The Board Report

Roundhouse renovation and expansion

Susan Jones and Dave Deemer from CPMI (project manager) said the majority of the Roundhouse work is completed. The new locker rooms are not expected to be complete by the start of school. The district has the certificate of occupancy for all areas of the building except for the new locker rooms. The new gym is getting some use as the Marshalltown High School volleyball camp is being held in the Roundhouse this week.

Professional Learning Schedule

Dr. Susan Pecinovsky presented the Professional Learning Schedule for the 2015-16 school year for staff. “This calendar is really a result of year-round work,” Pecinovsky said. She said this year-round work involves gathering the needs of the district as far as professional learning. To view the professional learning schedule for 2015-16, click here.

Board Policies

414.6 – Jury duty – Changes to be made and brought back

502.12 – Smoking, Drinking, Drugs – Marked as reviewed

201.4 – Elections – Marked as reviewed

701.2 – Transfer of Inactive Account Funds – Marked as reviewed

312.4 – Administrator Evaluation – Brand new policy – will come back for first reading.

904.6 – Community/Family Activities –  Board member Kendall Derby presented recommended time on policy moved from 6:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. School personnel will talk with local group on this and get back to the board.

204.9 – Agenda and Order of Regular Business Meetings

Three board members went to an Iowa Association of School Boards training session about board meetings, building agendas and how the agendas are presented to the public.

Some suggestions they had for the agenda for the future included:

• Action items and information items to be identified and include name of school personnel presenting each item.
• Include mission statement at top of agenda.
• Public comment time on non-agenda items could be moved up earlier in the meeting.
• Agenda items that include acronyms should be spelled out.

Board/ school personnel will work to include a regulation to cover these new ideas.

Voluntary Early Retirement

Before the end of September, the board will decide whether to offer voluntary early retirement for the following year for licensed teachers, 12-month secretaries and administrators. The board will bring this back as an agenda item under finance at next meeting (August 17) with more information on this.

Communications

A reminder that another set of Parent Rallies will be held Aug. 10 and 11 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Marshalltown Public Library. These rallies will have a similar format as those held in June, with a special focus this time on families from Burma. All are invited to the rallies.

Public Comment

Public Forums For School Board Candidates

Anson teacher Matt Nevins said the Marshalltown Education Association will host a school board candidate forum on Saturday, August 29 at 10 a.m. in the Marshalltown Public Library.

There will also be another school board candidate forum on Tuesday, September 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the Fisher Community Center. This forum will be co-sponsored by the Times-Republican, Marshalltown Regional Partnership and the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce.

A total of eight candidates are running for four seats on the school board in the September 8 election. Candidates include Kay Beach, Janelle Carter, Ross Harris, Sean Heitmann, John Johnson, Patrick Kouang, Anne Paullus and Ben Stansberry.

Personnel

For personnel items, click here.

The next regular meeting of the school board will be at 5 p.m. on Aug. 17.

From School Board President Kay Beach

It’s already August. Summer will soon be winding down, and almost before we know it another school year will begin. Teachers will welcome new groups of students: some eager and excited, some frightened and reluctant – each of them a new challenge. What an awesome responsibility our teachers face: “to nurture students to become personally and intellectually empowered for citizenship in a changing world.” – Kay Beach

District architect Dave Schulze of TSP talked to the school board about several projects during the July 13 meeting.

Recognition

MHS life sciences teacher Erin Weatherly talked about her externship at Central Iowa Healthcare as part of the Iowa STEM Council. She has been working in the dietician’s office at the hospital on diabetes prevention curriculum for six weeks. She also witnessed some surgeries in the hospital and has learned more about careers in the field. She plans to take what she learned from the experience back to her students this fall.

Building presentation schedule

Dr. Marvin Wade presented the schedule of building presentations to the board for the next school year. To view the schedule, click here.

Budget Preparation Update

The governor approved 1.25 percent in Supplemental State Aid but vetoed one-time funds. Kevin Posekany said the current $18.15 per thousand valuation tax rate will go up to $18.33. The tax rate was certified previously at a higher rate of $18.43 at the April 6 board meeting. At that April meeting, Posekany said he expected the $18.43 to come down as that was based on zero percent SSA.

Elementary School Security Vestibules and Access Control Systems

District architect Dave Schulze of TSP presented information on the project, which would be adding security vestibules at Franklin, Woodbury and Hoglan elementary schools and Marshalltown Learning Academy and a district access controls system. A public hearing was held on the project. Bids will be received at Aug. 11 for board consideration at the Aug. 17 meeting. Completion date for all work if bids are approved would be Nov. 20. The board accepted the scope of work and plans and it will now go out to bid.

