DE Guidance on Special Education Services in Difficult Budgetary Times

Click here for a document sent by Thomas Mayes of the DE. As schools look for ways to save money, this document will remind districts of certain parameters imposed by federal and state special education laws. It has previously been distributed and is currently posted on the DE’s special education page under the “State Guidance” tab.

It is essential that public agencies govern themselves by the principles set forth in the document. Please contact Thomas Mayes at Thomas.Mayes@iowa.gov if you have any questions.

School Nutrition Association summer classes offered

Is your school food-service personnel aware of the new Level I Certification requirements with the School Nutrition Association? If not, your staff should consider attending two SNA-approved classes that focus on Nutrition Education and the Sanitation and Safety obligations. “Food Safety and Sanitation” and “School Food Service Nutrition 101” will be offered via the ICN June 22-24, 2010. Presenter, Ann Feilmann, will cover topics including methods of safe food-handling, sanitation and current nutrition requirements. Click here for more information on these summer courses. Registration is due by June 8, 2010.

Questions can be directed to Cheryl Little at Cheryl.Little@iavalley.edu.

Heartland AEA Facility Update

As previously communicated, Heartland AEA will close the Agency’s Woodside office in Ankeny effective June 30, 2010. Staff members previously assigned to the Woodside office, including Regions 8 & 13, assistive technology and Shelter Care Program administrative staff, will move to the Agency’s Regional Education Center at 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston. The sound booth currently located at the Woodside office will also be moved to the Johnston REC. The closure of the Woodside office reduces the amount of funds spent on facilities and the overall square footage footprint of the Agency.

Heartland also continues to pursue a new location for the Agency's Newton Regional Education Center, and it is hoped that a final relocation will be completed by August 2010.

If you have any questions about these Heartland facility project, please contact Steve Prall, Chief of Operations, at sprall@aea11.k12.ia.us or (800) 362-2720.