The Board Report

Envirothon students heading to Chicago

State Envirothon champions (L to R): Sean Finn, Abby Snyder, Adam Willman, Dayana Carrera, Chandler Fisher.

Marshalltown High School’s state championship Envirothon team will compete in the 2014 Stewardship Challenge held Aug. 4-7 at Loyola University in Chicago.

This year’s national Envirothon was cancelled due to a change in sponsorship, so the contest in Chicago is a chance for Midwest teams to still compete on a regional/national level.

Susan Fritzell, MHS Extended Learning Program teacher and Envirothon sponsor, was present at the Board meeting along with four of the five team members: Chandler Fisher, Abby Snyder, Adam Willman and Sean Finn (Dayana Carrera was unable to attend).

“They’re really smart and really capable, but they also work really hard,” Fritzell said.

Two of the teammates, Snyder and Willman, will be unable to attend due to their designation as World Food Prize Interns. Snyder will be conducting research in Nepal and Willman will be in Turkey.

Read more about the state Envirothon championship here.
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Digital Conversion bringing Chromebooks to Lenihan, Miller

All students at Lenihan Intermediate and Miller Middle schools next year will have Acer C720 Chromebooks beginning in the fall. The rollout of devices is the next phase of the District’s Digital Conversion initiative started this year.

In January of this year sets of Samsung Chromebooks were issued to all District third and fourth grade and 7-12 science classrooms. Initial plans for next year’s rollout included devices in sixth grade, but skipped fifth grade. The new plan allows for students already using Chromebooks to continue with them next year.

“We want the devices to follow the students,” said Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement.

Acer Chromebooks have a faster process which equates to a longer battery life, said Jeff Weinberg, director of information technology. They also have a more solid build quality.

The new Chromebooks will be student issued, meaning students will carry a Chromebook with them during the day instead of utilizing a classroom set. Devices will remain at school for next year while the District continues exploring ways to provide anytime, anywhere access for students and enable 24/7 learning.

The cost of next year’s Chromebook rollout is approximately $442,705, which will be covered through textbook adoption funds and computer replacement funds.
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Board reviews Iowa Assessments

The Board reviewed Iowa Assessments results Monday night and discussed how to increase student achievement.

Results were reported according to District Strategic Action Plan indicators, which look at increasing percent proficient in grades 4, 8, and 11 for math and reading and increasing students scoring advanced in the same grades and subjects. The 2013-2014 results showed growth in three of six areas, but only 8th grade reading scores increased enough to meet SAP projections.

Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement, said one area of growth not seen in the SAP indicators is Lenihan, where students met all but one target this year.

“The things we’re doing in the elementary buildings are gaining some momentum,” she said.

Among advanced students the District met four of six SAP indicators, increasing the percent of students scoring advanced for math and reading in both fourth and eighth grades.

Once challenge the District faces is the alignment of test items to the Iowa Core Curriculum. Less than 40 percent of math and 50 percent of reading test items align to the Iowa Core, which all schools in Iowa are required to implement beginning next school year.

“It’s a challenge,” Pecinovsky said.

She told the Board the next step is to review the assessments results at the building level, conducting item analysis and determining next steps for the District. The Board asked to review data for each building, as well as their attendance center plans and how they’ll work to increase student achievement.
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Three buses purchased from Hoglund

Marshalltown Schools will purchase three new buses from Hoglund Bus Company.

The total cost is $236,514 to purchase a 35-passenger, a 65-passenger, and a 71-passenger bus. The price is after a $3,000 reduction for trading in a bus.
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Contract settlement reached with B&G, transportation mechanics

The Board approved a settlement with union representing buildings and grounds employees and transportation mechanics.

The settlement is a 3.67 percent total package increase, with a 2 percent across-the-board wage scale increase and an increase in insurance.
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Bid approved for Roundhouse track asbestos abatement

REW Services Corporation of Ankeny will complete the asbestos abatement at the MHS Roundhouse interior track.

