The Channel

Dr. Roark Horn

It is with a great amount of mixed feeling that I sign off on our times together working for this great organization. On the one hand, and selfishly, I am sad to be leaving AEA 267 as I have very much enjoyed working with you on behalf of the wonderful children we serve, and I admire so much all that you do to help them, their families, and the districts that serve them. On the other hand, I feel like I am leaving an agency that has overcome many major obstacles and, through your tremendous effort, has come out the other side somehow even better than before. I am also very excited about your new chief administrator! As I have gotten to know Sam through various orientation activities over the last several months I have become even more impressed with the talents, skills, abilities, and leadership that he brings to you. And that is saying a lot, because I was already an admirer and a huge fan of his work prior to his getting this job. He rose to the top of what may be inarguably one of the most competitive processes in the history of Iowa educational leadership (and I am depending on our years together for you to know that I am not given to over-exaggeration), and you will see why as soon as you get a chance to meet him and work with him. All that we have done together over the last five years will continue to move forward on a great trajectory, because that is who you are, and that is who he is – the perfect union at the perfect place at the perfect time. Oh, and it should not surprise you that the process was so competitive, as your reputation across the state is what attracted that great field of applicants! I will look forward to continue to serving you and the whole AEA system from my new role – I think having a strong advocate for the AEAs at SAI can and will continue to enhance the opportunities we get to have to help children. So … you may have noticed that I never say goodbye in our conversations. It is always “see you later” or “see you soon,” because this is not really goodbye – it truly is ‘until we meet again.”

See you later,

Always,

r.

Dr. Roark Horn and Dr. Mary Stevens were the featured guests on the May 31 edition of KWWL’s “The Steele Report” hosted by anchor Ron Steele. The 30-minute show provided an excellent opportunity to educate the public about the historical impact of Iowa’s AEA on children, families and educators as well as examine current trends.

The Steele Report: 40 Years of Iowa’s AEAs (videos)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

In case you missed it, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier and the Mason City Globe Gazette both published an exceptional feature story about the work of AEA 267 and our impact over the past 40 years that will make you proud to work for the AEA system.

How can you help spread the word about this mission of AEAs? Share the story from our agency Facebook or Twitter account with your friends and followers! It takes all of us to help inform the public about what we do! We need your help!

If you haven’t already done so, please mark your calendar to attend the 2015 all-staff kick off meeting on August 12, 2015 at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) campus. This exciting day will mark only the second time that all agency staff has come together in one location for learning and team-building. The meeting will serve as a great opportunity to recognize your colleagues for their years of service, get to know our new Chief Administrator, Sam Miller, learn more about the changing demographics of Iowa and those we serve, and jump start the new school year.

The day will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. followed by an official welcome at 9 a.m. Keynote presentations, along with service area team time (for Special Education and Ed Services staff members), will follow. Lunch will be provided. (If you have special dietary needs that should be considered in the planning of lunch, please contact Kerri Wilson directly at 319-273-8201 by July 31). You will not need to bring a laptop for this meeting. You may want to bring a sweater or jacket in case the auditorium is cool.

For staff member convenience, as well as to conserve funds, the agency will provide transportation via rented cars and vans starting from the Marshalltown and Clear Lake AEA 267 offices. While riding agency provided transportation is not mandatory, if you choose to drive yourself to the meeting, please be aware that mileage will not be reimbursed. (Please note that you will be paid mileage for any mileage to pick-up sites less your usual round trip mileage to work.) If you plan to participate in agency-sponsored transportation, please respond via this link by August 3.

Parking: The GBPAC has requested that we park in the B Lot (across the street from the Center) https://shar.es/1rZoxn. There will be no need for a parking pass or money if you park there. Please note there is metered parking behind the GBPAC, and if you park there you will be required to feed the parking meter. If you park in the A lots you will be ticketed or towed, as a special parking permit is required for those areas.

Prepare for an incredible day! Enjoy your summer break and we look forward to seeing you in August!

Kelsey Baker

Kelsey Baker, AEA 267 School Psychologist, is the author of the newly published, “Our Special Family,” a book written to help and encourage families who have a child with special needs. Kelsey’s oldest son, Brody, was diagnosed with biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency after a newborn screening at one week old. The book is told from Brody’s younger brother, Eli’s perspective.

