District enrollment increases by 122
Preliminary enrollment figures show an increase in 122 students in Marshalltown Schools for 2011-2012.
The District has a funded enrollment of 5,322 students, up from 5,200 in 2010-2011. Human Resources Director Lisa Koester told the Board this figure reflects the number of students for which the District will receive funding.
Preschool enrollment continues to grow, with 184 students in the program for 4-year-olds this year, up from 162 in 2010-2011. Special Services Director Lisa Glenn said every available spot is full and there are waiting lists at each building. After Fisher Elementary opens a preschool program next fall, all six elementary schools will have preschool.
Open enrollment out figures remain around 8 percent, which is consistent with state trends.
—–
Food Service upgrades Miller, MHS serving lines
Rapids Foodservice of Marion was awarded the low bid for upgrades to serving lines at Miller Middle School and Marshalltown High School.
The $56,381 purchase includes two hot serving lines and two cold serving lines each at MHS and Miller. The addition will allow students at each school to have their choice of four entrees.
The need for increased serving lines stems from the decision to make MHS a closed campus. Food Service Director Vickie McVey said they are serving 400-500 more students each day. She told the Board MHS food service serves 1,000 meals a day in approximately 30 minutes through four serving lines with four entrees, two salad bar lines and two snack bar lines.
McVey said the elimination of a la carte sales during study halls and the downsizing of a la carte options (changing four snack bar lines to two meal lines) has meant some decreased revenue. The additional students eating lunch and breakfast, however, has more than made up for that and will help offset the cost of the equipment upgrades.
—–
Franklin Field change orders save $3,044
Change orders at the Franklin Field Gateway Project saved $3,044.
The major reduction in cost comes from the elimination of 32 stone accent pieces (saving $3,389). Two other change orders were for a combined increase of $345 (welded wire and panels for window openings).
—–
Hoglan mansard, soffit project complete
The Board approved a Resolution of Acceptance for the Hoglan mansard and soffit replacement project.
The project was completed by Vis Roofing, Ltd., of Marshalltown for $134,000. Work on the project began June 20, 2011.
—–
Personnel
Resignations
Brenda Krough, Hoglan paraeducator, effective Oct. 4, 2011.
Cheryl Parker, Miller food service, effective Sept. 16, 2011.
Vicki Cruikshank, Franklin paraeducator, effective Sept. 29, 2011.
Tracy Macbeth, MHS paraeducator, effective Oct. 28, 2011.
Appointments
Mike Ruth, bus driver, start date: Oct. 3, 2011; salary: $18,131.95/year.
Nicole Jones, Lenihan paraeducator, start date: Oct. 18, 2011; salary: $9.48/hour.
Kayla Tate, Lenihan paraeducator, start date: Oct. 18, 2011; salary: $8.47/hour.
Adrianna Madrigal-Vasquez, Lenihan paraeducator, start date: Oct. 18, 2011; salary: $9.48/hour.
Gloria Harris, Rogers paraeducator, start date: Oct. 18, 2011; salary: $9.48/hour.
John Augustine, assistant seventh grade girls basketball coach, start date: Oct. 18, 2011; salary: $2,242/year.
John Fiscus, assistant seventh grade boys basketball coach, start date: Oct. 18, 2011; salary: $2,242/year.
Cindy Jones, assistant MHS girls track coach, start date: Oct. 18, 2011; salary: $3,190/year.
Allie Osmundson, MHS head girls soccer coach, start date: Oct. 18, 2011; salary: $4,099/year.
Change of Contract
Stacie Holmes, Hoglan paraeducator, change to MHS for 6.5 hours/day Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 5.5 hours/day Wednesday. Salary: $8.96/hour.
—–
Policy
First Reading
804.2 Video Surveillance and Electronic Monitoring, change policy to reference FERPA, change state to Iowa (Ohio policy used as a template).
Initial Review
605. 3 Student Promotion – Retention, looked at policies developed by other districts; If students are not meeting grade-level expectations parents and school staff will meet to develop an intervention plan for the student. The school principal is responsible for monitoring the development and implementation of intervention plans.
—–
Notes from the Board
By Kay Beach, Board President
This evening the Board received two pieces of welcome news. We learned that our certified enrollment (that is, the enrollment which will determine the amount of state funding we receive in the 2012-2013 school year) is up by over 120 students this year. This translates to over $720,000 in additional revenue for next year – the year which has been projected to be the tightest for our budget since 2008.
This, of course, doesn’t mean we don’t have to continue to spend very conservatively; but it could mean a few less difficult decisions.
The second piece of information was that, although we are always concerned when families choose to enroll outside the district, our open enrollments have been and continue to be under the state average. One of the Board’s goals is to substantially reduce this number by pursuing a vigorous public relations campaign to spread the word about all the GOOD things that we offer our students and families. Watch for it!
—–
Notes from the Superintendent
By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools
With less than one month in office, our three new board members have already demonstrated the ability to adjust to a hectic pace established by their veteran peers. In two October meetings, the Board has adopted a decision-making protocol for the Board, committed to study of a book called “School Board Member Handbook,” and dealt with issues involving budget, construction, policies, committee work, and student discipline. In addition, there has been a 90-minute board duties overview, a three hour orientation with district administrators, a four hour “board visioning” work session, and committee meetings of the Business Education Alliance, Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, and Design Advisory Committee. Within the next week the Board will participate in an Iowa Association of School Boards workshop called “Foundations of Effective Board Service,” as well as meetings of the Marshalltown Auditorium Foundation Partnership and the Labor Management Committee. I mention all of this so people can better understand that the Board’s commitment to our children and community goes well beyond the 5-10 hours per month of board meetings – many behind-the-scenes hours are necessary for successful governance of our district.
—–
The Board Report 