The Board Report

Director of Human Resources Anthony Spurgetis, left, presented several employee group agreements to the board for the 2019-20 fiscal year during the June 17 school board meeting.

Recognitions
Director of Human Resources Anthony Spurgetis was recognized for his three years of service as he attended his last board meeting before leaving the district.

Dr. Nora Ryan was introduced as the new Director of Human Resources.

Personnel
For personnel items approved by the board, click here.
Late additions to this list included:

Appointments:
Hannah Al-Mazroa 6th grade at Lenihan
Sherri Logan, Library paraeducator at MHS
Elizabeth Warner, 5th grade teacher at Lenihan
Amy Sather, art teacher at Miller
Maci Fritz, Assistant softball coach at MHS

Resignation
Katie Hilby, Kindergarten teacher at Woodbury Elementary School

Board Director Resignation
Board member Ross Harris has submitted his resignation with four months remaining on his four-year term. The board approved the resignation and is accepting letters of interest to fill the vacancy.

Student Health Report for the 2018-2019 School Year
Stacey Tool Crawford, MHS/District Nurse, presented this annual report. We have 9 nurses in the district and three health aides. Almost half of our students list a health condition. This can be something simple as needing glasses up to more chronic conditions.
Total visits to health offices were 75,802 this past school year. Of those visits 64,627 were sent back to class, 2,091 were sent home and 6 were sent to EMS/911.
There has been some great work providing AEDs to all school buildings including some larger buildings which have multiple ones, along with training that has taken place in buildings.
“I am very pleased we are able to provide that cardiac support in our district,” Tool-Crawford said.

Chromebook Bids
Joshua Wesley presented bids received for Chromebooks after making a request to publish a RFP at the April 15, 2019 board meeting. He recommended the board award to CDW for 1,605 total Chromebooks and licencing in the amount $484,500.00. SAVE will be used for payment. The board approved the purchase.

Digital Learning Plan Approval
Dr. Lisa Stevenson, Director of Instruction, presented this for approval after the details were presented at the June 3 meeting. The board approved the plan.

Seal of Biliteracy
Dr. Lisa Stevenson, Director of Instruction, presented the list of 24 MHS students who received the Iowa Seal of Biliteracy.

Marshalltown High School Class of 2019 Graduates
Dr. Theron Schutte, Superintendent presented this list of graduates.

2019-2020 School Board Meeting Dates
Dr. Theron Schutte, Superintendent) The board meeting dates here were approved for the 2019-20 year. Amended: July date to July 13, 2020 (not July 15, 2020)

Miller Middle School Modular Technology Lab Curriculum
“There is a lot of synergy especially in our business community,” Dr. Schutte said of this effort.
These mod tech labs help promote career and technical education as well as STEM careers. Helping fund them is a $20,000 Perkins grant, $20,000 from the Regional Planning Partnership (partnership of local schools) and local business and industry.
The board approved the Miller Middle School Modular Technology Lab Curriculum and furniture from Mid-West 3D Solutions, LLC in the amount of $69,431 as presented.

Classroom Audio Systems Purchase
Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte recommended the purchasing of 22 Lightspeed TOPCAT audio systems (mounted speaker, 2 mics & media connector) and three REDCAT ACCESS and battery with flexmike for classrooms at Rogers, Anson, and Woodbury Elementary School in the amount of $40,054. Sales tax (SAVE) will be used to fund this one time expenditure.  The board approved the item as presented.

2019-2021 School Year Marshalltown Education Association Certified Staff Salary and Benefits Settlement
Anthony Spurgetis, Director of Human Resources, presented the tentative agreement between the MEA and the district.
The contract includes language location changes and a salary 1.91% increase. The board approved the contract.
It’s a 2 year agreement in languages with a re-opener for wages after first year.

2019-20 Food Service Agreement
The District and union agreed to a one-year agreement. The District and union agree to step advancement, longevity, and $.15 per hour to the wage of each employee. 1.78% (salary, fica, ipers). The board approved the agreement.

2019-2020 School Year Transportation Agreement
The District and union agree to a one-year agreement. The District and union agree to step advancement and $.15 per hour to the wage of each employee. 2.5% for drivers and mechanics, 1.44% for monitors (salary, fica, ipers).  The district and union agree to a $.50 increase in trip pay. The district and union agree that all employee wages will be listed as hourly. The board approved the agreement.

2019-20 Buildings and Ground Agreement
The District and union agree to a one-year agreement. The District and union agree to step advancement, longevity, and $.13 per hour to the wage of each employee. 2.85% package (salary, fica, ipers.)  The board approved the agreement.

2019-20 Secretaries Meet and Confer Agreement
Dr. Theron Schutte and Paulette Newbold recommended the Board approve a salary increase of 2.20% as presented, for secretaries for the 2019-2020 school year. There is a 20 cent, 30 cent and 40 cent increase per hour, depending on what category the employee is in.

Administrators, Directors and Others Wages 2019-2020
The superintendent recommended to the board to approve a salary increase of 1.91% as presented, for Administrators, Directors and others for the 2019-2020 school year. Additionally, the positions of Server Specialist, Network; Security Specialist would receive a salary increase of 3.82% in order to move them closer to the norm of similar positions relative to comparability. Positions included under Administrators Others: Instructional Design Specialist, School Resource Officers, Social Workers, Food Service Managers, Auditorium Manager, Server Specialist and Network;Security Specialist, Student Technology Device Coordinator. The board approved the wages for 2019-20.

Review and Acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2018 Audit
Paulette Newbold, Director of Business Operations, presented this from the State Auditor’s Office, which is for July 1, 2017- June 30, 2018.
The good news is that our district’s opinion is the best opinion we can receive which is an unmodified opinion. The board accepted the audit and presented.

Fiscal Year 2019-2021 Financial Statement Audit Proposal
Paulette Newbold, Director of Business Operations, presented the Fiscal Year 2019-2021 Financial Statement Audit Proposal and recommended approving a 3 year contract with Hogan-Hansen.  The proposed engagement cost for FY19 is $35,000; for FY20 is $36,000; and for FY21 is $37,000. The board approved the contract.

Marshalltown High School Roundhouse Phase II Change Order
Director of Buildings and Grounds Chuck Springer presented Marshalltown High School Roundhouse Phase II Change Order number four. The Change Order totals $32,505.00. FEH Architects will pay for $5,000 of this. It was approved by the board.

Hoglan Elementary Playground
District Director of Buildings and Grounds Chuck Springer presented bids received and recommended approval of Kluesner Construction, Inc. to replace 5,595 square feet of playground at Hoglan Elementary in the amount of $38,950. This is the asphalt playground in the southeast section of the play area. Three inch asphalt will add $175.00 to the total price. The Public Education and Recreation Levy (PERL) fund will be used for payment. The board approved the bids.

An example of a Gaga pit

Elementary School and Lenihan Intermediate School Playground Gaga Pits
Dr. Theron Schutte recommended approval of purchasing 7 Gaga pits, one for each elementary school playground and Lenihan Intermediate School in the amount of $23,503.70. The Public Education and Recreation Levy (PERL) fund will be used for payment. Gaga is a gentler version of dodgeball.  The board approved the purchase.

Board Policies
First reading
New policy 502.13 Student Name Changes – no changes since previously presented. Adopted and waived second reading
New exhibit 502.13-E1 Student Name Change Application Form -no changes since previous presented. Adopted and waived second reading
711.3 Extra -Curricular Activities Bus Service – Amended with IASB language no changes since last presentation. Approved as amended and waived second reading.
711.4 Summer Program Bus Service -Amended with IASB language no changes since last presentation. Approved as amended and waived second reading.

Initial Review
711.5 Transportation of Nonresident and Nonpublic School Students – Marked as reviewed
711.6 (new 711.9) Transportation Insurance Program – Renumbering and changes made to it- To come back before board.
711.7 (new 711.6) Transportation of Nonschool Groups – Renumbering- marked as reviewed.
711.8 Transportation in Inclement Weather – Additon of social media- Marked as reviewed.

