The Board Report

Lisa Koester and John Veldey present the agreement on the salary settlement for teachers to the school board at the June 20 meeting.

Personnel

Dr. Lisa Stevenson

Dr. Lisa Stevenson was approved as the new director of instruction for the Marshalltown Community School District. Stevenson is currently an elementary principal in the Bettendorf Community School District. For more information on Dr. Stevenson, click here.

Director of Information Technology Jeff Weinberg has announced his resignation effective July 31, 2016 as he has taken a position with Heartland AEA in the Des Moines area.
Brett Purvis has been hired as the new director of buildings and grounds for MCSD. Brett arrives at MCSD
from Iowa Valley Community College District where he has served as director of
plant services since

Brett Purvis

2011. He has more than 30 years of construction or buildings
management experience. For all the personnel actions approved by the board, click here.

Chromebook bids   
Director of Information Technology Jeff Weinberg and Instructional Design Specialist Dave Stanfield presented bids for Chromebooks, which support the Digital Conversion in the district. These devices will go to replace devices for all students at Miller Middle School and to mostly freshmen at Marshalltown High School.

The board approved the purchase of 1,235 new Dell Chromebooks of $253,965.40 from GovConnection Inc. of Merrimack, NH.

Ratification of salary settlement for teachers for 2016-17
District Attorney John Veldey and Director of Human Resources Lisa Koester presented this settlement. The teachers will receive a 3.4 percent overall salary package increase, which is a 2.54 percent increase in salary alone and the rest of the increase is insurance. The board approved the tentative agreement and it now goes to the Marshalltown Education Association for approval. For more information on the agreement, click here.

Ratification of salary settlement for food service employees for 2016-17
Koester presented some changes on this settlement, which can be accessed by clicking here. The settlement included a total package increase of 3.13 percent, which includes a 2 percent increase in the wage. The board approved the settlement.

Ratification of salary settlement for transportation for 2016-17
Koester presented changes agreed upon on this settlement. For drivers and monitors, there is a total salary package increase is 2.96 percent. It was approved by the board.

Ratification of salary settlement for buildings and grounds and transportation mechanics for 2016-17
Click here for the agreement changes. The salary package increase will be 2.99 percent, which includes a wage increase of 0.38 percent and the rest of the increase is due to increased insurance costs. It was approved by the board.

Ratification of salary settlement for paraeducators for 2016-17.
For the agreement, click here. This includes a salary package increase of 3 percent, which includes a salary increase 1.99 percent. The agreement was approved by the board.

Interfund borrowing
This item was presented by Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz. He recommended borrowing up to $1 million for the SAVE/SILO fund from the general fund to cover construction overages and completion of construction projects. This money will be paid back to the general fund prior to June 30, 2017. This item was approved by the board.

Board Policies
101.1 – Long Range Needs Assessment – Rewrite approved, waived second reading
711.2 – Student Conduct on School Transportation – Changes made to comply with PBIS and transportation handbook, Approved and waived second reading.
312.3-E1- Fringe Benefits – Administrators/Supervisors – Additions and deletions made. Approved and waived second reading.
201.8 – Board Vacancies – Changes made last fall were not reflected in current policy, will come back for first reading.
202.1- Code of Ethics – Marked as reviewed
202.2 – President-Vice President – Marked as reviewed
202.3- Secretary- Treasurer – Marked as reviewed
703.3R – Financial Planning Calendar – Marked as reviewed
804.2E – Video Surveillance and Electronic Monitoring Exhibit – Marked as reviewed

Closed Session
The board came out of a closed session and approved an agreement on the Roundhouse renovation.

The next regular school board meeting will be at 5 p.m. on July 18. It is the only regular meeting planned for July. The board will meet at noon on Thursday, June 23 in a special session to talk about administrator salaries for 2016-17.

From Board President Bea Niblock
“At the end of June, board meetings are usually not very long and have pretty uncomplicated agendas. However, this board meeting was one of the most important board meetings to present itself.

The board approved negotiated salary and benefit packages for teachers, food service employees, transportation, buildings and grounds, transportation mechanics, and paraeducators. These complete packages will give the district the opportunity to hire highly qualified staff members to enhance the educational lives of the students in the district.   That was evidenced by the list of personnel hired to fill vacant positions at this meeting, as well.

Highly qualified, energetic and compassionate employees are the cornerstone to a sound educational system and the start of becoming the ‘district of choice.’”  – Bea Niblock

Marshalltown High School history teacher Alex Abbe talked to the board on June 6 about his selection for the James Madison Memorial Fellowship.

Recognition
Marshalltown High School history teacher Alex Abbe talked about his selection for the James Madison Memorial Fellowship.
As part of his selection as a fellow, Abbe will receive $24,000 to pay for his master’s degree studies at Ashland University and participate in a four-week summer institute in 2017 at Georgetown University in Washington DC to deepen his content knowledge in history.
He said at the core of his studies is to help “make history matter as it should.”

Personnel items
For personnel items, click here.

Among the personnel items was the appointment of Pat Rial as the next principal of Miller Middle School.  Rollie Ackerman has been hired as the new Activities Director at Marshalltown High School. He has served in the AD role at Grundy Center for the past 13 years.

Paraprofessional Educators
Jon Thomas of Teamsters Local 238 spoke on behalf of the paraprofessional educators of MCSD. Many district paraeducators attended the meeting as well.
Thomas advised the district to work to reduce the 30 percent attrition rate among paraeducators.
“We are constantly trying to hire 30 percent of the workforce,” Thomas said.
He said they would rather see fewer paras who are better compensated which could result in a lower turnover rate. Thomas said he believes there is a need revamp the process by which paraeducators are assigned to schools.
This was a non-action item.

