The Channel

Central Rivers AEA has achieved full accreditation from the Iowa State Board of Education following a rigorous review of agency services. The agency received the news during the Iowa State Board of Education’s regular board meeting held Wednesday, Nov. 16. The accredited status indicates that the agency has met all requirements for services designated by Chapter 72 of the Iowa Administrative Code.

“Accreditation is an important stamp of approval regarding both the quality of our services and their value to the students, families, and educators we serve,” said Sam Miller, Chief Administrator. “We take great pride in being an agency that remains committed to both service and leadership so this is welcome news.”

In the accreditation process, each of Iowa’s nine Area Education Agencies (AEAs) undergoes an intensive review of services designed to ensure that the agencies are meeting all requirements. The process includes interviews with representative local school personnel as well as agency staff members. Each of the nine AEAs have full accreditation status.

A full copy of the report and additional information on accreditation can be found here on the Iowa Department of Education website.

The Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors’ search for a new Chief Administrator continues with the recruitment effort led by the executive search firm GR Recruiting. An important date to note in the search process:

• Interview Finalist Candidates December 13 (closed session)

As what was shared with staff, the two finalists are Dr. Andy Pattee (current superintendent of the Cedar Falls Community School District) and Joel Pedersen (current superintendent of the Cardinal Community School District). Following interviews on December 13, the board will make a final selection on Wednesday, December 14. The name of the chosen candidate is expected to be announced immediately following.

For more information about the Chief Administrator search process, please reach out to Lori Thomas.

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us on November 18 for our Coffee with the Chief conversation. For those unable to attend, the recording is now available using the link and passcode below. *Upcoming dates will be announced soon for our next opportunity to meet as a full staff!

• November 18 Zoom recording
• Passcode: NV6Z1FD^

Registration for the full-day Disrupting Bias learning session, offered by Gina Weekley, is now open and will be offered at each Central Rivers AEA office location. Register online through the AEA Professional Learning system.

Course Description: Join us for a full-day learning session that will provide a framework to disrupt bias behaviors. Bias limits our ability to make the best decisions for our teachers, our students, and our families. The awareness of our biases is foundational to becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Unconscious bias is something everyone has and that doesn’t make us bad; it makes us human. Through this session, you will be able to recognize bias, disrupt bias, learn how to choose courage and increase your connections!

*This training is for Central Rivers AEA Staff only, and each session is limited to 50 attendees max.!

The Cedar Falls session is scheduled for Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 8 am – 4 pm. Please reach out to Gina Weekley, Coordinator of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, with any questions.

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging page is available on the staff website and provides various resources for all staff to create awareness, educate and reinforce policies that support diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

As a reminder from what was released from the Equity Audit, the “APA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Inclusive Language Guide” is an optional tool available to all staff to enhance learning and awareness of DEI terms and concepts.

Did you know… Expressions using “broken” English such as “long time no see” or “no can do,” originated from harmful stereotypes making fun of nonnative English speakers, particularly Indigenous people and Asians?

• Suggested alternatives: “It’s been a while!” and “Sorry, I can’t.”

Join us on December 19 for our next Courageous Conversations! Courageous Conversations are a space, either virtual or in person, for staff to gather for 30 minutes to have guided conversations, ask questions and learn about DEI topics.

Want to submit questions or comments anonymously to discuss during the bi-monthly meetings? Do you have general thoughts or questions about DEI+belonging that you would like to submit anonymously? Fill out the “Courageous Conversations” Google survey. Meeting information can be found below:

*All meetings are from 11-11:30 am.

• December 19, January 9, January 23, February 6, February 20, March 6, March 20
• Join the Zoom Meeting: https://centralriversaea.zoom.us/j/6050295031
• Zoom ID: 605 029 5031
• Padlet: https://padlet.com/cvanbuskirk4/9kmkgeeklejy5sdx

More information can be found on the “Courageous Conversations” page on our staff website. Please reach out to Gina Weekley, Coordinator of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, with any questions.

Central Rivers AEA’s Chief Financial Officer, Michael Kalvig, shares some important information to help increase awareness around the recent K-12 cybersecurity attacks that are happening in our schools across Iowa. *Please watch the cybersecurity video to better understand why it’s important to participate in the work our IT department is doing to educate staff about cybersecurity. (Note related article below.)