In her position at AEA 267, Kelsey sees many families facing similar circumstances. “…one of the children has a disability or deficiency, and the other sibling does not, which creates unique family dynamics. Children may not understand why a sibling may require more time, treatment and attention. This can be troublesome for children. Therefore, I was inspired to use literacy addressing family issues from a child’s perspective.”

Kelsey also hopes to make parents aware of the importance of newborn screening. More than 50 conditions can be detected by using only a few drops of blood collected from the newborn. Early detection and intervention can prevent problems before they can cause a child serious and permanent harm.

“Our Special Family” will be available for area educators and parents through the AEA 267 Lending Library and Family Educator Connection resource library in the near future.

Beginning Monday, June 8, AEA 267 office hours will be 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, August 10.

The AEA 267 Board of Directors met Wednesday, June 5, 2015 at 5 pm in the Cedar Falls AEA 267 Conference Center. During the meeting, the board:

• Approved the E-rate management agreement with Let Me Help You With That, LLC (Mike Kiely) for the 2015-16 school year.
• Approved the Flexible Benefits Plan and the Flexible Benefits Plan Summary Plan Description beginning July 1, 2015.
• Approved a renewal agreement with Jester Insurance for Agent of Record services for the AEA 267 Workers Compensation Insurance Program and authorized participation in the Retro Program for 2015-16.
• Approved the EMC Insurance Program for 2015-16.
• Heard a variety of reports from directors and fellow board members.

The AEA 267 Foundation Meeting was held immediately following the board meeting.

Although this video may seem familiar, it’s been refined to include a very special success story. Robbie Beard, a former student with special needs from the Marshalltown area, is now a successful, contributing citizen who attributes much of his success to the support of organizations like AEA 267. Robbie’s story will inspire you and affirm your commitment during these busy weeks of May! Many thanks to Linda Vann for her contributions and willingness to be interviewed for this story!

Annually, AEA Board members from across Iowa gather in West Des Moines for the AEA Boards of Directors Conference. This year’s Conference was held on April 16 & 17 and AEA 267 board members (Bryan Burton, David Giese, Darshini Jayawardena, Roberta Kraft-Abrahamson, Dr. Debra Rich and Richard Vande Kieft) represented our agency. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Brad Buck, Director of the Iowa Department of Education, AEA Executive Director Brent Siegrist and our AEA Lobbyists and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds. Special sessions were presented by the AEA Chief Administrators and Executive Directors– “AEA System Update,” Lisa Wilson, Grant Wood AEA – “Generations in the Workplace,” and Grant Lichtman, Author and Educational Consultant – “The Future of Learning”. A special treat this year was an Innovation Showcase held on the first evening, where students from across Iowa showcased some great programs and initiatives in which they are involved.

Please plan to attend one or more of the upcoming retirement open houses honoring AEA 267’s 2015 retirees. The celebrations will be held on Tuesday, May 12 (Cedar Falls Conference Center); Wednesday, May 13 (Clear Lake Office); and Thursday, May 14 (Marshalltown Office) from 3:30-5 p.m. at all locations. These celebrations present a wonderful opportunity to congratulate our honorees and recognize them for their dedication and years of service.Those being honored this year include:

Cedar Falls

• Rick Bagnall, School Psychologist-NE Sector, retiring end of 2014-15
• Elwood Bernard, Lead Custodian/Maint-Cedar Falls, retired 4/30/15
• Cheryl Breitbach, Educational Assistant-River Hills, retiring end of 2014-15
• Loretta Brimmer, Educational Assistant-River Hills, retiring end of 2014-15
• Cathy Edwards, School Psychologist-East Sector, retiring end of 2014-15
• Sandi Embrey, Educational Assistant-River Hills, retiring end of 2014-15
• Dr. Roark Horn, Chief Administrator, retiring end of 2014-15
• Sue Hotzel, Admin Assistant for Assessment/Comp Improvement, retired 2/27/15
• Dianne Hyde, Bus Driver- River Hills, retiring end of 2014-15
• Dyan Johnson, Professional Learning Secretary/Receptionist, retiring end of 2014-15
• Clair Judas, Special Ed Technology Specialist-Cedar Falls, retiring end of 2014-15
• Sandy Lawry, Admin Secretary-SpEd Technology, retired 11/30/2014
• Karen Marrah, Educational Assistant-River Hills, retired 9/16/14
• Brad Mattocks, Teacher of Mental Disabilities-River Hills, retiring end of 2014-15
• Kate McElligatt, School Social Worker-Cedar Falls, retiring end of 2014-15
• Kim Merner, Early Childhood Special Educator-Cedar Falls, retiring end of 2014-15
• Katy Rohle, Itinerant Teacher of Hearing Impaired-Cedar Falls, retiring end of 2014-15
• Shirley Sinnott, Special Education Consultant-NE Sector, retiring end of 2014-15
• Drinda Williams, Consultant for Reading/Lang Arts-Cedar Falls, retiring end of 2014-15

