News and Brochures

Keystone AEA Budget Hearing Scheduled
February 2, 2022

Pursuant to Iowa Code Section 273.3(12), the Board of Directors of Keystone Area Education Agency presents notification of a public hearing on the proposed budget.

Keystone Area Education Agency Budget Hearing
February 21, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.
1400 Second Street NW, Elkader Iowa
with access via teleconference by calling toll-free: 855-880-1246, Meeting ID: 999 6610 0230 #, Participant ID: #

Summary of the proposed budget prepared on the GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) basis.  Supporting detail of revenues and expenditures is available for review at the office of the board treasurer. A copy will be furnished upon request.
 

Keystone AEA Board Member Vacancy
January 25, 2022

An election to fill a vacancy in Director District 5 on the Board of Directors of the Keystone Area Education Agency will be conducted at an election convention on March 7, 2022, at 12:00 (noon) at Keystone Area Education Agency, 1400 Second Street NW, Elkader, Iowa and via Zoom teleconference https://aea1.zoom.us/j/94072613154 with passcode 735433.

The director district includes the Maquoketa Valley, Starmont, and West Delaware County Community School Districts, as well as a portion of the Western Dubuque Community School District (Delaware County Precincts 2, 10, & 12 and Dubuque County Precincts 37 & 39). The director will be elected by the school boards of those districts.

The election is for the remaining period of a four-year term for the director from Director District 5; the term expires in December 2023.  Gerald Hilton, of Strawberry Point, recently resigned from this position due to a relocation.

Candidates for the vacancy on the Board of Directors of the Keystone Area Education Agency must be electors and residents of Director District. 5. The candidates may be members of a local school district board of education but may not be an employee of a school district in the Keystone AEA area. Candidates for the vacancy will be those filing the statement with the Keystone AEA board secretary on or before February 25, 2022. If no candidate files by the deadline, nominations may be received from school board members present at the convention. 

Statement of Candidacy forms may be obtained by contacting Julie Tschirgi, Board Secretary, at the Administration Office of the Keystone AEA in Elkader or by telephoning  (563) 245-1480.

Annual Notice Regarding Records
January 7, 2022 

1. FERPA.
Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) maintains records on each student served in order to facilitate the instruction, guidance, and educational progress of the student.  The records contain information about the student and his/her education.  These records may include, but are not limited to, the following:  identification/directory information, permission(s) of parents for evaluation and placement, support services reports, Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individual Education Programs (IEPs),  and external agency reports.  These records are located at the local field office of Keystone AEA serving the local school district.  

Authorized persons have the right to review education records of the student, have those records explained, obtain copies of the records, and write a response to materials in the records.  They also have the right to challenge the content of the records they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  The Agency’s policy on student records can be secured upon request by contacting Keystone AEA, 1400 2nd St. NW, Elkader IA 52043, or phone 1-800-632-5918. 
 
Agencies and organizations, as identified in FERPA regulations, may have restricted access to student records without prior written consent of the parent or student over the age of 18 years.  Any other access to student records shall be only upon written consent or upon court order or legally issued subpoena.  A Record of Access is maintained so that parents may learn who has viewed their student’s records.  

2. Record Maintenance/Destruction.
It is Keystone AEA’s policy to destroy the following information deemed no longer needed for determining educational services for its students: 

Electronic communication more than seven years old;
Agency forms not related to Early ACCESS or special education more than seven years old; and
Underlying information reported in IEPs/IFSPs (i.e. progress monitoring probes, staff notes and evaluation data) more than seven years old.

Be advised that this information may contain personally identifiable information regarding students.  If you would like a copy of these materials prior to destruction, please contact Keystone AEA at 1-800-632-5918.

Students and parents may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Keystone AEA to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  Correspondence should be addressed to:
    Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education
    400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC  20202
 

Area school boards elect members to the Keystone Area Education Board of Directors
December 1, 2021

Jan Kreitzer of Cresco was elected as the director in Director District 1, including the Howard-Winneshiek, Turkey Valley, and Riceville Community School Districts, and a portion of the Decorah and New Hampton Community School Districts. Kreitzer will begin her third term on the Keystone AEA Board. 

Bill Withers, M.D. of Waukon will begin his 44th year of service as the director in Director District 3 covering the Allamakee, Clayton Ridge, Eastern Allamakee, and MFL MarMac Community School Districts. 

Sue Ross, of Epworth, will begin her first term representing Director District 6 covering the Edgewood-Colesburg Community School District and portions of the Dubuque and Western Dubuque Community School Districts. Ross will replace Sandy Gassman, who has served for 9 years on the board and elected not to run for an additional term. 

Nancy Bradley of Dubuque was re-elected for a second term as the director in Director District 7 which covers a portion of the Dubuque Community School District. 

The board will elect officers at an organizational meeting on December 20, 2021, at the Keystone Area Education Agency Administration Building in Elkader.

Keystone Area Education Agency Board Selects Next Administrator
Elkader, Iowa - November 29, 2021

The Keystone Area Education Agency Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Stan Rheingans has been selected as its next administrator.

The current administrator, Pat Heiderscheit, announced his retirement in May. “Pat will be greatly missed,” reflected Nancy Bradley who serves as a board member for Keystone AEA as well as the Dubuque Community School District. “After 11 years as Keystone’s leader it is an understatement to say that his will be hard shoes to fill.”

The board engaged Grundmeyer Leader Services (GLS) to facilitate the search process. Staff members, superintendents and school leadership teams provided input through meetings and a stakeholder survey facilitated by GLS. 