Open Enrollment Out
Director of Human Resources Lisa Koester gave an update on students open enrolling out of the district. Currently 567 students open enroll out of the district out of 5,321 students.
Discussion was held on the idea of contacting parents of open enrollment out students as part of a survey.
Koester said the number of open enrollment out students is an issue and the strategic plan has a goal to make Marshalltown the “district of choice.”
The board members were adamant about finding ways to lower the number.
To view the presentation document, click here.

Summer Camp Insurance Coverage
This item was presented by Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz and Activities Director Craig Huegel after guidance was released by the Iowa Department of Education on how camps are to be handled. This action item will extend liability coverage for camps for 2016, but not in the future.
Discussion was held on camps being held and who sponsors camps. The motion was approved.

Copier Bid
Bartz and Director of Information Technology Jeff Weinberg presented a recommendation that Advanced Systems of Waterloo be awarded the copier contract in the district starting July 1. The rate per copy will be $.0088 for the life of the contract. The motion was approved.

Board Policies
100.2 – Equal Educational Opportunity – Marked as reviewed
101.1 – Long Range Needs Assessment – Policy rewrote, will be brought back for first reading
101.1 R-1 – Long Range Needs Assessment Process – Marked as reviewed
101.1-R-2 – Early Childhood Process – Parental Notification – Marked as reviewed
200 – Statement of Guiding Principles – Marked as reviewed.
711.1- Student School Transportation – Marked as reviewed
711.1R – Student Eligibility for Bus Service – Marked as reviewed
711.2- Student Conduct on School Transportation – Delete “After three warnings…” sentence so it corresponds with new transportation handbook discipline as it relates to PBIS. Will come back as first reading
711.8 – Transportation in Inclement Weather – Marked as reviewed
312.3-E1 – Fringe Benefits – Administrators/Supervisors – Prescription drug listing changed to “scheduled benefits” instead of $5/$10. Also minor changes to professional dues sentence. To come back for first reading.

The board then went into an exempt session to conduct a negotiations strategy meeting.

The next regular meeting of the board is at 5 p.m. June 20 in district offices.

From Board President Bea Niblock
“A presentation was made to the board regarding the numbers of students open enrolling out of the district each year. Board members began a discussion surrounding the trends of that data. It was asked that such a presentation be made on a regular basis at subsequent board meetings.
It is the intent of the board to look at trends in the data regarding the open enrollment by grade, year and cohort groups. A goal to decreasing those figures is part of the board’s work in the development of a revised strategic plan with the new superintendent, Dr. Schutte.
Decreasing open enrollment out of the district is a high priority for this board.” – Bea Niblock

MHS students Jacqueline Wahl, left, and Victoria Johnson brought their award-winning National History Day display on the telegraph to the board meeting.

Recognitions
Marshalltown High School students Jacqueline Wahl and Victoria Johnson presented their third place entry in the National History Day state contest. The project was on the telegraph.

“There was nothing like it when it was first invented,” Wahl said of the telegraph.

Launa Snyder, left, and Nicole Gaughan

District Behavior Strategists Nicole Gaughan and Launa Snyder presented about their work throughout the district. The pair recently presented at the Learning Supports Conference.

Gaughan said they have participated in training at the University of Iowa that was offered by the Iowa Department of Education and pass on what they’ve learned to staff throughout the district. They get referrals from school teams and assist with behavior plans, interventions and other ways to assist staff with students.

For personnel items approved by the board, click here.

New Human Resources Director

Anthony Spurgetis

Anthony Spurgetis has been hired as the new Director of Human Resources for the district.

Spurgetis currently works in human resources at Des Moines Public Schools and also has experience in human resources at the Cedar Rapids Community School District.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in Human Resource studies from Penn State University.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead the HR Department at MCSD and am very excited to join the team in June,” Spurgetis wrote in an email to the communications department.

Appointment of Superintendent

Dr. Theron Schutte

Dr. Theron Schutte was approved as the district’s next superintendent.

His contract calls for a salary of $204,000 per year and he will start at MCSD on July 1. Dr. Schutte is currently superintendent of the Bettendorf Community School District and served as superintendent previously in Boone.

He is a 1981 Marshalltown High School graduate, who is getting ready to celebrate his 35-year reunion with his classmates. For more information on Dr. Schutte, click here.

Out of state trip request
MHS Dean of Students Dan Terrones and student Kyli Jacobsen asked the board to approve an out of state trip for the Health Careers Club. The club plans to make a trip to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, June 2-4.

The high school is putting together health career academies for students and continues steps in that direction, Terrones said. This trip is funded by Central Iowa Healthcare. The request was approved by the board.

Franklin Principal Tim Holmgren talks to the board. At left is Leiah Craun and at right is Elizabeth Overstake.

Franklin Elementary Attendance Center Plan
Franklin Principal Tim Holmgren and school leadership team members Elizabeth Overstake, Jade Musgrave, Blair Struble, Leiah Craun, Kathy Ferguson, Karen Mussig, Kate Pimlott and Cheri Bolar presented the annual attendance center plan for the school.

Franklin has 357 students with 44 percent of those being minority.

The group talked about reading and math scores, the data wall, SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observational Protocol), Multi-Tiered System of Supports, Language Literacy Framework, Comprehensive Literacy Model, professional development, collaborative planning, kindergarten reading levels, writer’s workshop, model classroom teachers, RCATS (Respect, Caring, Active Learner, Thoughtful Choices, Stay Safe), PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports), students of the month and other initiatives at the school.

Transportation Handbooks
Director of Transportation Don Meyer presented new transportation handbooks for both kindergarten through sixth grade and 7^th through 12^th grades. This came from a plan to deal with student issues on buses. The board approved the handbooks with some minor changes that dealt with corresponding to board policy.