Acceptance of Reading Recovery Project as Substantially Complete

Schulze said the project is substantially complete, with minor touchups to be made before it is ready for furniture. The project is located at the former Staff Development Annex at 315 Columbus Drive. The site will be used for Reading Recovery training. The board approved the project as substantially complete.

Woodbury Elementary – Handicap Ramp

This will allow the main entrance to be handicap accessible at the school. The project includes two ramps – one near the main door and one to the south main entrance. The board approved a bid of $49,200 from Hay Construction of Marshalltown for the project.

Anson Elementary School East Parking Lot

Dr. Wade said the project is substantially complete. The board approved the project as substantially complete.

The new Anson Elementary east parking lot

Board Policies

Initial Review

804.1 R – Safety Management Manual – Change name of former B&G director and mark reviewed.

903.4-E – Public Conduct on School Premises– Conduct Standards – Already reviewed in 2015, will be marked reviewed.

312.4 – Evaluation of Administrative Staff – Will check on administrator regulations on “formal summative evaluation.” Policy will be brought back.

401.8 – Recognition of Service of Employees – Deletion of commas, mark as reviewed.

414.6 – Jury Duty– Add paraeducators and transportation employees and will be brought back.

502.7 – Student Conduct in Extra-Curricular Activities –Lisa Koester and Dr. Wade will work with Activities Director Craig Huegel to update this policy.

For personnel items, click here.

The next regular board meeting is at 5 p.m. Aug. 3 in district offices.

From Board President Kay Beach

“The highlight of tonight’s meeting – for me – was hearing Erin Weatherly’s (MHS Health Education and Career Development teacher) excitement in relating her recent participation in an externship with Central Iowa Healthcare.  We are grateful to Erin for giving up six weeks of her summer for this experience and also to CIH for providing the opportunity.  This was definitely a breath of fresh air on a sweltering evening and a “win” for all:  Erin, CIH, and Erin’s students at MHS!” – Kay Beach

The board met in a special session on June 22 to approve salary agreements with several different groups of district employees.

Ratification of salary settlement for paraeducators for 2015-16

No increase on base salary, but paraeducators will get an increase based on movement in the salary schedule, which equates to an increase of 2.95 percent salary and benefits package. Board approved (6-0). Click here for more details on this settlement.

Ratification of salary settlement for food service employees for 2015-16

Agreement calls for a 2.95 percent salary and benefits package increase. Board approved (7-0). Click here for more details on this settlement.

Ratification of salary settlement for transportation employees for 2015-16

The contract now includes the bus monitors as well as bus drivers and calls for a 2.96 salary and benefits package increase (includes wage scale for monitors and drivers). Board approved (7-0). Click here for more details on this settlement.

Ratification of salary settlement for Buildings and Grounds employees and transportation mechanics for 2015-16

The contract calls for a 2.95 percent salary and benefits package increase. Board approved (7-0). Click here for more details on this settlement.

Secretary salary and benefits package for 2015-16

This includes 10-month and 12-month secretaries in the district. The increase in the salary and benefits package is 2.95 percent. This also includes other non-represented groups. Board approved (7-0)

Administrative salary and benefits package for 2015-16

Administrators receive an increase of 2.95 percent on the salary and benefits package, according to the agreement. Board approved (6-1).

Superintendent’s contract for 2015-16

The contract for the superintendent calls for a 2.95 percent salary and benefits package increase. Dr. Marvin Wade’s contract was also extended one more year, so it is a two-year contract through the 2016-17 school year. Board approved (6-1).

Jeff Weinberg presented information to the board on the Dell Chromebooks heading to the high school this fall

Samsung Galaxy Tablets

Jeff Weinberg presented the bids for 170 new Samsung Galaxy Tab Education units, which will be used in kindergarten through third grade in the district and will be paid for by Microsoft settlement funds. He said the pricing was favorable. The board approved the bid of $42,857 from Global Gov/Education Solutions of Fletcher, OH.

Bid recommendation for Dell Chromebooks

Weinberg said the district also received favorable bids on the 1,190 Dell Chromebook units heading to the high school as part of the 1:1 next year, where all students will have access to their own Chromebook. The board approved the bid of $292,740 from Tierney Brothers, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn. The units will be paid for through technology funds and curriculum funds.

