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.
Preliminary certified enrollment summary brings positive news – watch recording
Preliminary certified enrollment numbers for the 2022-23 school year were presented at the Monday, Oct. 17 Marshalltown School Board meeting, and the data showed a significant increase in certified enrollment, equal to 87.4 students.
“We have an increase from the previous two years of both served students, as well as certified enrollment,” said Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte.
The preliminary summary showed increased enrollment among both resident students and students open enrolling into MCSD from other districts.
In Iowa, school districts’ certified enrollment plays an important role in determining their spending authority. The increase in certified enrollment, as indicated in this year’s preliminary data, is good news for MCSD’s continued financial health and strength. For full details from Monday’s presentation, check out the “watch recording” link above!
Board hears update on planned Pickleball Court repair – watch recording
Plans are moving forward to repair and replace a damaged portion of the wall on the north side of the Marshalltown Tennis Complex’s Pickleball Court area. Garling Construction Owner Doug DeMeulenaere discussed the details of those repair plans with the board on Monday evening.
The portion of wall in question experienced a partial collapse last spring. DeMeulenaere said the work will include not only repairing/replacing the damaged portion of the north wall, but also inspecting the remaining walls and installing quality replacements, where necessary.
DeMeulenaere also said the District will not be charged for the work. He said the scope of necessary repairs is being determined in the next few weeks, and work will commence as soon as possible. See the link above for the full discussion.
Hoglan Elementary presentation – watch recording
Hoglan Elementary Principal Amy Williams was joined by English Learner teacher Heather Stanley, Instructional Coach Mallory Kern, and Preschool teacher Molly Tafta for a presentation on the school’s programs on Monday.
The presentation featured video clips from Hoglan Transitional Kindergarten (TK) teacher Deshonna Garth’s classroom, each showing the strong emphasis placed on social-emotional learning (SEL) within Hoglan’s TK programming. The school’s new Frog Street curriculum and Bobcat Buddies program were also discussed.
Student School Board Representatives’ report – watch recording
Student School Board Representatives Yessenia Alvarez Zamora, Natalie Andrade, and Jaxson Eisenbarth shared an update on student activities and events on Tuesday evening.
Voluntary Early Retirement incentive not to be offered for the current school year – watch recording
The District will not offer the Voluntary Early Retirement incentive for the current school year after board action on Monday. Dr. Schutte said the recommendation came as a result of the District’s strong overall financial health, as well as the importance of retaining experienced staff members.
National School Bus Safety Week & National School Lunch Week highlighted – watch recording
The school board recognized National School Bus Safety Week, which runs through this Friday, Oct. 21. There are many ways for community members to help make students’ bus rides to and from school as safe as possible – find full info here!
Also highlighted was National School Lunch Week, celebrated Oct. 10-14. School meals are being served free of charge for all Bobcat students this year, and those meals act as fuel for learning.
Thank you to our incredible Transportation and Food Service staff for the key roles you play in supporting students’ academic success!
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 on Monday, click here.
Policies:
First Reading –
- 501.14-R Open Enrollment – Sending District Regulation (marked as reviewed)
- 501.15-R Open Enrollment – Receiving District Regulation (will come back for a first reading)
- 501.16 Homeless Children and Youth (marked as reviewed)
The next Marshalltown School Board meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 at the Central Administration Office, 1002 S. 3rd Ave. The meeting will be available to watch via live stream through the MCSD website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.
The Board Report 