You may have heard about Heartland’s plans for Regional Education Centers (RECs) and co-location opportunities from your Heartland partnership director, so we’d like to provide you with some updated information on these important facility plans.
The Agency is in the process of implementing an REC model to improve service delivery to our school districts and to utilize our financial resources more effectively. RECs support the Agency’s transformation to provide services in the regions, close to those served by Heartland, as well as to increase the proportion of agency space dedicated to teaching and learning. Each regional center will reflect the unique needs and characteristics of the area served. In addition, the Agency is exploring co-location opportunities within schools to increase efficiencies relating to staff service delivery.
Phase I
During the 2007-2008 school year, the Heartland Board of Directors approved the Agency’s plan for five RECs (Johnston, Adel, Newton, Ames and the West side of the Agency).
The Phase I REC Planning Committee, which represented multiple stakeholders, developed a recommendation for the design and programming of all regional education centers. This effort was lead by Sheila King and Sharon Kurns. The work of the group considered current and future needs, the impact of agency initiatives, feedback from district staff, technology, options for partnerships, flexible spaces and file storage. It was noted that all RECs should have professional development classroom space, offices, storage space and professional resources/materials.
Phase II
On March 1, 2009, the REC committee (RECC) provided its Phase I report with recommendations to the Executive Council. The report cited data sources, general recommendations, location-specific recommendations and proposed timelines. Executive Council approved the Phase I report, which serves as the source document for Phase II.
From April-August 2009, various REC committees/subcommittees and co-location subcommittees were formed to assess and analyze opportunities in Newton, Adel, Knoxville and Ankeny. Based on feedback from these subcommittees, revision of the original Phase II REC commissioning document was necessary to provide further guidance, especially regarding co-location opportunities. Phase II (revised) encompasses FY 2009-2010 planning and implementation of REC and co-location opportunities.
The revised REC and co-location timeline for FY 2009-2010 is the following:
· Newton REC – completion NLT (no later than) July 31, 2010
· Adel REC – prioritization moved to FY 2010-2011
· Johnston REC – completion NLT December 31, 2010
· Knoxville co-location – NLT June 30, 2010
· Ankeny co-location – NLT June 30, 2010
Implementation of the REC model and co-location concept is a complex task because of systemic ramifications. Facility re-location and/or reconfiguration impact financial and staffing resources, service delivery and distribution systems.
Co-location opportunities will be important as Heartland moves forward with its goal to provide services closer to our districts and schools. As we move forward with these opportunities, your assistance in identifying potential locations and your input and suggestions will be appreciated. Next steps will be to continue regular updates to stakeholders, implement the revised timeline and plan for Phase III.
If you have any questions or comments about these plans, please contact Steve Prall, Heartland AEA Chief of Operations, at (800) 255-0405 ext. 14423 or at sprall@aea11.k12.ia.us.
