Coming April 4! Dr. Timothy D. Kanold to Lead Wellness Sessions for Educators on Leadership and Physical/Mental Wellness: Thriving At Work and At Home!

Afternoon Workshop 

April 4 

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. 

Heartland AEA

Regional Education Center

6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston 

In this decade, teaching and leading in pursuit of improved student achievement is hard to do well – day in and day out. The work at hand takes its toll physically and mentally. During this highly interactive, sometimes funny, sometimes serious, and always engaging session, Dr. Timothy D. Kanold, uses the Wellness Solutions for Educators™ framework to take a deep dive into the physical and mental wellness challenges that exist in the daily life of all educators. The neuroscience research is crystal clear: Improved sleep and rest, food and hydration, and movement are interwoven together as a result of daily decision-making and the intentional planning for living a more balanced and active life. Participants will be (re)invigorated, (re)inspired, and (re)connected to the benefits of a sustainable and thriving home and work life. 

Outcomes: 

Participants can expect to: 

• Discover brain research associated with sleep, rest, hydration, movement and decision fatigue. 
• Consider specific strategies for incorporating improved sleep, rest, hydration, movement, balance, and decision-making routines into daily life. 
• Embrace the emotional wellness routine of mindfulness to build atomic habits that stick.
• Give the physical wellness routine of movement clout in everyday life. 
• Understand how to use the social wellness routines of trust and relationships to develop friendships and effectively collaborate with others. 

Registration 

There is no cost to attend. Registration includes a copy of Dr. Kanold’s book, Educator Wellness (2022).  

About Dr. Kanold 

Timothy D. Kanold, Ph.D., is former Director of Mathematics and Science and School Superintendent of Adlai E. Stevenson HSD 125, Lincolnshire, Illinois, the birthplace of PLCs At Work. Also author of the best-selling and award-winning books HEART! (2017) and SOUL! (2021) and co-author with Dr. Tina H. Boogren of the best-selling book Educator Wellness (2022).

Mark Your Calendars for April 5 HAA Meeting

The next Heartland Administrator Associations' (HAA) meeting will be held on April 5. The agenda features two guest speakers: Jeff Weld, Ph.D., the Executive Director of the Iowa STEM Council and Joan Bessman Taylor, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for School Library Studies from the University of Northern Iowa. The meeting will be held from 9:00 -11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston and via Zoom.

We’re Giving Away Books! For FREE!

We're having a book give away at Heartland AEA this summer! You can choose from over 2,000 gently used professional and PK-12 books … for FREE! 

Our kickoff is June 18-19, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston. After that, books will be available in our library at that same location all summer until they’re gone. So come see us and pick up some awesome books for your classroom!

Iowa's AEAs provide Required Notifications and Postings Website

School districts know they are required by state and federal law to post or send out a number of notifications to keep parents, teachers, other staff and the public informed. Districts now have a one-stop-shop they can access to find a compilation of these required postings and notifications.
 
Iowa's Area Education Agencies (AEAs) are pleased to add a “Required Notifications and Postings” page to their website where districts can access these important documents.
 
The notifications and postings categories include:
•    Facility
•    ESEA Title 1 Part A
•    ESEA Title IX, Section 9532
•    Human Resources
•    Federal
•    Business Office
•    Students
•    Childhood Nutrition

This online repository will be in a continuous state of modification, and district personnel are encouraged to provide input on additional items for inclusion or needed modifications to the existing documents.

Development of the Required Notifications and Postings was facilitated through the work of Dr. Clifford Ehlinger, a former Grant Wood AEA executive director.

If you have any questions, contact Valerie Taylor Hill, Grant Wood AEA public information specialist, at vhill@gwaea.org (319) 399-6824.