District Insurance Bid Waiver Request
Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz requested that the district delay the insurance bids for property and worker’s comp for one year. This has typically been done every three years. The one-year delay was approved by the board.

Board policies
310.4 – Organizational chart – Approved as presented, waived second reading
302.3 – Associates to the Superintendent – Directors and Supervisors – Appointment – Approved as presented, waived second reading.
303.1 – Building Principals and Associates – Approved as presented, waived second reading.
312-3-E2 – Fringe Benefits – Administrators/Supervisors – Request Form – Marked as reviewed
312.5- Administrative Personnel – Professional Development – Marked as reviewed
314.2- Administrative Personnel Contract Termination – Resignation – Marked as reviewed
314.3- Administrative Personnel – Termination – Dismissal – Marked as reviewed
401.1R – Grievance Procedure – Marked as reviewed

From Board President Bea Niblock:
“Last night’s meeting saw the appointment of Dr. Theron Schutte to the position of Superintendent for the school district. His contract will begin on July 1, 2016, with the departure of Dr. Marvin Wade.

Dr. Schutte tells us that his appointment is like ‘coming home.’ He graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1981, and 35 years later, returns to Marshalltown as its MCSD superintendent. The board looks forward to working with Dr. Schutte, setting district goals, creating a new strategic plan and building strong community connections.

And, the board thanks Dr. Wade for his years of service to the district and wishes him well in his continued educational journey as superintendent in Manhattan, Kansas.” – Bea Niblock

The next regular board meeting is June 6 at 5 p.m. in district offices.

Miller Middle School Counselor John Augustine recognized Gaby Gonzalez, center, and Avy Smith for their selection into the Blank Summer Institute. Not present was Donovan Gavagan.

Recognition
Miller Middle School counselor John Augustine presented two students selected for the Blank Summer Institute at the University of Iowa this summer. The students included Gaby Gonzalez and Avy Smith. Donovan Gavagan was also selected but was not present.
Gaby said she looks forward to meeting new people and Avy said she looks forward to learning on a college campus. For more information on this honor, click here.

School handbooks approval
The changes for the school handbooks were presented at the April 18 meeting. This was final approval of the handbooks with minor changes for the 2016-17 school year.

Website redesign
District Communications Director Andrew Potter proposed the district enter a contract with Global Reach of Ames for the district website redesign. The redesign will occur this summer and give the site a fresher look and increase capability for use on smartphones. The new site is expected to be up and running in early August.

Board Policies
310.4 – Organizational chart – Board Vice President Janelle Carter said the board will look at the administration chart proposed, but plans on moving the title of associate superintendent to a director of instructional services position to give the new superintendent some flexibility with this position. The board also plans to make that director position at the same level of other director positions in the district. The chart will come back for a first reading at the next meeting.

302.2 – Associates to the Superintendent – Qualifications – Marked as reviewed
302.3 – Associates to the Superintendent – Directors and Supervisors- Appointment – Change of a wording, to be brought back
302.4 – Associates to the Superintendent – Functions – Marked as reviewed.
303.1 – Building Principals and Associates – Change in wording, to be brought back
305.1 – Administrative Cabinet – Marked as reviewed.

Personnel items
For personnel items, click here. (The termination was pulled from the list of personnel approval items pending a hearing)

The board entered into a closed session to discuss the candidates for the superintendent position. The finalists are expected to be announced on May 3.

From Board President Bea Niblock
“I remember the day that the district website was launched with tabs to each attendance center and how the website has grown and changed over the years. But, the time has come for the district website to have a facelift.

Andrew Potter, district Communications Director, will work with Global Reach of Ames to develop a new design with a fresher look and better viewing capability on smartphones and mobile devices. The new design will be user friendly with up-to-date information at the fingertips of the community and our students’ families. The new website is expected to be launched by the beginning of the next school year.

The district should be commended for reaching out to make the district website fresh, user friendly and transparent to all who log on.” – Bea Niblock

Marshalltown High School Principal Jacque Wyant, right, talks during the attendance center plan at the board meeting on April 18. Also seated at the table pictured are MHS staff members, from left, Justin Boliver, Naomi Musal and Sue Inhelder.

Marshalltown High School attendance center plan
MHS Principal Jacque Wyant led this annual presentation, which also included MHS staff members Justin Boliver, Deb Holsapple, Brad Weidenaar, Dee Burt, Laurie Rink, Sue Inhelder, Naomi Musal, Theresa Theis and student Morgan Van Staalduine.

Math scores from the Iowa Assessment data have shown growth, while reading scores show “an area for improvement,” Wyant said.

Graduation rate was up from 81.59 percent in 2013 to 87.06 percent in 2014. The 2015 graduation rate has yet to be reported from the state. Wyant said they are pretty confident they are close to 90 percent for the graduation rate for 2015.

The plan also reported on instructional practices inventory, sheltered instruction, student behavior (office referrals down significantly from previous year as well as in school suspensions), career pathways, Mentors in Violence Prevention, improved communication (for example meeting parents at JBS), teacher leadership, instructional coaches, model classroom teachers, MHS student demographics, the perspective of a classroom teacher and Competency-Based Education.

Wyant said MHS strives to have a climate where “everybody belongs and everybody is welcome.”

Teacher librarians, from left, Alicia Patten, Jeni Sloan and Sue Cahill

Recognitions
Teacher librarians Sue Cahill of Woodbury Elementary and Jeni Sloan of Hoglan Elementary were honored for their recent Outstanding School Library Award from the Iowa Association of School Librarians.

“We were honored that the board and the school district has taken the role of teacher librarian and kept that at the forefront of our learning,” Cahill said.

Personnel
For personnel items, click here.

Public Comment
Lynne Carroll of Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters, presented information on her agency, specifically the school-based mentors throughout the district. Twenty-one percent of the BBBS Marshall County budget comes from the Marshalltown Community School District.