The company had the low bid of $153,454. Removing the track is part of the overall Roundhouse project and should be completed during the month of June.
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Security vestibule project sent to bid

The Board will upgrade the entrances to four schools this summer, installing security vestibules similar to systems used at Anson and Fisher elementary schools.

Franklin Elementary, Woodbury Elementary, Hoglan Elementary and Marshalltown Learning Academy will each receive upgrades to their main entrances. The anticipated cost for the project is $180,000 and is scheduled for completion at the start of the 2014-2015 school year.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Monday’s Board of Education meeting included a comparison of Iowa Assessment results to performance targets of our Strategic Action Plan. Some scores prompted celebration, and others elicited frustration or anger, but no score was received without some form of emotional reaction. I hope others recognize these responses as an expression of strong concern for the academic success of every student in Marshalltown Schools. Each board member knows the limitations of the Iowa Assessment, yet is well aware that scores on this assessment have been identified as important indicators of our progress as a district: if we are doing the right things then scores should go up (some did); if scores are not going up (some did not), we must question the validity of the practices we have in place. As most of you know, these conversations are already occurring in small and large group settings throughout Marshalltown Schools. Dedicated teachers are working together to analyze Iowa Assessment results and to adjust our curriculum where necessary – while keeping in mind the Iowa Core must be implemented K-12 next year. The Board and I recognize the employees of Marshalltown Schools work tirelessly toward the goal of increased student learning. Thank you for your professionalism, compassion and commitment – during this 2014 National Teacher Appreciation Week and throughout the year.
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POLICY

Initial Review

601.2 School Calendar, bring back for first reading.
601.3 School Day, bring back with wording from Dept. of Education.
602.1 Elementary Curriculum, mark reviewed.
602.2 Middle School Curriculum, mark reviewed.
602.3 Senior High School Curriculum, bring back for first reading.
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PERSONNEL – Click here.

Due to various circumstances there was no Board Report published for April 7 or April 21, 2014. Look for the next issue of The Board Report after the May 5, 2014, meeting of the Marshalltown Community School District Board of Education.

Board hears details of TLC plan

Marshalltown Community School District is one of 39 in the state selected for the Teacher Leadership Compensation (TLC) program for 2014-2015. Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement, told the board more about what that system will look like within the District.

“This is exciting,” she said. “Over 140 districts submitted applications and they selected 39.”

The award was announced last week and will bring $1.6 million to the District for model classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and curriculum/professional development leaders. All the positions will be recruited from amongst current District Staff.

Model Classroom Teachers: $2,000 additional stipend and 5 additional contract days

• 36 Elementary
• 15 Lenihan
• 15 Miller
• 30 MHS

Instructional Coaches: $5,000-$7,000 additional stipend and 10 additional contract days

• 6 Elementary
• 2 Lenihan
• 2 Miller
• 2 MHS

Curriculum/Professional Development Leaders: $10,000-$12,000 additional stipend and 15 additional contract days

• 1 Elementary
• 1 Secondary

Dr. Pecinovsky and Superintendent Marvin Wade have a meeting with the Department of Education later this month to receive further guidance on implementation.
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Board reviews graduation, dropout rates

Marshalltown’s four-year graduation rate decreased and the five-year graduation rate increased according to figures released by the Department of Education last week.

The 4-year rate was 81.59 percent, down 3.5 percent from the year before.

“This isn’t the direction we want to be going when we have so many good things going in the district,” said Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement. “This has to change.”

The 5-year graduation rate jumped from 81.77 percent to 89.37 percent. Dr. Pecinovsky noted the use of Net High has given more students the opportunity to complete credits in ways not available before, which could contribute to more 5-year graduates. Still, Dr. Pecinovsky said, the emphasis needs to be on getting students to graduate in four years.

“We want [students] to graduate, but we really need to get [them] the supports to do it in four years,” she said.

The 9-12 dropout rate for 2012-2013 was also up: 7.45 percent compared to 6.35 percent the previous year.

