The Channel

The following changes went into effect on July 1:  The Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse trainings are now separated and updated information from the BoEE clarified that educators will need to take BOTH the Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse trainings beginning July 1, 2019.

Each of those trainings will move to a three-year expiration. Currently, it is five years; however, current valid certificates are not affected. If a person took a training before July 1, his/her certificate is still valid for five years from completion. At that point when he/she renews, this next certificate would be valid for three years.

Please contact Shirley Horak in Human Resources if you have questions.

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 Central Rivers AEA Board Policies 401.27R1 and 401.27R2. 

Staff understands that their personal cell phone number will be listed in the Central Rivers AEA cell phone directory, which is published on the internal staff website. 

• The reimbursable amount is based on the number of contracted months up to $120 annually.
• All requests are subject to the approval of the AEA Regional Administrator and Executive Director.
• New employees hired after the start of the year have 30 days from the date of hire to submit a request for reimbursement at a prorated amount.

To apply for the 2019-20 reimbursement, submit the request form before September 1, 2019. Payment will be made on September 20, 2019.

Any changes to a staff member’s number must be promptly reported for adjustment to Laura Rinnels at 641-355-4244.

Just a friendly reminder that representatives from the Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) will be stationed at the Cedar Falls office, 1521 Technology Pkwy, Central Perk area, on Monday, August 26 through Thursday, August 29 for individual IPERS counseling sessions.

All time slots for appointments have been filled; however, you can always schedule an appointment in Des Moines by calling 1-800-622-3849 or visit the IPERS website for additional information.

Central Rivers AEA office locations return to regular office hours of 8:00-4:30 on Monday, August 12.

The 2019-20 Culture & Climate Committee is planning a tailgate party/potluck for lunch during the regional meetings on September 10. Please plan on joining everyone for this fun event which will be themed around the upcoming Iowa vs. Iowa State game on September 14. Watch for more details to come closer to the meeting date.

Bravo Sports has negotiated discounted tickets for AEA employees and other educators for two college games this year. Whether you are a Cyclone or Hawkeye fan, you’ll want to take advantage of these great prices. Below are links to more details: 

University of Iowa order page:

https://bravosportsmarketing.com/product/aea-iowa-tickets/

 Iowa State order page:

https://bravosportsmarketing.com/product/aea-isu-tickets/

The Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors met on Wednesday, July 24. This was the July and August meetings combined. Board agendas and minutes can be found online. The next scheduled meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 4 in the Cedar Falls Conference Center.

Mark your calendars now for the all-staff meeting being held on Tuesday, August 13 at the Cedar Falls Conference Center. Registration and social time will begin at 8:30 am with the meeting to begin at 9:00 am. The keynote presenter in the morning will be Tamara Konrade from INspired Leadership.

Regional and departmental meetings will take place in the afternoon and lunch will be on your own. A food truck from Chick-fil-A will be on site for your convenience or you can enjoy one of the many nearby restaurants.

More information and a detailed agenda will be sent closer to the date. Be sure to check your email.

There are new legislative changes coming to the Mandatory Reporter training. We will be adopting curriculum from the Department of Human Services for training starting this summer.

• The Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse trainings will be separated and updated information from the BoEE clarified that educators will need to take BOTH the Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse trainings.

• Each of those trainings will move to a three-year expiration. Currently, it is five years; however, current valid certificates are not affected. If a person took a training yesterday, his/her certificate is still valid for five years from completion. At that point when he/she renews, this next certificate would be valid for three years.

The changes went into effect on July 1. Please reach out to Shirley Horak in Human Resources if you have questions.

As we look to the future for the 2019-20 school year, our EQ process will change. A couple of years ago, we had a large surplus in EQ, and we worked with the EQ committee to create a plan that would enable us to support professional development and “spend down” the balance. This was the time when we added the ability to submit individual hours. Since we have achieved our goal of spending down the balance, this will no longer be an option.

Hopefully, you understand that although the 16 hours is no longer available, that nothing is being taken away. When we crafted this plan, we knew it would have a limited life and eventually come to an end.  Hopefully, the hours these past couple of years provided a little boost in some pay, and an opportunity to grow professionally.

Executive Directors Dr. Julie Davies and Amy Knupp worked with Regional Administrators and Discipline Leads to identify needs and to allocate EQ dollars that support our agency directives and initiatives. They presented their plan to the EQ Committee, and it was approved. Please review the identified budget allocations to learn more. Feel free to contact your supervisor if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.