As a reminder or for those new to the agency, Central Rivers AEA has two primary communication channels used to reach staff with agency news, decisions and relevant resources. The two major channels we use frequently are:
The Channel: a monthly blog designed to keep staff informed about all major internal news.
How do I access The Channel? – the front page of the staff website (note that you will need to login to access the staff website) or access it via the Employee Dashboard.
Who is The Channel for? – All Central Rivers AEA staff; typically sent electronically on behalf of the Chief Administrator 1-2 days following the monthly board meeting.
Agency Staff Website: an internal website used to archive timely and relevant resources to enhance productivity and communication.
How do I access the Agency Staff Website (Staff Intranet)? Bookmark the staff website on your browser or access it via the Employee Dashboard.
Who is the Agency Staff Website for? – All Central Rivers AEA staff
Please note that we are discontinuing the use of The Stream going forward. Instead, updates for staff who work specifically with children, families and educators will be incorporated into The Channel as part of the Executive Director updates.
The Equity Committee strives to ensure all voices are heard and represented as we continue our work and would like to add a few additional members. If you are interested in joining the committee please reach out to Dr. Dana Miller or MaKenzie Hakeman.
All agency documents and presentation materials that staff create to present to their school districts or in team meetings are expected to follow official Central Rivers AEA branding guidelines to maintain a consistent look. When writing for the website (including blogs), please use the online writing guide, which includes important accessibility information. If you have accessibility questions, please review the Accessibility Module.
If you have questions regarding branding guidelines and requirements, please reach out to Beth Strike, Director of Communications & Creative Services or Contessa Van Buskirk, Communications Specialist, for assistance.
The 2024 All-Staff Kickoff Meeting which will be held at each of our three office locations (Cedar Falls, Clear Lake and Marshalltown) beginning at 9 am on Friday, August 16. Please consider arriving early to enjoy some social time and secure your seat before we begin.
This year’s theme is, “Charting a New Course Forward.” While the past legislative session has been one of the most challenging times we’ve faced professionally, together, we will chart a new path forward in services to children, families and educators. Our hope is that day helps to give you a renewed sense of hope and purpose along with clarity about what’s changing and why.
Please note the following details for the afternoon sessions:
Cedar Falls office:
East Sector (formerly regions 7, 8) staff: Rooms A1 & A2
Detention Center & Youth Shelter staff: Cedar River Room
EL Team: Little Turkey Room
Clear Lake office:
Northwest Sector (formerly regions 1, 2, 3) staff: Rooms A, B, C
Marshalltown office:
South Sector (formerly regions 9, 10, 11) staff: Rooms A, B, C
Lunch will be a 90-minute off-site break. (This will be a paid 90 minutes for all Timeclock staff!)
The day will conclude at 3:30 pm* at each office location following sector or department team meetings. *Note that the afternoon schedule may vary somewhat depending on the department. Some staff may go back to their worksite for the remainder of the day depending on whether it’s necessary for their team (e.g. Creative Services, Media, Business Office, IT, etc.) to meet. Please await guidance from your administrator.
A quick links document is now available for all staff to view, featuring important resources and links updated daily. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest information.
We look forward to seeing everyone on August 16 and kicking off another great year at Central Rivers AEA!
We are excited to announce the hiring of two new Regional Administrators, MaKenzie Hakeman and Rochelle Richards, who will help to complete our Central Rivers AEA administrative team. In addition, a few shifts in oversight within sectors will take place to ensure that we have complimentary teams in place with backgrounds in both special education and school improvement. New assignments are as follows:
MaKenzie starts her new role with a wealth of experience including service as a math consultant, lead teacher in Waterloo Schools, and behavior focus teacher at Davenport Schools. She has a strong background in special education including master’s degrees in both educational leadership and special education. MaKenzie is passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment as well as closing the achievement gap.
MaKenzie Hakeman
“Despite the turbulence, I consistently find hope and purpose in our AEA mission: to provide equitable, efficient, and effective services to prepare Iowa students for a life well lived. As a Regional Administrator, I believe our primary responsibility in the upcoming months is to wrap each other up with support, foster a sense of hope among our employees, and continue navigating challenges together while remaining true to our mission.”
Rochelle brings extensive experience in special education having served as a special education consultant and significant disabilities coordinator for the agency since 2017. She has taught at all levels including service as a high school teacher at River Hills School. Rochelle holds a master’s degree in teaching along with special education consultant and Strat I & II endorsements.