Urban Education Network

The board approved renewal for MCSD to be part of the Urban Education Network, which is made up of the largest school districts in the state. The membership fee is $5,000 a year in the UEN and it provides lobbying, networking and other learning opportunities for MCSD staff.

Discipline data for 2014-15

Lisa Koester presented the discipline data, which was mostly positive. She said the district continues to make good progress in decreasing in-school and out-of-school suspensions. Out-of-school suspensions dropped from 243 last year to 153 this past school year. Expulsions also remain lower than they were a few years ago. Koester said the district continues to look at ways to make students accountable for their actions, but still allow them time in school.

Strategic Action Plan Indicators for 2014-15

Dr. Marvin Wade led this discussion and matched Iowa Assessment scores on how they fall on 10 different indicators in the Strategic Action Plan. The numbers talked about included fourth, eighth and 11^th grade proficiency, growth and accelerated levels in reading and math, attendance rates, students taking college level coursework, classroom engagement and more. To view the numbers, click here.

Legislative Priorities for 2016

The board talked about legislative priorities to submit to the Iowa Association of School Boards for work during the 2016 legislative session. The board selected eight from a list provided by IASB which they felt are important to the district. The list includes the following:

– Supports adequate and on-time funding for English-language learner (ELL) students until the students reach proficiency. (No. 4 on IASB list)

– Supports an increase in funding to ensure all 4-year-olds have access to a high quality public school preschool program. The increase should include transportation and facility development costs. We should continue to allow 4-year-olds to be included in the enrollment count if those programs can demonstrate meeting the collaboration and quality standards requirements of the statewide voluntary preschool program. (No. 6 on IASB list)

-Supports returning to three-year school board member terms with less than a majority of the school board elected in any one year. (No. 12 on IASB list)

-Children’s Mental Health System: Supports increased statewide access to and funding for mental health services for children. Students are struggling in school and there are not adequate resources, financial and human, for necessary services. It is often unclear whose role it is to provide the services and to provide funds for programming. Neither the education nor children’s mental health delivery systems have the resources to meet current needs. The legislature also needs to clarify roles and secure full funding.(No. 15 on IASB list)

-Supports setting supplemental state aid (replaces the term allowable growth): a. 400 days (or 14 months) prior to the certification of the school district’s budget; b. at the rate of 6 percent to encourage continuous school improvement and reflect the actual cost increases experienced by school districts and AEAs. Our priority is to increase the state cost per pupil and the spending authority associated with it to build a strong base for future education resources. (No. 17 on IASB list)

– Supports offering incentives to school districts to provide extended days and/or innovative calendars. School districts receiving these incentives will evaluate and determine the impact on student learning. (No. 25 on IASB list)

– Supports sufficient state revenues to adequately fund public education as Iowa’s number one priority. IASB opposes erosion of the existing tax base. IASB supports a full accounting every two years by state government of the costs of all exemptions, credits or deductions for the income tax, sales tax or property tax. Any proposed or existing tax credit must undergo an independent cost benefit analysis. (No. 28 on IASB list)

– Opposes any new mandate that does not provide sufficient and sustainable funding for successful implementation and supports the repeal of existing unfunded mandates. (No. 42 on IASB list)

Board President Kay Beach will work on getting the eight pared down to 5 for the next meeting, possibly combining some of them as well.

Click here for the full IASB priorities options available to the board.

MCSD Commitment to Equity

Matt Tullis gave an annual presentation as part of the Commitment to Equity. He said the Equity Advisory Committee met three times this school year. The committee wants to make sure the policies are made clear to the public. Tullis will work with the communications manager Andrew Potter on a clear link on the district website to access equity information. Tullis went through data and also presented the Affirmative Action Plan, which can be viewed by clicking here. He said one thing concerning in the data is there are 60 percent minority students in the district though only 6 percent of minority teachers. Tullis said the district continues to look at ways to recruit more minorities to MCSD. The board approved the plan.

Roundhouse progress report

Rick Simpson and other project personnel gave an update on this project. Susan Jones of CPMI said the majority of the Roundhouse work is completed. One hold up on the project is tile remediation, with new tile to take three months to install. Jones said the some of the seams on the roof were not installed as expected. It is the goal of all involved that the gym will be ready for volleyball season this fall.

Hoglan 2015 upgrades – Water and storm drainage control project

Rick Simpson and Dave Schulze presented bids received on the water and storm drainage control project at Hoglan Elementary School, which also will work to add cooling inside the school. The board approved the bid to Hay Construction of Marshalltown of $488,250. The board also approved an increase in the construction contingency from $24,415 to $85,000 on the project to replace aging furnaces if they are deemed in need of replacement, after a request to do so was made by board member Sherm Welker. Schulze said he will ask the HVAC subcontractor to assess the status of the furnaces and their condition, as originally the project called just to add cooling capability to them.
Policies

Board policy summary

Superintendent administrative assistant Marilyn Rhodes put together a listing of policies and the date in which they were last reviewed. It was recommended by Rhodes to delete policies no longer in the policy book such as: 205.2, 401.9, 403.2, 405.9, 406.2, 407, 903.6, 904.6 and 905.3. Board member Bea Niblock will work with Rhodes to make sure the policies online and in the book are updated and the right ones are deleted. They will also work to make sure the updated policies are kept in one main place.

Communications

Andrew Potter talked about the parent rallies featuring Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, which are June 23 and 24 at Marshalltown High School. They will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the media center and all are invited.

For personnel items, click here.

A work session followed the regular meeting to discuss administrative salaries. No action was taken by the board on the salaries.

From School Board President Kay Beach

“Tonight as we examined the 2014-2015 indicators from the district’s Strategic Action Plan, one fact was underscored for me: we have a very complex student population, and improving their test scores is often an uphill battle. But we ARE winning; our students ARE gradually becoming “intellectually empowered” as they grow into true and complete citizenship in this ever-changing world.” – Kay Beach

MHS teacher Jocelyn Frohwein, left, talks to the board about her selection into the Belin-Blank Fellowship Program at the University of Iowa during a meeting on June 1.

Recognition

MHS English teacher Jocelyn Frohwein talked about being selected for the Belin-Blank Fellowship Program, where she will study this summer for five days at the University of Iowa. There is also online work involved in the program. “I’m really excited about the opportunity,” she said.

Frohwein said she is excited to learn about new ways to extend learning for her students beyond just what is being taught in class.

Woodbury Elementary Attendance Center plan

Principal Anel Garza presented along with Woodbury staff members Sue Cahill, Tanda Stanton, Elizabeth Overstake, Mary Harris and Olivia Romero. The staff talked about several initiatives at the school including the dual language program, reader’s workshop, Spanish literacy standards, SIOP and parent involvement. At Woodbury, 295 of the 345 students are English Language Learners (86 percent). Also at the school 90 percent of students are on free and reduced meals. The staff was pleased to report that parent teacher conference attendance was 98 percent in both the fall and winter.

Marshalltown Learning Academy

MLA Administrator Eric Goslinga updated the board on the school. MLA has reconfigured and reshuffled space to allow MLA and Four Oaks to have more separation in the facility. He said they are continuing work with personalized learning for students and “diving deeper into that.” There is also increased cooperation with Iowa Valley Continuing Education, he said. Goslinga also talked about a proposed dress code for MLA, which he said could be implemented for the 2016-17 school year.

Open Enrollment Request

Parents of two MHS students wanted to open enroll out their students past the March 1 deadline for the 2015-16 school year. Dr. Marvin Wade said it’s a different standard for open enrollment after March 1. Parents proposed the pervasive harassment clause as a means to get their request approved, after incidents involving the students. Dr. Wade said he did not feel it met that pervasive harassment clause. The board did not approve the request from the parents by a vote of 4-3.

School Improvement Advisory Committee

Dr. Susan Pecinovsky presented to the board the Annual Progress Goals.

Meal Prices for 2015-16

All elementary breakfast and lunches will be for no charge based on the Community Eligibility Provision for next school year. There will be a 5-cent increase for breakfast and lunch for grades 5-12 for next school year. There will be a 15-cent increase for breakfast and 25-cent increase for lunch for adult meals. The board approved the new meal prices.

Cell Tower Revenue

The district is now receiving $ 2,300 per month from the cell tower lease, which is given to the schools on a per pupil basis. It has allowed funds for opportunities for students such as field trips. This was an information item and no action was taken.

Ratification of Salary Settlement for Teachers for 2015-16

Lisa Koester presented the salary settlement between the district and the Marshalltown Education Association for teacher contracts for 2015-16. She said negotiations went well. The agreement calls for an increase to the bachelor’s base of $475 from $31,615 to $32,090 (teachers start at step 5 and not at the base). Three extracurricular positions were added and two were deleted. The increase in the base salary and teacher’s advancing on the salary schedule equates to a 2.95 percent increase over current year’s cost. The board approved the settlement 6-0, with one abstention.

Budget Amendment

A public hearing for a budget amendment was held. Kevin Posekany presented the reasoning behind this budget amendment, which was approved by the board.

Board Polices

905.9 – Smoking and Tobacco Use on School District Facilities-  Approved as amended and waived second reading

705.9 – Death of a Student, Staff Member or Board Director – Adopted new policy

For personnel items, click here

The board went into closed session for the superintendent evaluation. The next regular board meeting will be at 5 p.m. on June 15.

From Board President Kay Beach

Tonight we celebrated the fact that the legislature finally agreed on a budget allocation for Iowa’s schools for the coming year! Although it is not as much as we had hoped for, it is at least a solid amount (we hope!) on which we can base our spending for the upcoming school year. We also celebrated an agreement between the district and the MEA on a salary package for the coming year – accomplished in near-record time. We are grateful to the negotiators on both sides- who all really had the same goal in mind: to nurture students to become personally and intellectually empowered for citizenship in a changing world. – Kay Beach

Elementary art teacher Maggie Parks talks to the board at the start of the May 18 meeting. Also pictured are students, from left, Javi Nunez, Elias Ruiz and Oscar Waterhouse.

Recognitions

Elementary art teacher Maggie Parks talked about the “Trophy of Learning” art projects at Woodbury and Fisher elementary schools. Also talking to the board about the projects were students Javi Nunez, Elias Ruiz and Oscar Waterhouse. The sculptures used clay pieces made by the students and were put together by student teacher Tilly Woodward.

Audit bid summary for 2015-17

Kevin Posekany presented the audit bid for 2015-17. The board approve bids from Nolte, Cornman & Johnson of Newton of $14,250 for 2015, $14,750 for 2016 and $15,250 for 2017.

Community Eligibility Provision

Lynn Large, said MCSD has decided to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision. All students at all six elementary schools in the district will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge next school year as part of this program.

“This is a really exciting provision for us as it makes access to meals easier for our families that we serve,” Large said.

This was approved by the board.

District preschool playgrounds

The board approved the district-wide preschool playground project as substantially complete.

MHS west administration addition and district vestibule project.

Bids were received on May 14. The results of the bids were not as expected as the two bids received were well over the architect’s estimate. The district plans to disconnect the security vestibules from the main MHS project in hopes to get more favorable bids. The board accepted the recommendation to reject the bids. The district will revise the project and bring it back to the board.

Hoglan gutter, storm drainage and air conditioning project

A public hearing was held for this project for work at Hoglan Elementary School. There are physical safety concerns with storm and refreeze – due to water runoff from the roof at Hoglan.

The project was let out to bid with bids to be received on June 11 and the possible awarding of bids on June 15. The board accepted the plans, scope of work, schedule, form of contract and anticipated budget for the project.

Policies (First Readings)

905.9 – Smoking in School District Facilities – To be brought back to reflect “tobacco use” in title

705.9 – Death of a Student, Staff Member or Board Director – Remove last three lines of policy and bring back.

For personnel items, click here.

From Board President Kay Beach

“This coming Sunday afternoon we will be graduating 307 young men and women from Marshalltown High School. As a school district we have strived to ensure that they leave us “intellectually and personally empowered for citizenship” in our ever-changing world. We wish them every good fortune as they step out on their own to enter more fully into adulthood!” – Kay Beach

The next regular board meeting is at 5 p.m. June 1 in district offices.

Pictured is an example of the type of Dell Chromebook that will be offered to students as an individual device at Marshalltown High School this fall.

Next wave of Digital Conversion

Jeff Weinberg, Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, Kyle Young, Pam Brewer-Michael and Jacy Large presented to the board a progress report on the Digital Conversion. The next wave in the Digital Conversion will see the district purchase 1,190 Dell Chromebooks as part of a 1:1 effort (individual student devices) at Marshalltown High School.

“Chromebooks have really hit their stride in the educational market,” Weinberg said.

The estimated cost per unit is $290. Two funding streams to support this are textbook adoptions funds and computer replacement funds. Young said teachers have thanked him at Lenihan Intermediate School, saying the Chromebooks are such an integral part of their classroom.

“They are pretty widely used,” Young said.

This was a non-action item on the agenda as they will now go out to bid.

