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.
New Safety & Security Coordinator position receives board approval – watch recording
The Marshalltown School Board voted to approve a new position to oversee – and further improve upon – the Marshalltown CSD’s safety and security measures and strategies at the Tuesday, Jan. 17 regular meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte said the District is participating in a state-level initiative to support and improve districts’ safety and security measures, including the school security/vulnerability walkthrough assessments performed in December. The new MCSD Safety & Security Coordinator will play a key role in prioritizing and acting upon recommendations from those assessments, among other major duties.
“The goal for us will be to take where I think we’re at, which is a good to very good place as it relates to safety and security, and take it to a great place,” Dr. Schutte said.
Additionally, the Safety & Security Coordinator will lead efforts to provide relevant training for students and staff, and will act as a direct liaison with Marshall County Emergency Management, the Marshalltown Police and Fire departments, and other area emergency responders.
Miller FIRST Lego League Robotics team shares presentation ahead of state competition – watch recording
The Miller Middle School Waterboys FIRST Lego League Robotics team were crowned champions at their regional competition earlier this month, qualifying for the FLL state competition at Iowa State University in Ames on Saturday, Jan. 28.
Several members of the Waterboys shared the details behind their award-winning robotics project with the board on Tuesday. They said their project centers on hydroelectric power generation. We look forward to cheering them on at state!
Proposed 2023-24 school year calendar presented, public hearing set for Feb. 6 – watch recording
Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte presented a proposed school year calendar for 2023-24 on Tuesday. The calendar draft includes the proposed first and last days of school, professional development days, parent-teacher conferences, holidays, breaks, and more.
“This particular [proposed] calendar very closely mirrors this year’s calendar,” Dr. Schutte said, adding the District’s Calendar Committee strongly supported retaining a Spring Break next school year.
The Spring Break dates listed in the draft calendar – March 11-15, 2023 – would align with the breaks at Marshalltown Community College and the three state regent universities.
The board voted to set a public hearing on the proposed calendar at the next regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 6. No further action was taken regarding the proposed calendar on Tuesday, as it was listed for information and discussion only.
MHS Video Scoreboard project moves forward – watch recording
The board formally approved moving forward with a project to install a new video scoreboard at the Marshalltown High School Sports Complex on Tuesday evening.
In addition to keeping track of game scores and times, the new scoreboard will provide a large video display, as well as exciting opportunities to expand advertising partnerships.
MHS Activities Director Ryan Isgrig said bids are being sought for the new scoreboard, and a bid approval vote is anticipated for the Feb. 6 regular meeting agenda. He said the new scoreboard is planned to be installed this fall, depending upon lead time in getting the scoreboard delivered. He thanked the Bobcat Booster Club for pledging $25,000 toward the project.
All-State Music students recognized – watch recording
MHS senior Averi Bolar and junior Ethen Santana were recognized for their 2022-23 All-State Music selections on Tuesday evening. The students qualified in the vocal music and orchestra categories, respectively.
Bolar shared her experience from qualifying for All-State with the board on Tuesday. Congratulations to Averi Bolar and Ethen Santana!
New MHS Softball head coach, Baseball interim head coach announced – watch recording
MHS Activity Director Ryan Isgrig also announced that Jason Bauers will take on the role of MHS Softball Head Coach. He said Bauers brings experience as an assistant coach at East Marshall, and that the team is excited to hit the ground running in the upcoming season.
Additionally, Isgrig announced that Allen Mann will serve as the interim MHS Baseball Head Coach. He said the plan is to hire a full-time teacher to lead the Bobcats Baseball team in the long term.
Board approves next school year’s MHS Course Guide – watch recording
The 2023-24 Marshalltown High School Course Guide gained board approval on Tuesday evening, following a presentation by MHS Principal Jacque Wyant. Among the highlights in next year’s course guide are three new agriculture classes, as well as two exciting new business course offerings – Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Game Design in Unity.
MHS will again offer a Nurse’s Aide course in partnership with MCC, and upperclassmen will have the opportunity to take a new entrepreneurial elective called “Let’s Make Money!”
District Director of Technology Amy Harmsen will bring her expertise to the “Computer Solutions and Applications,” course, which will be held at the Orpheum Theater Center.
Science Bound program overview presented – watch recording
The board heard a presentation from Dr. Alexis Campbell and Jocelyn Drzycimski of Iowa State University’s Science Bound program on Tuesday evening. The program connects with students, as well as their families and teachers, to set them on a path to success in the agriculture, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (ASTEM) fields.
MCSD has partnered with Science Bound since 2006, and about 60 students are currently participating in the program. Students who graduate from high school and fulfill the Science Bound requirements receive a full-tuition scholarship.
Two school buses purchased, will replace older vehicles – watch recording
The MCSD Transportation fleet will gain two new buses to replace older models after board action on Tuesday. One of the new buses is designed to accommodate up to four students with wheelchairs, set to replace a current three-passenger wheelchair bus.The other is a 35-passenger bus, which will replace a current 65-passenger preschool bus.
District Transportation Director Rex Kozak said both vehicles will provide more appropriate capacity for their roles, and will include air conditioning to improve students’ comfort en route. He said Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) funds will be used for the bus purchases.
Student School Board Representatives’ report – watch recording
Student School Board Representatives Yessenia Alvarez Zamora, Abraham Madrigal Farias and Natalie Andrade shared an update on student activities and events on Tuesday evening. See the recording above for the full presentation!
Marshalltown Learning Academy update presented – watch recording
Marshalltown Learning Academy (MLA) Principal Eric Goslinga presented an update from the alternative high school at Tuesday’s board meeting. Goslinga highlighted the unique work-based learning opportunities available to MLA students, as well as the school’s focus on providing authentic learning environments. He also touched on the variety of post-secondary paths pursued by MLA graduates.
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 Tuesday, click here.
Policies:
Initial Review –
- 502.12 Violence (marked as reviewed)
- 502.13 Student Name Changes (marked as reviewed)
- 502.13-E1 Student Preferred Name or Gender Change Application (marked as reviewed)
- 503.1 Student Conduct (will come back for a first reading)
- 503.1-R1 Disciplinary Procedures and/or Penalties (Responsibility) (will come back for a first reading)
- 503.1-R2 Student Suspension (will come back for a first reading)
- 506.2 Student Directory Information (will come back for a first reading)
- 506.2-R1 Use of Directory Information (will come back for a first reading)
The next Marshalltown School Board meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023 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 