The Board Report

To watch the full board meeting discussion of the below items, please click the “watch recording” link next to each item. The links will take you to the start of each of the below agenda items/topics from the board meeting recording.

COVID-19 stipend approved for MCSD staff – watch recording
The Marshalltown School Board approved a special COVID-19 stipend for District staff at the Monday, Oct. 18 regular meeting. The stipend will be equivalent to one day’s pay for qualifying employees. 

By offering the stipend, Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte the District is “recognizing all of the hard work, effort, extra time, stress, and anxiety our education professionals in all classifications have had to deal with since COVID hit.”

New District website service approved – watch recording
The Marshalltown School Board approved a 5-year agreement for web services with Juicebox Interactive at Monday’s board meeting. Director of Communications Adam Sodders said the new, upgraded District website is planned to launch in the spring semester of the current school year.

Franklin Elementary staff showcase social-emotional learning efforts – watch recording
Franklin Elementary Principal Tim Holmgren, instructional coach Elizabeth Overstake, and school counselor Dani Minkel showcased the building’s ongoing social-emotional learning (SEL) efforts Monday evening.

Principals’ important work recognized – watch recording
October is National Principals Month, and the Marshalltown School Board took time to recognize the essential work the District’s school principals do every day on behalf of Bobcat students. Thank you to all of our excellent principals!

Board discusses Voluntary Early Retirement incentive, approves Early Notification incentive – watch recording
Discussion was held on the District’s Voluntary Early Retirement incentive and related policies Monday evening. No action was taken to reactivate the Voluntary Early Retirement incentive at Monday’s meeting, and four related policies will come back for a first reading at the Nov. 1 meeting.

Additionally, the board approved a new Early Notification employee incentive for the current fiscal year. The goal of the incentive is to post the positions of those who have already made the decision to leave in January, allowing more time to help ensure highly-qualified applicants are hired earlier in the year than normal. 

Student School Board representatives’ report – watch recording
Student School Board representatives Phoebe Hermanson, Taylor Jones, and Haley Reed shared the latest happenings and upcoming events at Marshalltown High School.

Chromebooks, hotspots purchased – watch recording
A purchase of 75 Chromebooks and 450 internet hotspots gained board approval at Monday’s meeting. Director of Technology Amy Harmsen said 100 percent of the purchase cost will be reimbursed through the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund.

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 –

• 412.3 Insurance (amended, second reading waived)
• 506.4 Student Library Circulation Records (adopted, second reading waived)

Initial Review – 

• 402.2-R Child Abuse Reporting Regulation (will come back for a first reading)
• 402.2-E Reporting Child Abuse When Suspected by “Caretaker” (deleted)
• 402.3 Abuse of Students by School District Employees (marked as reviewed)
• 402.2 Child Abuse Reporting (marked as reviewed)
• 200.1 Organization of the Board of Directors (will come back for a first reading)
• 210.10 (new 210.8) Agenda and Order of Regular Business Meetings (will come back for a first reading)
• 212 Closed Sessions (will come back for a first reading)
• 606.6 Insufficient Classroom Space (will come back for a first reading)
• 212.1 Exempt Meetings (will come back for a first reading)

From Board President Bea Niblock
“At each board meeting, it is a pleasure to hear from our student board representatives. Last night Haley Reed, Taylor Jones and Phoebe Hermanson made the powerpoint presentation. Aaron Seberger was attending an event.

Each presentation gives the board a look at what’s happening at the high school. Students share events that have happened, upcoming events and victories/awards. Students take turns sharing and offering their personal comments. They do a remarkable job of giving the board directors an inside look at activities at the high school. Thanks to our student board representatives.” – Bea Niblock

The next Marshalltown School Board meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 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.

To watch the full board meeting discussion of the below items, please click the “watch recording” link next to each item. The links will take you to the start of each of the below agenda items/topics from the board meeting recording.

Bobcat Ready report shows positive impacts – watch recording
MHS Principal Jacque Wyant, MHS College & Career Readiness counselor Miracle Mallory, and District College & Career Readiness Curriculum and Professional Development Leader Jenny Allen shared how the Bobcat Ready  program helps prepare students for postsecondary success at Monday’s school board meeting. 

The presenters also shared data on Bobcat graduates’ post-secondary paths, including enrollment at, and graduation from, higher education institutions. Since 2019, the Marshalltown CSD has implemented the Bobcat Ready program to encourage students to be college- and career ready upon graduation. 

Local effort to deliver books to students underway – watch recording
Brenda Severson of McFarland Clinic and Betsy Macke of Reach Out and Read, in partnership with the Marshalltown Public Library, are working to deliver books to Bobcat students. The books were provided to McFarland Clinic by Sesame Street Communities. Check out the full story on this generous effort here!

Important school survey data presented – watch recording
Director of Special Services Matt Cretsinger presented data from the 2021 Conditions for Learning survey of students, staff, and parents, as well as a school stakeholders survey, at Monday’s meeting. 

Additionally, Cretsinger shared information about the District’s special education budget. The board approved seeking authorization from the School Budget Review Committee to for allowable growth and supplemental aid for the District’s special education deficit.

District custodians recognized – watch recording
The board recognized the exceptional work of the District’s custodial team Monday evening. National Custodian Day was celebrated on Oct. 2. For more information on our great custodial team, click here.

Student School Board representatives’ report – watch recording
Student School Board representatives Aaron Seberger, Phoebe Hermanson, and Taylor Jones shared the latest happenings and upcoming events at Marshalltown High School.

FY2021 financial report shared – watch recording
Director of Business Operations Paulette Newbold presented a financial overview of the District for Fiscal Year 2021. One highlight from the report was that the District’s solvency ratio has increased significantly, a good sign of financial health.

“We have made considerable progress in regards to the board’s fiscal management goals,” Newbold said.

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 –

• 401.7 Employee Travel Compensation (amended, second reading waived)
• 401.10 Credit Cards (amended, second reading waived)
• 804.6 Video Surveillance (amended, second reading waived)
• 711.2-R2 (new 804.6-R1) Use of Recording Devices on School Buses (amended, second reading waived)

Initial Review – 

• 401.10-R Credit Cards (marked as reviewed)
• 401.12 Employee Use of Cell Phones (marked as reviewed)
• 401.12-R Employee Use of Cell Phones Administrative Regulation (marked as reviewed)
• 412.3 Insurance (will come back for a first reading)
• 703.4 Fiscal Management-Performance Measures (marked as reviewed)
• 703.4-E Fiscal Management-Performance Measures (marked as reviewed)

From Board President Bea Niblock
“One day last week, I opened the blinds to see one branch of red leaves peeking through the green on the flame red maple tree in my backyard. Fall is beginning to show its color! And I complimented that discovery with a cup of pumpkin spice tea.

As I was enjoying my tea, I reflected on the fact that this is the second fall we have entered fighting Covid!  We have been monitoring, struggling with, and stressed by Covid for 18 months!  Please understand that the board knows that the continued stress is draining and exhausting.   The mitigation strategies and the teacher/substitute shortage make the situation even more trying.

We are very proud of the entire staff in the MCSD. Day after day, each of you come to work to make a difference in the lives of our youth. We are appreciative of all that you do to keep the ship on course and moving forward in these difficult times. Thank you!” – Bea Niblock

The next Marshalltown School Board meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18, 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.