Lenihan Intermediate School teacher Paul Sibbel talked to the board about the use of iPads in music instruction.

Instrumental Music iPad Integration Project

Paul Sibbel, Lenihan instrumental music instructor, gave a demonstration on the use of iPads in instruction, especially as a tool for evaluating his students. The board approved the bid for 48 Apple iPad Air2 64GB from Apple Inc. for $27,592. A Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation grant will pay 50 percent of the cost and the district will pay the other 50 percent of the cost.

Rogers Elementary Attendance Center Plan

Dr. Mick Jurgensen presented the annual attendance center plan for Rogers Elementary School. The school recently completed an IPI assessment on student engagement that showed Rogers met or exceeded numbers that are in line with effective schools.

“We are doing pretty well,” Jurgensen said.

Jurgensen presented results of this year’s Iowa Assessment in reading and math. Jurgensen said he was pleased with the work staff has done on student attendance rates. They have reduced the percentage of chronically absent students each year for the past five years at the school. The summer learning program Rogers University will enter the fifth year of a five-year grant this summer. Jurgensen said they are looking into other sources of funding to keep the program going in future years.

Teacher Leadership and Compensation System

Pecinovsky presented the 53 teacher leadership positions for this fall as part of the TLC system. The board approved the list. To view the list, click here.

School Handbooks for 2015-16

Lisa Koester presented handbooks for the elementary schools, Lenihan Intermediate School and Marshalltown High School to the board of approval for the 2015-16 school year. Also presenting for the elementary were Anel Garza from Woodbury, Mick Jurgensen from Rogers and Ronnie Manis from Anson.

Kyle Young and Liz Jurgensen presented with Mrs. Koester on the Lenihan handbook. Some minor changes were requested by the board and the handbooks for the elementary schools and Lenihan were approved.

Ken Hayes from MHS assisted with the high school handbook presentation. Hayes said they are not going to print the high school handbook for all students for next school year, but they will be put on the website and paper copies will be available at the high school office and library upon request. The MHS handbook was approved with minor changes by the board.

Eric Goslinga from Marshalltown Learning Academy presented the handbook for MLA, which is new to the school. Mr. Goslinga will come back to the board on May 18 to talk more about MLA. The board approved the handbook, minus the section of the dress code, which will come back to the board at a later date for approval.

Scholarships

The board approved the creation of the Johnson-Engel Scholarship Endowment in Engineering. This scholarship will be for MHS students heading to Iowa State University and was created by MHS graduates Dale and Janice Johnson.

The board also approved the contributed funds from anonymous MHS graduates who want to create a STEM camp for elementary students to attend.

Policies

905.9- Smoking in the School District facilities-  Changed to say use of tobacco prohibited on all school property Change title to “Smoking and Tobacco Use On School District Facilities” Will be brought back to board for approval.

705.9 – Death of a Student, Staff Member or Board Director (new policy)  – Strike last three sentences and be brought back to board.

For personnel items, click here.

From Board President Kay Beach

“For me, the highlight of tonight’s meeting was watching the faces of administrators from Lenihan, Miller and MHS as they described the excitement among their teachers over the impact of the 1:1 availability of computers in their classrooms.  Those faces were glowing with pleasure as they talked about improved student engagement in learning and the analytical/critical thinking skills they see growing in our young citizens of tomorrow.  Just imagine the possible positive impact of a generation of young leaders capable of creating new solutions to society’s oldest problems–who have truly been “empowered for citizenship in a changing world.” – Kay Beach

The next regular meeting of the board is at 5 p.m. on May 18

Teacher Librarians, from left, Sue Inhelder (MHS), Erin Faas (Rogers) and Beth Steffa (Anson) were recognized by the board for receiving Outstanding School Library Program awards from the Iowa Association of School Librarians.

Teacher librarians recognized

Three teacher librarians in the district were recognized by the school board for receiving Outstanding School Library Program awards from the Iowa Association of School Librarians. The librarians included Sue Inhelder of MHS, Erin Faas of Rogers and Beth Steffa of Anson.

Strategic Action Plan

Dr. Marvin Wade gave an update on the Strategic Action Plan. He said there are legitimate reasons to extend the plan another year, which will be through the 2015-16 school year. The two main reasons include: 2015-2016 is the last year of Iowa Assessments and all nine measures of the Department of Education’s School/District Rankings will go into effect during fall of 2016 (both will have significant influence on the Strategic Action Plan). This was an information item only at the meeting and not up for board approval. For additional details on the plan, click here.