Shedd Aquarium, Chicago

Out of state trip to Chicago
MHS teacher Tim Johnson, along with students Emma Alman and Hannah Lindgren requested board approval for a trip to Chicago as part of the Delegation of The Advancement of History. The trip, which includes a group of 10, is April 22-24 with expected stops at The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier and the Art Institute. The trip was approved.

School handbooks for 2016-17
Director of Human Resources Lisa Koester presented five different levels of handbooks, along with building administrators.
MHS– Associate Principal Dr. Kenneth Hayes presented minor changes. Click here for the handbook.
Marshalltown Learning Academy – Principal Eric Goslinga proposed minor changes. Click here for the handbook.
Miller– Principal Jacy Large presented minor changes. Click here for the handbook.
Lenihan Intermediate School – Principal Kyle Young presented minor changes. Click here for the handbook.
Elementary – Woodbury Principal Anel Garza presented minor changes. For this proposed handbook, click here.

The handbooks will be brought back for final approval by the board at the May 2 meeting.

Fiscal year 2017 budget development
Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz presented the list of reductions previously approved by the board, the at-risk dropout prevention budget and budget worksheet.

With supplemental aid from the state now set approved at 2.25 percent, Bartz said the tax rate will go to under $18.00 per thousand (which will be lower than current rate of $18.33), with negotiations still to be determined.

The board did not indicate the need to see a list of additional staff reductions at this time.

Board Policies
204.11 – General Complaints by Citizens – Marked as reviewed – no changes
204.12 – Minutes of Meetings- Publication of Proceedings –Marked as reviewed
205.1 – Compensation for Expenses – Marked as reviewed
205.3 – Board of Directors and Elected Officials – Marked as Reviewed
206.1 – New Board Member Orientation – Marked as reviewed

310.4 – Organizational Chart – Two organizational charts were presented. One proposed from the board that was handed out at the last board meeting (April 4) and one from the superintendent as his recommendation (presented for first time April 18). A lengthy discussion was held on these proposed charts between board members, Superintendent Dr. Marvin Wade and Director of Human Resources Lisa Koester. Focus was on the difference of charts, especially with the ranking of associate superintendent (in the superintendent’s chart) or director of instructional services (in the board’s chart).

Staff were asked to address the issue brought up of the possible change of the title of the associate superintendent to director of instructional services.

Many district staff members commented, including several elementary principals, who spoke of this being a crucial time in the district, which is in the middle of several initiatives with the associate superintendent taking the lead.

The board will bring back the organizational chart as a first reading May 2 with more discussion possible before any approval.

Communications
Associate Superintendent Dr. Susan Pecinovsky said a film crew will be in the district on April 27 to spotlight the Compentency-Based Education program. MCSD was selected for being a state leader in CBE. Dr. Pecinovsky said this will “showcase the great work going on in Marshalltown Schools in CBE.”

Superintendent Search update
Dick Sundblad and Mike Billings from the superintendent search firm McPherson and Jacobson updated the board on the search. There will be a closed meeting on May 2 after the regular meeting to go over applicants for the position. They received 23 applicants for the position.
The duo went over the school and community input received from the meetings on March 29 as well as the online survey offered. Billings said “you’ll find very strong support for your district,” in the comments. Every group sees Marshalltown as a very strong community (with history and pride), a lot of collaboration, and that diversity is an asset.

Interview schedule – Superintendent Search
Billings and Sundblad provided a sample interview schedule for candidates, which is flexible depending on what the board wants. The board wanted to have an open house for the community and the press and also gave other input on the schedule.
The board will work to create a list of interview teams including, students, administrators, community business leaders, teachers and support staff, and community group and parents. Many of these teams will be based on those who expressed interest at the March 29 community meetings with McPherson and Jacobson.

Interview questions – Superintendent Search
The board went over possible interview questions and how the questions will come about. The board will contact Board Vice President Janelle Carter with changes to proposed questions or additions and deletions.

Compensation for next superintendent – Superintendent Search
The board was provided with superintendent salaries of similar sized districts. The board previously gave the search firm a proposed salary range of $180,000 to $210,000 for the next MCSD superintendent and the board confirmed that is still the case. The final decision on salary will be made after interviews.

Agenda for next meeting between board and search firm on May 2 – Superintendent Search
The board will get a list of applicants in a packet prior to the May 2 meeting. During a closed meeting following the regular May 2 meeting, the board will narrow down the candidate list down to who it will interview. Proposed candidate interview days are May 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.

From Board President Bea Niblock
“Monday’s board meeting saw yet another request for students to take the classroom experience outside of the 4 walls of the school room. Tim Johnson, teacher at MHS, requested that the Delegation for the Advancement of History be given permission to take a trip to Chicago to experience the culture of the area and to visit a number of historical exhibits and locations.

The learning of students can only be enhanced when they are moved into a rich learning environment outside of the regular classroom. An overnight stay in Chicago immersing oneself in the culture of the area and going to such sites as the Art Institute, the Aquarium and museums can provide significant educational value to the lives of the students participating.” – Bea Niblock

Anson Elementary Preschool teacher Samantha Randall talks to the school board about tablet use by preschool students in the district on April 4. Demonstrating tablet use are Zoey, left, and Quinlan Pals, preschool students at Anson.

Recognition
District Preschool Program Coordinator Emily Banks, along with Anson Elementary Preschool teacher Samantha Randall, led demonstrations of tablet use in preschools as part of the Digital Conversion in the district. Also taking part in the demonstration were preschool students Quinlan Pals and Zoey Pals.

“Tablets help us with problem solving and learning the sequence of events,” Randall said.

Public Hearing on the fiscal year 2017 certified budget
No one from the public commented during this budget public hearing.

For Personnel items, click here.

Miller Middle School attendance center plan
Miller Principal Jacy Large delivered this presentation. He said technology is a major thrust at Miller, where there are 780 students.

Teachers are using technology up to 80 percent of the time during class to deliver instruction.

Jacy Large 

Large said “creativity is allowed” when it comes to teachers presenting their lessons at Miller. Large said he often asks staff, “What are we doing to make a student want to come back?”

His presentation included videos made by the students of the recent Career Fair at the school and the corresponding Project Day. Each student the past two years has been exposed to 26 different careers during these career fairs,Large said. Large also talked about Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports and other strategies utilized at Miller.

Explanation of Financial Statements
Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz went over a current snapshot of the financial statements including revenues and expenses. Bartz said the budget is right on target as far as the revenues.

Actions Based on Audit Report
Bartz gave an update on findings from the audit report and the changes that have been made since that report to rectify each issue.
For more information on this item, click here.

Purchase of New School Buses
Director of Transportation Don Meyer requested the purchase of three new buses as part of the replacement schedule. Three new buses were approved for purchase from School Bus Sales and Hoglund Bus Company, including an 11-passenger (from Hoglund) and a 65-passenger and 77-passenger (both from School Bus Sales). The total cost of the three buses is $218, 369, including trade-ins of four buses.

Budget Guarantee
Bartz said this allows the school district to receive 1 percent new money if for some reason the 2.25 percent increase in state aid is not approved by the governor. The board approved this.

Fiscal Year 2017 Certified Budget
The board approved the fiscal year 2017 certified budget, presented by Brian Bartz. Districts in the state are still waiting on the governor’s signature on the proposed 2.25 percent supplemental aid increase for schools, which has been approved by the Iowa House and Senate. If that approval goes through, the tax rate is expected to be $17.93 per $1,000 valuation, a decrease of 40 cents from the current rate of $18.33. If there is no supplemental aid increase, the tax rate would be approximately $18.69.

Board polices
603.12-R – Electronic Resources and Electronic Mail – Appropriate Use Regulation- Approved, waived second reading.
603.12 – Internet – Appropriate and Safe Use – Approved, waived second reading
204.1 – Regular Meetings– Marked as reviewed
204.2 – Special meetings –Marked as reviewed
204.3 – Closed Sessions – Marked as reviewed
204.4 – Annual Meeting – Marked as reviewed
204.5 – Organizational Meeting –Marked as reviewed
310.4- Organizational Chart – A new chart from the board was proposed as a platform for discussion. Board member Mike Miller said he would like to get the new superintendent on board before moving forward with the chart. No action was taken by the board, with future discussion planned.

Committee report
Board member Ben Stansberry said the Roundhouse public art committee has made the selection of “Drills” by Gail Folwell, a sculptor from Colorado. He said it could be installed as early as November outside of the Roundhouse. This is being paid for by an Iowa Great Places grant.

From Board Vice President Janelle Carter
“Tonight the board continued with the budget process begun at the last meeting. Following the public hearing, the board voted to increase the district’s levy from $18.33 per thousand dollar valuation to $18.69 per thousand. This represents an increase of $.36 in property taxes for those within the district for the next fiscal year. In the absence of supplemental growth, which is where we are right now, the increase is something the board felt was necessary to allow the district the ability to levy should there be no increase. That done, should the state come through with the Iowa House and Senate approved 2.25 percent increase, the levy will be lowered to approximately $17.93 per thousand. So, what looks like a tax increase today, will potentially be a decrease upon the signing of the 2.25 percent increase in supplemental aid by Governor Branstad. The budget process will, however, continue over the next several meetings.

On a lighter note, the board heard an uplifting report from Miller Middle School Principal Jacy Large on many of the exciting projects and programs happening at MMS this year. Included in this report were video clips from students broadcasting daily announcements and field reports on Bobcat Broadcast, a report on the recent Career Fair and Project Day, and also updates on progress and goals for MMS. Also guests tonight with District Preschool Coordinator Emily Banks and Anson preschool teacher Samantha Randall, were preschoolers Quinlan and Zoey to help demonstrate some of the uses of tablets in the classroom.” – Janelle Carter

Woodbury Elementary School Principal Anel Garza talks during the school’s attendance center update to the board on March 21. Also pictured from left are Julie Thede, Mary Harris and Sue Cahill.

Woodbury Elementary Attendance Center plan
Woodbury Principal Anel Garza, along with staff members Sue Cahill, Jasmine Hazen, Becky Jacobson,  Mary Harris, Gladis Gonzalez, and Julie Thede, presented the annual attendance center plan to the board.

There are 295 English Learner students in the school, which represent 85 of the total Woodbury students. Cahill talked about the dual language program, which has been in place since 2003-04 at Woodbury.

The Woodbury attendance center plan has two specific goals under reading and math. The attendance center plan has five actions to address these goals.

The group also talked about SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol), CLM (Comprehensive Literacy Model), Spanish and English Standards, parent involvement and several other strategies. The group also talked about assessment scores.

Recognition
Marshalltown High School junior Mitch Eberle was recognized for his achievement of the highest possible composite score on the ACT test. Eberle took the test last fall and earned a 36 composite score. He said he was thankful for all the congratulatory messages he’s received since the news was released.

Personnel 

For personnel items, click here.

Public Comment
MHS senior Nathaniel Harris said he would like the whole district to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily. He is asking for a policy to give every student the opportunity to recite the pledge. Currently, some schools recite the pledge and some do not. Board President Bea Niblock said board policies will be researched on this matter and it could be brought up for discussion at a later time.

Marshalltown High School Health Careers Club trip
Members of the leadership team of the MHS Health Careers Club took a trip to San Antonio in February. Accompanying the group were MHS Dean of Students Dan Terrones and staff member Meredith Goldman. Both Terrones and Goldman were at the board meeting, along with health careers club students Samantha Lammert and Kyli Jacobsen. The group visited a health careers high school, and the Center for the Intrepid, for burn victims and amputees. The group also visited several tourist sites including the River Walk.

“I’m very proud of the nine students who went on this trip,” Terrones said.

The group is beginning to take steps toward creating a health careers academy at Marshalltown High School, Terrones said. To learn more about the trip, click here.

School Calendar
The 2016-17 school calendar was presented by Director of Human Resources Lisa Koester and was approved by the board. To view the calendar, click here . 2016-17 calendars in both English and Spanish are posted on the Marshalltown Schools website under the “calendars” link.
“The calendar is created by a committee of teachers, administrators and a board member,” Koester said.
School will start on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.

Food Service meal prices for 2016-17
Food Service Director Lynn Large presented the meal prices for 2016-17. Increases were approved of 10 cents for 5-12 breakfast to $1.50 and 5-12 lunch to raise 5 cents to $2.45. Adult breakfast is going up 5 cents to $1.80 and adult lunches remain at $3.50.
Milk is unchanged at 35 cents as is reduced lunch and breakfast prices.
Kindergarten through 4th grade will continue to have meals at no cost in 2016-17 as part of the Community Eligibility Provision, which started this school year.

Budget Reductions for Fiscal Year 2017
A list of $1.46 million in proposed district budget reductions for the fiscal year 2017 was presented to the board by Superintendent Dr. Marvin Wade and the administrative cabinet. To view the list, click here.

These reductions are proposed for three reasons: 1) State Supplemental Aid for fiscal year 2017 has not been established; 2) settlements have not yet been negotiated with employee bargaining units; and, 3) the fiscal year 17 certified budget is scheduled for approval at the April 4, 2016 board meeting.

Dr. Wade said the $1.46 million in reductions prepares the district for what is going to occur budget-wise over the next couple of months, including negotiations and state funding.

Discussion was held between the board, Dr. Wade and several administrators around the reasoning for several of the specific reductions.

The board approved reductions on the list 1-7, 9-13, 16 and 17. The board wanted further information on No. 8 (MHS math tutor), No. 14 (move computer replacement to SAVE/PPEL), and No. 15 (Reduce 25 percent portion of at-risk budget) and did not vote for approval of those reductions.

Rick Simpson and Heidi Pierson talk about the Roundhouse Public Art project. The four finalists are displayed on the board pictured.

Roundhouse Public Art Committee
Heidi Pierson of the Marshalltown Public Art Committee said the selection committee of 15 people has been hard at work researching for this art project to be located at the MHS Roundhouse. It is grant funded through a $250,000 Iowa Great Places grant. There are 4 finalists for the project, which were described in detail by Board Member Ben Stansberry, who is also on the selection committee. They are in the public comment process of the selection. The selection committee will make the decision after input and comments from the community. Buildings and Grounds Director Rick Simpson also was part of this presentation to the board. More information on the project is available at the Marshalltown Public Library.

At-Risk/Droupout Modified Supplemental Amount
Associate Superintendent Dr. Susan Pecinovsky presented documents on the at-risk  budget. She said the goal is to use the funds to help students complete their education. Dr. Pecinovsky outlined the staff in place who are funded by this budget as well as services provided. The board decided to include the proposed $150,000 in at-risk reductions back into the funding.

Policies
202.5 – Board of Directors’ Conflict of Interest – Marked as reviewed
202.7 – Individual Board Members – Marked at reviewed
203.1 – Formulation, Review and Revision of Policy – Marked as reviewed
203.2 – Adoption of Administration Rules and Regulations- Marked as reviewed
203.4 – Ad Hoc Committee – Marked as reviewed
603.12 – Internet Appropriate and Safe Use – Changes made will come back at first reading.
603.12R – Electronic Resources and Electronic Mail – Appropriate Use Regulation -Will come back to board as first reading.

From Board President Bea Niblock
“The board has begun one of its most difficult challenges. It is engaged in the process of balancing the budget – a balancing act, indeed. This board has diligently looked at past state funding, past tax levies and past budgets; then, future funding possibilities, future tax levies and future negotiation settlements.

Last night’s meeting was the first where board members were faced with the gut wrenching decisions of what to cut from the budget in a possible ‘worst case’ scenario of funding streams. Each item was looked at individually with consideration to cutting those things furthest from touching children.

Please know that the current board members give each suggested cut serious and very deliberate consideration before making a decision. We will continue to give the budget our diligent attention in the meetings to come.” – Bea Niblock

Marshalltown High School English teacher Jocelyn Frohwein presents a certificate to MHS sophomore Dylan Roseburrough at the school board meeting on March 7. Roseburrough received an honorable mention award from the Belin-Blank Center Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for his short story.

Recognitions
Marshalltown High School sophomore Dylan Roseburrough was recognized by English teacher Jocelyn Frohwein. Roseburrough received an honorable mention for his short story from the Belin-Blank Center Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Dylan said he really enjoys writing and liked this project. To read his story, click here.

“It really helped me grow as a writer,” Roseburrough said. He is currently working on a novel.

Elementary art teacher Maggie Parks talked about her national excellence award from the United States Society for Education through Art. Parks will receive it later this month in Chicago. “We are proud,” Board President Bea Niblock told Parks.

Personnel
Current Marshalltown High School Dean of Students Justin Boliver has been named Associate Principal at MHS, effective July 1. He will replace Dr. Kenneth Hayes, who is leaving the district for another position.

For all personnel items approved by the board, click here. 

Public comment
Marshalltown High School Student Senate members, Morgan Van Staalduine, junior class president, and Trevor Lewis junior class vice president, said they are helping to organize a community-wide Summer Olympics, which will include swimming, track, soccer, cycling, tennis and volleyball from July 22-24.

