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.

Category: Uncategorized

  • Online IT knowledge base roll out

    The Central Rivers Help Desk is excited to announce a new online IT Knowledge Base to help employees gain access to IT-related support material.  Knowledge base articles include step-by-step instructions, general how-to information, and screenshots to help employees gain the knowledge to solve a problem or complete a task.  The IT Knowledge Base will provide employees with the opportunity to find relevant IT support information quickly as a self-service option.  Please contact the Help Desk at 319.273.8231 or helpdesk@centralriversaea.org for support.  As always, we are here to help you! 

  • Application process for RWS discontinued

    Staff working remotely will NOT need to fill out an application for remote worksite (RWS) for 2021-22.  Further details regarding RWS parameters will be available in the near future. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the HR Department.

  • Central Rivers AEA stands strong in support of diversity

    In June, the agency took a clear stance against the racial injustice and discrimination that has plagued the Black community in our nation for far too long. We feel it’s equally as important to take the same stance against the violence and discrimination often aimed at the Asian American community today. 

    Each of us must commit to doing everything we can to counter racial injustice and discrimination where we see it and take a stand. For lasting change to occur, we must keep the conversation going. As an agency, we value and respect diversity and celebrate our differences.

    For more information related to supporting the Asian American community, please visit the Division 45 Anti-Asian Discrimnation Task Force website.

    For more information related to supporting the Black community, please visit the Black Lives Matter website.

    Together, we can send a clear message that discrimination, violence, and injustice simply won’t be tolerated.

  • New CRAEA ClassLink employee dashboard launches today

    Starting Tuesday, April 6 all Central Rivers AEA internal staff resources (Portal, Time Clock, Work Year Calendar, etc.) will be added to the Central Rivers AEA staff’s ClassLink dashboards.  This will provide staff with easy to use, single sign-on (SSO) access to digital resources. 

    In addition, the “for staff” dropdown on the Central Rivers AEA homepage will be removed and an Employee Dashboard link will be made available in the footer of the homepage, which will take you directly to the ClassLink login.

    More information on the change can be found on this document. Questions should be directed to the Help Desk at 319-273-8231 or helpdesk@centralriversaea.org.

  • Open enrollment for insurance benefits set for April 19 – May 9

    The Open Enrollment period for insurance will open April 19 and end on May 9. Even if you do not take insurance, you must go through the open enrollment process, which can be found on the Portal under My Benefits > Benefits Enrollment. Please use a Chrome or Firefox browser and be sure to go through each step carefully.   

    An insurance presentation for all staff will be held on Thursday, April 22 at 3:30 p.m.  The Zoom information to join is below:

    Need support? Contact the CRAEA Tech Help Desk at helpdesk@centralriversaea.org or 319-273-8231.

  • A reminder about social media use

    A friendly reminder to all staff members about our agency’s board policy relative to social media use. Board policy 703.4 provides clear guidance that can help you represent yourself and the agency in the best light while online. Please take a moment to review and forward any questions to Beth Strike at bstrike@centralriversaea.org.

  • All-agency kick off meeting set for August 18

    Mark your calendars now for the 2021-22 all-staff kickoff meeting being held Wednesday, August 18.

    We look forward to seeing everyone face-to-face for the first time in well over a year!

    The day will feature an inspiring and informative presentation by Kristen Anderson of the Brilliance Project as well as time to reconnect, network, and prepare for an incredible new year of service.

  • Health insurance premiums increase for 2021-22

    The Central Rivers AEA health insurance plan has experienced extremely high claims during the first six months of our year.  Due to these high claims, the monthly insurance premiums are increasing 15-19% for next year.  

    Having a competitive benefit package remains a priority, so the agency will continue to cover the single premium for the $2,500 and $3,500 plans for full-time employees.  Part-time employees will continue to pay a prorated premium.  Employees enrolling in a family plan will continue to pay the difference between the family premium and the employer contribution. 

    Below is a summary of the premiums and employer contribution changes: