Marshalltown High School art teacher Wade Judge talks about his design which was selected for an art piece for the pedestrian walkway in downtown Marshalltown at the school board meeting on September 12.
Recognitions
Walkway art project
Marshalltown High School Art teacher Wade Judge talked about the pedestrian walkway art project he designed in a former alley. It is located between the Fiddle and Whistle and Apgar Photography off of Main Street. Judge said there were several volunteers who helped paint the piece on the ground and said there is more art to come downtown.
“I’m really proud to be able to put my thumbprint to be part of Marshalltown,” Judge said.
Homecoming
MHS Student Senate members Morgan Van Staalduine and Trevor Lewis talked about Homecoming events going on this week. Both encouraged the community to come out to the events and show their Bobcat spirit.
“It’s a way for the whole community to come connect together,” Van Staalduine said.
Board Director Resignation
The board accepted the resignation of board member Ben Stansberry. The board will be accepting letters of interest (sent to Brian Bartz at district office) for those wishing to fill this vacancy until September 21. More information is forthcoming on this process, which could also be filled via an election if a petition is filed with the required signatures by September 28.
New Administrator
Josh Wesley introduced himself as the new Director of Technology. Josh is from St. Paul, Minnesota and was a technology supervisor for a school district in that area. He started at MCSD on September 1.
Personnel
Director of Human Resources Anthony Spurgetis presented this personnel list which was approved by the board. He noted two changes to the list including Ashlea Dall is not resigning as paraeducator at MHS and Miriam Rodas will stay as a bus monitor.
Depository Resolution
Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz presented this item. This is a yearly requirement to list the financial institutions in which public funds may be deposited.
Policies
310.1 – Administrative/Management Team – Marked as reviewed
310.3- -Administrative Structure- Marked as reviewed
312.1 – Administrative Personnel Employment – Individual Contracts – Recommendation to delete last line “The contract shall automatically continue in force for one year following expiration unless mutually modified or terminated.”
This would make all administrative contracts rolling one year contracts like the teachers. (instead of two years). This is expected to come back as a first reading next meeting.
312.3 – Administrative Personnel – Compensation/Benefits – Marked as reviewed
705.9 – Death of a Student, Staff Member or Board Director – Board President Bea Niblock suggested add to this policy that flowers be sent to a funeral that we know about for current students, staff members or board directors. Business Director Brian Bartz said this action has been written up by auditors in the past at a different district. This policy will come back with some revision to have some way to offer sympathy.
Election of Board President for 2016-17 year
Brian Bartz reads the oath of office to Bea Niblock after she was elected Board President.
Bea Niblock was re-elected Board President for the next year and took the oath of office.
Election of Board Vice President for 2016-17 year
Board President Bea Niblock reads the oath of office to Board Vice President Janelle Carter.
Janelle Carter was re-elected Vice President for the next year and took the oath of office.
Annual Appointments for 2016-17
-Appointed Brian Bartz as Board Secretary
-Appointed Cartwright, Druker and Ryden as School Attorney and John Veldey as collective bargaining counsel spokesperson
-Appointed Ahlers and Cooney as additional legal counsel
-Appointed TSP as architect of record
Board Work Session
The board held a special work session with the superintendent search firm McPherson and Jacobson and Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte to set up superintendent goals. This is part of the follow up work by the search firm. The goals established include: Improve Culture, Improve Communication, and Improve Student Development (student achievement, participation and performance).
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the school board will be held at 5 p.m. on September 26 in district offices.
From Board President Bea Niblock
“Monday’s board meeting allowed us to see two of the ways that staff and students are reaching into the community and sharing of themselves and the educational community, as well.
MHS art teacher, Wade Judge, told the board of his design, which was selected to help beautify a pedestrian walkway in downtown. The talents of our staff reach far beyond teaching students and into the community to make it a more enriched place to live and work.
Senior class officers, Morgan Van Staalduine and Trevor Lewis shared a preview of the activities that are happening at the high school and in the community for Homecoming Week. It’s a wonderful highlight of the spirit and enthusiasm of the student body.
Great things are happening in our schools and the successes are being shared with our school community and the Marshalltown community at large!” – Bea Niblock
The Board Report 