“We are doing this to get a positive thing in our community,” Van Staalduine said.

It will serve as a fundraiser for MHS school clubs and provide a to-be-determined donation to benefit the community.

St. Francis Catholic School
St. Francis Catholic School Principal Dr. Matt Herrick talked about the relationship his school has with the Marshalltown Community School District.

St. Francis leaders are in talks to revise its strategic plan, which MCSD will do as well. Herrick said good communication will help align strategic plans. Since most of the St. Francis students end up at Miller Middle School, it makes sense to be on the same page.

“We want to make sure we align and support what you are trying to do,” Herrick said.

Competency-Based Education
Associate Superintendent Dr. Susan Pecinovsky provided an update on Competency-Based Education, which is in year three in the district.

CBE has a goal for creating innovative pathways for student learning that allow for student choice and remove barriers. It’s a way where students advance based on proficiency. District teams continue to work on this initiative.

To view the full report, which includes much of this work, click here. 

Marshalltown Learning Academy attendance center plan
Principal Eric Goslinga presented the annual attendance center plan from MLA, the alternative learning environment for grades 9-12 in the district. A total of 178 students have earned a diploma at MLA the past seven years. Goslinga said many of these students most likely would not have received a diploma if it weren’t for MLA.

Currently MLA is serving 60 students, but there is a plan to expand the number of students they are able to serve, he said.

MLA staff utilize the Competency-Based educational model. Goslinga talked about PELO (Personalized Extended Learning Opportunity) that allows students to tap into their interests in their learning. MLA has received recognition as an exemplar program for disruptive innovation in the area of blended learning.

Medicaid Provider
Director of Special Services Matt Cretsinger and Dann Stevens, CEO of Timberline Billing Services, presented a 3-year agreement for Timberline as a Medicaid provider. Third party companies such as Timberline have all the knowledge and skills to help the district receive Medicaid reimbursements, Cretsinger said. Timberline is based in Des Moines. The district pays a fee of 6 percent of the net Medicaid reimbursement retained by the district to Timberline as part of the agreement. The agreement was approved by the board and it will start July 1, 2016.

Special Education Compliance Audit
Cretsinger presented this audit from the Special Education department. Every five years Special Education has to go through an audit from the AEA as required by the Iowa Department of Education. No issues were found in IEPs in this audit, which is good news to report. Cretsinger credited the teachers and other staff for the time and effort put into this great work.

Certified Budget
Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz presented information on the 2016-17 certified budget. Bartz proposed an $18.69 per thousand valuation tax rate as a recommendation. The rate recommended is the worst case scenario (highest tax rate) since there has been no decision on additional funding for schools from the state. This rate can be lowered after being published in the newspaper, but can’t be raised. The best case scenario of 2.5 percent growth from the state would push levy rate down to 17.93.  The current tax rate is $18.33.

Board polices
201.2 – Legal Status of the Board of Directors – Marked as reviewed
201.3 – Responsibilities of the Board of Directors– Marked as reviewed
201.5 – Membership – Marked as reviewed
201.6 – Term of Office – Marked as reviewed
201.7 – Organization of the Board- Marked as reviewed.

Committee reports
Roundhouse art committee – Board member Ben Stansberry gave the update and said they are down to four finalists for this project a major art piece at the Roundhouse. They plan to be on the board agenda for the March 21 meeting to talk more about this effort. The goal is to have a project approved by April 1.

The board then went into a closed session.

Roundhouse roof
After the closed session, the board voted to accept the Roundhouse roof portion settlement as presented. This includes a recovering of the roof at a later date.

From Board President Bea Niblock
“Has it been your dream to be a participant or a medal winner in the Olympics? Now is your chance!

Two high school students, Morgan and Trevor, shared plans for a community wide Olympics to be held from July 22-24. At this time, they are looking for sponsors for the event. The Marshalltown Y has already agreed to be a sponsor and will host the swimming events. Watch for further information to be coming from these visionary and energetic young people.

If running, swimming or track and field events are your passions, you’ll want to showcase your talents. Can you see yourself on the steps with other medal winners? Gather your friends and get ready for Marshalltown’s Summer Olympics.” – Bea Niblock

Marshalltown Learning Academy teacher David Ackerman, center, talks about the recent academic decathlon. Taking part in the decathlon were MLA students, also pictured, Noel Diggins, left, and Brandon Howell, right.

Recognitions
Marshalltown Learning Academy teacher David Ackerman and students Noel Diggins and Brandon Howell talked about the academic decathlon held in Grundy Center on Jan. 27. Both Diggins and Howell received multiple awards at the event, which featured 10 rounds of academic competition with a focus this year on India.

For personnel items, click here. 

MHS art trip to Minnesota
MHS art teachers Kirk Niehouse, Wade Judge and Rebecca Erickson asked for permission to have 45 art students take a trip to Minneapolis. The one-day trip will be on March 5 as the group will visit the Minnesota Institute of Art, the Walker Art Museum and the Weisman Art Gallery. The request was approved by the board. All out-of-state school trips need board approval.

Youth art show
The art teachers also reminded the board of the youth art show reception 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Fisher Community Center. The student art will be on display throughout March at the center.

Peaceful protest
Immigrant Allies representative Joa LaVille along with Maria Gonzalez and Tonia Fonseca presented. They talked about the peaceful protest held outside the MHS Roundhouse during the campaign visit by Donald Trump. They said they were proud of the students and other community members who represented themselves with dignity and character during the protest.

Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives and Lau Plan
English Learners Program Coordinator Rachel Inks and Associate Superintendent Dr. Susan Pecinovsky presented this plan, which outlined support provided to English Learners in the district. Approximately 37 percent of the student population in the district are English Learners as there are 1,797 students in this group.