“At the core of our search were the leadership attributes of being humble, innovative, strategic, curious, collaborative and communicative,” noted Sue Updegraff, Keystone AEA Board Member. Twenty-one candidates applied during the month of October. Semi-finalists interviews were held on November 16 with three finalists interviewed on November 22 by the board, local superintendents and Keystone staff members.  “We were very fortunate to receive highly qualified candidates. Stan emerged as the unanimous choice,” said Updegraff.
 

Rheingans has served as Superintendent of the Dubuque Community School District since September 2012, providing strategic leadership to one of the largest school districts in the state of Iowa serving approximately 10,500 students in 18 schools and an alternative learning campus. Over the past decade, he has led with a collaborative leadership style that has transformed the district. Specifically, through the development and execution of two five-year comprehensive strategic plans, Rheingans has led efforts to break down barriers and enhance programming in focus areas of student achievement and development, community engagement, effective resource management and employee excellence – all to support student success. Throughout his tenure, the district also saw significant capital improvements through renovation and construction of district facilities, all while maintaining a strong overall financial position. From 2004 to 2012 he served as the district’s executive director of human resources. In this role, Stan served as the main spokesperson in negotiations with the district’s bargaining units and served as the main human resources officer for the nearly 2,000 employees in the district. 

The son of two school teachers, Rheingans served as principal at Wilton Junior/Senior High School in Wilton, Iowa; as associate principal and activities director in the Wilton School District; and dean of students at North Scott High School in Eldridge, Iowa. In the classroom, Rheingans served as a social studies teacher at both North Scott and Freeport High School before moving into administration. A decorated military veteran, Rheingans served as a combat engineer platoon leader in the United States Army 10th Engineer Battalion in the Federal Republic of Germany and served in Operation Desert Storm with the Third Infantry Division. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star. 

Rheingans holds a bachelor’s degree from Loras College, a master’s degree from the University of Iowa, and a certificate of advanced studies (superintendent’s license) from the University of Northern Iowa.

In his new role on July 1, Rheingans will support the agency’s 224 employees who provide special education and school improvement services in eight counties across northeast Iowa: Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek. The area includes 21 public school districts and 27 nonpublic schools, covering nearly 5,000-square-miles and serving roughly 32,000 K-12 students. The agency also provides services for children ages birth to three years old, and their families.

“We delight to welcome Mr. Stan Rheingans to the helm, knowing full well that he will be greatly missed in the Dubuque Community School District,” said Bradley. 

Updated timeline for announcement of Keystone's next Administrator
November 24, 2021
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday and closure of schools and offices on Friday, the announcement of our next Administrator will be made mid-morning on Monday November 29. Keystone staff and school superintendents will be notified via email and a release will be shared with the media. 

The Keystone AEA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the finalists for Keystone's next Administrator
November 19, 2021 

Josh Ehn
Mr. Ehn is the superintendent at Oelwein Community School District. He has served as the superintendent since 2017 and was previously the district’s high school principal (2015-2017). He also serves as the district's special education and curriculum director. Mr. Ehn has led multiple construction projects during his tenure as a superintendent. He has also improved the district’s finances, led a revisioning process, and developed a PK-12 online school. Prior to his move to Oelwein, Josh served as a 6-12 principal for Melcher-Dallas Community Schools (2012-2015). 

David Hill
Mr. Hill is the superintendent at North Tama Community School District in Traer. He has served in this capacity for the past seven years while also serving as the district's special education director, human resource director, equity coordinator and Section 504 coordinator. During his tenure, David has improved the district’s financial condition, added programs to support the mental health of students and staff, and led implementation of the teacher leadership and compensation program. He also implemented an eSports program and expanded the voluntary preschool program. David’s previous experiences include serving as a shared superintendent with Gladbrook-Reinbeck Schools (2016-2020), and as elementary principal for Union Community School District (2005-2016).

Stan Rheingans
Mr. Rheingans has served the Dubuque Community School District as their superintendent the past nine years. Prior to being named the district’s superintendent in 2012, Mr. Rheingans served as the district’s director of human resources (2004-2012). His previous experiences include serving as the principal at Wilton Junior-Senior High School and dean of students for North Scott Schools. He is a military veteran with service in the United States Army. During his superintendent tenure, he has led the district through strategic planning, implemented mental health support programs for students and staff, and led professional development for the district leadership team. Stan also leads the negotiations process with seven unions in the district.

On November 22, the finalists will be interviewed by the Board of Directors and by teams composed of local superintendents and Keystone AEA staff members. Grundmeyer Leader Services (GLS) consultants will facilitate the formal interviews and assist the interview teams in providing feedback to the board. 

In summary, a total of 21 candidates applied for the position through Grundmeyer Leader Services (GLS). The Keystone AEA Board of Directors carefully studied the candidates’ materials and met in closed session with GLS on November 8 to further review and discuss the candidates. The board screened seven semi-finalists in Zoom interviews facilitated by GLS on November 16. After a thorough screening process, the finalists were selected. 

It is anticipated that the Board will announce Keystone AEA's next Administrator by November 26. The current Administrator, Pat Heiderscheit, is set to retire on June 30, 2022.

Elections for four members of the Board of Directors of the Keystone Area Education Agency will be conducted in November.

• Director District 1 includes the Howard-Winneshiek, Riceville, and Turkey Valley Community School Districts, the following precincts in the New Hampton Community School District: Chickasaw, Dayton-Richland, Deerfield-Washington, Jacksonville-Utica, New Hampton 1, 2, 3, 4, and Washington, as well as a portion of the Decorah Community School District that was formerly known as North Winneshiek Community School District prior to their reorganization in 2019 (Burr Oak precinct and portions of Bluffton, Canoe, Decorah, Fremont, Hesper, Highland, Madison & Pleasant townships).
• Director District 3 includes the Allamakee, Clayton Ridge, Eastern Allamakee, and MFL MarMac Community School Districts. 
• Director District 6 includes the Edgewood-Colesburg Community School District; a portion of Dubuque Community School Districts including Dubuque County Precinct Mosalem-Table Mound, E-Washington Jackson County Precincts 2 & 3; and a portion of Western Dubuque Community School District including Clayton County Buena Vista Township, Dubuque County Precincts 33, 34, 35, 38, 40, 41, 42, & 44, Jackson County Precincts 4, 5, and Richland-Washington.
• Director District 7 includes Dubuque County Precincts 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 31, and 36 in the Dubuque Community School District. 

The above director districts are currently represented by Jan Kreitzer of Cresco, Director District 1; Bill Withers, M.D., of Waukon, Director District 3; Sandra Gassman of Epworth, Director District 6; and Nancy Bradley of Dubuque, Director District 7.

The positions are four-year terms that expire in December 2025. The elections are conducted in accordance with Section 273 of the Code of Iowa. Nominations may be submitted by filing a “Statement of Candidacy” form with the board secretary of the Keystone AEA on or before October 15, 2021. If no candidate files by the deadline, a convention will be scheduled with prior notice given, and persons may file for candidacy or be nominated at the convention. Each board of education within the director district may cast a vote, weighted according to the school district’s population, for the election of a member to the Agency's Board of Directors. 

Statement of Candidacy forms may be obtained by contacting Julie Tschirgi, Board Secretary, at the Administration Office of the Keystone AEA in Elkader or by calling (563) 245-1480.

Welcome – we're glad you're here! 

As we kick-off the 2021-22 school year we'd like to take a moment to introduce the latest members of the Keystone AEA team! 

NOTICE REGARDING DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS
January 19, 2021

Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) maintains records on each student served in order to facilitate the instruction, guidance, and educational progress of the student.  The records contain information about the student and his/her education. These records may include, but are not limited to, the following: identification/directory information, permission(s) of parents for evaluation and placement, support services reports, Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individual Education Programs (IEPs),  and external agency reports. These records are located at the local field office of Keystone AEA serving the local school district.  

Iowa Administrative Rules of Special Education in compliance with FERPA regulations specify that records must be maintained for five years after Early ACCESS/special education services end. [41.624(3)]  Keystone AEA has maintained records since 1974 and has recently adopted a policy stating it will destroy records after the student’s attained age of 26 years and at least five years after exiting from Early ACCESS/special education consistent with these statutes and regulations.

You are hereby notified that Keystone AEA intends to destroy records for those students whose birth year is 1992 or before as these records are no longer needed.  You may want a copy of these records for your own file or to support applications for other supports (e.g. social security disability benefits).  Authorized persons wishing to review records prior to destruction must contact Keystone AEA prior to July 1, 2021 at 1400 2nd St NW, Elkader IA 52043, or phone 1-800-632-5918.

Students and parents may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Keystone AEA to comply with the requirements of FERPA. 

Correspondence should be addressed to:
Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC  20202

ANNUAL NOTICE REGARDING RECORDS
January 19, 2021

1. FERPA.

Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) maintains records on each student served in order to facilitate the instruction, guidance, and educational progress of the student.  The records contain information about the student and his/her education. These records may include, but are not limited to, the following: identification/directory information, permission(s) of parents for evaluation and placement, support services reports, Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individual Education Programs (IEPs),  and external agency reports. These records are located at the local field office of Keystone AEA serving the local school district.  

Authorized persons have the right to review education records of the student, have those records explained, obtain copies of the records, and write a response to materials in the records.  They also have the right to challenge the content of the records they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  The Agency’s policy on student records can be secured upon request by contacting Keystone AEA, 1400 2nd St. NW, Elkader IA 52043, or phone 1-800-632-5918. 

Agencies and organizations, as identified in FERPA regulations, may have restricted access to student records without prior written consent of the parent or student over the age of 18 years.  Any other access to student records shall be only upon written consent or upon court order or legally issued subpoena. A Record of Access is maintained so that parents may learn who has viewed their student’s records.  

2. Record Maintenance/Destruction.

It is Keystone AEA’s policy to destroy the following information deemed no longer needed for determining educational services for its students: 
a. Electronic communication more than five years old;
b. Agency forms not related to Early ACCESS or special education more than five years old; and
c. Underlying information reported in IEPs/IFSPs (i.e. progress monitoring probes, staff notes and evaluation data) more than five years old.

Be advised that this information may contain personally identifiable information regarding students.  If you would like a copy of these materials prior to destruction, please contact Keystone AEA at 1-800-632-5918.

Students and parents may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Keystone AEA to comply with the requirements of FERPA. 

Correspondence should be addressed to:
Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC  20202

Keystone AEA is pleased to introduce several new staff members as we kick off the 2020-21 school year. Please join us in welcoming them aboard!

NOTICE REGARDING DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS
July 2020

Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) maintains records on each student served in order to facilitate the instruction, guidance, and educational progress of the student.  The records contain information about the student and his/her education. These records may include, but are not limited to, the following: identification/directory information, permission(s) of parents for evaluation and placement, support services reports, Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individual Education Programs (IEPs),  and external agency reports. These records are located at the local field office of Keystone AEA serving the local school district.  

Iowa Administrative Rules of Special Education in compliance with FERPA regulations specify that records must be maintained for five years after Early ACCESS/special education services end. [41.624(3)]  Keystone AEA has maintained records since 1974 and has recently adopted a policy stating it will destroy records after the student’s attained age of 26 years and at least five years after exiting from Early ACCESS/special education consistent with these statutes and regulations.

You are hereby notified that Keystone AEA intends to destroy records for those students whose birth year is 1992 or before as these records are no longer needed.  You may want a copy of these records for your own file or to support applications for other supports (e.g. social security disability benefits).  Authorized persons wishing to review records prior to destruction must contact Keystone AEA prior to July 1, 2021 at 1400 2nd St NW, Elkader IA 52043, or phone 1-800-632-5918.

