The Channel

The 2019-20 Educational Directory is available online and can be accessed on the staff website under Communications and also on the main agency website under About. If you need a printed copy, please speak to your region’s administrative assistant. 

Stay in the know whenever there’s a professional learning cancellation or office closing! Sign up to get Central Rivers AEA weather alerts via text, call, or email. Staff members can contact Shirley Horak at shorak@centralriversaea.org for info on signing up. 

Our first icy pavement conditions were already experienced this week and the agency wants to remind everyone to be mindful of the ice and snow when venturing out. Be sure to wear weather-appropriate footwear and walk with caution. Shoes and boots should have a flat bottom and your entire foot should make contact with the ground. For more information on staying safe this winter visit the CDC’s website. 

Chief Administrator Sam Miller, along with agency directors, visited each of our three offices in October and provided updates on a variety of topics including the new strategic plan, health insurance, well-being, Ed Services, Media and Creative Services. A recorded version is available for those who were not able to attend in person or via Zoom.

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.