Save on Back to School Supplies through AEA Purchasing

The Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC) and the Iowa Association of Educational Purchasing (IAEP) food program have united as AEA Purchasing! Iowa's Area Education Agencies launched statewide purchasing services in 1999. To date, these services have saved Iowa schools and non-profit educational organizations over $100 million dollars! In an effort to streamline statewide AEA programs, all cooperative purchasing responsibilities will now operate under AEA Purchasing. The names have changed, but the goals remain the same:

• Save Iowa schools time and money
• Research products and form vendor partnerships through a competitive process
• Offer a wide range of value added services
• Remain a self-supporting organization and give back to participating organizations through food rebates and funding of statewide projects
• Collaborate with AEAs and school districts to develop synergy that can’t be attained through individual efforts
• Help both large and small school districts acquire quality products and training at an equitable price

All vendor partners, contracts and pricing will remain the same. Visit the AEA Purchasing website for product categories, vendor partners, contacts, how to order and pricing! Subscribe to the monthly newsletters to stay informed.

Route Option Available on Transportation Agreement

The new online Transportation Agreements that districts completed this spring and summer offer a route option. Entering routes is not a requirement but an optional feature that wasn't available on the previous years paper version. Any district interested in entering their routes should read Step 5 of the attached instructions and enter their routes by Sept. 30. Again, entering routes is an option and not a requirement. If you have any questions, please email Jennifer Ugolini, Board Secretary, at (515) 270-9030 ext. 14441.

Meet the New Area Superintendents!

Before the first Heartland Administrator Association Meeting on Tuesday, September 1, we thought that we would introduce you to some new faces. Below are superintendents new to Heartland AEA's area who submitted profiles. 

Tracy Bonday, Diocese of Des Moines
 Education
BBA, University of Miami
Coral Gables, Fl. 1988
JD, University of Miami
Coral Gables, Fl. 1991
Master of Science, Education Administration
Nova Southeastern University, 2006
Currently, Drake University
Certificate Superintendent’s Endorsement

Past work experience
Principal, Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School,  Pk-12
Richmond, Virginia 2011-2015
AP Government Teacher/Administrative Aide, Douglas Freeman High School
Richmond, Virginia 2007-2011
Social Studies Teacher/SACS Self-Study Chair, Lehigh Senior High School
Ft. Myers, Florida 2005-2007
Development Director, Bishop Verot Catholic High School
Ft. Myers, Florida 2001-2005

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Bishop Pates was at a National Conference and met the Superintendent for the Diocese of Richmond. Bishop Pates was looking for someone who could take a more entrepreneurial approach to working with schools in the Diocese of Des Moines.  I wanted a position that would allow me to grow professionally and where I could use my strengths in fundraising, marketing and finance.

What is your vision for your district?
To continue to make sure our schools develop and inspire learning for life by providing a world-class education within a Catholic environment.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my daughters, cooking and traveling.  I enjoy supporting and spending time with my new extended family through the United States Naval Academy, where my younger daughter attends.  I also enjoy supporting UVA basketball  and watching my daughter perform in the band there.

Kreg Lensch, Glidden-Ralston
 Education
I graduated from Northwestern College and received my masters and specialist from Drake University.

Past work experience
I taught at Storm Lake St. Mary's, East Monona, Boyer Valley and Carroll Schools. I moved to Glidden and taught at Glidden-Ralston until I became principal in 2005.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
This district is very important to me and I felt it was time for me to move into this type of a leadership role. My vision is to continue to provide multiple opportunities for our students and work to be an example of an exemplary small school.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I continue to coach football and girls basketball as well as follow my sons and daughters many activities...there isn't time for much else!

John Steffes, Kuemper
 Education
Master of Science in Education, Buena Vista University, 2003
Bachelor of Arts, History Teaching, University of Northern Iowa, 1993
Bachelor of Arts, Business Management, University of Northern Iowa, 1986
U.S. Peace Corps Training Program, 1986
Kuemper Catholic High School, 1982

Past work experience
Development Director, Kuemper Foundation
Social Studies Teacher, Kuemper
Driver Education Teacher, Carroll Community Schools
U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, Botswana

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
I decided to pursue the president position at Kuemper mainly as a vocation in my career.  Having served my entire educational career in Catholic education and being a Kuemper graduate, it was a natural step for me. 