Rochelle Richards
“I am excited about the opportunity to learn more and help districts, teachers, students, and families navigate the educational system here in Iowa, especially in the area of Special Education. I am deeply committed to continuing to learn, lead staff, and support districts with what they need.”
We are confident that both MaKenzie and Rochelle will bring valuable insights and leadership to their new roles and that the additional shifts in oversight of sectors described above will put us in a winning position for 2024-25.
A monthly update for both Central Rivers AEA and Keystone AEA staff will be held virtually on the second Thursday of each month, September 2024 through May 2025, from 4:00-4:30 pm. These updates will be conducted by Chief Administrator Stan Rheingans, Executive Director of Ed Services Tesha Moser-Zimmerman and Executive Director of Special Education Annette Hyde.
Starting August 1, 2024, Iowa’s AEAs will introduce a new fee structure for professional learning courses due to changes in funding from legislation (HF 2612) passed in 2024. The new fees will apply to courses entered into the AEA Professional Learning Registration system on or after August 1, 2024. Courses set up before this date will retain the previous fee structure.
The information below details the new fees for all course categories, including the new microcredentials category.
Additional Details
AEAs may charge extra fees for certain courses to cover specific costs.
While coaching for implementation won’t be included in any course, it is highly recommended and available at a daily rate.
Some courses may require a minimum number of participants. If a course is canceled, registered participants will be notified.
Fees for out-of-network participants, such as educators or retirees, may vary. (i.e., police officers, private citizens).
Starting July 1, 2025, all AEA professional learning opportunities will need approval from the Iowa Department of Education.
New Iowa legislation has changed Mandatory Reporter training requirements. Starting July 1, 2024, all staff licensed by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners must complete training every three years for reporting both child abuse and dependent adult abuse. Details on the new law, HF 2404, are available on the Iowa Legislative website.
Non-certified staff: Are still required to take the Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training every three years.
Certified staff: Certified staff should continue to take both the Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse Mandatory trainings to maintain their BOEE license.
All staff: Please continue to send copies of completed mandatory trainings to the HR office.
Key Changes
The one-hour recertification courses for Mandatory Reporter of Child Abuse and Mandatory Reporter of Dependent Adult Abuse are no longer available.
Individuals whose Mandatory Reporter training is expiring or has expired must take the new training courses.
Current Enrollees
Participants currently enrolled in Mandatory Reporter of Child Abuse or Dependent Adult Abuse training can continue to complete these courses to maintain their certification and meet current standards.
New sign-ups will be directed to a STOP page linking to the updated version of the training. Paid participants should contact AEA Learning Online Support for transfer assistance.
If you have yet to experience a two-day INspired Leadership Workshop or haven’t attended in the past three years, save the dates after checking out the 2024-25 workshop dates and locations. Year two staff are encouraged to attend the August 12 & 13 dates in the Cedar Falls office. Contact Dr. Leslie Moore with questions.
Well-being Support for YOU!
Would you like support in getting more of what you want and less of what you don’t in your personal or professional life? If so, Central Rivers offers 1:1 core energy leadership coaching sessions with certified well-being coach, Dr. Leslie Moore, via Zoom. All sessions are confidential and scheduled by you when you send Leslie a Google Calendar invitation. Want to keep it confidential? Just select “private” on the calendar invite. Reach out to Dr. Moore with questions.
A friendly reminder to all Central Rivers AEA staff: Please avoid putting non-approved stickers on your laptops. Stickers not made by our Creative Services Print Shop as specific laptop clings are difficult to remove and can damage devices.
If you currently have non-approved stickers on your device(s), please do not remove them. Our IT department will assist in removing them to ensure no damage occurs. If you need to order the correct laptop cling material for an event or group, please contact Randy Darst, Print Facilitator.
The employee cell phone reimbursement is for the necessary use of a personal cell phone in order to perform the responsibilities of the employee’s position, per board policy 401.27R1 and is subject to supervisor and board approval.
Requests need to be submitted on this form no later than August 23. Approved staff will be reimbursed sometime in September or October for the full reimbursement of $120 ($10 per month).
*Mid-year separation from the Agency will result in a payroll deduction from the employee’s final pay for the unearned portion of the reimbursement and mid-year hires will be prorated.
Changes to a staff member’s phone number must be promptly reported to Laura Rinnels at 641-329-4244.
As I prepare to depart from my role as Chief Administrator at Central Rivers on June 30, I want to take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey we have shared. Though my tenure has been brief, it has been profoundly significant, coinciding with one of the most historical periods in the 50-year legacy of Iowa’s AEAs.