Students and parents may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Keystone AEA to comply with the requirements of FERPA. 

Correspondence should be addressed to:
Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC  20202

Substitute Authorization Course in Decorah

 
The Substitute Authorization course is 20-clock hour training.    
The course dates are March 20-22, 2020.   
(Friday, Mar 20 - 5:00-9:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday, Mar 21-22 - 9:00 am-5:30 pm.)
Keystone AEA, 700 Ridgewood Drive, Decorah, IA 52101-2303
The course section number is 274816.
The deadline to register is March 12, 2020.

A minimum of 10 participants is required to make the course a “go”. Participants must attend all sessions. Course fee will be $130.00. Keystone AEA reserves the right to cancel the program due to low enrollment. Notification of cancellation will be made to those registered.

REGISTER

Keystone Area Education Agency will be offering the required training course for the Iowa Substitute Authorization. Receiving a Substitute Authorization will allow an individual who holds a four-year college degree to substitute in grades PK-12 for no more than five consecutive days in one job assignment.

An individual who holds a Paraeducator Certificate and completes this course will be authorized to substitute ONLY in the special education classroom (not preschool or ELL) in which the individual is employed, for no more than five consecutive days. Only paraeducators may elect the Paraeducator Credit.

The four core components of the course are Classroom Management, Strategies for Learning, Diversity, and Ethics. Upon successful completion of the program the participant may apply to the Board of Educational Examiners for a license, ($85 issuance fee). A state and federal background check is required ($75 background fee) (also a $3.00 credit card user fee).

Local districts have the option of hiring individuals with the Substitute Authorization. It does not guarantee employment. Please check with your local district.

Anyone who meets the following five criteria is eligible to receive this new authorization:
1. Has achieved at least one of the following: (1) holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, OR (2) has completed an approved Paraeducator Certification Program and holds a Paraeducator Certificate.
2. Has attained a minimum age of 21 years.
3. Has successfully completed an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation background check.
4. Has successfully completed a National Criminal History background check.
5. Has successfully completed all the requirements of an approved Substitute Authorization course.

Renewal of Authorization
The period of renewal for this authorization is once every five years. At the time of renewal you will need to submit verification of two 15 contact hour courses taken within the five year period from the date your Authorization was issued, the renewal application form, documentation of Mandatory Child and Dependent Adult Abuse training and the renewal fee.

View additional information about the substitute authorization application process.

Once you have successfully completed the Substitute Authorization class
An online application must be submitted to the Board of Educational Examiners.  
If you have any questions, contact Kathy Wessel at 1-800-632-5918, ext 1320, or E-Mailkwessel@aea1.k12.ia.us during regular business hours.

Help with Registration

Visit the AEA Professional Learning Registration System. If you’re a first time user, select ‘Create Account’.  Fill in the information as requested.  When it asks for your BoEE folder number—select NA.  (The system updates new accounts during the night. This means you'll need to register for the course the following day.) Once you’re logged in, select 'Courses' on the menu bar. In the Course Search box, enter the course section number noted above.  You'll see the Substitute Authorization course listed, select the ‘Register’ button for the appropriate date and location. 

NOTICE REGARDING DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS
January 3, 2020

Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) maintains records on each student served in order to facilitate the instruction, guidance, and educational progress of the student.  The records contain information about the student and his/her education. These records may include, but are not limited to, the following: identification/directory information, permission(s) of parents for evaluation and placement, support services reports, Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individual Education Programs (IEPs),  and external agency reports. These records are located at the local field office of Keystone AEA serving the local school district.  

Iowa Administrative Rules of Special Education in compliance with FERPA regulations specify that records must be maintained for five years after Early ACCESS/special education services end. [41.624(3)]  Keystone AEA has maintained records since 1974 and has recently adopted a policy stating it will destroy records after the student’s attained age of 26 years and at least five years after exiting from Early ACCESS/special education consistent with these statutes and regulations.

You are hereby notified that Keystone AEA intends to destroy records for those students whose birth year is 1992 or before as these records are no longer needed.  You may want a copy of these records for your own file or to support applications for other supports (e.g. social security disability benefits).  Authorized persons wishing to review records prior to destruction must contact Keystone AEA prior to July 1, 2021 at 1400 2nd St NW, Elkader IA 52043, or phone 1-800-632-5918.

Students and parents may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Keystone AEA to comply with the requirements of FERPA. 

Correspondence should be addressed to:
Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC  20202

ANNUAL NOTICE REGARDING RECORDS
January 3, 2020

1. FERPA.

Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) maintains records on each student served in order to facilitate the instruction, guidance, and educational progress of the student.  The records contain information about the student and his/her education. These records may include, but are not limited to, the following: identification/directory information, permission(s) of parents for evaluation and placement, support services reports, Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individual Education Programs (IEPs),  and external agency reports. These records are located at the local field office of Keystone AEA serving the local school district.  

Authorized persons have the right to review education records of the student, have those records explained, obtain copies of the records, and write a response to materials in the records.  They also have the right to challenge the content of the records they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  The Agency’s policy on student records can be secured upon request by contacting Keystone AEA, 1400 2nd St. NW, Elkader IA 52043, or phone 1-800-632-5918. 

Agencies and organizations, as identified in FERPA regulations, may have restricted access to student records without prior written consent of the parent or student over the age of 18 years.  Any other access to student records shall be only upon written consent or upon court order or legally issued subpoena. A Record of Access is maintained so that parents may learn who has viewed their student’s records.  