What is your vision for your district?
My vision for the Kuemper system is to advance the ministry of PreK-12 Catholic education for our parishes and for the Carroll area through its mission of a Christ-centered environment where students grow spiritually, academically and socially. Advancing a faith-based education where God is in the classroom becomes an effective synergy for quality academics and social experiences for students. 

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
My hobbies include family time with my wife of 25 years and three children, along with family reunions with my nine siblings. I also enjoy U.S. history and presidents' museums, cross-country skiing, tennis, basketball with the old guys and kite flying.

Randy Alger, Melcher-Dallas 
Past work experience
Randy Alger, Melcher-Dallas Community School’s Superintendent/Jr.& Sr. High Principal, has been a veteran educator for the past thirty-three years.  Twenty-two years as a classroom teacher and coach, and eleven years as an administrator. 

Randy and his wife, Wendy, have been in education since graduating from Buena Vista College in 1982.  Randy and Wendy started their careers at Moravia CSD and in 1993 their careers took them back to northwest Iowa, to Carroll CSD.  After twelve years, in 2004, Randy was hired to be an administrator at Moulton-Udell CSD where he served as a Pk-12 principal the last five years.

What is your vision for your district?
Melcher-Dallas Community Schools will continue to focus on technology.  I want our students to have every advantage needed to be a productive citizen when they walk out our doors and into the global market. My staff and I will be pushing the “Five R’s,” which include the usual reading, writing and arithmetic, but will also be adding Respect and Responsibility.  When you put these expectations together, you will only ensure student success.

Further information
Randy and Wendy have three grown children, Gvonne, Gavin and Gravis.

Tim Hoffman, Ogden 
Education
•    PhD - Iowa State University
•    MA - Secondary Administration, University of Northern Iowa
•    BA - Mathematics, University of Northern Iowa
•    BA - Physical Education/Health, University of Northern Iowa

Past work experience
•    Superintendent, Adel DeSoto Minburn, 1983-2008
•    Superintendent, Griswold
•    Superintendent/Elementary Principal, North Kossuth
•    High School Middle School Principal/ Athletic Director, Northeast Hamilton
•    Teacher/coach, Laurens-Marathon
•    Teacher/coach, Manning

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
After retiring at ADM, I kept my certification up in case a part-time or interim position should open. Ogden is a short drive from Adel, part-time interim position, enjoys a good reputation and has excellent people in key positions.

What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to help continue the positive learning environment and get the general fund balanced.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
While away from school, my wife and I like to travel when possible.  I also enjoy golf, landscaping and watching old western movies. 

Shawn Holloway, Panorama
Education
BS at Iowa State (elementary education), Masters at Drake (Educational Leadership), Specialist program from Wayne State

Past work experience
7-12 Principal at Manson Northwest Webster for six years, superintendent at Gladbrook Reinbeck for two years

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Location, community, solid foundation of good teaching and learning, and opportunities for my children.

What is your vision for your district?
My vision for the Panorama school district is to work towards and continue to be a leader in all aspects of PreK-12 education.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I'm an avid cyclist, love to be outdoors and supporting the Cyclones.

Dirk Halupnik, Southeast Polk
Education
Ed.D. – Educational Leadership, University of Northern Iowa
M.A.E. – Educational Leadership, University of Northern Iowa
B.A. – Biology, University of Northern Iowa

Past work experience
Deputy Superintendent, Linn-Mar CSD
Executive Director of Instructional Services, Linn-Mar CSD
High School Associate Principal, Linn-Mar CSD
Secondary Science Teacher/Coach, Cedar Falls CSD
Secondary Science Teacher/Coach, Dike-New Hartford CSD

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Southeast Polk is a progressive, growing district with a proud history of excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, clubs and organizations, coupled with strong community support.   look forward to continuing that great tradition and working closely with all stakeholders to achieve even greater success for the students of Southeast Polk. I believe that my strengths and skill set fit very nicely with the needs and expectations of the district. I am very excited about the opportunity to be able to serve the students, staff, parents and community in this new capacity.