During this time, we have faced challenges that tested our resilience and determination. The passage of HF 2612 has initiated major changes within our system, setting us on a new path forward. This period of advocacy and teamwork, as we strived to preserve the integrity of our mission, stands out as one of the most meaningful experiences of my career.
I will forever cherish the memories of working alongside each and every one of you. Your commitment to supporting children, families, and educators is nothing short of inspiring. Although I am moving on, my belief in the strength and adaptability of our system remains and I will be rooting for all of you from my new chair as President at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC).
Thank you for your collaboration, your passion, and your unwavering support during my time as your leader. Central Rivers AEA is a special place with special people. It’s been an honor.
As part of our commitment to maintain integrity and transparency within our organization, this is a friendly reminder about our policies regarding employee involvement in outside employment and business ventures, including the creation of private Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).
Understanding Our Policy
Our organization prohibits the use of one’s position for personal financial gain unrelated to their responsibilities at the agency. This includes engaging in any form of solicitation or business activity that utilizes agency resources or information obtained through your position.
Specific Prohibitions Include
Use of Agency Resources: Engaging in any business activity, including those involving private LLCs, must not involve the agency’s time, facilities, equipment, or supplies. Nor should it leverage any documents or resources that are the intellectual property of Central Rivers AEA.
Performance of Duties: Any outside business activities must not interfere with your duties or involve services that fall within your role at the agency.
Conflict of Interest: Outside employment or activities that could conflict with your agency duties or benefit from your official role are strictly prohibited.
Actions Required
If you are currently engaged in or considering initiating a private business venture, such as an LLC, that might conflict with these policies, please contact Karl Kurt, Assistant Chief Administrator/Director of HR for guidance.
Depending on the nature of the business, you may be required to cease the activity or take adequate steps to ensure there is no conflict with agency duties or unfair advantage utilized from your position.
Why This Matters
These rules are in place to ensure that our work environment remains fair and that our agency operates without any undue influence or conflict. Adhering to these policies not only protects the integrity of our agency but also each employee’s professional reputation.
Please take a moment to review our full Conflict of Interest policy, and do not hesitate to reach out to your supervisor or our HR department if you have any questions or need clarification on specific scenarios. Your proactive compliance and understanding are appreciated as we continue to foster a transparent and ethical workplace.
If you have yet to experience a two-day INspired Leadership Workshop or haven’t attended in the past three years, save the 2024-25 workshop dates and locations. Registration will be available soon in the new AEA Professional Learning Registration System. Year two staff are encouraged to attend the August 12 and 13 dates at the Cedar Falls office. Contact Dr. Leslie Moore with questions.
Summer coaching available to you
If you are interested in continuing or starting 1:1 core energy leadership coaching sessions through the summer via Zoom, you can schedule them through Google Calendar invitations. This Central Rivers AEA well-being benefit is available to support you to live the life you envision! If you have questions, email Leslie at lmoore@centralriversaea.org.
Micro-credential stipend deadline passed
For all of you who received notification that you earned either the 4 Key Mindsets or Awareness of Internal Energy micro-credential by June 3, congratulations again on demonstrating those key concepts and skills! Staff could receive up to $250 for earning one micro-credential this year, which would be in the June paycheck. The real goal of the learning is to enhance your well-being, so even if you missed the deadline, continue integrating the ideas into your life and notice what happens!
Mental health conditions and substance use disorders can be costly. Not only for the individual experiencing the life-altering effects of the disease(s), but effective treatment can also be expensive. Because of this, employers are increasingly expected to offer comprehensive health benefits that support their employees’ mental and physical well-being. In this new video episode, Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® experts Cammy Jenkins and Dr. Matt Stanley shares how.
Wellmark has expanded mental health resources and how employers can help their employees gain access. Don’t have time for the whole episode? Select a chapter within the link to watch specific segments. Included in this episode:
The increased need for mental health resources (1:40)
Wellmark’s dedicated behavioral health team and their commitment to members (4:55)
Self-service mental health access on myWellmark® (10:40)
Additional resources available to employers and members (12:10)
Mental health vs behavioral health explained (14:05)
Summer office hours went into effect on Monday, June 3 and offices will be open 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. A reminder to all Central Rivers AEA staff that all CRAEA offices will be closed on Fridays in June and July. Regular office hours of 8:00 am – 4:30 pm will resume on Monday, August 5. Enjoy your summer!