Dr. Pecinovsky said the numbers had been shared with high school administrators and the next steps are to look at the data to determine who these students are, what is happening if they aren’t graduating, and how more students can graduate in four years.

“Let’s not keep doing more of the same if it’s not getting us the outcomes we need,” Dr. Pecinovsky said.

Dr. Marvin Wade, superintendent of schools, stressed that this is a district-wide discussion, not just a high school issue. He said the District will need to examine supports and programming at all levels.
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History club taking trip to Chicago

The Delegation for the Advancement of History, an extra-curricular club at Marshalltown High School, will travel to Chicago March 21-22, visiting the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Board approved the out of state trip, which will include 13 MHS students and two chaperones.  The club is new to MHS and is supervised by social studies teacher Tim Johnson.
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Health Careers Club to visit St. Louis

The Marshalltown Area Health Careers Club will visit Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, Mo., April 4-5.

This is the third year the MHS club will visit a regional medical institution. GEAR UP and Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center cover the trip costs. Dan Terrones, MHS dean of students, MHS teacher Erin Weatherly and MMSC CEO John Hughes will chaperone the 26 students.
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Tullis gives PEP grant overview

Matt Tullis, director of equity and learning supports, gave an overview of the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant at Monday’s meeting.

Details can be found here.
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Budget hearing set for April 7

The Board is set to vote on the 2014-2015 budget at the April 7 board meeting.

Monday the Board decided to publish a budget based on a tax rate of $18.15, an increase of $0.62 from 2013-2014. This would address both property devaluation and previous budget deficits, maintaining the overall financial health of the district in combination with the estimated budget reductions.

The proposed budget will be published in the Times-Republican and is also available here.

Marshalltown Community School District is considered “property poor” with an overall lower tax valuation than other Iowa districts. Property valuations dropped from $963 million in fiscal year (FY) 2013-2014 to $927 million in 2014-2015.

In the spring of 2013 the Board approved a tax levy of approximately $17.84 per $1000 valuation. This levy was based on zero percent allowable growth from the Iowa Legislature. After the levy was approved the Legislature approved 2 percent allowable growth and 2 percent one-time funding, allowing the district to decrease the levy to $17.53.

General Fund budget projections for next year show a $250,000 deficit. While the District saw an 80-student enrollment increase, there was also a 68-student open-enrollment increase. Early projections on salary and benefits packages show an increase of $1.66 million.

The increased tax levy would equate to an additional $33 in taxes on a $100,000 home.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

The selection of Marshalltown Schools for the Teacher Leadership and Compensation System was great news for many reasons, including the opportunity to expand continuous improvement efforts currently in place.  Among other things, TLC funding will allow us to extend the Comprehensive Literacy Model from its current K-6 implementation to K-8.  It will also support skill development in Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol for teachers K-12.  Applications for Model Classroom Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Curriculum/Professional Development Leader positions will soon be announced.  When the positions are posted, I encourage instructional staff to consider applying for one of these new professional opportunities.  The positions are available only to current employees of Marshalltown Schools, so I anticipate a strong candidate pool since we have a large number of truly outstanding teachers.
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NOTES FROM THE BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

Tonight the Board considered options on property tax rates for funding our upcoming school year. We have a history of holding our tax levy rates constant and adjusting our services accordingly. Many know that the State has started the roll-back of commercial property valuations throughout Iowa. This effort will change the balance of property tax burden over the long term, but for the short term it will affect the funding of schools, local, and county governments. Like these other entities, MCSD will be challenged to reduce services to meet the funding decline of 3.5% while our cost rise and estimated 4% this next year. As a Board, we can raise tax rates and funding to accommodate the changes and can continue to provide consistent services to the community. As in any business, our rate of return for your investment needs to be reviewed and weighed by our tax payers. We ask for your input as we consider the choices that affect our District.
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Several B&G change orders receive approval

The Board reviewed and approved change orders from four separate constructions projects Monday night.

