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.
$5,000 hiring incentive approved for several certified staff positions – watch recording
A $5,000 sign-on incentive for several certified staff positions gained Marshalltown School Board approval at the Monday, Dec. 19 regular meeting. The incentive, similar to the measure taken in 2021-22, aims to attract the best applicants for available teaching positions the District is seeking to fill.
“Our goal is to have high-quality teachers fill all of these positions for our kids,” said Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte. “Having a relatively competitive salary schedule, offering a $5,000 signing bonus, and offering reimbursement on moving expenses up to a certain amount positions us well.”
He added that the incentive, which includes a 3-year service requirement, was helpful in filling a number of teaching position openings last year. Federal ESSER funding will be used to cover the cost of the signing incentive.
All MCSD staff to receive stipend for continued extra efforts – watch recording
Like many schools and employers nationwide, the Marshalltown CSD continues to experience a shortage of staff across several positions. School staff have continued to step up in a big way, ensuring that Bobcat students receive a high-quality education through this challenging time.
To recognize and show appreciation for the continued extra effort put in by school staff, the board approved a stipend equal to one day’s base pay for every employee in good standing as of Dec. 31, 2022.
Dr. Schutte said the stipend approved on Monday will work the same way as a similar measure approved last school year. Stipends for staff hired after September 1, 2022 will be prorated and all stipends will be subject to applicable taxes and withholdings. ESSER funding will be used to cover the cost of the stipends.
MHS Athletic Complex project overview shared, public hearing on proposed new video scoreboard set for Jan. 17 – watch recording
The Marshalltown School Board saw preliminary plans for the proposed MHS Athletic Complex project at the Monday, Dec. 19 regular meeting.
FEH Design architect Kevin Eipperle gave an overview of the estimated cost and scope of work, which includes widening and installing a durable turf surface at Leonard Cole Field, modifying and re-surfacing the track, upgrading field event areas, and installing new home bleachers. A new press box and ticket booth are also included, along with new pavement, lighting, and fencing around the complex.
Another proposed addition at the MHS Athletic Complex is a new video scoreboard. The board approved the tentative adoption of plans, specifications, and form of contract for the scoreboard, and set a public hearing on the matter for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17. The board also authorized the seeking of bids for the new scoreboard.
Books purchased to support elementary curriculum – watch recording
Hundreds of high-quality books will fill K-5 classrooms across the District after board action on Monday. The approved books are connected to the District’s elementary-level Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum, and will enhance students’ learning experience.
One set of books approved on Monday will go to kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classrooms, along with guide books to support teachers in linking the books’ content to class lessons – the cost of those books will be covered using federal Title III funding. A second set of books will go to K-5 classrooms, and were purchased using federal ESSER funds.
PK-6 Curriculum and Professional development Leader (CDPL) Erica Finders said the books will cover a variety of grade-level academic topics addressed in the general CKLA curriculum, from farming and insects to astronomy and U.S. history.
Farmers Savings Bank donates 525 stocking caps to students – watch recording
The board recognized local Farmers Savings Bank staff for their generous donation of hundreds of warm, high-quality stocking caps for students in grades PK-6 on Monday evening. Director of Communications Adam Sodders said the hats have been distributed to the schools, and will be given to students based on need. This hat donation is equivalent to about $5,000 – thank you to Farmers Savings Bank!
Board hears Miller Middle School update – watch recording
Miller Middle School Co-Principals Dave Glenn and Kristyn Kell – along with students Rory Piscitelli, Emma Clawson, Aya Karroum, Gisell Vargas, and Faye Gilbertson – provided updates from their building to the board.
The students represented a variety of clubs and programs available at Miller, including Student Leadership Club, Science Bound, Al Éxito, the school’s new Mariachi music class, and Garden Club. Each student spoke about their positive experiences in their clubs and programs, while Glenn and Kell gave an overview of building-level initiatives, data and practices.
Parent Wellness Night community partners recognized – watch recording
A group of great community partners was also recognized by the board after last week’s successful Parent Wellness Night & Watch Party. JBS Marshalltown, Center Associates, Grace C. Mae Advocate Center, La Carreta Mexican Grill, and ParentGuidance.org were all thanked for their support of the event, in which more than 100 Bobcat families participated.
Also thanked were the many school and community volunteers who helped make the in-person Parent Wellness Night possible.
Student School Board Representatives’ report – watch recording
Student School Board Representative Jaxson Eisenbarth and Natalie Andrade shared an update on student activities and events on Monday evening. See the recording above for the full presentation!
Proposed At-Risk budget presented, MSA application approved – watch recording
Director of Instruction Shauna Smith presented the 2023-24 At-Risk budget proposal on Monday, and the board voted to approve an application for state Modified Supplemental Amount (MSA) for Drop-Out Prevention.
The MSA is designed to cover the excess costs that are not covered by At-Risk supplementary weighted funds for schools. The $1,565,085 MSA request is designed to maintain the current level of At-Risk programming, which includes measures to maintain student engagement with school, services for homeless students, and other important programming.
Monday’s At-Risk budget presentation was for information only, and the board will vote on the final budget at an upcoming meeting.
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:
Initial Review –
- 502.8-R Search and Seizure (approved, second reading waived)
- 706.2 Payroll Deductions (approved, second reading waived)
First Reading –
- 502.9 Interviews of Students by Law Enforcement and Outside Agencies (mark as reviewed)
- 502.10 Use of Motor Vehicles (mark as reviewed)
- 502.11 Gangs (mark as reviewed)
- 502.11-R Gangs (mark as reviewed)
- 503.4 Good Conduct Rule (mark as reviewed)
- 503.4-R2 Student Conduct in Extra-Curricular Activities (mark as reviewed)
The next Marshalltown School Board meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 (due to MLK Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16) at the District 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 