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.
The Board Report 