The Channel

Are you a “fan” of AEA 267 on Facebook yet? Are you “following” AEA 267 on Twitter? If you haven’t already heard, the agency has joined legions of businesses and organizations that have established a presence on each of these popular social networking sites.

“Over 150 million users visit Facebook on a daily basis,” said Beth Strike, Communications Specialist. “While it first gained in popularity as a personal networking site, more and more organizations are finding that Facebook is a great way to solicit success stories and support.”

Followers of the agency on Twitter will find short bursts (140 characters or less) of news and information shared throughout the week. “Twitter allows people to quickly scan headlines from a variety of sources and delve into those stories that interest them the most. We want to be included in what people are finding there.”

In order to keep “fans” and “followers” interested, your help is needed in submitting stories and news to share. Please review the agency’s strategic plans for AEA 267 Facebook and Twitter plans and contact Beth Strike with suggestions for content.

Wondering how you can become a fan? Simply go to the agency’s website and look under “Social Networking” in the bottom left corner. You will need to create a free account for both sites to officially join, which takes just a few minutes.

Last month’s Intersections article gave the executive summary of the results from the Agency Internal Needs Assessment for 2009.  The survey sought opinions on continuous improvement and district needs.  The first Internal Needs Assessment survey went out in Spring of 2008 and the table below shows the comparison between the two surveys.  As well as a higher number of participants in the 2009 Survey, the percentages of people who strongly agree/agree to the statements, other than one statement, have also improved.  Thank you to everyone who participated.

Percent of AEA 267 staff who strongly agree or agree

The AEA 267 Board of Directors met April 6, 2010 at 4 p.m. in the AEA 267 Conference Center for their regular meeting.

During the meeting, the board:

• Accepted with regret the retirements of Mary Bing, School Social Worker (Cedar Falls); David J. Kisilewski, School Psychologist (Clear Lake); M. Jean Meehan, Speech-Language Pathologist (Independence), all retiring effective end of 2009-10 school year; Janis Smith, Speech-Language Pathologist (Eldora) and Arlys Stevens, Physical Therapist (Eldora), both retiring effective December 31, 2010.

• Accepted with regret the resignations of Denise Dermody, Occupational Therapist (Cedar Falls); Amy Griswold, Consultant for Reading/Language Arts (Cedar Falls); Pam Johnson, Teacher of Early Childhood Special Education (East Buchanan Elem.); Bonnie May, School Psychologist (Sector 9);  Maria Peth, Teacher of Multi Disabilities-Resource (on leave from Waverly-Shell Rock High School); Nicole Pritchard, School Psychologist (Sector 9), all resigning effective end of the 2009-10 school year; and Dan Ryan, Teacher of Multi Disabilities-SCI (Eldora) resigning effective May 31, 2010.

• Approved a lease for new printer/copiers for the AEA 267 Print and Production centers with Advance Systems/Infomax. According to Dave Johnson, Print and Production Supervisor, the new lease will save the agency approximately $64,000. “We were able to right size the equipment and get a very good price from our vendors. We will be able to pass these savings on to schools,” said Johnson.
• Approved the purchase of a new school bus for preschool program from Thomas Bus Sales in Des Moines.
• Approved discontinuing the AEA 267 Coop Purchasing Program due to better pricing and efficiency in using the Iowa Educators’ Consortium effective September 30, 2010.
• Approved a grant application to the NEA Foundation for $5000.
• Approved the Business Associate Agreement with Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.
• Received the Chief Administrator’s recommendations to terminate licensed staff contracts due to staff reduction needs.
• Approved the 2010-2011 contract for Employee Benefits Consultant/Broker Services with Gallagher Benefit Services.
• Accepted with regret the resignation of Susan Klaessy, AEA 267 board member for Director District 8. Klaessy is a longtime advocate of AEA services and first served as a board member for Area Education Agency 6. An election will be held in Marshalltown next month for Susan’s replacement.
• Approved reciprocal transportation agreement between Allison-Bristow and Aplington-Parkersburg.
• Approved the renewal agreement for Iowa School Cash Anticipation Program (ISCAP) participation.
• Heard a variety of reports from directors and fellow board members.

The Board reconvened at 6 p.m. in the AEA 267 Conference Center for a closed session as per Iowa code 21.5(1)i, with G. Tryon and Associates to select four semi finalists for Assistant Chief Administrator/Director of Personnel interviews. Roark Horn, who will begin his duties as the agency’s new Chief Administrator on July 1, was present to help in the selection process.

Nearly 2,000 local educators responded to the annual Department of Education Customer Feedback Survey, which closed on April 9. The survey provides local educators across the state with an opportunity to provide feedback about the quality of AEA services they receive.

AEA 267 Panther Fans

While the Panthers may have lost their bid for an NCAA tournament title, AEA 267 staff members were among those who showed faithful support. This photo was taken on Friday, March 26 when the Panthers battled #5 Michigan State. (By the way, check out Dr. Sara McInerny in the second row and Dee Dienst in the third row…that’s some Panther Pride! Hint: If you click on the photo, you should be able to make it larger to view.)

Governor Chet Culver announced earlier this week that Judy Jeffrey, the Director of the Iowa Department of Education, plans to retire next month. The Governor has named Kevin Fangman, the current Division Administrator for PK -12 Education, as Acting Director until a permanent replacement is named.

“Judy Jeffrey is a national leader in education,” said Governor Culver. “She has been instrumental in implementing our state’s core curriculum and creating our statewide preschool program. In these difficult economic times, Judy has done an outstanding job leading this vital department and protecting the progress we have made in educating our children. Judy exemplifies what it means to be a public servant, and she will truly be missed.”

Judy Jeffrey began her career in education as an elementary teacher in the Goldfield Community Schools more than 40 years ago. She went on to work in the Council Bluffs Community Schools for 24 years, rising to the position of Assistant Superintendent. She joined the Iowa Department of Education in 1996, and was named Director of the Department in 2004 by Governor Tom Vilsack. Governor Chet Culver asked Jeffrey to stay on as Director of Education when he took office in 2007.

“It has been a privilege to work in a state where educators – from preschool to higher education – work collaboratively together,” said Jeffrey. “National experts have told me time and time again that Iowa has some of the best teachers in the nation and an education community that truly works hard for the children of our state. I am proud to have been called an Iowa educator.”

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.