Lindsay DeVries

The board reviewed and approved the consent agenda, including regular bills, payroll reports, and personnel recommendations such as resignations, non-renewals, and leave of absence requests. Administrative updates included a report on hiring for the upcoming school year and a presentation of the monthly financial report. The board recommended approval of the therapeutic center calendar and the strategic plan to the governing board. Other discussions included programmatic updates on operated services, the special education child count certification process, revisions to the articles of agreement, and the health and life safety inspection report. The meeting also included a closed session regarding personnel and legal matters.

The Executive Board meeting focused on financial and administrative oversight, including the review and recommendation for approval of bills and payrolls. Key action items included the RichLee Vans transportation services contract and the establishment of the Executive Board meeting schedule for the 2026-2027 term. Non-action items encompassed reports on staff vacancies, financials, insurance, the draft budget for fiscal year 2027, and updates on operated programs and FOIA requests. The board also planned to convene in a closed session to address personnel matters related to appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, or dismissal.

The Strategic Plan for A.E.R.O. Special Education Cooperative serves as a roadmap to empower every learner and lead innovation in special education by providing a full continuum of services over the next six years. It focuses on strengthening systems, expanding staff capacity, enhancing collaboration, and sustaining continuous improvement. The plan is structured around three core goal areas: Instructional Practice, Climate & Culture, and Student Growth & Achievement. These areas aim to ensure consistent fidelity of evidence-based practices, foster a supportive environment for all partners, and maximize student learning and achievement through individualized educational programs and collaborative efforts.

The board meeting focused on several operational and fiscal matters. Key discussions included personnel recommendations such as resignations, leave of absence requests, and new contract agency hires. Administrative reports provided updates on recruitment efforts for special education teachers and social workers. The board reviewed financial reports, including insurance rate increases, and discussed changes to special education student reimbursement regulations. Additionally, the meeting covered updates on operated programs, including school calendar planning, and addressed several Freedom of Information Act requests concerning purchasing authority and student enrollment data. The board also convened in a closed session to discuss legal and personnel matters.

The Executive Board meeting agenda included the recommendation to the Governing Board regarding approval of February 04, 2026 bills for payment totaling $1,065,670.74, as well as payrolls for January 2026 dates and personnel recommendations. Administrative reports covered various non-action items such as a vacancy report, financial and insurance reports, updates on special education student reimbursement, A.E.R.O. operated programs, and the 2026-2027 school year calendars. The board also planned to enter a Closed Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees.