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.
Student shares experience speaking to governor about iJAG – watch recording
MHS senior Gustavo Ordaz Avalos presented on his positive experience with the Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) program on Monday evening. He was one of 10 students statewide chosen to share their iJAG success stories with Gov. Kim Reynolds last week.
Avalos emphasized the key role iJAG played in supporting his academic success in high school. He was joined by MHS iJAG specialists Mary McCann Fuchsen and Traci Wright, who commended the student’s hard work.
Board approves expanded $5,000 sign-on bonus, increased substitute teacher pay – watch recording
The board voted to approve a $5,000 sign-on bonus for high school French, Industrial Arts, and secondary math teaching positions on Monday. Like the existing sign-on bonus for special education teaching positions, the incentive applies to new hires who commit to their position for at least three years.
Also approved was an increase in pay for daily teacher substitutes from $120 to $130.
MHS student-teacher team selected for National History Day Summer Institute – watch recording
MHS Extended Learning Program (XLP) teacher Susan Fritzell and sophomore Leticia Herrera are among 16 student-teacher teams nationwide chosen to research World War II for the 2022 National History Day Summer Institute.
The Marshalltown School Board recognized the duo at the Monday, Feb. 7 regular meeting. Fritzell and Leticia spoke about their research, including their focus on the story of a WWII veteran from Marshalltown. The duo will travel to Hawaii this summer to join with fellow research teams as part of the Institute program.
National School Counseling Week runs Feb. 7-11 – watch recording
This week, Feb. 7-11, is National School Counseling Week. At MCSD, our outstanding school counselors serve students in multiple ways, from supporting social-emotional learning to guiding soon-to-be graduates toward college and career success after high school. Thank you to all of our school counselors!
2022-24 Strategic Communications & Marketing Plan approved – watch recording
The 2022-24 MCSD Strategic Communications & Marketing Plan gained board approval Monday evening. Communications Director Adam Sodders presented the plan in January and said work is well underway on several of the plan goals, including a District website upgrade and the development of a Welcome Center for new families.
Revised 2022-23 school calendar includes earlier school year end – watch recording
A revised 2022-23 school year calendar was approved on Monday. Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte said the revisions include:
- An additional teacher pre-service day in August 2022
- Last day of school for students – May 31, 2023
- Last teacher work day – June 1, 2023 (will accommodate staff mandatory training)
Student School Board representatives’ report – watch recording
Student School Board representatives Phoebe Hermanson, Haley Reed, and Taylor Jones shared the latest happenings and upcoming events at Marshalltown High School.
Four Oaks contract dissolved, services to continue through District – watch recording
The board voted to dissolve the remainder of the District’s contract with the Four Oaks Family and Children’s Services. Director of Special Services Matt Cretsinger said the move will result in cost savings for the District. He said current services will continue under MCSD after Four Oaks services end on June 30.
Purchases for new school buses, student Chromebooks, workstation computers approved – watch recording
Two new school buses will be added to the MCSD Transportation fleet after board action on Monday. Transportation Director Rex Kozak said four of the fleet’s current buses will be traded in as well; the remainder of the new bus purchase cost will be covered by PPEL funds.
The board also approved two important Technology Department purchases. New Chromebooks were ordered for students in grades PK, 2, 5, and 9, in accordance with the District’s normal device replacement cycle.
The other replacement cycle purchase to gain board approval included 75 laptop workstations for District Food Service, secretarial, and administrative assistant staff. The new computers will replace current, non-mobile workstations.
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 Tuesday, click here.
Policies:
First Reading –
- 406.1 Employee Salary Schedule (amended, second reading waived)
- 406.4 Licensed Employee Compensation for Extra Duty (amended, second reading waived)
- 406.5 Licensed Employee Group Insurance Benefits (amended, second reading waived)
- 412.3 Classified Employee Group Insurance Benefits (amended, second reading waived)
- 406.3 Licensed Employee Continued Education Credit (adopted, second reading waived)
Initial Review –
- 406.6 Annuities-Licensed (will come back for a first reading)
- 406.7 Prior Service (marked as reviewed)
- 407.1 Resignation (marked as reviewed)
The next Marshalltown School Board meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022 at theCentral 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 