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.
New school board members sworn in, outgoing members honored
A significant transition took place the evening of Monday, Nov. 15, as two experienced Marshalltown School Board members attended their final meeting and two new members were sworn into office.
- For former Board President Bea Niblock, it was the end of another chapter in her 49-year career in public education – she served on the board for 8 years. Former board member Mike Miller’s 6-year tenure on the board also came to a close Monday evening. Both valued leaders, who chose not to run for office in 2021, were honored at Monday’s meeting.
(watch recording)
- The board gained two new members in this year’s election – Leah Stanley and Zach Wahl. Two sitting board members, Karina Hernandez and Bonnie Lowry, were reelected. All four were sworn into office at the board’s Annual Meeting, followed by the election of Sean Heitmann as the new Board President and Sara Faltys as the new Board Vice President. (watch recording)
Marshalltown Company recognized as a “Career Readiness Partner” – watch recording
Marshalltown Company’s outstanding support and service to Bobcat students, their parents and District staff in career readiness efforts was highlighted at Monday’s board meeting. Marshalltown Company Chief Financial Officer, John Landherr, accepted an MCSD “Career Readiness Partner” award on behalf of the local company from Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte. Thank you for your support of our Bobcat Ready efforts!
OSHA emergency rule regarding vaccinations discussed – watch recording
Proposed policies related to an emergency rule on employee COVID-19 vaccinations published by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) were discussed Monday evening. The board voted to table action on the policies as the rule undergoes legal challenges.
Miller Middle School KBRM program makes successful return – watch recording
Miller Middle School students are getting hands-on experience in multimedia production through the school’s KBRM newscast program. From shooting and editing video to writing scripts and performing interviews, these students are having fun while learning valuable skills! Learn more about KBRM here.
Anson Elementary School staff present building showcase – watch recording
Anson Elementary staff have been leaders in District social-emotional learning (SEL) programming, and those efforts were highlighted in a presentation at Monday’s board meeting.
Anson school counselor Ashley Chyma said the Responsive Classrooms program supports positive relationships through Morning Meeting, Closing Circle, learning about parents’ Hopes and Dreams for their children, following the CARES system, and other community-building efforts.
American Education Week highlighted – watch recording
This week, Nov. 15-19, is American Education Week, a time to celebrate the incredible work done every day by teachers, bus drivers, paraeducators, custodians, food service staff, and all other school employees who provide great learning environments for students. Learn more here.
Student School Board representatives’ report and Iowa Youth Congress presentation – watch recording
Student School Board representatives Haley Reed, Phoebe Hermanson and Aaron Seberger shared the latest happenings and upcoming events at Marshalltown High School, including:
- The MHS Fall Musical, “All Together Now!”, entertained audiences last weekend at the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center.
- Thirty-one students were selected to participate in Rotary Club meetings throughout the rest of the school year.
- Highlights from the recent Girls State Swim Meet
Additionally, Reed shared her experiences with the Iowa Youth Congress with the board, including her committee’s development of a position statement which supports having at least one non-voting student school board representative in place on each Iowa school board.
All-State Music students recognized – watch recording
MHS students Eric Santana, Rebekah Stone, Veronica Herrera, and Aaron Seberger were recognized for their All State Music selections this year. The All State Music Festival takes place at Hilton Coliseum in Ames this weekend.
New program to help identify students in need of supports – watch recording
The board approved the purchase of the Early Warning System to aid school staff in identifying students in need of key supports. ESSER funds will be used to cover the cost of the new program.
District employee health plan update presented – watch recording
An update on the District’s self-funded employee health plan was presented to the board Monday evening. The data shows the District’s plan is in good shape.
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 –
- 401.4 Employee Complaints (amended, second reading waived)
- 402.3-R Abuse of Students by School District Employees Regulation (amended, second reading waived)
- 502.4 Student Complaints and Grievances (amended, second reading waived)
Initial Review –
- 402.4 Gifts to Employees (marked as reviewed)
- 403.4 Hazardous Chemical Right to Know (marked as reviewed)
- 404.1 Employee Conduct and Appearance (will come back for a first reading)
- 407.3-E1 Application for Retirement (will come back for a first reading)
From Board President Bea Niblock
“Last night’s board meeting was the last time that I would call a meeting to order. It also marked the end of 25 years of serving the students, staff and community of Marshalltown as a principal and board member.
It has been a pleasure serving in this community. The relationships that I have had and the experiences that I have enjoyed have been a huge part of my life. Your faith and trust in me has been humbling.
My quote at the meeting was a fitting statement of my feelings at this time. As Winnie the Pooh said to Piglet, ‘How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.’ I wish all of you success in your endeavors. Goodbye…” – Bea Niblock
The next Marshalltown School Board meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 6, 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 