Maggie Sheldon

The meeting included the review and recommendation of bills for payment and payrolls to the Governing Board, as well as personnel recommendations. Action items discussed featured a one-year contract renewal for Open Kitchens, the annual certified audit, and a proposal from Shamrock Construction Services. Non-action items covered a vacancy report, financial and insurance reports, budget approvals, facility usage committee reports, the therapeutic center daily rate, program operations, the extended school year program, and a FOIA request.

The Board reviewed and approved personnel recommendations, including resignations, employment recommendations, and leave requests. Financial reports were presented, and updates were provided on the IDEA excess cost worksheets and the purchase of RichLee Vans by First Student. The Board approved the 2026-27 therapeutic center calendar and the A.E.R.O. Strategic Plan for 2026-2032. Additionally, the Board discussed pending Freedom of Information Act requests and reviewed closed session minutes and the potential destruction of closed session recordings.

The board discussed and approved bills, reviewed payroll, and processed personnel recommendations, including resignations and leave requests. Administrative reports covered staffing updates, a planned job fair, and the presentation of monthly financial statements alongside a review of the draft FY27 budget. The board approved a five-year contract extension for transportation services and discussed future classroom expansion needs to address enrollment growth. Additionally, the board adopted the upcoming meeting schedule, reviewed a FOIA request, addressed governing board appointments, and conducted a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

The board agenda includes recommendations to the Governing Board regarding bills for payment, payroll records, and personnel recommendations. Key action items involve the election of a Secretary Pro Tempore and officers for the 2025-2026 term, discussions on the Executive Director contract, the fiscal year 2027 budget, proposed amendments to the Articles of Agreement, revisions to the therapeutic center calendar, updates to cooperative policies, and revisions to special education procedures. Non-action topics cover vacancy, financial, and insurance reports, maintenance of special education local effort, operational programs, graduation plans, and a Freedom of Information Act request. The board also planned to convene in closed session to discuss employment, compensation, and collective negotiating matters.

This strategic plan outlines the A.E.R.O. Special Education Cooperative's long-term direction across several key areas. It focuses on maintaining fiscal health and providing state-of-the-art facilities. The plan also aims to foster a culturally responsive and high-achieving learning environment by engaging students, staff, families, and communities as partners, while expanding and refining special education programs and related services to embrace individual student needs for future education, employment, and independent living. A core priority is to maximize student learning, empowerment, and achievement through the integration of technology, curriculum, instruction, and assessment within a rigorous, standards-based environment.