2. Record Maintenance/Destruction.

It is Keystone AEA’s policy to destroy the following information deemed no longer needed for determining educational services for its students: 
a. Electronic communication more than five years old;
b. Agency forms not related to Early ACCESS or special education more than five years old; and
c. Underlying information reported in IEPs/IFSPs (i.e. progress monitoring probes, staff notes and evaluation data) more than five years old.

Be advised that this information may contain personally identifiable information regarding students.  If you would like a copy of these materials prior to destruction, please contact Keystone AEA at 1-800-632-5918.

Students and parents may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Keystone AEA to comply with the requirements of FERPA. 

Correspondence should be addressed to:
Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC  20202

Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon. The small, front‐yard book exchanges number 60,000 around the world in 80 countries — from Iceland to Tasmania to Pakistan. Now, three Little Free Libraries will be available to families within Keystone Area Education’s service area.  Keystone AEA is excited to join the movement to share books with families and children in our communities.

The Little Free Libraries were sponsored by the Keystone AEA Family & Educator Partnership.  The Keystone AEA Family & Educator Partnership assists families and educators in building partnerships to improve educational programs for children and young adults with special needs. In an effort to bring the love of reading to families of children of all ages, the Family and Educator Partnership installed Little Free Libraries to the Dubuque, Elkader and Decorah, Iowa Keystone AEA offices.  Each library will feature books for children and youth of all ages.

Please take a book or share a book at one of our 3 Little Free Libraries:

Keystone AEA Dubuque
2310 Chaney Road
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Contact:  Brooke Gassman

Keystone AEA Decorah
700 Ridgewood Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
Contact:  Ann Hagensick

Keystone AEA Elkader
1400 Second Street Northwest
Elkader, Iowa 52043
Contact:  Amy Holst

The Little Free Library nonprofit organization has been honored by the Library of Congress, the National Book Foundation, and the American Library Association, and Reader’s Digest named them one of the “50 Surprising Things We Love about America.” Each year, nearly 10 million books are shared in Little Free Libraries. To learn more, please visit littlefreelibrary.org. To learn more about the Keystone AEA Family Educator Partnership please visit keystoneaea.org.

Area school boards elect members to the Keystone Area Education Agency Board of Directors 

Michael Haluska of Decorah was elected as the director in Director District 2, including the Central, Decorah, Postville, and South Winneshiek Community School Districts. Haluska will begin his first term on the Keystone AEA Board. Sue Updegraff of West Union was re-elected for her second term as the director in Director District 4 including the North Fayette Valley, Oelwein, and West Central Community School Districts, and a portion of the New Hampton Community School District. Gerald Hilton of Strawberry Point was re-elected for a second term as the director in Director District 5. The director district includes the Maquoketa Valley, Starmont, and West Delaware Community School Districts, and a portion of the Western Dubuque Community School District. Ann Seamer, of Dubuque, will begin her first term representing Director District 8 which covers a portion of the Dubuque Community School District.  George Holland of Dubuque was re-elected to a second term as the director in Director District 9, also covering a portion of the Dubuque Community School District. 

The board will elect officers at an organizational meeting on December 16, 2019, at the Keystone Area Education Agency Administration Building in Elkader.

Keystone Area Education Agency will be offering the required training course for the Iowa Substitute Authorization. Receiving a Substitute Authorization will allow an individual who holds a four-year college degree to substitute in grades PK-12 for no more than five consecutive days in one job assignment.

An individual who holds a Paraeducator Certificate and completes this course will be authorized to substitute ONLY in the special education classroom (not preschool or ELL) in which the individual is employed, for no more than five consecutive days. Only paraeducators may elect the Paraeducator Credit.

The four core components of the course are Classroom Management, Strategies for Learning, Diversity, and Ethics. Upon successful completion of the program the participant may apply to the Board of Educational Examiners for a license, ($85 issuance fee). A state and federal background check is required ($75 background fee) (also a $3.00 credit card user fee).

Local districts have the option of hiring individuals with the Substitute Authorization. It does not guarantee employment. Please check with your local district.

Anyone who meets the following five criteria is eligible to receive this new authorization:
1. Has achieved at least one of the following: (1) holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, OR (2) has completed an approved Paraeducator Certification Program and holds a Paraeducator Certificate.
2. Has attained a minimum age of 21 years.
3. Has successfully completed an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation background check.
4. Has successfully completed a National Criminal History background check.
5. Has successfully completed all the requirements of an approved Substitute Authorization course.

Renewal of Authorization
The period of renewal for this authorization is once every five years. At the time of renewal you will need to submit verification of two 15 contact hour courses taken within the five year period from the date your Authorization was issued, the renewal application form, documentation of Mandatory Child and Dependent Adult Abuse training and the renewal fee.

In Elkader:
The Substitute Authorization course is 20-clock hour training.
The course dates are December 20-22, 2019.
(Friday, Dec 20 - 5:00-9:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday, Dec 21-22 - 9:00 am-5:30 pm.)
Keystone AEA, 1400 Second Street NW, Elkader, Iowa.
The section number is 274260.
The deadline to register is December 13, 2019.

A minimum of 10 participants is required to make the course a “go”. Participants must attend all sessions. Course fee will be $130.00. Keystone AEA reserves the right to cancel the program due to low enrollment. Notification of cancellation will be made to those registered.

To Register for the class go to: 
Visit the AEA Professional Learning Registration System. If you’re a first time user, select ‘Create Account’.  Fill in the information as requested.  When it asks for your BoEE folder number—select NA.  (The system updates new accounts during the night. This means you'll need to register for the course the following day.) Once you’re logged in, select 'Courses' on the menu bar. In the Course Search box, enter 274260.  You'll see the Substitute Authorization course listed, select the ‘Register’ button for the appropriate date and location. 

View additional information about the substitute authorization application process.

