The Channel

Nearly 600 AEA 267 staff members (599 or 51.9%) participated in the 2010 Internal Needs Assessment Survey. The number of responses is up from 355 the year before. This annual survey, administered through the AEA 267 Comprehensive Improvement and Assessment office, is designed to gather responses from staff around nine questions related to continuous improvement and meeting district needs. Overall responses were positive and indicated a variety of themes including concerns over workload, time management and paperwork requirements. Read the Executive Summary of AINAS 2010 today to learn more.

The AEA 267 Board of Directors met with search consultants from G. Tryon & Associates prior to their regular board meeting on March 3. The board spent time reviewing a Leadership Profile based on input received from discussions with the board, four focus groups and 59 responses to a Leadership Profile Survey identifying strengths and qualities desired in the agency’s next Chief Administrator. The Leadership Profile described 11 qualities from which the board had a chance for reaction and further refinement. A final draft will be used in screening applicants and in the selection of interview questions.

The deadline for applications is March 8. On March 26, the board will meet with the firm to receive the 4-5 semi-finalists recommended for interview. Interviews are set to take place March 31 and April 1 with a candidate hopefully selected immediately following. Interviews for the Assistant Chief Administrator/Director of Personnel will begin in late April with the successful Chief Administrator candidate participating.

AEA 267 office support staff members are asked to put May 4^th on their calendar for this year’s annual Office Support Professionals Day. This year’s event will feature a focus on communication and technology—two topics continually requested in evaluations from previous events. A wonderful day is being planned designed to provide inspiration, information and a chance to network with colleagues. Please plan today to attend this wonderful day planned specifically for you!

Last year, over 2,000 educators served by our agency responded to the Iowa Department of Education annual Customer Feedback Survey regarding AEA services. Responses were overwhelmingly positive and provide direct feedback for us regarding how those we serve feel about our service. This year’s survey will launch on Monday, March 8. All educators will be sent an electronic link to the survey to respond. Please encourage those you serve in our local school districts to take time to respond. Responding to the survey takes fewer than 10 minutes in most cases. Please note that AEA employees should not take the survey.

Please plan to attend one or more of the retirement open houses being planned in honor of our 2010 retirees (a list of retiring staff is still being assembled but will be available next month). This year we will also be honoring retiring Chief Administrator Dr. Dean Meier as well as those staff members who have been with the agency 35 years as we recognize the 35th anniversary of Iowa’s AEAs. Please mark your calendar today! All open houses will be held from 3:30-5 p.m.

May 18: Cedar Falls

May 19: Clear Lake

May 20: Marshalltown

The AEA 267 Board of Directors met March 3, 2010 at 4 p.m. in the AEA 267 Conference Center for a Board work session to meet with the search consultant and continue the search process.

The board reconvened at 6 p.m. in the AEA 267 Conference Center for their regular meeting.

During the meeting, the board:

• Heard a review from Dr. Ralph Bartelt on the Continuous Improvement and OEF process.
• Accepted with regret the retirements of Louise Cameron, Special Education Consultant (Charles City); Damon L. Lamb, School Psychologist (Marshalltown); Michele Murphy, Speech-Language Pathologist (Edison Elem, Waterloo); Terry L. Reed, Teacher of Multi-Disabilities-Resource (Clarksville Elem); Christine White-Rozendaal, Speech-Language Pathologist (Washington Early Childhood Center, Mason City), all retiring end of 2009-10 school year.
• Accepted with regret the resignation of Nancy Jensen, Teacher of Multi-Disabilities-Resource (Clarksville Jr./Sr.), resigning end of the 2009-10 school year.
• Motioned to hire Maggie Schoneman 1.0 FTE Teacher of Mental Disabilities/Severe & Profound (River Hills School).
• Authorized the Administration to seek bids for a 19 passenger school bus.
• Heard a presentation from the Administration on potential staff reduction considerations.
• Authorized the Administration to purchase computers for the 2010-11 school year.
• Approved an amendment/renewal of our contract with the ICN for internet services.
• Approved renewal of the US Cellular contract for cell phones and Blackberries.
• Heard a variety of reports from directors and fellow board members.

A Board Strategy Session for Collective Bargaining was held immediately after the Board Meeting.

