Keystone Area Education Agency

The meeting addressed personnel recommendations for the Director of District and School Services position, resulting in the approval of Barb Schwamman, pending a background check. The Board also discussed and unanimously approved an amendment to Policy 3001 - Organizational Chart, which reflects a revised leadership structure effective July 1, 2026. Furthermore, the Board unanimously approved the submission of the amended budget for FY26 and the initial budget for FY27 to the Iowa Department of Education.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. A presentation was delivered providing an overview of the AEA budget process, including discussions on staffing and facilities. Key actions included the unanimous approval of consent items, which covered receiving and filing financial reports, and the approval of minutes from the January 20, January 23, and February 3 meetings. The Board unanimously approved payment of outstanding claims following an audit. Administrator reports covered updates on the forthcoming rollout of the Simbli tool for the Board, legislative updates, and details on professional development processes. New business included accepting the resignation of a Speech-Language Pathologist and unanimously approving an agreement with TrustPoint, LLP for financial audit services for FY26-FY28. Future meeting dates were confirmed, including a special meeting on February 26 for budget approval and the regular meeting on March 17.

This strategic plan outlines the commitment of Iowa's Area Education Agencies to deliver high-quality, evidence-based, and strategic services to educational partners, meeting the diverse needs of learners (birth-21), educators, and school communities. The plan is built upon core values of Relationships, Collaboration, Sustainability, Excellence, and Accountability. Key strategic goals include promoting safe and welcoming learning environments, advancing equity by closing achievement and opportunity gaps, and ensuring consistent quality in the delivery of AEA services to Iowa's accredited schools.

The meeting agenda included a Roll Call, Agenda Approval, and Public Comment session. Key discussion items involved a presentation on the FY25 Audit (summary and full report) under Consent Items, along with the Financial Report to Date. New Business covered recommendations for the 2026 AEPA Contract, the FY25 Audit, the FY26-FY28 Audit Proposal, the IAAEA Organizational Chart, and the discussion of two new system positions: AEA System Facilitator and AEA Communications Director. An information item concerned the IAAEA Governing Board shared Google Drive.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Consent items involved receiving and filing financial reports and approving the minutes from the September 15 and September 17 meetings. The Board approved the payment of outstanding claims, including travel expenses. Administrator reports included an update on Open Meetings Law training options and an overview of proposed early notification incentive considerations related to strategic planning. Reports also covered professional development offerings, ESSA implementation, data dashboards, services to nonpublic schools, and a recap of first quarter special education support. New business included the approval of a resignation for a Technology Support Specialist and temporary employment for various substitute roles. The Board unanimously approved the Iowa AEA 2026 Legislative Priorities, which focus on service stabilization and preserving local control. Furthermore, a tiered early notification incentive for employees not returning in 2026-2027 was approved to aid strategic planning and recruitment.