Once you have successfully completed the Substitute Authorization class
An online application must be submitted to the Board of Educational Examiners.  
If you have any questions, contact Kathy Wessel at 1-800-632-5918, ext 1320, or kwessel@aea1.k12.ia.us during regular business hours.

Families are invited to attend the Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival on Thursday, October 24 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Keystone AEA in Elkader. The festival is free and open to the public.

The goals of the festival are to promote, inspire and engage youth in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities and to introduce students and parents to STEM careers.

All ages are welcome to attend. Exhibits will feature interactive STEM activities for students and their families. Attendees may conduct amazing science experiments, observe a variety of fascinating animals, perform surgery with a Laparoscopic Surgical Trainer, test their skills on a welding simulator, measure electricity usage of common electronic devices, and much more!

The Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival is a community-wide partnership led by the Northeast Region of the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council at the University of Northern Iowa, Keystone AEA, Central Community School District, Clayton County Development Group, ISU Extension and Outreach, IowaWorks, Northeast Iowa Community College, and Upper Iowa University.

September 25, 2019

33 Iowa districts chosen to attend National Postsecondary Strategy Institute

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies and AEA PREP have been working to embed Future Ready Iowa's goal of having 70 percent of Iowans with postsecondary credentials by 2025 in Iowa high schools.  AEA PREP, a service of Iowa’s AEAs, kicked off this year with a two-day institute, involving national experts on improving postsecondary attainment and increasing credentials with an equity focus on low-income, minority, and students with disabilities.

On Monday and Tuesday, more than 200 education leaders, representing 33 districts and all nine AEAs came together for the National Postsecondary Strategy Institute (NPSI) - Iowa. This event, held at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, helped school districts develop their internal capacity to support every student toward attaining a successful postsecondary pathway.  

"The Dubuque Community School District continues to be focused on improving outcomes for our graduates and last year, we completed a process called Portrait of a Graduate in collaboration with Keystone AEA,” said Mark Burns, Executive Director of Secondary Education for the Dubuque Community School District. “As we continue this important work, the NPSI conference has helped us to develop efficiencies and sharpen our efforts to prepare all learners to be career and college ready."

Representatives from every Area Education Agency and school districts across the state heard remarks from both Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise. They also worked together to:

• Increase understanding of factors that contribute to a strong district-wide college and career readiness framework aligned to school-based accountability measures.
• Provide examples of how to use data, research, and community-based partnerships to increase student-level outcomes.
• Work toward building a college and career readiness framework for their district.

All participating districts applied to attend this conference. Districts from northeast Iowa that were scheduled to have representatives in attendance include Dubuque Community, Howard Winneshiek, New Hampton, Turkey Valley, and West Delaware.

NPSI - Iowa was made possible through the generous support of Iowa’s Area Education Agencies, Iowa College Aid, Bright Foundation, Des Moines Area Community College, Vermeer Corporation, and the Iowa Culinary Institute. 

Elections for five members of the Board of Directors of the Keystone Area Education Agency will be conducted in November.

Director District 2 includes the Central, Postville, and South Winneshiek Community School Districts, and a portion of the Decorah Community School District in the area known as Decorah Community School District prior to reorganization with North Winneshiek Community School on July 1, 2019. (Portions of Bluffton, Canoe, Decorah, Frankville, Glenwood, Hesper, Highland, Lincoln, Madison, Pleasant, Springfield & Waterloo townships).

Director District 4 includes the North Fayette Valley, Oelwein, and West Central Community School Districts and the New Hampton Township in the New Hampton Community School District.

Director District 5 includes the Maquoketa Valley, Starmont, and West Delaware Community School Districts as well as Delaware County precincts 2, 10 and 12; and Dubuque County precincts 37 and 39 in the Western Dubuque Community School District.

Director District 8 includes the Dubuque County precincts 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, and 19 in the Dubuque Community School District. 

Director District 9 includes the Dubuque County precincts 1, 2, 4, 16, 20, 32, 34, 42, and 45 in the Dubuque Community School District. 

Current directors are Davis Johnson of Decorah in Director District 2; Sue Updegraff of West Union in Director District 4; Jerry Hilton of Strawberry Point in Director District 5; Walter Pregler of Dubuque in Director District 8; and George Holland of Dubuque in Director District 9.

These positions are for four-year terms that will expire in December 2023.

The elections are conducted in accordance with Section 273 of the Code of Iowa. Nominations may be submitted by filing a Statement of Candidacy form with the board secretary of the Keystone AEA on or before October 15, 2019. If no candidate files by the deadline, a convention will be scheduled with prior notice given, and persons may file for candidacy or be nominated at the convention. Each board of education within the director district may cast a vote, weighted according to the school district’s population, for the election of a member to the Agency's Board of Directors. 

Statement of Candidacy forms may be obtained by contacting  Julie Tschirgi, Keystone AEA Board Secretary, in Elkader at 563-245-1480.

Welcome!

We are pleased to introduce several new staff members as we kick off the 2019-20 school year. Please join us in welcoming them aboard!

NOTICE REGARDING DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS
July 30, 2019

Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) maintains records on each student served in order to facilitate the instruction, guidance, and educational progress of the student.  The records contain information about the student and his/her education. These records may include, but are not limited to, the following: identification/directory information, permission(s) of parents for evaluation and placement, support services reports, Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individual Education Programs (IEPs),  and external agency reports. These records are located at the local field office of Keystone AEA serving the local school district.  

Iowa Administrative Rules of Special Education in compliance with FERPA regulations specify that records must be maintained for five years after Early ACCESS/special education services end. [41.624(3)]  Keystone AEA has maintained records since 1974 and has recently adopted a policy stating it will destroy records after the student’s attained age of 26 years and at least five years after exiting from Early ACCESS/special education consistent with these statutes and regulations.