What is your vision for your district?
Our mission is to engage all students in learning a challenging curriculum delivered through quality instruction. A great deal of quality work has been done to prepare students for success in college, career and civic life. It is my goal to continue to develop a learning community that is focused on promoting the success of all students, is open and conducive to meaningful change, and is constantly looking towards improvement and innovation.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and two sons. I am a sports fan. I also like to read, listen to music and watch movies.

Tim Salmon, United
 Education
•    B.A. - Elementary Education, University of Northern Iowa, 1993
•    M.A. - Educational Leadership, Stephen F. Austin State University, 1999
•    Superintendent licensure, University of Northern Iowa, 2013

Past work experience
•    Principal at Horizon Elementary, Johnston CSD, 2008-2015
•    Teacher and Coach, Summit Middle School, Johnston CSD, 2005-2008
•    Director of Federal and State Programs, Aldine ISD, Houston, TX, 2002-2003
•    Assistant Director of Magnet Schools, Aldine ISD, 1998-2002
•    Elementary, Middle School Teacher, Skills Specialist and Coach, Aldine ISD 1993-1998, 2003-2005

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
United CSD is a unique district with great traditions. Being a PK-6 school district, this was a great fit for me with my previous elementary experience. The school at United is the central meeting place for the district and the community provides tremendous support for the district.  While many smaller districts are struggling with enrollment, United is showing growth, and I want to help continue that trend. United's location also played a role in my interest, being centrally located. I'm excited to bring my strengths to the district and continue to make United a great district. 

What is your vision for your district?
I first want to see the district continue to grow and sustain financial solvency. Many of the pieces are already in place to make United a great district; we now just need to put all of them together. We are a very good district and need to be able to provide our students and staff the best learning opportunities that are available. The addition of the TLC grant will help build teacher leadership, and I will draw on my experiences of implementing this to help this transition. 

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, including my wife and two daughters. In my spare time I am an avid sports fan, especially football (Iowa Hawkeyes and Dallas Cowboys fan). You will often find me working in my garage woodworking or working on our vehicles. Working with my hands helps keep me patient and balanced in life.

Steve Bass, Urbandale
 Education
- BA      K-12 Phys. Educ/Health  UNI  1986
- MA     Educational Administration  Drake University  1997
- Ed.S  Educational Administration  Drake University  2001

Past work experience
- Superintendent: Osage CSD  2009-2015
- Elementary School Principal: Southeast Polk CSD  1998-2009
- School Improvement Consultant: AEA 2  1997-1998
- Teacher/Coach: Mason City CSD  1991-1997
- Teacher/Coach: Pinellas Co. School District (Clearwater, FL)  1986-1991

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
The Urbandale CSD is a very progressive, student-focused school district served by incredible staff members and a very supportive community base. The beliefs and commitment to continuous improvement in a systemic manner fit perfectly with my own personal beliefs. Having previously lived in the metro area, I was aware of the great things happening in the Urbandale schools and greater community. Great educational system. Incredible students. Supportive parents and community members. Strong leadership. All of these reasons make for a wonderful place to work, learn, and live.

What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to keep us moving forward with our work with David Langford, Jim Shipley & Associates, and the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. Urbandale will be a school district that brings learning to life for everyone.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I like to do things with my wife, Karla, play golf, weight train, read books, and take walks.

Interested in DreamBox? Statewide Pricing Now Available!

At the request of many Iowa schools, AEA Purchasing (formerly the IEC) has partnered with DreamBox Learning to provide statewide discounted pricing.

Not familiar with DreamBox? DreamBox provides online elementary and middle school math instruction that empowers students to master key concepts and increase achievement through personalized instruction and engaging interactive lessons. Several Iowa schools piloted DreamBox last year with great success.

Statewide pricing is now available! If you are considering implementing this product into your curriculum, now is the time to do so!

For pricing and contact information, go to http://www.aeapurchasing.org/vendor_partners/dreambox/.
For product information, go to www.dreambox.com.

Districts Can Now Access Required Notifications and Postings from AEA Website

School districts know they are required by state and federal law to post or send out a number of notifications to keep parents, teachers, other staff and the public informed. Districts now have a one-stop-shop they can access to find a compilation of these required postings and notifications.
 
