Archive | January, 2021

Jan. 19, 2021 Board Meeting

20 Jan
Woodbury Elementary third-grader Theo Lewis, right, discusses his research on aviation this semester. Extended Learning Program teacher Nicole Holman Lankelma, left, praised Theo for following his interest in aviation as part of his education.

Woodbury third-grader recognized for research on aviation
Woodbury third-grader Theo Lewis has a passion for all things airplane-related, and he used that intense interest to fuel research projects on aviation this semester. Theo was recognized Monday for his research efforts, which included interviews with professional pilots. 

Get the full story on Theo’s research and learning about aviation here!

Step taken toward Marshalltown Virtual Academy creation
The coronavirus pandemic has caused many changes to how education is delivered to students nationwide. At Marshalltown Schools, students have had the option to learn in a fully virtual setting this semester, and now the District is working to create a permanent virtual learning option – the Marshalltown Virtual Academy (MVA). 

The Marshalltown School Board approved the District to apply for the creation of the Marshalltown Virtual Academy with the Iowa Department of Education at Monday’s meeting. District Director of Instruction Dr. Lisa Stevenson said now is the right time to build a virtual learning option for students. 

“We did want to be prepared, because we had over 25 percent of our students who chose that option this year,” she said. 

Marshalltown Learning Academy Principal Eric Goslinga said the Marshalltown Virtual Academy would benefit many Bobcat students at the secondary level. 

“We’ve had a number of students and families who have found this to be a highly desirable way to learn,” he said of virtual learning. “It opens a lot of time in the schedule for work-based learning experiences.” 

Dr. Stevenson said virtual academy students would be able to participate in extracurricular activities, and they would take assessments and receive report cards just like their in-person peers.

2021-22 school year calendar proposal presented
Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte presented a proposed 2021-22 school year calendar for board consideration Monday. No action was taken on calendar approval as the item was for information and discussion only. 

Here are a few key takeaways from the proposed calendar (please note: this is a proposal only, and calendar details may change prior to final board approval): 

  • The proposed school year start date is Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021
  • Thanksgiving Break would be Nov. 24-26, 2021
  • Winter Break would be Dec. 23-31, 2021
  • Spring Break would be March 14-18, 2022
  • The proposed last day of school is Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Public hearings set for MHS, Anson Elementary air conditioning projects
Public hearings were set for two exciting improvement projects at Marshalltown High School and Anson Elementary School at Monday’s meeting. Both projects will involve the installation of new air conditioning units to provide a comfortable learning environment for students, among other upgrades. 

The public hearings on the plans, specifications and form of contract for each project are scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1. Please contact Board Secretary Paulette Newbold for questions about sharing comments during the public hearings: pnewbold@marshalltown.k12.ia.us

Student School Board Representative update
Student School Board Representative Klaudia Hernandez shared an update from Marshalltown High School Monday evening. Key items highlighted in the presentation included: 

  • A visit from U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley earlier this month, where MHS government students asked several thoughtful questions about lawmaking and the federal government.
  • The MHS Holiday Concert, which was held on Jan. 17 after being rescheduled from December. The concert was a success, and audience members were able to view a live stream of the performance. 
  • It’s finals week at MHS; the second semester begins Tuesday, Jan. 26.
Student School Board Representative Klaudia Hernandez shares an update from MHS at Monday’s board meeting.

Communications/Marketing audit approved
The board approved a communications audit to be performed by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) at Monday’s meeting. The audit process will support the District by gaining feedback from the school community in several key communications and marketing areas. 

Special emergency paid sick leave will be provided through March 31
MCSD employees will continue to be provided special emergency sick leave in accordance with the federal Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) after the adoption of a board resolution Monday. 

The resolution extends the provision of up to 10 days of special paid sick leave related to COVID-19 through March 31; those sick days had previously officially expired on Dec. 31, 2020. The board’s action does not add more special sick leave days beyond the 10 days outlined in the FFCRA, but extends the timeline in which those days may be used by three months.

MLA student approved for early graduation
Marshalltown Learning Academy student Kristi Strickland was approved for early graduation. She joins several fellow Bobcat high school students in being approved to graduate early this school year. 

Communications
Communications Director Adam Sodders reviewed the good news from the district by sharing newspaper articles as well as school communications articles. That list can be seen here.

Personnel items
For a list of personnel items approved Monday, click here.

Policies
First Reading – 

  • 204.5 – Organizational Meeting (deleted)
  • 200.1-R1 – Organizational Meeting Procedures (amended, second reading waived)
  • 210.1 – Annual Meeting (amended, second reading waived)
  • 507.8 – Special Health Services (amended, second reading waived)

Initial Review – 
Will come back for a first reading 

  • 204.8 (new 210.7) – Rules of Order
  • 210-7-R1 – Rules of Order Regulation 
  • 205.1 (new 216.3) – Compensation for Expenses
  • 604.10 – Online Courses 
  • 312.3-E1 – Fringe Benefits-Administrators/Supervisors
  • 409.2 – Employee Leaves of Absence 
  • 507.2 – Administration of Medication to Students

Adopted, second reading waived

  • 503.6 – Physical Restraint and Seclusion for Students 
  • 503.6-R1 – Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion with Students 
  • 503.6-E1 – Use of Physical Restraint and/or Seclusion Documentation Form 
  • 503.6-E2 – Debriefing Letter to Guardian of Student Involved in an Occurrence where Physical Restraint and/or Seclusion was Used 
  • 503.6-E3 – Debriefing Meeting Document

Amended, second reading waived

  • 503.1 – Student Conduct
  • 503.1-R1 – Disciplinary Procedures and/or Penalties (Responsibility) 
  • 503.5 – Physical Restraint (Corporal Punishment) 

Deleted

  • 507.2-R – Administration of Medication to Students

The next Marshalltown School Board meeting is set for 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 at the Central Administration Office, 1002 S. 3rd Ave. The meeting will be available to watch via live stream through the Bobcat News Network (BNN) YouTube channel.