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.
FY23 MCSD budget approved, includes lower property tax rate – watch recording
The Marshalltown CSD budget for Fiscal Year 2023 gained board approval at the Monday, April 4 Marshalltown School Board meeting. The FY23 budget includes a lower property tax rate compared to the current fiscal year, coming to approximately $17.855 per $1,000 taxable valuation.
A public hearing on the budget was held prior to approval on Monday, with no comments shared. Additionally, the board approved an amendment to the current year’s budget; a public hearing on that amendment also yielded no comments.
Lenihan essay contest honorees recite their work – watch recording
A group of talented writers from Lenihan Intermediate School recited their award-winning “What the Flag Means to Me” essays at Monday’s meeting.
The group included sixth-graders Aiden Holmgren, Alonso Romero Bautista, Garrett Thede, Arianie Hidalgo, and Kennedy Goldman. Those students, in addition to Martiza Barajas Hernandez, received awards from the Marshalltown Elks Lodge for their excellent essays.
Fifth-grader Brooklyn Smith recited her American Flag essay as well. Brooklyn and fellow fifth-graders Kayden Upah and Gina Priscy-Banakeng were honored by the Marshalltown American Legion for their essays.
Soon-to-be Rogers Elementary Principal (re)introduced– watch recording
Rogers Elementary will welcome new leadership this summer as longtime Rogers Principal Dr. Mick Jurgensen finishes his final school year before retirement. Pam McDonnell, who will succeed Dr. Jurgensen, said she is excited to be back in Marshalltown at Monday’s meeting.
McDonnell is a 1982 MHS graduate and former ELL teacher at the District, and she will bring 35 years of experience in public education to her new position effective July 1. She currently serves as Consultant for English Language Acquisition and Immigrant Education for the Iowa Department of Education.
McDonnell has also served as an elementary- and secondary teacher, and has worked with at-risk students, special education students, and English language learners. She met with Rogers staff at an open house event prior to Monday’s meeting.
Teacher-librarians, associate principals, paraeducators honored this week – watch recording
The month of April brings opportunities to recognize and thank several groups of school staff for the unique, critical role each plays to support student success. Three staff groups were highlighted during recognitions on Monday evening.
The District’s outstanding teacher-librarians were celebrated on National School Librarian Day Monday. Also being celebrated are National Assistant Principals Week from April 4-8 and National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day on Wednesday, April 6.
Fisher Elementary showcase presented – watch recording
Fisher Elementary Principal Mark Lee and Instructional Coach Jennifer August shared facts and figures on student programming and curricula on Monday. They discussed academic data, attendance, the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programming, and more.
Tentative 2022-23 agreements approved for food service, certified staff groups – watch recording
Two 2022-23 tentative employee agreements gained board approval on Monday. One agreement was with the Marshalltown Education Association, which includes step and lane advancement, longevity, and an addition of $465 to the base of the salary schedule and $502 to the base of the supplemental salary schedule. A three-year agreement was approved between the MEA and MCSD last year.
Also approved was the tentative Food Service professionals agreement, which included a small number of language changes in the Master Contract and a 7.07% overall increase in cost ($1/hr). It is a one-year agreement.
Director of Instruction shares information on PLC Institutes – watch recording
The benefits of Professional Learning Community (PLC) Institutes were highlighted on Monday evening. Director of Instruction Shauna Smith described the advantages of such professional learning for teachers, and cited research showing its positive impact on student success.
Student School Board representatives’ report – watch recording
Student School Board representative Phoebe Hermanson shared the latest happenings and upcoming events at Marshalltown High School.
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:
Initial Review –
- 411.5 Classified Employee Assignment (will come back for a first reading)
- 411.6 Classified Employee Transfers (will come back for a first reading)
- 411.7 Evaluation (marked as reviewed)
- 411.8 Classified Employee Probationary Status (will come back for a first reading)
- 412.4 Classified Employee Tax Shelter Programs (marked as reviewed)
- 413.2 Classified Employee Retirement (will come back for a first reading)
- 413.3 Dismissal and Suspension of Classified Employees (will come back for a first reading)
- 413.3-R Dismissal and Suspension of Classified Employees Regulation(marked as reviewed)
- 413.3-E Disciplinary Guidelines-Classified Personnel (marked as reviewed)
First Reading –
- 405.1 Licensed Employee Defined (adopted, second reading waived)
- 411.3 Classified Employee Terms of Employment (adopted, second reading waived)
- 412.2 Classified Employee Wage and Overtime Compensation (adopted, second reading waived)
- 411.2 Classified Employee-Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection (amended, second reading waived)
- 412.1 Salary Schedule (amended, second reading waived)
The next Marshalltown School Board meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2022 at the Central Administration Office, 1002 S. 3rd Ave. The meeting will be available to watch via live stream through the MCSD website, as well as our Facebook, and Twitter pages.
The Board Report 