You are hereby notified that Keystone AEA intends to destroy records for those students whose birth year is 1992 or before as these records are no longer needed.  You may want a copy of these records for your own file or to support applications for other supports (e.g. social security disability benefits).  Authorized persons wishing to review records prior to destruction must contact Keystone AEA prior to July 1, 2021 at 1400 2nd St NW, Elkader IA 52043, or phone 1-800-632-5918.

Students and parents may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Keystone AEA to comply with the requirements of FERPA. 

Correspondence should be addressed to:
Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC  20202

ANNUAL NOTICE REGARDING RECORDS
July 30, 2019

1. FERPA.

Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) maintains records on each student served in order to facilitate the instruction, guidance, and educational progress of the student.  The records contain information about the student and his/her education. These records may include, but are not limited to, the following: identification/directory information, permission(s) of parents for evaluation and placement, support services reports, Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individual Education Programs (IEPs),  and external agency reports. These records are located at the local field office of Keystone AEA serving the local school district.  

Authorized persons have the right to review education records of the student, have those records explained, obtain copies of the records, and write a response to materials in the records.  They also have the right to challenge the content of the records they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  The Agency’s policy on student records can be secured upon request by contacting Keystone AEA, 1400 2nd St. NW, Elkader IA 52043, or phone 1-800-632-5918. 

Agencies and organizations, as identified in FERPA regulations, may have restricted access to student records without prior written consent of the parent or student over the age of 18 years.  Any other access to student records shall be only upon written consent or upon court order or legally issued subpoena. A Record of Access is maintained so that parents may learn who has viewed their student’s records.  

2. Record Maintenance/Destruction.

It is Keystone AEA’s policy to destroy the following information deemed no longer needed for determining educational services for its students: 
a. Electronic communication more than five years old;
b. Agency forms not related to Early ACCESS or special education more than five years old; and
c. Underlying information reported in IEPs/IFSPs (i.e. progress monitoring probes, staff notes and evaluation data) more than five years old.

Be advised that this information may contain personally identifiable information regarding students.  If you would like a copy of these materials prior to destruction, please contact Keystone AEA at 1-800-632-5918.

Students and parents may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Keystone AEA to comply with the requirements of FERPA. 

Correspondence should be addressed to:
Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC  20202

Montauk (Keystone AEA) Regional History Day was held Saturday, February 23, 2019, at Decorah Middle School, Decorah, Iowa. This year's theme is Triumph & Tragedy in History. Approximately 97 students from 3 schools participated in five categories (Jr. Division). The following entries/students advanced to the State Contest that will be held Monday, April 29, 2019, at the Iowa Events Center, Des Moines. At State, they have a chance to advance to the National Contest, held at the University of Maryland, June 9-13, 2019, in College Park, Maryland.

Listed by Division and Category:

JUNIOR DIVISION HISTORICAL PAPER:

Title: Triumph & Tragedy: Penicillin’s Discovery & Repercussions
Student: Justin Berlage
School: St. Benedict School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Patty Lien

Title: Münster, Germany Anabaptists
Student: Sophia Christman
School: Decorah Middle School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Wesley Knaack

JUNIOR DIVISION INDIVIDUAL EXHIBIT:

Title: The Manhattan Project: The Atomic Bomb
Student: Abby Woosley
School: Decorah Middle School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Wesley Knaack

Title: Blizzard of 1940
Student: Max Wilson
School: Decorah Middle School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Wesley Knaack

JUNIOR DIVISION GROUP EXHIBIT:

Title: Lewis W. Hine: Triumphing Over Child Labor
Students: Ellen Rooney, Jaden Weis, Sami Mount
School: St. Benedict School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Patty Lien

Title: Agent Orange: The Tragedy with No Triumph
Students: Reid Kuehner, Cole Christopher
School: St. Benedict School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Patty Lien

JUNIOR DIVISION INDIVIDUAL DOCUMENTARY:

Title: Tragedy & Triumph in the Pacific: A Decisive Victory at Midway
Student: Jenna Hartz
School: St. Benedict School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Patty Lien

Title: Mary McLeod Bethune: Educator and Matriach
Students: Sophia Gallentine
School: Decorah Middle School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Wesley Knaack

JUNIOR DIVISION GROUP DOCUMENTARY:

Title: The Hidden Massacre of Greenwood
Students: Casey Brickley, Victor Merritt
School: Decorah Middle School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Wesley Knaack

Title: Robert Capo & Gerda Taro: Photojournalists Who Brought the Realities of War to Life
Students: Mairi Sessions, Amelia Dugger
School: Decorah Middle School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Wesley Knaack

JUNIOR DIVISION INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE:

Title: Triumph After Tragedy: Francis Perkins & the New Deal
Students: Alex Kane
School: St. Benedict School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Patty Lien

Title: Edith Eger: The Dancer That Survived the Holocaust
Student: Ada Lovelace
School: Decorah Middle School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Wesley Knaack

JUNIOR DIVISION GROUP PERFORMANCE:

Title: Rodney King & the LA Riots
Students: Asley Bjork, Kiah Tweten
School: Decorah Middle School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Wesley Knaack

Title: Penicillin: The Accidental Triumph and Impending Tragedy of Bacterial Evolution
Students: Mason Myers, Davis Coppola
School: St. Benedict School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Patty Lien

JUNIOR DIVISION INDIVIDUAL WEB SITES:

Title: Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell: Life of a Female Physician
Student: Leslie Campbell
School: Decorah Middle School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Wesley Knaack

Title: Helen Taussig: Blue Baby Syndrome
Student: Ella Grouws
School: Decorah Middle School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Wesley Knaack

JUNIOR DIVISION GROUP WEB SITES:

