Successful tutoring program presented to school board
This group presented to the school board on June 19 about the Emerson tutoring program held at Lenihan Intermediate School. Pictured, front row, from left, are Lenihan students Moo Taw, Aunt Aung and Enlin Garcia Hernandez. Back row, Connie Jensen (Lenihan paraducator), Lynn Jensen (Emerson), Julie Hitchins (Emerson), Sara Duncan (Emerson), Leah Mattox (Lenihan teacher), Jennifer Frye (Emerson), Angie Lovell (Lenihan teacher) and Sam Ibarra (Emerson).
Representatives from Emerson’s valve manufacturing plant and Lenihan Intermediate School staff and students talked to the board about the Emerson tutoring program at the school. The company lets employees visit Lenihan during the school day and tutor students in math and reading.
The program started three years ago with 10 tutors from Emerson. This past school year, the number of tutors reached 38. The program is led by Lynn Jensen of Emerson and his wife, Connie Jensen, a paraeducator at Lenihan.
“Being able to give back to the school system was really rewarding,” said tutor Sara Duncan from Emerson.
This year, students were also able to turn the tables and visit the Emerson staff at the Governor Road plant and learn about what they do.
“The students are also seeing a career opportunity right here in Marshalltown,” said Lenihan teacher Leah Mattox.
Personnel
For personnel items approved by the board, click here.
School handbooks
Statements added to handbooks as part of allergy awareness and other recommendations from District Nurse Stacey Tool-Crawford. To come back before board.
2017-18 Student/parent transportation handbook
Director of Transportation Don Meyer said no changes to this handbook aside from adding the new non-discrimination policy. Approved by board.
2017-18 Bus Driver/monitor handbook
Also updated non-discrimination policy. The board encouraged that staff have a sign off sheet for the drivers and monitors to ensure they have read the handbook. Approved by board.
Iowa Public School Insurance Program
Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz presented this resolution in follow up with the approval of the district’s property and workers compensation insurance program that occurred at the last board meeting.
Superintendent contract for 2017-18
The board approved a 1.7 percent total package increase and a 3-year contract for Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte.
Bid document issuance approval- Roundhouse Phase II
This item updates the timeline for Roundhouse Phase II, since the last bids were rejected. The plan is to reissue documents in July. Plans are changing to cut approximately $1.3 million from the project after bids came in higher than expected recently.
“We feel very confident that we have a good shot of coming in at the project budget that we originally established,” Dr. Schutte said.
Dr. Schutte said the district is hopeful to take action on the bids at the second board meeting in August. The project completion date would be right on the heels of the winter sports season in 2018.
Playground equipment proposal
Director of Buildings and Grounds Brett Purvis presented bids for Woodbury Elementary and Franklin Elementary for new playgrounds. The board approved the following bidders for the projects: National Playground- Woodbury project ($71,022) and Boland Recreation- Franklin project ($65,250).
Bus drivers and monitors tentative agreement
Director of Human Resources Anthony Spurgetis said this is the final employee agreement this year and includes a 2.97 percent total package increase.
Attorney John Veldey said it was overall a good contract settlement.
Board Policies
First reading
407.1 – Resignation- Suggested change from last board meeting- Amended and waived second reading
407.4 – Dismissal and Suspension of Licensed Employees- Changes made to IASB language. Amended and waived second reading.
407.4 R- Discipline of Licensed Employees- Marked as reviewed
407.4 E- Disciplinary Guidelines – Licensed Personnel- Table until next meeting – Director of HR to review with attorney.
705.1 -Purchasing- Changes discussed as previous meeting- Amended and waived second reading
312.3 E-1- Fringe Benefits – Administrators/Supervisors – Made suggested changes at previous meeting- Amended and waived second reading
Initial reading
407.6- Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive Program – Marked as reviewed
408.3- Tutoring- Marked as reviewed
409.1- Licensed Employee Vacation-Holidays-Personal Leave – Policy to be trimmed up or can be covered in contract- Will take a look at it and compare it to IASB- to come back to board.
409.2- Sick Leave- Sick leave updated from 200 days to 140 and add licensed employees in policy title- To come back for a first reading
409.3- Licensed Employee Family and Medical Leave- Marked as reviewed.
409.3-R1 – Licensed Employee Family and Medical Leave-Regulation. Marked as reviewed.
Solar Car coming to Marshall County Courthouse Square
District Communications Director Andrew Potter said there is a Solar Car on the Square event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the grounds of the Marshall County Courthouse on Saturday, June 24. See the flyer below for more details, or for a video on the event, click here.
Solar Car on the Square, June 24
Next regular meeting
The next regular board meeting will be held at 5 p.m. July 17.
The board will hold a self assessment special meeting on June 26 at 5 p.m and a
July 24 special board meeting at 5 p.m. for board goals and superintendent goals.
The Board Report 