Marshalltown has the third highest EL count in the state and third highest percentage of EL students in the state.

The common trend is to refer to students as English Learners, but they also have been known as English Language Learners or Limited English Proficient in the past.

The Lau Plan must be submitted to the Iowa Department of Education every Sept. 15. This spring all of the English Learners will do state language assessment online for the first time. 

Super News
Superintendent Dr. Marvin Wade said they have a five-year window to review all board policies in the school district. That cycle was recently completed and the oldest policy in place right now was last reviewed in 2012. The review of the policies started back at the 100 level at this meeting.

Strategic Action Plan
The board put an update of this plan on hold as they would like to have the next superintendent involved in this plan. 

Audit Report for 2014-15
Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz introduced Jason Doonan from the auditors Nolte, Cornman and Johnson, who presented the district Audit Report for fiscal year 2015. General fund revenues for the fiscal year 2015 increased by $2,329,576 to $60,148,845. Expenditures increased from $57,178,329 to $59,530,791.

The board accepted the audit. For the audit report, click here.

MHS West Administration Annex
Director of Buildings and Grounds Rick Simpson and Architect Dave Schulze of TSP presented on this item. The agenda item was an amendment to the previous contract with TSP, for the MHW West Administrator Annex project, which is on hold. Approval of this amendment would allow the project to close and pay the architect for the contract.

The board expressed concern about this payment due to the project being stalled in part due to a low estimate by the architect. The board approved the amended contract, 6-1.

MHS Roundhouse Phase II
Simpson, Schulze and Phil Hodgin, with the architectural firm RDG, presented on this item. This amendment would update the current design contract with RDG and create a design team contract with TSP for Phase 2 of the Roundhouse.

TSP would provide project manager services for Phase 2, which includes an auxiliary gym and a wrestling room. The board decided to table this item until the board can receive more information on Phase 1 and the issues involved in the project that can be expressed to them at a later time. 

Board Policies  

504.33 – Life Threatening Allergies – New policy approved and waived second reading.

100, 100-E-1, 100-E2, 100- E3, 100.1. These were marked as reviewed. Since these policies have to do with the Strategic Action Plan, they will be readdressed when the new superintendent is hired and the next plan is in the works.

Lindsey Upah, center, updates the board on the work of the Spread the Words-Read by Third community group at the Feb. 1, 2016 meeting. Also pictured at the table, from left, is Bettie Bolar, Karina Hernandez, Randy Wetmore and Emily Banks.

Spread the Words – Read by Third

Lindsey Upah, Emily Banks, Bettie Bolar, Karina Hernandez, Craig Van Pay and Randy Wetmore presented an update on the work of the Spread the Words – Read by Third group focused on improving literacy skills in youth.

Bolar talked about Munch and More, a summer reading program during the summer meals program. It started at Anson and has been added at Franklin and this year will go to Rogers.

“We get to share our love of reading and our love of books with these kids over the summer,” Bolar said.

Karina Hernandez from Mid-Iowa Community Action and coordinator for Rogers University, updated the board on this successful summer program. She reported third grade reading proficiency jumped to 82 percent in 2014-2015 from 58 percent 2013-14 in the Rogers program.

“That was our big success this year at Rogers University,” Hernandez said.

The group is still seeking funding for the 2016 summer for Rogers University as the grant funds that started the program have ended.

City Administrator Randy Wetmore talked about the work of the attendance task force, which works on cutting down chronic absence of students.

“We really work on trying to get the kids there every day,” Wetmore said.

Wetmore talked about attendance recognition meetings held at schools and the smiles he sees as students are awarded stickers for good attendance. It was noted that kindergarten tends to have the highest levels of chronic absence of the class levels.

Craig Van Pay of Mid-Iowa Community Action talked about school readiness goals and the importance of early childhood development. They have a community education campaign and neighborhood preschool camps as part of this effort.

District Preschool Coordinator Emily Banks talked about kindergarten teachers who partner with the programs to answer questions from preschool programs.

Budget Development Parameters

Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz and Superintendent Dr. Marvin Wade presented a budget update. The budget will depend on state funding and where employee groups settle with negotiations.

The budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year is due to the county by April 15.  Possible reductions will be discussed in the district in the coming weeks.

Roundhouse Update

MHS teacher and swim coach Mike Loupee and community member Tim Hoffman asked the board to consider naming the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse court after a Bobcat athletics legend to be announced at the Feb. 12 Roundhouse celebration.

Board policy indicates the person must be deceased to have a facility in his or her name, and the person Loupee and Hoffman want to honor is still living.

The policy indicates certain requirements of the policy can be waived at the board’s discretion if there is a gift. Loupee and Hoffman said they will raise $1,000 in donations as a gift. Their request to name the floor in honor of the Bobcat legend was approved by the board.

There will be a special Roundhouse celebration ceremony at the Feb. 12 basketball games against Ames, 51 years to the day after the first basketball game was played at the Roundhouse, which was also against Ames.

Meeting agenda

The meeting agenda was abbreviated to allow those in attendance the ability to caucus that night. The next regular meeting of the school board is scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 15 in district offices.

Personnel

For personnel items, click here.

From Board President Bea Niblock

“The board had the opportunity to hear about the work of the Spread the Words—Read by Third! (RB3!) Committee. Lindsey Upah and the steering committee shared the work of this community partnership in its work to improve literacy skills of young children in Marshalltown.

RB3! has been in operation since Marshalltown was given the status of All American City in 2012. The RB3!’s plan to boost those literacy skills includes improving school attendance, building a solid foundation for school readiness and creating summer learning opportunities.

The work of this group is just one of the partnerships that the school district has with the community. It will take this “whole village” of Marshalltown to increase the literacy opportunities and growth of our young people.” – Bea Niblock