Fisher Elementary Principal Vicki Vopava made a presentation to the board on Feb. 2.
Continuous Learning Calendar
Community member Arlene McAtee spoke to the school board in favor of appointing a study committee to explore the possibility of a Continuous Learning Calendar in Marshalltown Schools. McAtee was joined by several community leaders in support of this move to more year-round learning. She said this would put Marshalltown in a leadership role in this effort. The board approved the request to appoint a committee to explore this initiative.
Fisher Elementary School
Fisher Elementary Principal Vicki Vopava and literacy coach Jennifer August gave an attendance center update to the board. Vopava said there is a heavy focus on acceleration as it relates to growth in student achievement at Fisher and was excited to share the success they have had.
Student Recognition
Marshalltown High School junior Beau Ragland spoke about his selection as a Know Your Constitution state finalist. Ragland was among 100 finalists recognized for their work on a quiz and essay on the U.S. Constitution.
Attendance Center rankings
Dr. Marvin Wade and Dr. Susan Pecinovsky talked about new figures from the Iowa Department of Education, which ranks attendance centers in the state. The two ranking categories released last Friday were student proficiency rates and academic growth. Rankings on other measures are due to be released in the future. To connect to the rankings website, click here.
Strategy One Progress Report
District administrators presented on this strategy to design and deliver curriculum, instruction, assessment and interventions that support the district’s long-term strategic goals and objectives. This strategy is part of the Strategic Action Plan.
Work truck purchase
The board approved the purchase of a Ford F250 truck for $25,184 for the transportation department from Jensen Ford. This new truck will replace some of the work currently being done by a 1984 model truck and a 2001 model truck.
Buildings and Grounds projects
The board approved the plans, scope of work and to move forward with the competitive quote process for the remodeling of the Staff Development Annex at 315 Columbus Drive. This remodeling will allow for Reading Recovery training in the facility.
The board also approved plans and scope of work and let another project out bid, which is the Equity Disability Remodel at Anson and Woodbury elementary schools. This will allow for handicap accessibility upgrades at the schools, especially in several restroom areas. A contract is expected to be awarded on the bids at the March 2 board meeting,
Band uniform fees
The board approved an increase in fees in band uniforms for MHS students. The increase went from $25 to $35 and an increase hasn’t been issued in 16 years for this service, which pays for the dry cleaning of the uniforms.
Policies
801.5 – Construction Contract Bidding– Approved
802.8 – Use of Contract Service – Approved
902.1 – Board – Community Relations – Mark as reviewed with the deletion of first few words.
902.2 – News Conferences and Interviews (New Policy) – Will be brought back for initial reading.
902.3 – Releases to News Media – Internal Unit News – Mark reviewed with deletion of start.
902.4 – Releases to News Media- Board Matters – To come back to board after rewording.
902.5 – Duplicated or Printed Materials – To be brought back to board.
For personnel items click here.
Message from Board President Kay Beach:
It was wonderful to learn all of the great things going on at Fisher Elementary School from Vicki Vopava and Jennifer August. It’s wonderful not only to see the numbers of those students displaying accelerated learning, but also to see the excitement of the teachers about that accelerated learning. It’s very encouraging and the results they are getting are exciting.
– Kay Beach
The next regular meeting of the school board is at 5 p.m. Feb. 16 at district offices.
The Board Report 