Policy changes from Finance/Facility Meeting
401.7 Employee Compensation – Minor Changes -To come back before board
401.8 Recognition for Service of Employees – Minor change Marked as reviewed
401.10 Credit Cards- Minor Changes -To come back before board
401.12 Employee Use of Cell Phones – Minor changes – To come back before board.
401.12-R Employee Use of Cell Phones Regulation – Minor changes to come back before board
New Policy 705.4 Expenditures for a Public Purpose- New policy- To come back at next meeting
New Regulation 705.4-R1  Expenditures for a Public Purpose Regulation – new policy- To come back at next meeting
705.9 Death of Student, Staff or Board Director – Minor changes To come back before board.
New Policy 707.5 Internal Controls – New  IASB recommended- To come back at next meeting
New Regulation 707.5-R1 Internal Controls Procedures – New IASB recommended- To come back at next meeting

Next meetings
The board will meet in a special open session meeting on July 2 to interview board candidates. Schedule is to be determined depending on number of candidates.

The next regular meeting of the board will be at 5 p.m. on July 15 in district offices.

From Board President Bea Niblock

“The board meeting was a very busy one, but filled with good news.

• Grant proposals were approved between MCSD and the state of Iowa to support English learners.
• Donations totaling more than $5000 were received for a variety of needs in the district.
• Bids were approved to advance the district’s 1 to 1 Chromebook plan.
• 24 students at MHS received the Seal of Biliteracy award this year.
• In this year of unknowns with the new collective bargaining law, negotiations were completed and contracts signed for all of the bargaining groups.
• The audit report was accepted.
• Gaga pits were approved for each elementary school and Lenihan, and
• Nora Ryan was introduced as the new Director of Human Resources.

Those are just a few of the items on the agenda which are helping our district move forward. It was, indeed, a full meeting with the known fact that we are making a difference in the lives of each and every student in our district.” – Bea Niblock

For a video of the meeting, click here.

The MHS boys soccer team and coaches Scott Johannes and Bobby Shomo were recognized at the June 3 school board meeting. The team qualified for the state tournament and finished the season with a 16-3 record.

Recognition
MHS boys soccer coaches Scott Johannes and Bobby Shomo were recognized after leading the team to the state tournament and a 16-3 season record. Mr. Johannes recently was honored as the Des Moines Register’s 2019 All-Iowa boys soccer coach of the year. Several soccer players were in attendance as well. With many of the players coming back next year, Johannes said the team has “unfinished business” for the future.

Personnel
For personnel items approved by the board, click here. It includes the resignation of Director of Human Resources Anthony Spurgetis.

Late changes to personnel items agenda below:
Additional resignations were:
Lacie Moore, instructional coach Hoglan
Jennifer Sloan, 4th grade Hoglan
Additional Appointment:
Cristina Saiz, 6th grade dual language- Lenihan

Public comment
Several teachers talked about their wishes to maintain the permissive language in the contract

Individual Career Academic Plan(ICAP)
Dee Burt, CPDL with College and Career Readiness,  presented this plan. This plan was designed by 16 members.
“This is a work in progress,” Burt said. “We are continually looking at this.”
There are 5 essential components in the plan including: Self-understanding, Career Information, Career Exploration Activities and Post Secondary Exploration, Career and Postsecondary Decision.

Clarity 2019 Survey Data
David Stanfield, Instructional Design Specialist, presented these survey results. Clarity is a survey designed to help districts gather data and analyze their technology integration efforts on instruction. The survey has been taken in the spring for five years and includes certified district staff and students in grades 3-12.
It’s an excellent tool to look at our conversion into more digital platforms, Stanfield said.
The overall score was proficient with an increased score from the past and above the state average.

Digital Learning Plan Presentation
Dr. Lisa Stevenson, Director of Instruction; Josh Wesley, Director of Technology and David Stanfield, Instructional Design Specialist, Paula Johnson, technology instructional coach, presented this plan which is four months in the making.
“We’ve been working on this as a team,” Stevenson said.
The 5 big areas in the plan include Leadership, Teaching, Learning, Assessment and Infrastructure.
Overall, we’re trying to really focus on accessibility for students and staff while promoting equity, Stevenson said.
“We feel like this is a pretty good plan for our first time trying it,” Dr. Stevenson said.

7-12th Grade Math
John Fiscus, Miller teacher, Angela Pierce, MHS teacher, Pam Brewer-Michael, CPDL, and Dr. Lisa Stevenson, Director of Instruction presented this item.
This is an overview of needs assessment process.  Instructors talked about the gaps from classroom observations.
This was a discussion item only.

K-4th Grade Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Reading and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Arriba la Lectura Presentation
Dr. Lisa Stevenson, Director of Instruction and Woodbury Principal Anel Garza presented this for approval after providing information on this at the previous board meeting.
Budget is $23,415.00 from ELL budget and $76,883.75 from curriculum budget.  Total purchase is $100,298.75. The board approved the purchase.

