Fisher students read their short stories at the board meeting

Fisher Elementary School fourth graders, from left, Lucas Hagen, Quinn Eastman and Emerson Eastman talk to their teacher Julie Preston, right, during a presentation to the school board on November 20. Also pictured is school board member Ben Fletcher.

Fisher Elementary School Presentation
Princpal Mark Lee and Instructional Coach Jennifer August presented this overview of things going on at Fisher.
“It’s been a fantastic whirlwind,” Lee said of his first year at Fisher.
The board was then able to catch a glimpse of what goes on during an author party at the school. Three students each from Mary Pepper’s first grade class and Julie Preston’s fourth grade class read their short stories and talked about each other’s work.

Maximus Leger reads to fellow first graders Celeste Heald, left, and Andrea Cabrera at the board meeting.

Recognitions

Director of Foodservice Lynn Large (left) recognized Kendra Bueghly of Farm Credit Services of America for the company’s recent donation of $5,000 to the backpack program. The program  provides food to take home for 200 kids each week.
“One of our missions is nutrition,” Bueghly said.

Dr. Theron Schutte, left, congratulations Lucas Johnson on his coach of the year award for boys golf.

Marshalltown High School boys golf coach and Miller Middle School teacher Lucas Johnson was recognized as he was named Class 4A coach of the year by the Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association. Johnson helped guide the Bobcats to the Class 4A title.
“It’s a nice honor,” Johnson said.

The board itself was also recognized for earning awards for their own learning development from the Iowa Association of School Boards. More on the board honor here.

Personnel
For personnel items approved by the board click here.

Director of Human Resources Anthony Spurgetis pointed out the four current retirements in the district and gave some information on their work in the district including:

Penny Duer – Current Special Education Instructional Coach who has 31 years of service to district

John Fitzgerald – Current MHS counselor who has 38 years of service to the district.

Bev Fisher- Current Miller Middle School math teacher with 19 years of service.

Mark Chardoulias – Current Lenihan counselor with 25 years of service to the district.

“We we miss the individuals greatly,” said Board President Bea Niblock

At-Risk update
Director of Instruction Dr. Lisa Stevenson presented preliminary information on the at-risk budget. She will come back at the December 4 board meeting with the budget. The board finance committee will meet on November 27 to present clearer budget figures.

First Quarter report
Dr.  Stevenson and Director of Special Services Matt Cretsinger presented this document as an update with data from the first quarter.

While some numbers such as chronic absenteeism were not what the district wanted, there were some other numbers that showed promise, including a 11 percent jump in reading proficiency on the FAST test throughout the elementary level.

Behavior referrals were also discussed. The board had several questions for the two and also would like to see the data on how it stacks up to past years and state averages.
More data is expected to be presented to the board in the future.

The following 4 finance items were resolutions for refinancing of bonds and for the Roundhouse Phase II construction project – All were approved by board

• Resolution Appointing Paying Agent, Bond Registrar, and Transfer Agent, Approving the Paying Agent, Bond Registrar and Transfer Agent Agreement and Authorizing the Execution of Same.
• Approval of Tax Exempt Certificate
• Resolution Authorizing the Terms of Issuance and Providing for and Securing the Payment of School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue and Refunding Bonds
• Resolution Appointing A Successor Paying Agent, Bond Registrar, and Transfer Agent; Approving the Paying Agent, Bond Registrar and Transfer Agent Agreement and Authorizing the Execution of Same –

Franklin Elementary and Miller Middle School Easements
Working with Alliant Energy, this agreement allows the company to take above ground power lines below ground at Franklin and Miller,paid for by Alliant-  Board Approved

Board Policies
501- 1R to become 510.3-E2 – Attendance Regulations. Will come back with changes- being reworked again

First reading
705.9- Death of Student, Staff Member, or Board Director. Added phrase at end. Approved, waived second reading

Initial review
501.1-Resident Students- Recently reviewed- marked as reviewed again
501.2- Non-Resident Students- Change to the date in last paragraph- to October 1. To come back as first reading
501.7- Foreign Students- to change number to 604.8- to mirror IASB policy number – Integrate IASB policy and will be run by legal counsel – Policy to come back before board
501.8-Attendance Records – Marked reviewed.
501.9 -Open Enrollment- Sending District- number changed to 501.14 to reflect IASB number – Marked as amended.
501.9-R- Open Enrollment – Sending District Regulation-  Number changed to 501.14R – Phase III references removed. Accepted as amended.

The next regular school board meeting will be at 5 p.m. on December 4 in district offices.

From Board President Bea Niblock
“It won’t be long and you’ll soon be off and enjoying some time away from the educational setting.  So, let me share with you the quote that I used at the end of the board meeting yesterday.  

“I am grateful for what I am and have.  My thanksgiving is perpetual.”   Henry David Thoreau

May you, too, be perpetually thankful!  Happy Thanksgiving to you all!” – Bea Niblock