Now that January has arrived, let’s keep the giving season alive! Let’s have a little friendly competition to see if we can “Warm Up Iowa.” Details can be found below or view the flyer for more information.
The agency goal: from January 2 through the 31, let’s collect a minimum of 100 of each of the following items* to be distributed to our schools/shelters in need:
Gloves/mittens
Scarves
Stocking caps
Blankets
*All donated (brand new or gently used) items will be distributed to our local community schools/shelters (equally at the Clear Lake/Marshalltown/Cedar Falls offices). To celebrate our victory on January 31, we will host a soup potluck at each office location!
Thank you to all the staff that participated in the ugly sweater competition last month. Congratulations to our following winners!
First place: Laurie Huftalin
Second place: Angie Gansen, Corlene Collum and Rebekah Robbs
Third place, three-way tie: Carolyn Wanatee, Amanda Hennigar, Patsy Luker
Laurie Huftalin, first placeAngie Gansen, Corlene Collum and Rebekah Robbs, second placeCarolyn Wanatee, tie for third placeAmanda Hennigar, tie for third placePatsy Luker, tie for third place
The Central Rivers AEA board of directors have approved the agency office calendar for 2024-25. The calendar lists all holidays and office closed days for the school year. A downloadable copy of the calendar can be found on the staff website under Resources.
We’ve talked at a high level about some potential change to the AEA system that could be discussed this legislative session, and today I want to share with you a few more insights we’ve gained into the Governor’s potential plans for the AEAs.
This week during a legislative forum in Le Grand, Republican legislators in attendance shared that AEAs will be among key educational issues addressed in the upcoming session. Additional detail was shared, specifically by Senator Ken Rozenboom (R-Oskaloosa), who made statements about the “administrative bloat” and “mission creep” of the AEA system. (The Marshalltown Times-Republican recapped the forum in this article which provides further detail.)
We have continued to share information with you as it became available, and this is the first time we’ve had substantiated information about the upcoming legislative session for us to address. While this information likely stirs up defensive emotions for us internally about our work and the difference we know we are making for students, families and educators in Iowa, we now have a clearer picture of the concerns about the AEA system, which makes it easier to be more targeted with our advocacy efforts. The public sharing of the Governor’s concerns is an expected part of the pre-legislative session preparations, and we’re eager to work collaboratively to respond to them.
Should you wish to advocate with your local legislator on behalf of Iowa AEAs, please coordinate with Beth Strike or me and ensure that you are following these guidelines.
Effective Legislative Engagement Strategies for AEA Staff
As professionals on the front lines of education, AEA staff are uniquely positioned to provide valuable insights to lawmakers and influence policies that affect the quality of education in the state. The following tips are important to review to ensure that staff lobbying efforts follow the law and have the greatest impact.
Rules for Engagement
AEA staff must not use AEA-provided devices or email addresses when engaging with legislators, and should only communicate with legislators outside of traditional work hours. Similarly, staff who engage on social media with legislators must do so outside of traditional work hours.
When engaging with a legislator, staff members can identify their role within the AEA system, but also should state that they are reaching out from their individual perspective. For example, a staff member might write, “I’m writing to you as a constituent in your district who has concerns about xx topic. In my work as a physical therapist with the AEA….” This helps introduce your concerns and provides your perspective while demonstrating that you’re not speaking on behalf of the AEA system.
Be personal when talking about your topic. Your AEA will provide you with data and key messages, but your perspective as someone who works for the system is highly important in compelling legislators to understand the impact of their decisions.
Be respectful. Remember that legislators are associates with whom educators need to partner, and their intention is to make improvements for our state. Our job is to help inform them of the potential impacts of their decisions, and to provide a valued perspective as they gather information.
Key Talking Points
The AEA system will compile key data points and resources that staff might find helpful in drafting their messages to legislators, but it’s important to customize each email or phone call to your own issue from your perspective. Being clear about your issue will allow you to focus your efforts and create a compelling argument by:
Describing the direct services you provide.
Emphasizing the importance of AEAs to rural districts.
Describe how reducing your services through funding cuts could impact services to kids.
Avoid using educational jargon and don’t assume that the legislator has a working knowledge of your area of service. Be succinct, respectful and clear.
Contacting Legislators – Who to Contact and How
Staff are encouraged to engage with local legislators regularly through emails, phone calls, or in-person meetings. Personal stories and experiences are powerful and much more impactful than generic statements, and staff who work in our system are instrumental in sharing an intimate look at the potential impact of legislative decisions.
The Iowa Legislative website also provides a contact directory or you can use these Senators by School District and Representatives by School District spreadsheets sourced from the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB). Identify the legislator living in your area and, again, make contact using your personal email address only during non-working hours.