Do you have a need to photograph or video your work with students or other educators? Wondering whether a release form is needed from the parties involved? Indeed a form is needed and they are available on the staff website for your access. Please retain signed copies of the releases in your file. For more information contact Beth Strike, AEA 267 Communication Specialist at 1-800-392-6640.

Just a reminder to staff that the agency archives all email that is sent and received from agency email accounts. If there is a need, designated AEA staff may access and retrieve employee email. This is in accordance to Agency Policies and Procedures that follow.

If you have specific questions, please contact Jerry Schnabel at jschnabel@aea267.k12.ia.us.

Acceptable Use Policy
Policy Number 101.4
The Agency will monitor the usage (direct or remote) of the network (e-mail, Internet, file transfer) to ensure equitable, adequate access and compliance with Board policy and regulations. Files may be accessed by persons with system privileges. The person in whose name an account is issued is responsible at all times for its proper use.

Regulations for Acceptable Use Information for Educators and Employees
Policy Number 101.4R1
The agency reserves the right to monitor users’ online activities and to access, review, copy, and store or delete any electronic communication or files and disclose them to others as it deems necessary. Users should have no expectation of privacy regarding their use of agency property, network and/or Internet access or files, including email.

Operation School Supplies is an outreach program supported by the men and women assigned to Kirkuk Regional Air Base/FOB WARRIOR. The soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and civilian contractors stationed there communicate the needs of local school children to their families, friends and organizations back home. When the donations arrive, they are packaged and distributed to the local school children in need. The group has recently been requested to assist several new schools in the northern part of Iraq. If you would like to assist, please see the information below:

Greatest needs:

• Glue Sticks
• Round-End Scissors
• Metric Rulers
• Color Pencils
• 2-Part Folders
• Construction Paper
• 8-1/2” x 11” Notebooks
• Pencil Sharpeners
• Color Markers
• Coloring Books
• Pencils
• Crayons
• Small Toys
• Kites
• Jump Ropes
• Frisbees
• Sporting Goods

(Please don’t send liquids, food or money. Please no religious specific or culturally offensive items.)

Mail to:

Operation School Supplies

C/O TSgt Patrick Brodigan

506 EOSS/OSW

Unit # 70077

APO AE 09359

“It was brought to our attention that the Student Records Office in Cedar Falls received all the credit for the recent donations to AEA 267 Devonshire School, when in fact they were from the entire Special Education Office in Cedar Falls. The Records Office did deliver them to Devonshire, and we would like to thank everyone who did donate items to Devonshire. It was very much appreciated by the students from Devonshire as well as the entire staff.”

Susan R. Glessner
Student Records Supervisor

The AEA 267 Board of Directors met February 10, 2010 at 4 p.m. in the AEA 267 Conference Center for a board work session with G. Tryon and Associates.

After the work session, the board met at 6 p.m. for a Public Hearing on the 2010-11 AEA 267 proposed budget where they heard comments for or against the proposed budget. After adjourning the Public Hearing they returned to the regular board meeting agenda.

During the meeting, the board:

• Heard a report from Dr. Sara McInerny, Service Area Director of Educational Services, and Linda Martin, Consultant for Curriculum Development, on their recent Educational Exchange trip to Estonia.
• Accepted with regret the retirement of Brenda McKee, Speech-Language Pathologist (Osage), and Cindy Brown, Physical Therapist (Cedar Falls) effective at the end of the 2009-10 school year.
• Motioned to hire Michelle Keough, 1.0 FTE Teacher of Multi Disab/SCI (Union Middle School).
• Approved the 2010-2011 office calendar.
• Approved renewal of the Professional Development agreement with Drake University.
• Approved the 2010-11 AEA 267 Budget.
• Reviewed and approved the ICN Service Agreement for Clear Lake.
• Reviewed and approved the AEA 267 2009-10 Annual Progress Report.
• Heard updates and approved action necessary to continue the recruitment and selection process for Chief Administrator and Assistant Chief Administrator/Director of Personnel.
• Approved a motion not to approve the lease on the Osage sector office.
• Heard a variety of reports from directors and fellow board members.

For many people, this time of the year can be a bit of a drag with winter showing no sign of letting up. This video, which tells the story of Patrick Henry Hughes, a remarkable man with special needs, is just what we need to stay focused on why we are here. Enjoy!