The Channel

Central Rivers AEA, in partnership with Keystone AEA, has launched the Staff Tech Hub, a new resource to help you use technology effectively in your job!

This quick, living document is updated monthly and focuses on three key areas:

1. Assistive Technology
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
3. Practical Tech Tips

The goal is to keep you informed, build your confidence, and share tools and strategies to make your work easier and more impactful. Check it out and start growing your tech skills! Reach out to Tiffanie Zaugg, Assistive Technology/AI Specialist, with questions.

Live documents, helpful resources and guides can be found on our staff website.

• Updates with CRAEA Special Education doc (this will include every update from editions of The Channel and important mid-month information)
• Special Education Updates

Live documents, helpful resources and guides can be found on our staff website.

• Updates with CRAEA Ed Services & Media doc (this will include every update from editions of The Channel and important mid-month information)
• Ed Services/Media Updates

Reduce stress & increase peace

Want more peace and less stress in your work and/or personal life? Core Energy Coaching can help! Central Rivers AEA offers free 1:1 coaching sessions with certified well-being coach Dr. Leslie Moore on Zoom. Coaching creates the space for individuals to recognize and shift out of Level 1 and 2 energy – where fear, doubt and conflict often take the lead – and move toward more empowering states like Level 5 and 6, where collaboration, possibility and purpose begin to drive thought and action. By helping people identify limiting beliefs, release blame and reframe challenges, coaching fosters a mindset rooted in curiosity, compassion and shared success. The result is greater clarity, confidence and connection – both internally and across teams. Schedule your session online!

Enhance your well-being & earn $250

Central Rivers AEA continues to encourage our staff to enhance their well-being by offering a $250 incentive for submitting evidence of understanding and skills in one micro-credential related to INspired Leadership! To learn more about microcredentials, review the Micro-credential Explanation document. To learn about and/or register for a microcredential you are interested in, choose and select: 1) Awareness of Internal Energy, 2) 4 Key Mindsets, and 3) Overcoming Internal Energy Blocks [requires both prerequisite microcredentials above]. Evidence submitted will be reviewed by Dr. Moore. If you need to create an account, have questions about microcredentials or aren’t sure how to sign up, contact Kay Schmalen at kschmalen@centralriversaea.org.

Congratulations to our Central Rivers AEA staff with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of service!

We are pleased to announce that Karl Kurt, currently the Assistant Chief Administrator and Director of Human Resources for the agency, has been selected as the agency’s next chief administrator to begin July 1, 2026. Kurt will succeed Stan Rheingans, Interim Chief Administrator, who will continue to serve in a shared Chief Administrator role with Keystone AEA until June 30, 2026.

In his new position, Karl will continue to lead more than 500 full- and part-time staff members who provide special education and school improvement services along with technology and media support for over 62,000 students and 5,000 educators across an 18-county region in north central and northeastern Iowa.

“Karl brings deep knowledge of our agency, has established relationships with staff and partners, and possesses a commitment to doing what is best for students, families, and educators. His experience with the AEA system will serve our region well,” said Dr. Debra Rich, CRAEA board president.

Karl has been with CRAEA since 2016, where he has helped lead strategic initiatives, strengthen organizational culture, and build leadership capacity across the agency. Under his leadership, the agency launched an internal staff wellbeing program, earned Top Workplace honors, and navigated significant organizational changes through statewide educational shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m honored and humbled to continue serving our dedicated staff and the districts we support as the agency’s chief administrator,” said Karl. “Our team works tirelessly to provide outstanding services and support, and I’m passionate about building on that commitment to ensure our continued success together during this important time in our agency’s history.”

Prior to joining CRAEA, Kurt served as superintendent in North Linn and Central City Community School Districts and held administrative roles in Independence Community Schools and in Ohio. 

With a foundation in school psychology, he has championed student well-being, staff growth, and continuous improvement. Known for his transparent, compassionate, and steady leadership, Karl has earned recognition as a data driven leader who makes decisions based on what’s best for all learners.

Our agency’s annual review of mandatory policies and procedural items are now available! For viewing, please visit the document as there are several important updates to read. A few examples include:

• Agency Operations (such as our vision, values, equity updates, etc.)
• Quick links available on our staff intranet (website).
• Navigating and understanding the important items in your Weblink portal.

There is plenty of information to go through, please contact Karl Kurt, Assistant Chief Administrator/Director of HR, with any questions.

If you missed the all-staff update on October 14 via Zoom, the slide deck and recording information can be found below. The next meeting (unless canceled if there are no new updates) will be held on Tuesday, November 11 from 4-4:30 pm.

• October 14 meeting slides
• October 14 Zoom recording
• Zoom link for future meetings: https://aea1.zoom.us/j/99941260595?pwd=1L7Lj66bUNsF6KqJ3t9TU3eTHuO3aB.1
• Meeting ID: 999 4126 0595
• Passcode: 713069

Great news – AEA Contact Manager is officially back up and running! AEA Contact Manager is our internal tool designed to help staff send targeted email communications to specific groups of educators. Whether you’re reaching out to fifth grade math teachers, special education staff, teacher librarians, or other targeted audiences, this platform makes streamlined, accurate communication easier than ever. What you need to know:

• Contact Manager uses data provided by local educators to create reliable contact lists and allows staff to deliver messages to the right people at the right time.
• The system will continue to be updated, and your assistance is key. If you notice missing contacts or changes needed, your input helps keep the database accurate and current. Simply use this Google Form to notify Creative Services.
• Visit our staff website and look under Communications to access the Contact Manager tool.

Need help?

If you have questions or would like support using the system, please reach out to either Phil Hendricks or Beth Strike.

We would like to welcome incoming staff for the 2025-26 school year!

April Didier, Educational Assistant – River Hills School

Professional Learning Team welcomes Jessica Dally, Administrative Assistant

Please give a warm welcome to Jessica Dally, who starts at the agency on November 24! She’ll be joining the Professional Learning office in Cedar Falls and will also be helping out at the front desk. Jessica is eager to meet everyone and learn how she can connect with your work, so please stop by and say hello when you have a chance!

Hi! I’m very excited to be joining a passionate group of professionals in my new role! I consider myself a catalyst for organizational efficiency and thrive in supportive team environments. My diverse sales/support work background allows me to bring a unique blend of skills to the agency. 

Since graduating high school, I’ve been fortunate enough to gain years of experience across diverse business sectors, including TV Media Marketing, Financial Office Managing, and Legal Assisting. These positions have equipped me with a flexible approach to problem-solving and a deep understanding of what it takes to support a successful team.

I grew up in the Cedar Falls area, spent six years in the suburbs of Chicago, and am now back here to spend time with my wonderful parents, my six crazy siblings (ranging from 34–14), my four incredible nieces, and two nephews who live down in Texas. When I’m not working, I balance life by exploring the local outdoors with my boyfriend Luke, binge-watching reality TV, and embracing the simple joys of life!