Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency

The meeting included discussion of an agreement with IP Pathways to provide cost-saving equipment and internet access to AEA9 districts. Updates were given on Return to Learn Plans, professional development offerings, and support for teachers in virtual or blended learning environments. The Treasurer's Report showed a significant positive cash balance, attributed to reduced expenditures and grant payments. Discussions also included the use of educational technology companies like Pear Deck and Edgenuity to support remote learning. Finally, the board discussed the 2020 IASB Legislative Resolutions, with action to be taken at a future meeting.

The meeting included reports on internal operations, including updates on open positions and a new staff orientation agenda. The Treasurer's Report was presented, showing financial data and receipts. An update was given on the Postsecondary Readiness and Equity Partnership (PREP) program. A contract was approved for board management software, and a proposal was accepted for a space utilization and feasibility study of the Bettendorf Service Center. Discussions included property acquisition by the city of Clinton, plans for a Leadership Camp, and policy reviews. The Chief Administrator's contract was extended, and the meeting concluded with adjournment.

The special board meeting focused on the approval of a contract with Edgenuity, a company providing online learning options. The contract allows school districts to enroll students on the Edgenuity platform, offering significant cost savings due to consortium pricing. The cost savings are projected to exceed $980,000.

The meeting included the approval of the Treasurer's Report, which showed higher-than-average receipts due to Edgenuity revenue. The Annual Meeting involved the election of officers: Joe Adam as President, Mike Duytschaver as Vice President, Cheryl Beck as Secretary, and Jennifer Coombes as Treasurer. Several consent agenda items were approved, including the designation of depository banks, committee appointments, and the appointment of legal counsel. The Chief Administrator's report covered updates on the agency's phone system and professional development plans for superintendents. Finally, the audit report was presented, with a clean opinion expected, and the Audit Committee will meet to discuss the report further.

The meeting included updates on the Agency's Equity Committee's work, including reviewing the Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan and Agency policies related to equity. Reports were given on the Healthy Minds app, staff support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Updates were also provided on literacy legislation, dyslexia initiatives, and the Agency's financial status, including the Treasurer's Report. The Chief Administrator's report covered the new RingCentral communication platform, the cancellation of the Iowa AEA Boards Conference, and plans for Agency reorganization.