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.

MCSD paraeducator wage increase approved – watch recording
Paraeducators across the Marshalltown CSD will receive a wage increase after board action on Monday, Dec. 20. The increase will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022. 

Paraeducators play a crucial role in MCSD classrooms, supporting Bobcat students and assisting teachers in providing a quality learning environment. The proposal adopted by the board had been agreed to by the paraeducator bargaining unit.

Local businesses partner to give generous donation – watch recording
Alfonso Medina and his wife, Vanessa Perez, their business, La Carreta Mexican Grill, and its No Love No Tacos non-profit organization partnered with A&A Concrete and Arturo Mujica to donate $5,000 toward negative student lunch account balances.

Food Service Director Lynn Large introduced Medina and Perez Monday evening, sharing the District’s gratitude for the donation. Medina said he is committed to supporting the Marshalltown community as a local business owner.

Emerson celebrated as MCSD Career Readiness Partner – watch recording
Another top-notch community partner was presented with an MCSD Career Readiness Partner award at this week’s board meeting. 

Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte said Emerson-Fisher Controls has played a key role in several career readiness initiatives for Bobcat students. Emerson Director of Human Resources for the Americas Sarah Erickson accepted the award Monday evening.

Parent/guardian & staff input sought on 2022-23 school calendar – watch recording
Two 2022-23 school year calendar options were presented to the board at Monday’s meeting. Families and staff are being asked to share their input through a calendar preference survey. More information for District families can be found in a message emailed and texted to parents/guardians, or by clicking here.

Board adopts policies in accordance with OSHA emergency rule – watch recording
The board adopted a group of policies, regulations, and exhibits in order to comply with a recent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emergency rule regarding staff COVID-19 vaccinations.

The passage of the policies allows for immediate implementation in order to meet federal compliance with upcoming deadlines. The board adopted the policies on an emergency basis, and also voted to automatically suspend enforcement of the policies in the event that a further Court Order stays the federal rule. 

Marshalltown Virtual Academy leaders share showcase – watch recording
Marshalltown Virtual Academy (MVA) principals Ronnie Manis (K-6) and Eric Goslinga (7-12) shared an update on the online school’s first year of implementation. The leaders discussed enrollment trends and MVA students’ day-to-day class experiences.

MHS early graduates list approved – watch recording
Several MHS students were approved as early graduates, pending completion of their graduation requirements, at Monday’s meeting. They include seniors Quinton Lacey, Maria Cervantes Covarrubias, Thomas Whitehead, Dylano Castellanos, Brealyn Anderson, Faviola Diaz, Tanisha Trumbo, and Maria Moody; junior early grads include Ruth Fajardo Zelaya, Daniela Lopez Arredondo, and Yasmin Moran. 

Congratulations to these Bobcats!

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

At-Risk budget proposal presented – watch recording
Director of Instruction Shauna Smith and At-Risk Coordinator Eric Goslinga presented the 2022-23 At-Risk budget proposal to the board on Monday evening.

At-risk programming supports students who are at higher risk of dropping out of school. At MCSD, 30 dedicated staff members and partner organizations – including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mid-Iowa Community Action, Net High, Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG), and local mental health agencies – support students through the At-Risk program.

School financial summary shared – watch recording
MCSD Business Director Paulette Newbold shared a summary of District finances with the board at Monday’s meeting. Newbold said schools are required to make such a report annually, but added that she provides a monthly update to keep the board up-to-date throughout the 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 –

• 405.2 Licensed Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection (approved, second reading waived)

Initial Review – 

• 405.10 Access to Buildings (will come back for a first reading)
• 405.11 Teachers – Functions (marked as reviewed)
• 405.12 School Nurse – Functions (will come back for a first reading)

The next Marshalltown School Board meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 (due to MLK Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 17) 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.

Generous donation made toward International Welcome Center – watch recording
The Marshalltown School Board accepted an anonymous donation in the amount of $15,553.14 toward  the operation of a future District-wide Welcome Center at Monday’s regular meeting. The District is incredibly grateful for this support of a great initiative!

Lennox Industries, Tiger Taekwondo highlighted for support of MCSD – watch recording
The valuable partnership between Marshalltown Schools and Lennox industries to support career readiness initiatives was celebrated at Monday’s meeting. Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte presented an MCSD Career Readiness Partner award to Lennox Director of Plant Operations Miguel Gutierrez and HR Director Jess O’Neil.

Also recognized was a donation by Dr. James Charmichael, Sandy Witt, and Tiger Taekwondo toward clothing and food for students at Marshalltown Learning Academy. Donation funds were raised at the recent Tiger Taekwondo Turkey Trot fun walk/jog.

Board approves voluntary proof of vaccination incentive – watch recording
A financial incentive was approved for District staff who voluntarily provide proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination at Monday’s board meeting. The action was taken in order to ensure MCSD is fully prepared in the event that a pending federal mandate regarding employee vaccinations goes into effect.

Latest MCSD enrollment summary presented – watch recording
A summary of data collected in the 2021-22 annual certified student enrollment count was presented by Business Director Paulette Newbold. Among the highlights from the presentation was data showing an increase in students open enrolling into the District, and a decrease in open enrollments out.

Rogers Elementary School staff present building showcase – watch recording
Rogers Elementary leaders highlighted in a presentation at Monday’s board meeting. A group of Rogers school leaders presented on a wide range of great programs, including the implementation of the Responsive Classroom social emotional learning program.

State lawmakers hear District legislative priorities ahead of session – watch recording
State Sen. Jeff Edler and State House Reps. Sue Cahill and Dean Fisher discussed the District’s legislative priorities for the 2022 Iowa Legislative Session with the board Monday evening.

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

Revised MEA Master Contract and side letter approved – watch recording
A revised Master Contract between the Marshalltown Education Association (MEA) and the District for the years 2021-22 to 2023-24 gained board approval Monday evening. A side letter lifting the 10-year cap on years of experience between January 1, 2022 and the 2022-23 was included in the revision.

Central Rivers AEA services support Marshalltown Schools – watch recording
The Marshalltown CSD is among several school districts served by the Central Rivers Area Education Agency (AEA). Central Rivers AEA leaders shared how the organization supports the District through educational services, special education services, and media services.

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 –

• 404.1 Employee Conduct and Appearance (amended, second reading waived)
• 407.3-E1 Application for Retirement (amended, second reading waived)

Initial Review – 

• 404.1-R3 (new 404-R2) Code of Rights and Responsibilities Regulation (marked as reviewed)
• 405.2 Licensed Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection (will come back for a first reading)
• 405.3 Licensed Employee Individual Contracts (marked as reviewed)

The next Marshalltown School Board meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 20, 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.