Bus purchases

Transportation Director Don Meyer presented bus bids to the board, which were approved as part of the bus replacement schedule. The district purchased two 77-passenger buses and one 36-passenger bus from Hoglund Bus Company for $243,968 and one 84-passenger bus from School Bus Sales for $91,510. The total amount for all four buses is $335,478, which will be paid for by Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) funds.

Board policies

711.1R – Student Eligibility of Bus Service – Brought to board (regulations don’t need formal approval)

905.2 – Parent Teacher Organization Building Use – No changes, marked reviewed.

905.4- Gratuities to Personnel – Marked as reviewed

905.5 – Supervision by School Personnel – Marked reviewed

905.6 – Loan of School Equipment– Marked reviewed

905.7 – Motorized Vehicles on School Property – Marked reviewed

905.9 – Smoking in School District Facilities – Will be brought back to board

For personnel items, click here

Marshalltown High School students Chandler Fisher and Megan Emerson perform their award-winning duo interpretation piece to the board on April 6. The pair will compete at the national speech and debate contest in Dallas, Texas in June.

Recognition

Marshalltown High School students Chandler Fisher and Megan Emerson performed their award-winning duo interpretation performance that they will take to Dallas, Texas for the National Speech and Debate Tournament in June. It received big applause from the board and those in the crowd. For video of the performance taken by McTV, click here.

Personnel

Jacque Wyant was approved as the next principal of Marshalltown High School and will start July 1. Click here for other personnel items approved during the meeting.

Financial audit report for fiscal year 2014

Jason Doonan from Nolte, Cornman & Johnson delivered the audit. General fund revenues increased by $2.6 million to $57.82 million in fiscal year 2014. General fund expenditures increased $1.28 million to $57.17 million.

Hoglan presentation

Hoglan Principal Amy Williams and school leadership team members Deb Moore, Lisa Frauenholtz and Lora Kester provided the yearly attendance center plan of the school. The elementary school has an enrollment of 381 students, with 45 percent of those being English Language Learners. The group covered a wide range of topics including Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP), Language Literacy Framework, Common Unit Design, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), student recognitions and parental involvement.

Continuous Learning Calendar Committee members

Dr. Marvin Wade spoke on the Continuous Learning Calendar Committee, which will start the process at looking at options to recommend to the board in the future. The committee includes Aimee Deimerly, Bianca Greazel, Blanco Guidino, Gretchen Hageman, Karina Hernandez, Lisa Neuan, Victor Cisneros, Amy Pieper, Arlene McAtee, David Barajas, Jenny Fisher, Karn Gregoire, Kelli Thurston, Kendall Shomo, Lynn Olberding, Randy Wetmore, Valerie King, Jacy Large, John Johnson, Ken Hayes, Kendall Derby, Lisa Koester, Mick Jurgensen, Susan Pecinovksy, Brad Weidenaar Sarah Wherry, Kate Troskey and Sue Cahill. The committee was approved by the board.

2014 graduation /dropout rate

Dr. Susan Pecinovsky presented the latest graduation and dropout rates for the district, and said both reflected good news. The graduation rate in 2014 was at 87.06 percent (4-year-cohort), which is the highest it’s been in the last three years. The dropout rate also reflected good news as it was down.

Budget guarantee

Kevin Posekany said this gives the district authority to spend 1 percent more in the coming year in the case that State Supplemental Aid ends at zero percent. Posekany said if the state does approve aid increase this budget guarantee is not needed. The budget guarantee resolution was approved by the board.

Budget adoption for 2015-16

The board approved the 2015-16 district budget with a levy rate of $18.43, which reflects a 28-cent increase. When the state takes action on State Supplemental Aid, the tax asking is expected to come down, and likely will be on track with the current levy rate of $18.15, Posekany said.

MHS administration addition

A public hearing was held for plans, scope of work, schedule and anticipated budget For the MHS administration additions as well as security/vestibule upgrades at at Hoglan, Franklin, Woodbury and Marshalltown Learning Academy. Projected cost is $1 million for MHS west addition and additional $740,000 worth of alternate work. The board approved the plans, scope of work, schedule and anticipated budget and the public bid process will now proceed. Bids are to be received on May 14 with possible bid award at the May 18 board meeting.

Asbestos abatement

An asbestos abatement bid for 317 Columbus Drive (old Central Office building) was approved as the district prepares for the building to be demolished. The low bid from REW Services Corporation of Ankeny of $99,548 was approved.