Clear Lake

• Harold Jay Colsch, Special Education Coordinator-NE Sector, retiring end of 2014-15
• Barbara Johnson, Speech-Language Pathologist-NW Sector, retiring end of 2014-15
• Leah Marth, School Social Worker-Osage, retiring end of 2014-15
• Mary Jane Michaels, Occupational Therapist-St. Ansgar, retiring end of 2014-15
• Linda Shepp, Special Education Consultant-NW Sector, retiring end of 2014-15
• Mark Shepp, School Psychologist-NW Sector, retiring end of 2014-15
• Karen Trettin, Occupational Therapist-Charles City, retiring end of 2014-15
• Tracy Voss, Graphic Design Specialist-Clear Lake, retired 12/31/2014

Marshalltown Office

• Belinda Blackburn, School Social Worker-South Sector, retiring end of 2014-15
• Kay Feltz, Speech-Language Pathologist-South Sector, retired 12/31/2014
• Mindy Kunkel, Clerk Technician (Library)-Marshalltown, retired 3/31/15
• Loretta Kvapil, Speech-Language Assistant-South Sector, retired 9/2/14
• JoEllen Lee, Clerk Technician (Library)-Marshalltown, retiring end of 2014-15
• Karen Madison, Early Childhood Sp Educator-Marshalltown, retiring end of 2014-15
• Sharon Niewahner, Special Ed Consultant-South Sector, retiring end of 2014-15
• Linda Vann, Professional Development Trainer-Cedar Falls, retiring end of 2014-15
• Karen Visser, Early Childhood Special Educator-Marshalltown, retiring end of 2014-15

If you have not already done so, please mark your calendar to attend the 2015 all-staff meeting on Wednesday, August 12 at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) campus. While we have not finalized all the details on the day yet, we are hoping to be able to offer carpooling options for staff. Stay tuned for more details to come this summer.

Effective immediately, staff can enroll for their 2015-16 benefits online in the IVisions self-service portal. All benefits-eligible employees must complete this process even if you are making no changes, declining insurance, resigning, or retiring .This is your only opportunity to make changes for the upcoming year without a life event.

Specific benefit details may be found in the IVisions portal under, My Benefits > Information Center. To choose your benefit coverage, select the My Benefits>Benefits Enrollment. Rates and previous year selections are shown as you make your new selections.

Please refer to the email you received on May 4th for details regarding plan changes. General questions may be directed to Human Resources. Please direct specific questions to Betty Beauregard, Benefits Specialist. The open enrollment period ends May 25.

AEA 267’s Board of Directors volunteer countless hours of their time each year to ensure that every Iowa student, family and educator served by our agency receives excellent service. Please join us in honoring our board members and consider sending a thank you note, email or making a phone call to one of the incredible AEA 267 Board of Directors. They deserve our appreciation!

The AEA 267 Board of Directors met Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 6 pm in the Cedar Falls Conference Center. Prior to the meeting the board was recognized for their commitment and dedication to AEA 267 in honor of School Board Recognition Month. During the meeting, the board:

• Heard a program review regarding Special Education Compliance from Justin Stockdale, Special Education Coordinator (NW Sector) and Greg Koppes, Principal of Bremwood School.
• Approved the agreement with OneNeck for 2015-2017 for technology security.
• Approved the contract with CenturyLink for telephone service in Cedar Falls beginning July 1, 2015 through 2017.
• Approved the agreement with the University of Northern Iowa for the Cooperative Student Teaching/Practicum Program for 2015-16.
• Approved the Iowa AEA Resolutions.
• Approved the Assignment and Assumption Agreement with the Iowa AEA.
• Ratified the Collective Bargaining Contract for 2015-16 with the AEA 267 Education Association. This group received a 3.51% total package increase.
• Ratified the Collective Bargaining Contract for 2015-16 with the Communication Workers of America. This group received a 3% total package increase.
• Set the administrative and non-union support staff salaries and total package costs for 2015-16. Both of these groups received a 3% total package increase.
• Heard a variety of reports from directors and fellow board members.