Marshalltown Schools Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte presented a check to Carrie Barr of the Marshalltown Youth Foundation in the amount of $1,619. The money was donated by Marshalltown Community School District staff during a recent jeans day.

MCSD staff donate $1,619 to the Marshalltown Youth Foundation

MCSD staff held a jeans day recently to raise money for the Marshalltown Youth Foundation. The money raised totaled $1,619. The check was presented to Carrie Barr of the foundation. The Marshalltown Youth Foundation helps families in need in the community in many different ways. It has an instrument lending program which helps many students participate in band and orchestra who otherwise might not be able to. The foundation also helps keep kids active by paying for registration fees for area youth sports for those families in need.

Other recognitions

MHS video production students from left, Jaime Lopez, Tristen Osburn, Ellie Draisey and Tyler Hoskins.

Video production students honored
MHS video production students and teacher Jocelyn Frohwein produced a video that helped local human service agency Central Iowa Residential Services, Inc. (CIRSI) win a $30,000 technology award. Students who were recognized include Jaime Lopez, Tristen Osburn, Tyler Hoskins and Ellie Draisey.
“It was a great collaboration,” said CIRSI Executive Director Jeff Vance.

Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte and MHS Principal Jacque Wyant

MCSD honored by Forecast5
MHS Principal Jacque Wyant and Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte had the pleasure of attending the Forecast5 National Conference in Schaumburg, Illinois last week to receive one of six 2019 National Project of the Year recognitions for Bobcat Ready!  District Instructional Design Specialist David Stanfield was unable to attend the conference but his efforts were instrumental to this work. The student report card that was developed; in partnership with 5Lab, and various recognitions presented at the high school to graduating seniors set us apart from other districts throughout the country that are doing similar work.
See more on the award at this link: https://forecast5analytics.wistia.com/medias/snkqqqhp8e

Iowa Valley Chancellor thanks MCSD
Iowa Valley Community College District Chancellor Dr. Kristie Fisher thanked the district for their partnership, especially when it relates to providing dual credit opportunities.
Last year, 489 students at MHS and 9 at MLA took Marshalltown Community College credit classes while attending high school which translated to $800,000 worth of tuition savings. Also, 25 percent of MHS graduates enrolled in MCC or Ellsworth Community College.

Communications Director honored
Andrew Potter, Director of Communications, was recognized for his time with the Marshalltown Community School District.

Personnel items
For personnel items approved by the board, click here.

Hoglan Elementary School Showcase

Presenting an update on Hoglan Elementary School were, from left, Sara Nichols, Kami Uhde, Megan Turbiville, Abbe Hand, Heather Stanley and Amy Williams.

Principal Amy Williams and Hoglan teachers Sara Nichols, Kami Uhde, Megan Turbiville, Abbe Hand and Heather Stanley presented this showcase with a focus on the new CKLA literacy program. It stands for Core Knowledge Language Arts.
“CKLA was a huge learning curve for teachers as well as students,” Uhde said.
However, Uhde said that the recent parent-teacher conferences provided positive feedback from parents about the topics utilized in the curriculum.
“It’s been awesome to see the kids so excited,” Turbiville said.

Certified Nurse’s Aide Apprenticeship
District Curriculum and Professional Development Leader Dee Burt presented on the Registered Certified Nurse’s Aide Apprenticeship program at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.
Burt said she hopes this is only the start of many apprenticeship offerings for high school students. The board approved the adoption of the CNA apprenticeship program.

Student School Board Representative Update
Student school board representatives Carmen Araiza, Mia Barajas and Diana Sanchez  presented this report.

Resolution Supporting the Proposed Issuance of Approximately $8,250,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services & Use Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds
A public hearing was held earlier in the meeting with no public comment.
Director of Business Operations Paulette Newbold said due to low interest rates the district has the opportunity to refinance with a net savings of around $200,000. The board approved the measure.

Fiscal Year 2019 Special Education Deficit
Director of Special Services Matt Cretsinger spoke to seek authority from SBRC to address the district special education deficit. He presented this document.
During the 2018-19 school year the district provided special education to 661 students between the ages of 3-21.
The special education deficit is at $1.745 million, down from $1.922 million in the previous year.
After discussion, the board approved the request

MHS/Community Auditorium Name Change
The MHS/Community Auditorium Foundation met recently and recommended the approval of a new name for the auditorium. The recommended new name is the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center. The board approved the renaming.

MHS/Community Foundation Ad-Hoc Committee Request
This is to establish an ad hoc committee for the purpose of pursuing public art near the front entrance of the performing arts center. Board approved.

Security Management System Phase 3 Project
Director of Buildings and Grounds Chuck Springer presented bids for this project which will upgrade security at the elementary schools.
Two alternate bids were also recommended for approval including Alternate AC-02 for access controls at Lenihan in the amount of $73,714.56 and Alternate VS-01 for video surveillance (external) at all Elementary Schools in the amount of $112,827.62.
The board approved the bid from ADS in the amount of $532,897.57 for the Security Management System Phase 3 Project as presented. This includes alternates AC-02 and VS-01.

Board Policies
First Reading
402.6-R Staff Technology Use/Social Networking Regulation – To come back to a second reading after questions arose.
New 413.8 Twelve Month Operations, Maintenance & Transportation Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive Program – Adopted and waived second reading

Initial Review
900 – Statement of Guiding Principles – Delete first sentence and add IASB model policy language- To come back before board
902.1(new 607.3) Board – Community Relations – Rename and number – language of policy stays same- Marked as reviewed
New 902.1 News Media Relations – New policy from IASB- to come back
902.2 News Conferences and Interviews – Marked as reviewed
903.1 School-Community Groups – No changes. Marked as reviewed.

The board then went into a closed session for an expulsion hearing.

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

From Board President Bea Niblock
“Last night’s meeting saw a donation of a kind we have not seen before, but so desperately need with our student population. We have a number of students who have negative lunch account balances.
Alfonso Medina, owner of La Carreta Mexican Grill, donated $1,167.85 towards negative student lunch accounts at MMS and MHS. This donation is hoped to have a significant impact for those who need it. Mr. Medina hopes that students will be better prepared to focus on academics by providing them with nutritious food and reducing the financial burden to these families.
What a great example of a business giving back to the community in a way that enriches our students’ lives!” – Bea Niblock

Marshalltown High School students talked to the school board on October 7 about their experience at the National Hispanic Institute over the summer. Pictured, from left, are Veronica Herrera, Stephanie Zavalza Flores, Carmen Araiza, Uriel Campos Padilla, Jolcey Santana and Itzary Avalos.

MHS students talk about experience at National Hispanic Institute

An MHS student group gave this presentation after attending two separate National Hispanic Institute (NHI) gatherings in Schaumburg, Illinois and Rock Island, Illinois over the summer.
Students who presented included Veronica Herrera, Stephanie Zavalza Flores, Carmen Araiza, Uriel Campos Padilla, Jolcey Santana and Itzary Avalos.
“In NHI, they really teach you on how to become a leader,” Herrera said.
MHS teacher Hector Campos is the group sponsor said this group of students are both future leaders in the community and academic leaders at MHS. They are looking to recruit more students to attend NHI in the future and into fundraising opportunities to offset the cost of the program.

Recognitions

Custodians

Pictured from left, Buildings and Grounds Director Chuck Springer and custodians Eric Smith (Lenihan) and Loma Green (Hoglan).

Eric Smith (Lenihan), center,  and Loma Green (Hoglan) represented custodians in recognition of last week having National Custodians Day.
“Thank you for all that you do,” said Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte.

Principals

Principals were honored as part of National Principal Month. Pictured from left are Dave Glenn, Eric Goslinga, Kyle Young, Amy Williams, Anel Garza, Liz Jurgensen, Jacque Wyant, Ronnie Manis, Mark Lee and Tim Holmgren.

Many school principals were in attendance to be recognized as October is National Principals Month.
“I can say wholeheartedly it’s just a phenomenal team to work with,” Schutte said of the principals.

Personnel
For personnel items approved by the board, click here.
Included in the personnel report is the retirement of William Myers after 37 years of service to the district.
“We are very grateful for his longtime service to our district,” Schutte said.

Student School Board Representative update
MHS seniors Carmen Araiza and Mia Barajas presented this report for the student school board representatives update.

Chromebook purchase
This is for the purchase of 150 Chromebooks from CDWG for use by paraeducators in the amount of $42,000. Benefits of Chromebooks for paraeducators include: These benefits include: time clock accessibility, improved communications, student work assistance, student reporting, ease of access to professional development/training and access to translation support. The board approved the purchase..

SAVE presentation
Dr. Theron Schutte talked about this information item only.
“These dollars are instrumental in order for us to move forward on our long range facilities plan,” Schutte said.
Long range needs include: Miller auditorium, MHS air conditioning, Anson enclosing classrooms and others.
See below for more information on SAVE and the Revenue Purpose Statement.

During the 2019 Legislative session, the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education sales tax (SAVE or statewide penny) was extended from 2029 through January 1, 2051.  As part of that extension, there is a requirement that each school district seek voter approval for renewing and/or revising their existing Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) on or after July 1st, 2019.

Renewing the Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) is intended to allow for maximum flexibility as we continue to plan for infrastructure needs in the Marshalltown Community School District and is essential to our future.  The current RPS was approved by the voters in September, 2011. Adoption of a new RPS is required in order to use this funding through the extended sunset date in 2051.

In the Marshalltown Community School District, the proposed Revenue Purpose Statement is intended to be used for, but not limited to, the following:

• To continue providing funds for property tax relief;
• To provide funds for school safety and security infrastructure;
• To provide funds to remodel, build, purchase and/or lease and furnish school buildings;
• To continue to provide funds for the payment of principal and interest or retirement of general obligation bonds

If approved by a majority of voters, this Revenue Purpose Statement shall remain in effect until replaced or amended by the Marshalltown Community School District.

Ahlers Engagement Letter
This is to refinance 2013 bonds with the current interest rate market opportunity. Ahlers would be bond counsel for reissuance of bonds. The board approved the item.

Piper Jaffray Engagement Letter
Piper Jaffray would be fiscal agent for bond documentation to put out to bid. Anticipated savings for the district on refinancing the bonds is between $180,000-$230,000.
The board approved the item.

Series 2019 SAVE Refunding Bonds Participant Package
This is the document that Piper Jaffray to put out to market to refinance bonds.
The board approved the item.

Resolution for hearing on bonds
This is to set a public hearing for the refinancing of the bonds- The public hearing will be October 21. The board approved the setting of the hearing.

Buildings and Grounds Retirement Incentive
This policy for initial review. To come back before board.

Board Policies
Initial review
104-R2 Harassment-Students (Student Handbook Provision) – Marked as reviewed
104-E1 Harassment Complaint Form – Marked as reviewed
104-E2 Harassment-Witness Disclosure Form- Marked as reviewed
402.6R Staff Technology Use/Social Networking Regulation – Additional items added to policy on password protection. To come back before the board for first reading next time.

The next board meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on October 21.

From Board President Bea Niblock
“Last night’s meeting gave the board the opportunity to interact with staff and students.  That is always an engaging time for board directors.

Principals were recognized during National Principals’ Month.  Custodial leaders from their labor management committee, as representatives of all custodians, were recognized for National Custodians’ Day.

Then, students shared their experiences at the National Hispanic Institute.  Their plans for fundraising so that more students could participate in these experiences was encouraging.  And the student board representatives gave an update on activities happening at the high school.

A pleasure, indeed, to recognize and hear from staff and students.” Bea Niblock

Click here for a video of the meeting.