Policies

803.1- Disposition of Obsolete Equipment – Approved as amended, waive second reading

904.4 – Money Raising Activities in the Schools – Approved as amended, waive second reading.

905.1 – Community Use of School Facilities– This policy will be amended with updates to facilities. Included in working with this policy will be staff associated with athletics, fine arts and other groups of people.

The next regular board meeting will be April 20.

From Board President Kay Beach

Passing a budget for the 2015-16 school year was especially painful for me tonight because it had to be done, and we are still in the dark as to how much (if any) supplemental state aid we will receive.  It appears that our legislators (and the governor) have forgotten that public schools are not income-producing entities; we have to rely on government to fund our efforts.  So, we (the school district) have to build a budget for a multi-million dollar institution based on  assumptions and hopes resting squarely on the property tax-payers of the district.  Please be assured that we are being very conservative as we plan the spending or OUR (yours…and mine, too!) resources. – Kay Beach.

Lisa Koester presents the 2015-16 school calendar for approval.

District Calendar for 2015-16

Lisa Koester presented the calendar option preferred by staff, with the first day of school being Aug. 25. The last scheduled day of school is May 27. The calendar has no built-in snow days and days missed would be tacked on to the end of the year.

To view the calendar click here.

The calendar was approved by the board, 4-1. Koester said there still could be some changes from the legislature on school start date, so this approved calendar is pending any action in Des Moines.

2015-16 certified budget preview

Kevin Posekany presented a non-action item on the 2015-16 budget, with a worksheet with budget scenarios depending on what State Supplemental Aid gets set by the legislature. The total tax rate proposed to publish is $18.53 per $1,000 valuation, which is a 38-cent increase. The levy is set at the high rate based on zero percent State Supplemental Aid and any move up from zero by the legislature would result in the levy coming down. “That probably is going to change,” Posekany said of the $18.53 rate. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for the April 6 board meeting.

Delegation for Advancement of History trip

MHS teacher Tim Johnson and student Ellen Podhajsky requested an out-of-state trip to Kansas City for March 27-28. The group will see a symphony, a jazz museum and go to the World War I Memorial. The trip was approved by the board. All out-of-state school trips must receive board approval.

National Forensic Tournament

Dr. Janelle Hawk requested permission for travel for the national speech qualifiers, June 14-19 in Dallas, Texas. MHS had Chandler Fisher and Megan Emerson qualify for the tournament. The group plans to do a lot of fundraising for the trip. This is the seventh consecutive year MHS has sent a national qualifier to the event. The trip was approved by the board.

Budget for dropout prevention

Dr. Susan Pecinovsky presented the Modified Supplemental Amount Application for Dropout Prevention for 2015-2016 for board approval. This year districts are asked to have these budgets board approved. The budget was approved by board.

Kenneth and Sherry Folks Scholarship Fund

Dr. Marvin Wade said this scholarship fund created by the Folks will be used to give $1,000 scholarships to MHS students. “It’s greatly appreciated that they created this scholarship,” Wade said.

Equity and Disability remodeling at Anson and Woodbury schools

This work includes some restroom remodeling, compliance projects and other remodeling at Anson and Woodbury elementary schools. The board approved the bid of $197,100 from Hay Construction for the Anson work and the bid of $728,000 from Brycon LLC for the Woodbury work. Both general contractors are based in Marshalltown.

Conflict mediation and resolution

MCSD staff Deb Holsapple, Kirk Brooks and Meredith Goldman as well as Sister Chris Feagan and Pastor Gregg Davison talked about the work being done in this community partnership that was formed last fall. The goal is to be proactive in conflicts with students and work to get those involved in incidents back into the classroom and set them up for success after working with them. Brooks said an October incident at MHS affected the school and the community and it spawned this work. “We’re hoping that we never have to use it,” Brooks said.

Policy

705.1 – Purchasing – Approved by board, waived second reading.

Personnel

For personnel items, click here.

From School Board President Kay Beach 

I’ve known for years that the teachers and staff in our schools care deeply about the welfare of all of our students, and tonight my heart was warmed to learn that a new school/community group has been formed to assist students who may be in conflict with another student or group of students.  Being a teenager isn’t easy, and sometimes the stresses lead to emotional confrontations—sometimes even violence.  This caring group of adults wants to help our teens learn to resolve their differences so that violence is not the option of choice.  Thanks to them….and to all the folks who work for the well-being of our youngsters. – Kay Beach