First, a change order for the Support Services Building addition and site development resulted in a $6,612 savings. Change orders related to remodeling the old Anson Middle School for administrative offices added $22,786, which still falls within the 5 percent contingency budget.

Change orders for the Roundhouse project ad a net addition of $40,677 and a change order for the Miller Middle School 1957 classroom remodel was $16,652.
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Policy

First Reading

504.30 Students with Pediculosis (Head Lice), changes recommended by school nurses, waive second reading
504.31R Administrating Medications to Students – Administrative Rules, changes recommended by school nurses

Initial Review

504.32/R Special Health Services for Students, mark reviewed.
505.2 Student Activity Fund, mark reviewed.
505.3 Class or Group Gifts to School, bring back for first reading.
505.4 Commencement, mark reviewed.
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Personnel – Click here.
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Woodbury Elementary students sat down with Board members Monday to share work they’d done using Chromebooks.

National Forensics qualifiers recognized

Marshalltown High School juniors Libby Crawford and Chandler Fisher qualified for the National Forensics Tournament, marking the sixth consecutive year of qualification by MHS students.

Both students came to the Board meeting Monday to be recognized and talk about their experience in forensics. Learn more here.
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Board discusses 2014-2015 budget

In preparation for publishing a budget proposal for 2014-2015, the Board of Education reviewed tax levy information and discussed local property values.

Marshalltown Community School District is considered “property poor” with an overall lower tax valuation than other Iowa districts. Property valuations dropped from $963 million in fiscal year (FY) 2013-2014 to $927 million in 2014-2015.

In the spring of 2013 the Board approved a tax levy of approximately $17.84 per $1000 valuation. This levy was based on zero percent allowable growth from the Iowa Legislature. After the levy was approved the Legislature approved 2 percent allowable growth and 2 percent one-time funding, allowing the district to decrease the levy to $17.53.

General Fund budget projections for next year show a $250,000 deficit. While the District saw an 80-student enrollment increase, there was also a 68-student open-enrollment increase. Early projections on salary and benefits packages show an increase of $1.66 million.

The Board reviewed two possibilities for next year. First, setting a tax levy at $17.82749. This increase would cover the property devaluation. Another option set the taxy levy at $18.15082. This would address both the devaluation and previous budget deficits, maintaining the overall financial health of the district in combination with the estimated budget reductions.

The increased tax levy would equate to an additional $33 in taxes on a $100,000 home.

No decision was made Monday and the Board will look at a formal budget to publish at the March 17 meeting. School boards in Iowa must submit their budgets to the state no later than April 15.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Monday we received word Marshalltown Community School District is one of 39 in Iowa selected for the state’s Teacher Leadership System. The fact we were chosen out of the 146 applicants is a clear example of the hard work that went into creating a strong application. Selection for this means we’ll be able to expand upon current teacher leadership structures. Read more here.
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POLICY

First Reading

503.2 Student Organization, enhanced definition of “curriculum-related organizations” and used examples from IASB, waive second reading.
503.3 School Publications, waive second reading.
503.6 Interscholastic Competition, waive second reading.
504.7 Emergency School Closings, added “district website” to list of notifications, waive second reading.

Initial Review

504.11 Wellness, mark reviewed.
504.14/E1/E2/E3/E4/R Harassment-Students, mark reviewed.
504.30 Head Lice, bring back for first reading with changes from school nurses.
504.31 Medication  Administration to Students, mark reviewed. Nurses recommended changes to regulations.
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PERSONNEL – Click here.

Board hears update on At-Risk services, Four Oaks

Smoother transitions and local control are two of the continuing benefits outlined by Matt Cretsinger, director of special services, when he updated the Board on Four Oaks and At-Risk services Monday.

Four Oaks Family & Children Services provides three classrooms to support up to 35 students, primarily with Special Education services. Currently 20 students are enrolled, with two from out of the district and 18 Marshalltown students.

“We found we had a lot of students with intense behavioral needs and couldn’t meet their needs,” Cretsinger told the Board, outlining the decision last year to restructure services and contract with Four Oaks. “Often the needs had to be met out of district.”

