Marshalltown High School English teacher Jocelyn Frohwein presents a certificate to MHS sophomore Dylan Roseburrough at the school board meeting on March 7. Roseburrough received an honorable mention award from the Belin-Blank Center Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for his short story.
Recognitions
Marshalltown High School sophomore Dylan Roseburrough was recognized by English teacher Jocelyn Frohwein. Roseburrough received an honorable mention for his short story from the Belin-Blank Center Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Dylan said he really enjoys writing and liked this project. To read his story, click here.
“It really helped me grow as a writer,” Roseburrough said. He is currently working on a novel.
Elementary art teacher Maggie Parks talked about her national excellence award from the United States Society for Education through Art. Parks will receive it later this month in Chicago. “We are proud,” Board President Bea Niblock told Parks.
Personnel
Current Marshalltown High School Dean of Students Justin Boliver has been named Associate Principal at MHS, effective July 1. He will replace Dr. Kenneth Hayes, who is leaving the district for another position.
For all personnel items approved by the board, click here.
Public comment
Marshalltown High School Student Senate members, Morgan Van Staalduine, junior class president, and Trevor Lewis junior class vice president, said they are helping to organize a community-wide Summer Olympics, which will include swimming, track, soccer, cycling, tennis and volleyball from July 22-24.
“We are doing this to get a positive thing in our community,” Van Staalduine said.
It will serve as a fundraiser for MHS school clubs and provide a to-be-determined donation to benefit the community.
St. Francis Catholic School
St. Francis Catholic School Principal Dr. Matt Herrick talked about the relationship his school has with the Marshalltown Community School District.
St. Francis leaders are in talks to revise its strategic plan, which MCSD will do as well. Herrick said good communication will help align strategic plans. Since most of the St. Francis students end up at Miller Middle School, it makes sense to be on the same page.
“We want to make sure we align and support what you are trying to do,” Herrick said.
Competency-Based Education
Associate Superintendent Dr. Susan Pecinovsky provided an update on Competency-Based Education, which is in year three in the district.
CBE has a goal for creating innovative pathways for student learning that allow for student choice and remove barriers. It’s a way where students advance based on proficiency. District teams continue to work on this initiative.
To view the full report, which includes much of this work, click here.
Marshalltown Learning Academy attendance center plan
Principal Eric Goslinga presented the annual attendance center plan from MLA, the alternative learning environment for grades 9-12 in the district. A total of 178 students have earned a diploma at MLA the past seven years. Goslinga said many of these students most likely would not have received a diploma if it weren’t for MLA.
Currently MLA is serving 60 students, but there is a plan to expand the number of students they are able to serve, he said.
MLA staff utilize the Competency-Based educational model. Goslinga talked about PELO (Personalized Extended Learning Opportunity) that allows students to tap into their interests in their learning. MLA has received recognition as an exemplar program for disruptive innovation in the area of blended learning.
Medicaid Provider
Director of Special Services Matt Cretsinger and Dann Stevens, CEO of Timberline Billing Services, presented a 3-year agreement for Timberline as a Medicaid provider. Third party companies such as Timberline have all the knowledge and skills to help the district receive Medicaid reimbursements, Cretsinger said. Timberline is based in Des Moines. The district pays a fee of 6 percent of the net Medicaid reimbursement retained by the district to Timberline as part of the agreement. The agreement was approved by the board and it will start July 1, 2016.
Special Education Compliance Audit
Cretsinger presented this audit from the Special Education department. Every five years Special Education has to go through an audit from the AEA as required by the Iowa Department of Education. No issues were found in IEPs in this audit, which is good news to report. Cretsinger credited the teachers and other staff for the time and effort put into this great work.
Certified Budget
Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz presented information on the 2016-17 certified budget. Bartz proposed an $18.69 per thousand valuation tax rate as a recommendation. The rate recommended is the worst case scenario (highest tax rate) since there has been no decision on additional funding for schools from the state. This rate can be lowered after being published in the newspaper, but can’t be raised. The best case scenario of 2.5 percent growth from the state would push levy rate down to 17.93. The current tax rate is $18.33.
Board polices
201.2 – Legal Status of the Board of Directors – Marked as reviewed
201.3 – Responsibilities of the Board of Directors– Marked as reviewed
201.5 – Membership – Marked as reviewed
201.6 – Term of Office – Marked as reviewed
201.7 – Organization of the Board- Marked as reviewed.
Committee reports
Roundhouse art committee – Board member Ben Stansberry gave the update and said they are down to four finalists for this project a major art piece at the Roundhouse. They plan to be on the board agenda for the March 21 meeting to talk more about this effort. The goal is to have a project approved by April 1.
The board then went into a closed session.
Roundhouse roof
After the closed session, the board voted to accept the Roundhouse roof portion settlement as presented. This includes a recovering of the roof at a later date.
From Board President Bea Niblock
“Has it been your dream to be a participant or a medal winner in the Olympics? Now is your chance!
Two high school students, Morgan and Trevor, shared plans for a community wide Olympics to be held from July 22-24. At this time, they are looking for sponsors for the event. The Marshalltown Y has already agreed to be a sponsor and will host the swimming events. Watch for further information to be coming from these visionary and energetic young people.
If running, swimming or track and field events are your passions, you’ll want to showcase your talents. Can you see yourself on the steps with other medal winners? Gather your friends and get ready for Marshalltown’s Summer Olympics.” – Bea Niblock
The Board Report 