Positive Action Guidance Curriculum
Matt Cretsinger, Director of Special Services, brought this up for approval after presenting details at the last board meeting.  The cost of the materials and staff training is $50,000.  It will be paid for with at-risk funds. The board approved the curriculum.

Social-Emotional Learning Overview
Matt Cretsinger, Director of Special Services, presented this update to the board. A steering committee was formed, with 5 goals previously set by the steering committee which include:

1. We want staff to generally understand the impact that trauma has on the brain
2. “Kids do well if they can” mindset – all staff understand there are problems to be solved, not just a behavior to be stopped
3. Staff trained in Tier I of Collaborative Problem Solving will model and introduce common SEL language to all staff
4. All staff will know the 5 categories of thinking skills our SEL will focus on
5. All staff will understand the relationship between challenging behaviors, problems to be solved, and lagging skills

Mr. Cretsinger presented staff surveys from these goals and a timeline of professional learning throughout the past year.
The next steps include:
– SEL Steering Committee is working to develop new goals for next year
– Continue to grow the number of people trained in the Collaborative Problem Solving approach
– Continue to offer professional learning that emphasizes the mindset and actions aligned to our learning
– Including paraeducators
– Offer online learning opportunities
– Bring Capturing Kids Hearts to Miller, MLA, and MHS

2019-2020 School Meal Prices
Lynn Large, Director of Food Service, presented this proposal to raise breakfast and lunch by 10 cents at the 7-12 level and adult lunches. She expects increase expenses in labor and insurance.
Kindergarten through 6th grade meals will be free due to the Community Eligibility Provision. Fifth and sixth grade are added to the CEP this fall.The board approved the changes

2019-2020 Paraeducator Agreement
Anthony Spurgetis, Director of Human Resources, presented this agreement with the paraeducators.
The is no added money to wages but the advancement in steps for the group equates to a 2.85 percent package increase.
The board approved the agreement.

MHS Roundhouse Phase II Change Order
Charles Springer, Director of Buildings and Grounds, presented this change order in the amount of $31,516. This would take the total contract sum to $6,763,522. It was approved by the board. There are four additional change orders being negotiated on.

Woodbury Playground Bid
Charles Springer, Director of Buildings and Grounds presented this for approval. This is for a rubberized surface of the new the KaBoom playground, which we are receiving a grant for. The board approved the bid from Taylormade Company (Eco Turf) in the amount of $30,576.00. Public Education and Recreation Levy dollars will be used to cover the costs. The community build of the playground will be July 19.

Proposed 2019 Summer Projects
Charles Springer, Director of Buildings and Grounds, presented this list by school.  The overall amount of the projects will be $385,535. Physical Plant and Equipment Levy dollars will be used to fund these projects.

Board Policies
First reading
710.5 Financial Support-Food Service – Deleted and waived second reading
711.1-R(new 711.1-R1) Student Eligibility for Bus Service – Deleted last sentence in policy – Approved as amended and waived second reading.

Initial review
New policy 502.13 – Student Name Changes – This is a formalized process with how name changes can take place within the scope of the law. To come back before board
New exhibit 502.13-E1 Student Name Change Application Form- To come back before board.
711.2 Student Conduct on School Transportation- Change to whom discipline issues are reported to- Marked as reviewed
711.3 Extra -Curricular Activities Bus Service- Transportation Director has made changes- To come back before the board.
711.4 Summer Program Bus Service- – Changes to come back

The board then went into an exempt session for negotiations

The next regular board meeting will be at 5 p.m. on June 17

The board will meet in special work sessions on building data reports from 5 to 7 p.m on June 10 and 11.

From Board President Bea Niblock
“The work of the school district is never done. With summer school, professional development opportunities and work on the infrastructure being done, the summer months are busy in their own way.
That being said, it is also a time for staff to let down and rejuvenate. Enjoy your summer plans; sleep in; have a beverage on your deck/patio or just plain do nothing for a while. I do remember that it takes a few weeks to get out of the school mind set and to rest enough to enjoy the rest of the summer.
Wishing you all relaxation in your time away. And, remember to send Andrew those pics of all the fun you had over the summer months!” – Bea Niblock