Cretsinger said without Four Oaks 11 of the 20 students being served there would have required out-of-district services previously. Having Four Oaks in-district allows students to stay in district, allowing for better progress monitoring and the ability to transition students back into the regular school setting when appropriate.

“We have the ability to know what’s going on with those students,” Cretsinger said.

Cretsinger also discussed At-Risk services, which were restructured this year to align with Response to Intervention (RTI), provide services at schools prior to seeking off-site services, and focus the services at Marshalltown Learning Academy to target specific At-Risk needs. The restructuring also takes advantage of online learning opportunities, including Edgenuity and NET High.  The District has 30 Edgenuity software licenses that are being used regularly, Cretsinger said.

After one semester MLA students have earned or recovered 60 credits in core subject areas and eight At-Risk students have graduated. Cretsinger said it’s difficult to compare these numbers to last year since the restructuring has changed where students receive services (MLA, Four Oaks, or at their regular school).

Cretsinger said the District will continue to look at how to best utilize resources to support At-Risk students, including expanding Edgenuity licenses to meet the demand and look at ways to increase credit recovery.
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Board approves revised 2014-2015 calendar

The Board approved a slight revision to next year’s school calendar Monday, swapping two days of vacation from April and placing them in December.

This change was actually the calendar posted on BoardDocs at the Feb. 3 Board meeting. At the time Lisa Koester, director of human resources, told the board that version of the calendar was incorrect and the board voted to approve a different calendar. After the meeting, reexamination of vote tallies showed this calendar was correct.

The calendar approved Monday was the option receiving the most votes from the Marshalltown Education Association. It was one of two options presented by the calendar committee, which consists of teachers, administrators and Board members.

The only difference between the two calendars is two vacation days. The correct calendar has Dec. 22-23 as vacation days and April 1-2 as school days. In the calendar approved Feb. 3 those were reversed.

The updated 2014-2015 calendar is available on the district website under “Calendars” or by following this link.
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Board approves purchase of pedometers

The Board voted 5-1 to purchase 4,200 pedometers from US Games for $28,980.

The pedometers will be used to gather baseline data for the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant. Board member John Johnson voted against the purchase, citing that he wanted to know what other equipment was to be purchased in the grant before he approved the pedometers. He also wanted to be able to discuss the bids when Matt Tullis, director of equity and learning supports and grant coordinator, was able to be present.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Monday’s Board of Education meeting was held at Rogers Elementary despite the cancellation of school due to poor weather conditions.  With the last day of school currently Thursday, June 5, it seems fitting to remind staff not to schedule major commitments during the second week in June.
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NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

Tonight the report on the Marshalltown Learning Academy and Four Oaks programs were reviewed.

The Four Oaks program is new to Marshalltown and allows us to meet the special education needs of students within our district and minimize the out of district services that we were previously using. We also have capacity for students from the surrounding districts that helps minimize travel for those districts as well. This provides better control of the work done for these students, while being more efficient with the costs of the program. While the recent bad weather strikes all of our facilities and busing routes, it is nice to know we are minimizing the travel requirements by having this program here.

The Four Oaks program has changed the way we deliver services at MLA as some of the students are now in the new program. While we still serve many students through the MLA center, much of our program is now on site based at MHS and Miller.

We remain committed to engaging our students even when they need alternatives to the main stream education process. Both of these programs demonstrate that Marshalltown is leading educational services in this area.
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POLICY

Initial Review

504.6 – Work Permits, mark reviewed.
604.7 – Emergency School Closings, add website to list of announcements.
504.8 – Student Insurance, General, mark reviewed.
504.9 – Student Insurance, Athletic, mark reviewed.
504.10 – School Safety Patrols, mark reviewed.
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PERSONNEL – Click here.

2014-2015 school calendar approved

The 2014-2015 school year will begin for students on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014, according to the calendar approved by the Board Monday night.

