The Channel

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.

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.