Please know that we continue to work with legislators and the Governor’s office, and this latest development just helps ensure we can be more specific in our outreach and efforts to establish an open line of communication. Continue focusing on doing great work with students, families and districts, and know that we’ll keep you apprised of information as it becomes available.
This week, the Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors approved an agreement with Mississippi Bend AEA to share the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Jennifer Coombes will support both agencies beginning January 1, 2024, through June 30, 2024. This will allow the agency more time to explore our options in replacing Michael Kalvig, our current CFO who resigned, effective December 30. Michael’s expertise and dedication to the agency will be greatly missed! Please join us in wishing Michael and his family the very best as he continues working to support school districts.
We also want to give a warm welcome to Jennifer as she joins the Central Rivers AEA team! We are looking forward to our new partnership with Mississippi Bend AEA and working with Jennifer!
Congratulations to the December Central Rivers AEA staff who were nominated for a Difference Maker Award by our LEA partners (school administrators, superintendents, principals, teachers, etc.). For our December nominees, here is what our LEA partners that nominated you had to say:
Cari Teske, Director of Media
“Cari invested time, care and energy by coming to our district for conversations focused on improving our district. From reviewing our specific board policies related to selection and review of materials to providing curricular resources, paraeducator library media technology courses and connections to helpful CRAEA media supports.” -Belmond-Klemme school administrator
Holly Ritter, Consultant for Literacy
“Holly supported our district with building a solid understanding of the comprehensive literacy framework. She co-taught alongside me, observed and provided feedback to new staff members. Holly has such a contagious positive attitude and is a huge asset to our school!” -Independence CSD teacher
Melissa Blohm, Consultant for Literacy
“Melissa has made a world of difference in helping East Marshall out. Her leadership capabilities are complementing our district leadership team in ways that we never imagined. Oftentimes as leaders, we talk about putting the right people on the bus in the right seats. She has complemented our leadership team in so many ways – too many ways to mention. We are grateful to have her as part of the Mustang team!” -East Marshall CSD school administrator
Amie Smith, Consultant for Mathematics
“Amie has been very helpful to my class. She introduced us to the Select, Organize, Associate and Regulate (SOAR) curriculum that we now use with our special education students who have math goals. We are grateful to have her in our school!” -Nashua-Plainfield CSD teacher
Liz Donnelly, Speech-Language Pathologist
“Liz does a great job connecting and communicating with teachers. She makes a point to reach out with concerns or things she noticed while working with students. She makes learning fun with her interactive and engaging lessons. Liz is so positive and enjoyable to have in our building. She works so well with teachers and students and has been fantastic in her communication and relationships with parents. We love having Liz in our schools – she has been a great addition to our district!!” -DNH teacher and school administrator
Emily Grantham, School Psychologist
“Emily comes to school everyday with a positive attitude and a heart for kids. She is a great resource and support system. Emily puts in extra time and hours, going out of her way to make sure that everyone has what they need. She makes time to brainstorm solutions, collaborate on writing IEPs and gives the staff she works with little “pick me ups” after a challenging day. Emily is a great fit for NP and we don’t know what we would do without her.” -Nashua-Plainfield CSD support staff, teachers and school administrator
If you missed the last Coffee with The Chief, the link to the recording and passcode to view can be found below. The next Zoom meetings will be held in 2024 on February 9 and April 12.
We are excited for the opportunity to participate in giving back to our communities again this holiday season! This year, we are partnering with the Toys for Tots campaign with drop off locations at each of our three main Central Rivers AEA offices. From now until December 11, please help donate new toys to give children a better Christmas season.
Last year, Toys for Tots impacted over 31,000 children in the Cedar Falls, Clear Lake, and Des Moines (includes Marshalltown) areas. Toys for Tots is not just for young children – they give gifts to all children up to age 18, living in the home. The older kids need personal care items, clothing and other accessories. The following is a more detailed list of items needed other than toys.
Earbuds
Perfume, cologne, lotion, and body wash sets
Makeup, nail polishes, jewelry and hair accessories
Movies and board games
Pajamas, trendy clothes and NFL hats and caps
Handheld electronic games
Purses, backpacks and duffle bags
Exercise and sports equipment
Tools
Manicure/pedicure sets
Phone accessories
Outdoor gear (i.e. snowboards, sleds)
Scrapbooking sets
Arts and crafts kits
All donations are appreciated and there are never too many gifts because Toys for Tots distributes remaining gifts all year long, giving to hospitals and other organizations with a need! Drop off your new and unwrapped toy or gift item at one of our office locations by December 11. Questions can be directed to Laura Rinnels, Administrative Assistant at 641-329-4244.
