swag Bag)
Amy Gauthier, Speech Language Pathologist – Cedar Falls (Swag Bag)
Ryan Robison, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant – Hampton-Dumont (Swag Bag)
Jackie Fober, School Social Worker – Sumner-Fredericksburg (Swag Bag)
Certified staff: Certified staff should continue to take both the child abuse and dependent adult abuse mandatory trainings to maintain their BOEE license (no changes here). Please continue to send copies of completed trainings to the HR office.
News from the BoEE (certified staff): The Divisive Concepts & Scapegoating training is now a required training for CRAEA staff who teach in a classroom (HF802). More information can be found in the August newsletter from AEA Learning Online. If you have any questions, please contact HR.
Recently, there has been an uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases among Central Rivers AEA staff. Please remember the importance of following our current COVID-19 protocols.
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, such as headache, muscle or body aches, fever, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, notify your direct supervisor and HR immediately.
You should stay home from work and consider getting tested for COVID-19.
If your job responsibilities are compatible with remote work, and you are able to work, HR and your supervisor can create a schedule that meets your needs and those we serve.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you must quarantine for five full days after your symptoms begin.
You can return to work after five days if you are feeling better and have no fever for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication). However, you must wear a mask for an additional five days after you return to work.