Iowa's Area Education Agencies (AEAs) are pleased to add a “Required Notifications and Postings” page to their website where districts can access these important documents.
 
The notifications and postings categories include:
•    Facility
•    ESEA Title 1 Part A
•    ESEA Title IX, Section 9532
•    Human Resources
•    Federal
•    Business Office
•    Students
•    Childhood Nutrition

This online repository will be in a continuous state of modification, and district personnel are encouraged to provide input on additional items for inclusion or needed modifications to the existing documents.

Development of the Required Notifications and Postings was facilitated through the work of Dr. Clifford Ehlinger, a former Grant Wood AEA executive director.

If you have any questions, contact Valerie Taylor Hill, Grant Wood AEA public information specialist, at vhill@gwaea.org (319) 399-6824.

Have you Certified Your Transportation Agreement?

This is a reminder that several districts have yet to certify their Transportation Agreements. Transportation agreements were completed this spring, however several districts still need to certify. (See step 4 of the attached instructions.) If you're unsure if you have certified, please email Jennifer Ugolini, Board Secretary at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14441.

Heartland AEA PEC Sponsoring Parent Book Club to Begin This Fall

Do you know a child who has trouble switching gears? Are her reactions bigger than the situation calls for? What about losing track of information and details? 

If this sounds familiar, the child may struggle with executive functioning. Executive functioning issues aren’t a disability on their own--they’re weaknesses in a key set of mental skills that help the brain organize and act on information. Learn more about executive functioning by viewing this infographic. 

“Difficulties with executive function are typical in childhood and adolescence, but they are especially pronounced in children who are diagnosed with disorders such as autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorder and phenylketonuria (PKU),” Philip David Zelazo, Ph.D., professor at the University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development, says. Executive functioning can be improved through tools and strategies that help kids move toward independence. 

Is this something you think a parent you know would want to learn more about? Then encourage him or her to join a new virtual book club, hosted by Kate Boonstra, parent coordinator for the Agency’s Parent & Educator Connection (PEC). 

Parents will read The Impulsive, Disorganized Child: Solutions for Parenting Kids with Executive Functioning Difficulties and meet periodically via videoconferencing for discussion and support. Parents can sign up using this form. The first 20 to sign up will be able to participate. 

If you need more information or have questions, contact Kate Boonstra at kboonstra@heartlandaea.org or ext. 14625.

Complete Step 4 of the Inter-District Transportation Agreement Online Submission

This is a reminder about the new transportation agreement request procedure. Please complete step 4 by Friday, June 5. Please review the attached instructions and the short overview. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Ugolini, Board Secretary at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14441.

Stay Connected This Summer

As many of you are winding down your year’s work and planning to be away over the summer months, please remember you can always keep up-to-date with Agency and statewide happenings through social media! Be sure to “follow” or “like” the following sites to stay updated with the latest news and information.

Heartland AEA 
Facebook 
Twitter

AEA System 
Facebook 
Twitter 
Blog
Pinterest

Also available are Heartland AEA’s daily news clips. Each morning, the Heartland AEA Communications Department provides links to local and national education news headlines to those who have signed up for our “News Clips” email list. If you would like to be added to the News Clips list, contact the Communications Department at comms@heartlandaea.org.

Reminder: Heartland AEA 2015 Summer Van Delivery

Heartland AEA vans will deliver twice a week to each district administration building during the summer months. If you have summer school, professional development programs or intercessions and you would like regularly scheduled deliveries to additional buildings, please email Colleen Miller at colleen_miller@heartlandaea.org.

Schedule-to-date: 

• Twice-a-week delivery to each district administration building runs June 15 to August 7. 
• Twice-a-week delivery will automatically continue to each building that has an extended year calendar. 
• Regular fall van delivery resumes August 10.

Printing: 

• Heartland AEA will contact the district to arrange for special delivery of large printing orders during the summer.

Reminder: Complete Steps 1-3 of the Inter-District Transportation Agreement Online Submission

This is a reminder about the new transportation agreement request procedure. Please complete steps 1-3 by today Friday, May 22. Please review the attached instructions and the short overview. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Ugolini, Board Secretary at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14441.