The last day of school will be Friday, May 29, 2015. Graduation will remain on Memorial Day weekend, with commencement exercises Sunday, May 24, 2015.

To view the full academic calendar visit the “Calendars” page of the District website or click here.
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Status report shows formerly expelled students working toward graduation

A report on students who were expelled during the 2011-2012 school year showed most are re-enrolled in Marshalltown Schools and working toward graduation.

The status report focused on the 2011-2012 school year because no students were expelled in 2012-2013. Lisa Koester, Director of Human Resources and Student Issues, told the board nine students were expelled in 2011-2012 and three were serving out expulsions from the 2010-2011 school year. Of those 12 students, seven are now enrolled in Marshalltown Schools.

Out of the remaining five students, one moved out of district, one dropped out, one was placed in foster care outside the district, one is incarcerated and one enrolled in Job Corps in Dennison, Iowa.
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Contracts approved for Roundhouse Phase 2 project manager, architect

Roundhouse groundbreaking ceremony in November 2013.

The Board approved CPMI as project manager and RDG as architect on Phase 2 of the Roundhouse project, taking the first step toward completing the community-funded portion of the project.

Phase 2 includes an auxiliary gym and wrestling room with estimated cost of $3.8 million. Jennifer Wilson, Board vice president and member of the District Design Advisory Committee, said the fundraisers have almost reached the $1 million needed for the matching grant from the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation. The DAC agreed fundraising had progressed enough to move forward with these contracts, which pave the way for design development and drawings.

Work on the first phase of construction is currently underway.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTNEDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

During Monday’s meeting the Board of Education approved two contracts that are important to the many individuals involved in the Renovate the Roundhouse effort.

The contracts authorize CPMI (Project Management) and RDG (Architectural and Engineering) to begin designing for new construction of an auxiliary gymnasium and wrestling room at the Roundhouse. These much-needed additional structures are being funded by generous donations from individual, corporate and foundation supporters of the Bobcats from all across the country. Although additional funds need to be raised before construction can begin, the Board expressed confidence that the design process should begin now – so construction can be started, without interruption, as soon as fundraising targets are met. The ability to extend the scope of the Roundhouse renovation/expansion is just the latest in a long list of projects demonstrating Marshalltown’s strong commitment to the education and health of its residents.
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NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

Tonight the Board was updated on the status of expulsions for the 2011-12 school year. Of the 12 students that were expelled that year, seven have continued their education here at MCSD and are on track to graduate. The remaining five students have left the district or have extenuating circumstances that prevent them from finishing their degree requirements here.

We struggle with expulsions when they occur, but know the discipline and standards must be high to ensure the well being and safety of our schools. The great news is that for both the 2012-13 and the current 2013-14 school years we have zero expulsions to track. The district has implemented the PBIS (Positive Behavior Instruction Support) model and the students have accepted the challenge to raise the bar on behavior and attitude. Thanks to all of the students, staff, and administration for your efforts.
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POLICY

First Reading

503.7 Attendance at Events Outside of School, deleted.
503.8 Student Honors and Awards, waive second reading.

Initial Review

503.2 Student Organization, bring back IASB policy
503.3 School Publications, bring back with corresponding regulation.
503.6 Interscholastic Competition, discuss with Mr. Huegel
504.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates, mark reviewed.
504.2 Exclusion for Communicable Diseases, mark reviewed.
504.3 Injury or Illness at School, mark reviewed.
504.4 Use of Bicycles, mark reviewed.
504.5 Use of Motor Vehicles, mark reviewed.
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PERSONNEL – Click here.

Bobcat marching band vies for spot in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Marshalltown High School Marching Band should know this spring if it’s heading to New York City in 2015. The band is applying to participate in the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“This band does a wonderful job when they travel of making all of us look good,” said Bret Lee, director of bands. “They have on every trip I’ve been on.”

Lee said the application is due March 1, with notification coming in May. The trip will be 7-9 days. If they aren’t selected for Macy’s the band will be able to participate in the Fiesta Bowl Parade in Arizona over New Year’s 2015-2016.

