The Channel

A strategic plan lights the path for the key areas we will focus our work around in the coming years. It doesn’t, however, include everything we do. Learn more about the Central Rivers AEA strategic plan in this short video from Chief Administrator, Sam Miller. Note that for region staff, a more in-depth conversation will be held on this topic later this month during regional meetings. All staff are invited to learn more during the agency updates next week.

Resource: Strategic Plan Graphic Overview

Do you ever wonder how your other Central Rivers AEA co-workers spend their work life? On the Job @ Central Rivers AEA is a monthly series we’ve just launched to give you a peek into the work of others in the agency. Each month, Chief Administrator, Sam Miller, will spend time with a Central Rivers AEA employee and learn more about the work involved in their position. These highlight videos will also be shared on our website and social media sites to help educate the public about the work of an AEA.

This month? Graphic Designer Lindsay O’Regan!

We will be holding agency updates at our three main office locations next week. Each update will be held at the same time: 3:30-4:30 p.m. A Zoom option will be available on all three dates at https://zoom.us/j/345551121

These short meetings present an important opportunity to hear updates from agency Administrative Cabinet members on topics such as the new agency strategic plan, wellness, insurance, and more. They are designed to be informal and conversational so feel free to bring your questions!

• Monday, October 7 in the Marshalltown Office
• Tuesday, October 8 in the Clear Lake Office
• Wednesday, October 9 in the Cedar Falls Office

All staff members are invited to participate in an agency-wide Central Rivers AEA Halloween Costume Contest on Thursday, October 31st.  To participate just snap a picture of yourself in work-appropriate costume and upload it to this Halloween Costume Contest  Google Form or email it to Pam Kabela before 9am Thursday, October 31st.  Voting will begin at 10 am and end at 1 pm.  Winners will be announced by 2 pm via email.     

Generous CRAEA Apparel Store voucher prizes will be awarded. First place $50, Second place $30, and Third place $20.  

All locations will be decorating for Halloween, please contact your team to see how you can help create a spooktacular atmosphere at your location. We also encourage you to bring a spooky snack to share on Halloween.  

Good luck to all you ghouls and goblins! Ready, Set, Booo…

Central Rivers AEA cares about the health and well-being of its employees and recognizes that a variety of personal problems can disrupt their personal and work lives. Although many employees solve their problems either on their own or with the help of family and friends, sometimes employees need professional assistance and advice.

Everyday life can be stressful and can affect your health, well-being and performance. Fortunately, our Employee Assistance Program can aid in finding solutions. When facing personal problems, you might struggle with where to turn for help. The first step is usually the hardest, and guidance is often the key. That’s why the agency offers an employee assistance program (EAP). An EAP offers a confidential place to find the answers that work for you.

Under our EAP you can receive no-cost, confidential help for a wide variety of needs and concerns including, but not limited to:

*Depression

*Stress management

*Anxiety

*Marital difficulties 

*Alcohol and drug addictions

No problem is too large or small. Contact the EAP for assistance (866-451-5465).  

To support a timely staff replacement selection process and assist in budget planning, the early retirement incentive is being offered again this year. The incentive will be administered to Administrative, Certified, and NUSS staff as follows:

• Commitments of separation by resignation or retirement at the end of the 2019-20 work year submitted by Certified, NUSS, or Administrative Staff.
• Notification of resignation or retirement received in the Human Resources office before December 10, 2019.
• Accepted by the Board no later than the regular meeting on December 11, 2019.
• Will receive an early notification incentive payment of $1,500 payable June 19, 2020.
• Subject to the employee fulfilling their individual employment contract obligations for the 2019-20 work year. 
• Staff resigning or retiring who separate prior to the end of the 2019-20 work year are not eligible for the early notification incentive.

For more information, contact Karl Kurt, Assistant Chief Administrator/Director of Human Resources.

Barb Ehrig has retired from her part-time position in accounts receivable, effective September 30 and we will also be saying goodbye to Calli Boeckmann as Accounting Director on October 4. Calli resigned her position at Central Rivers AEA to become the business manager at North Polk CSD.

At this time, the accounts receivable responsibilities will be handled by Betty Hesseling, Benefits Specialist, and Mike Kalvig, Chief Financial Officer, will take over Calli’s responsibilities until an accounting director is hired.  

Please join Mike & the Business Office staff in thanking Barb and Calli for their service to Central Rivers AEA. We wish them the best in their future plans! 

Nearly 200 staff members are currently enrolled in some kind of challenge through our new Navigate website. We’d love to see even more of you using the tools to take control of your health and wellbeing while earning cash back! If you are enrolled, you might notice that you are currently receiving notifications and reminders regarding challenges you are enrolled in. Please be aware that you can control the frequency of those notifications if you’d like to receive less. Also note that you can access Navigate through our new ClassLink system. Need a refresher? Refer to last month’s post on this topic.

November 1 is the deadline for staff to update their AEA Learning Online account information. Please be sure the email address listed is your Central Rivers AEA email account  and that Central Rivers AEA is listed as your employer. Your account can be found here: https://training.aealearningonline.org. If you have any difficulties please contact Professional Learning at 319-273-8200. 

Onsite flu shots will be available this year through Hy-Vee Pharmacy at each Central Rivers AEA location. All employees (and family members, age six and above) are free to go to whichever location is most convenient.  Each person receiving a flu shot will need to bring a copy of their driver’s license and both sides of their insurance card. Please sign up by October 8 and complete the required form to bring the day of your shot using this flyer.

• October 15 (beginning at 8:30 am): River Hills School
• October 17 (beginning at 7:45 am): Cedar Falls, Clear Lake and Marshalltown offices

The Culture & Climate Committee would like to thank everyone who completed the CRAEA Culture & Climate activity survey.  Many great ideas were shared and your input is greatly appreciated. As the 2019-20 activity schedule is created, many of your new ideas will be included.   

The winner of the Carlos O’Kelly’s gift basket was Christy Diermer.  Christy mentioned she has never been to Carlos O’Kelly’s so this is a terrific reason to go!

Mark your calendars now for the 2020-21 all staff meeting to be held Tuesday, August 18, 2020, in Cedar Falls. We listened to the feedback from this year’s meeting and pushed back the date to kickoff the 2020-21 school year.  The orientation for new staff will be held the day before on Monday, August 17. 

Onsite flu shots will be available this year through Hy-Vee Pharmacy at each Central Rivers AEA location. All employees (and family members, age six and above) are free to go to whichever location is most convenient.  Each person receiving a flu shot will need to bring a copy of their driver’s license and both sides of their insurance card. Please sign up and complete the required form to bring the day of your shot using this flyer.

October 15 (beginning at 8:30 am): River Hills School

October 17 (beginning at 7:45 am): Cedar Falls, Clear Lake and Marshalltown offices

This wellness initiative is worth $15 in the Navigate wellness portal.