Title: The Saving of the U-505
Students: Nathaniel Myers, Aiden Burroughs
School: St. Benedict School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Patty Lien

Title: Freedom Summer: A Fight for the Right to Vote
Students: Tiana Frana, Grace Hoyland
School: Decorah Middle School, Decorah, IA
Teacher: Wesley Knaack

SENIOR DIVISION GROUP EXHIBIT:

Title: Révolution Française (French Revolution)
Students: Gabrielle Kielkucki, William Lemke
School: Beckman Catholic School, Dyersville, IA
Teacher: Anna Durr

SENIOR DIVISION INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE:

Title: Black Death
Students: Anya Westhoff
School: Beckman Catholic School, Dyersville, IA
Teacher: Anna Durr

For more information, contact:
Patricia Lehmann, School Improvement Consultant/Social Studies
Keystone Area Education Agency
2310 Chaney Road
Dubuque, IA 52001-3090
email: plehmann@aea1.k12.ia.us

The Iowa Substitute Authorization allows an individual to substitute in a PK-12 classroom. If you are a Certified Paraeducator, this assigned special education classroom may be at the elementary, middle school, junior high school or high school level.

The four core components of the course are Classroom Management, Strategies for Learning, Diversity, and Ethics. Upon successful completion of the program the participant may apply to the Board of Educational Examiners for a license, ($85 issuance fee). A state and federal background check is required ($75 background fee) (also a $3.00 credit card user fee).

Local districts have the option of hiring individuals with the Substitute Authorization. It does not guarantee employment. Please check with your local district.

Anyone who meets the following five criteria is eligible to receive this new authorization:
1. Has achieved at least one of the following: (1) holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, OR (2) has completed an approved Paraeducator Certification Program and holds a Paraeducator Certificate.
2. Has attained a minimum age of 21 years.
3. Has successfully completed an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation background check.
4. Has successfully completed a National Criminal History background check.
5. Has successfully completed all the requirements of an approved Substitute Authorization course.

Renewal of Authorization
The period of renewal for this authorization is once every five years. At the time of renewal you will need to submit verification of two 15 contact hour courses taken within the five year period from the date your Authorization was issued, the renewal application form, documentation of Mandatory Child and Dependent Adult Abuse training and the renewal fee.

In Dubuque: 
The Substitute Authorization course is 20-clock hour training.
The course dates are February 8-10, 2019
(Friday, February 8 – 5:00-9:00pm; Saturday-Sunday, February 9-10 – 9:00am-5:30pm.)
Keystone AEA, 2310 Chaney Road, Dubuque, Iowa.
The section number is 250805 – Dubuque Office
The deadline to register is February 1, 2019.

A minimum of 10 participants is required to make the course a “go”. Participants must attend all sessions. Course fee will be $115.00. Keystone AEA reserves the right to cancel the program due to low enrollment. Notification of cancellation will be made to those registered.

To Register for the class go to: 
Visit the AEA Professional Learning Registration System If you’re a first time user, select ‘Create Account’.  Fill in the information as requested.  When it asks for your BoEE folder number—select NA.  (The system updates new accounts during the night. This means you'll need to register for the course the following day.) Once you’re logged in, select 'Courses' on the menu bar. In the Course Search box, enter 250805.  Now you'll see the Substitute Authorization course listed, select the ‘Register’ button for the appropriate date and location. 

View additional information about the substitute authorization application process

Once you have successfully completed the Substitute Authorization class
An online application must be submitted to the Board of Educational Examiners
If you have any questions, contact Kathy Wessel at 1-800-632-5918, ext 1320, or kwessel@aea1.k12.ia.us during regular business hours.

Area residents are invited to share personal experiences on children’s mental health services at a listening post set for 6:00-7:30PM on October 10, 2018, at the Carrie Lee Elementary Auditorium, 210 Vernon Street in Decorah.

Listening posts are being hosted at locations across Iowa* on behalf of the Children’s System State Board established by Gov. Kim Reynolds in April. The board will review the information gathered from these listening posts as part of its charge to review existing resources and develop a strategic plan with specific recommendations to implement a better approach to help children with mental health issues. This report is due to the legislature on Nov. 15.

Two additional opportunities have been created for parents/children unable to attend the meeting outlined above.

A survey is available for those unable to attend a listening post. The deadline is Oct. 12.

An online listening post has been scheduled for October 4 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. To join from your computer, click on this URL: https://zoom.us/j/290354386 To join via phone, dial 1-646-876-9923 and when prompted, enter meeting code:  290-354-386

For more information, contact Jeff Herzberg at 515-570-2601. 

*Listening post meetings include:

Great Prairie AEA, Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, 200 North Main, Fairfield: Oct 8 from 6:00-7:30 pm
Mississippi Bend AEA, 729 21st St., Bettendorf: Oct 11 from 5:30-7:00 pm
Keystone AEA, Carrie Lee Elementary Auditorium, 210 Vernon Street, Decorah: Oct 10 from 6:00-7:30 pm
Northwest AEA, 940 Lincoln St SW., LeMars: Oct 2 from 6:00-7:30 pm
Green Hills AEA, 257 Swan St., Creston: Oct 10 from 5:30-7:00 pm
Prairie Lakes AEA, 500 NE 6th Street,  Pocahontas: Oct 3 from 6:00-7:30 pm
Central Rivers AEA, 9184 265th Street, Suite B, Clear Lake: Oct 10 6:00-7:30 pm
Grant Wood AEA, 4401 6th St. SW, Cedar Rapids: Oct 11 from 6:00-7:30 pm
Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston: Oct 8 from 5:30-7:00 pm

Keystone AEA is pleased to introduce several new staff members as we kick off the 2018-19 school year. Please join us in welcoming them aboard!