Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals
- Increase learning growth for students
- Decrease the gap in achievement
- Increase annual graduation rates
- Increase gateways to post-secondary success
Nikki Roorda, current Heartland AEA Region 6 regional director serving the Ankeny Community School District, has accepted a position as the Executive Director of Teaching & Learning for the Johnston Community School District. We have been working closely with our leadership team to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. I am confident in our transition plans as Nikki departs Heartland AEA.
As the new school year begins, the following assignments will be in place in Region 6:
- Karla Jones, who is currently the regional director for the Urbandale Community School District, will move to the Ankeny Community School District and will provide leadership for K-12 Special Education services and supports.
- Charlie Johnson, a retired Heartland AEA regional director, will provide leadership for Early ACCESS/Early Childhood supports and general education/curriculum for Ankeny. He will also serve as the contact for non-public schools in Ankeny.
- Keri Steele, current regional director for the Saydel Community School District, will add the Urbandale district to her assignment and will continue to serve Saydel as well.
We ask that you share this information as you see fit with your administrators and staff. If you have any questions, please contact me at jsheldahl@heartlandaea.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14314. Have a great 2019-20 school year!
Jon Sheldahl
Chief Administrator
Heartland AEA
The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) will have its first meeting of the 2019-20 school year on Sept. 3 at DMACC in Ankeny. This will also be the kickoff to the 2019-20 Heartland AEA Social, Emotional, Behavioral, Mental Health Speaker Series and will be led by Frances Stetson, Ph.D. Dr. Stetson will provide learning on quality standards for inclusive practices for superintendents and administrators in the morning. Her afternoon session on effective staff utilization is designed for all educators. Register for the sessions at this link.
All of the HAA meetings will take place on the first Tuesday of the month and will follow the same basic format:
- 8 - 9 a.m. Superintendent Advisory Council (currently scheduled for Sept., Nov., Jan., April and May)
- 9 - 10 a.m. Regular HAA Business Meeting and Partner Updates from Heartland AEA, DE, SAI, IASB, BOEE and DMACC
- 10 - 11:30 a.m. Superintendent Session with Guest Presenter
Bookmark the HAA Google Site to stay informed of all HAA events, agendas and materials.