Heartland AEA 2015 Summer Van Delivery

Heartland AEA vans will deliver twice a week to each district administration building during the summer months. If you have summer school, professional development programs or intercessions and you would like regularly scheduled deliveries to additional buildings, please email Colleen Miller at colleen_miller@heartlandaea.org.

Schedule-to-date: 

• Twice-a-week delivery to each district administration building runs June 15 to August 7. 
• Twice-a-week delivery will automatically continue to each building that has an extended year calendar. 
• Regular fall van delivery resumes August 10.

Printing: 

• Heartland AEA will contact the district to arrange for special delivery of large printing orders during the summer.

Complete Steps 1-3 of the Inter-District Transportation Agreement Online Submission Procedure

This is a reminder about the new transportation agreement request procedure. Please complete steps 1-3 by next Friday, May 22. Please review the attached instructions and the short overview. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Ugolini, Board Secretary at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14441.

Reminder: Now Taking Orders for 2015-16 School Planners

Quality and affordable student planners are available for your school through Heartland AEA’s Creative Services. Basic planners will have a plastic cover and coil binding and will contain intro pages, planner pages, note pages and different calendars. The planners include a full-year calendar to accommodate extended year schedules.

Choose your preferred cover, intro pages, planner pages, note pages and calendars from our set styles for basic planners (see Planner Guide). Optional pages can be added for an additional fee (student handbook, activities calendars, etc.). Order quantities must be a minimum of 50 planners.

Standard Planner Prices
5.5” x 8.5” - $1.70 per planner
8.5” x 11” - $2.80 per planner
7" x 11" - $3.10 per planner

Click here for the Planner Guide (shows options for covers, intro pages, calendar pages, etc.) and here for the Planner Order Form. Please have your planner orders placed by May 15, 2015 and approved by June 2, 2015 so they will be ready for the beginning of the school year.

For more information or to ask about personalizing your school's planners, contact our Creative Services at creativeservices@heartlandaea.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14368.

Reminder: Complete Request for Transportation Approval Form

Heartland AEA is partnering with other AEAs this year to implement an electronic version of the Request for Transportation Approval form.

Chapter 285.9(3), Code of Iowa, requires the Area Education Agency Board of Directors to approve all bus routes outside the boundary of the school district operating the buses. This has been interpreted to mean regular routes and regular special education routes, not field trips or activity trips.

The Code requires you to request permission from your neighboring district(s) before your bus route crosses district boundaries. The approval form that was used last fall has been converted to an electronic process for ease and efficiency. Video tutorials are included in the instructions to help explain the new process, which is very user-friendly.

Please note the new timeline this year. Last year, and in previous years, the process was always completed in the fall of the current school year. However, we are asking that the process be completed this spring for the upcoming year.

Please review the attached instructions and timeline below. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Ugolini, Board Secretary at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14441.

Timeline:
•    April 20 – May 22, complete steps 1-3
•    May 25 – June 5, complete step 4
•    September 1 – September 30, complete step 5

Request for Transportation Approval Form Goes Digital

Note: Superintendents will receive this information next week via the Heartland AEA van mail.
 
Heartland AEA is partnering with other AEAs this year to implement an electronic version of the Request for Transportation Approval form.

Chapter 285.9(3), Code of Iowa, requires the Area Education Agency Board of Directors to approve all bus routes outside the boundary of the school district operating the buses. This has been interpreted to mean regular routes and regular special education routes, not field trips or activity trips.

The Code requires you to request permission from your neighboring district(s) before your bus route crosses district boundaries. The approval form that was used last fall has been converted to an electronic process for ease and efficiency. Video tutorials are included in the instructions to help explain the new process, which is very user-friendly.

Please note the new timeline this year. Last year, and in previous years, the process was always completed in the fall of the current school year. However, we are asking that the process be completed this spring for the upcoming year.

Please review the attached instructions and timeline below. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Ugolini, Board Secretary at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14441.

Timeline:
•    April 20 – May 22, complete steps 1-3
•    May 25 – June 5, complete step 4
•    September 1 – September 30, complete step 5