“We almost have a standing invitation to the Fiesta Bowl thanks to the great tradition started by Jerry Ellingson,” Lee said.

The trip will cost approximately $1,500 per student. There have been two fundraisers already and more will be scheduled between now and the trip. Lee said they have always worked to make sure every student who wants to participate and who participates in fundraising is able to make the trip, even if they are unable to raise the entire amount.
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Tullis shares update on Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative

For the past five years Marshalltown Schools have been part of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative, a $5.6 million Federal grant addressing “social, emotional and behavioral barriers to learning.”  As the District approaches the end of funding June 30, 2014, program director Matt Tullis shared an update with the Board Monday night highlighting the programs and positions funded through SS/HS and District’s next steps.

Since 2009 SS/HS has funded a variety of programs and services focusing on five areas:

• Safe school environments and violence prevention
• Alcohol and drug prevention
• Student behavioral, social, and emotional supports
• Mental health services
• Early childhood social and emotional learning

Among the items were a district-wide security audit and the installation of security cameras at Miller Middle School and Marshalltown High School, 10 full-time Learning Supports Specialists, funding for mental health and substance abuse prevention and counseling, YWCA/YMCA Youth Outreach staff, early childhood PBIS coordinator and life skills curriculum and Aggression Replacement Training. The grant also funded a full-time director and project evaluator.

Tullis said the grant has allowed more students to receive more social and emotional supports, noting that 891 students received school-based mental health services during the 2012-2013 school year. The grant has also strengthened community partnerships and helped put in place support teams, ART teams, and support district initiatives like PBIS.

The District must now determine how these supports and services look after grant funding ends. Tullis noted that some services, like contracting mental health with Center Associates, were in place before the grant period, so it could be a matter of reassessing how much time is funded. It’s also a matter of determining the roles of current staff and how duties are aligned as the funding for the Learning Supports Specialists ends. Dr. Marvin Wade, superintendent of schools, told the Board there were many options they could look at, but the much of it will come down to determine how to use the resources (funds, people, etc.) to meet student needs.
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Board approves continuing Instructional Support Levy

The Board approved continuing the Instructional Support Levy for another year. The levy provides support for general fund programs. In Marshalltown Schools the primary use is for the purchase of textbooks and related instructional materials, funding the student information system, funding building budget allocations, and information technology. The levy is an additional funding amount equal to ten percent of regular program costs (approximately $1.9 million for the 2013-2014 school year).
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Framed copies of U.S. Constitution donated to MHS classroom

The Board accepted three framed copies of the United States Constitution given by Eileen Sudenga. The framed historical documents will be displayed is Mrs. Hovel’s government classroom at Marshalltown High School.
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NOTES FROM THE BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

Tonight the Board started the annual budget process with a work session following our business meeting. We reviewed new data for increased student count, open enrollments, increased State of Iowa per student funding, and our projected costs for the current and next school year.

Property assessments show a significant decrease in property values and will also need to be part of the formula for next year’s funding. Many of the pieces for funding are in place so we can begin the process of negotiating labor contracts, and eventually certifying the budget in April as mandated by Iowa code.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Monday’s Board of Education meeting included a presentation by Director of Equity and Learning Supports Matt Tullis about the Safe Schools and Healthy Students Initiative Grant.

For the past four years this grant has supported MCSD efforts to remove obstacles that make it difficult for students to learn – barriers such as substance abuse, violence, and unmet mental health needs. The grant allowed us to strengthen our system of learning supports in many ways that will benefit students and families long after the grant goes away, though much remains to be accomplished.

Our Board is concerned about the well-being of all students and is fully aware that many of our students continue to have significant social, emotional and behavioral challenges that impact their ability to learn. With the Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant ending June 30, 2014, Monday’s budget work session was an important first step toward continuation of learning support services within the constraints of a leaner budget – a reality we’ve planned for since the grant was received in 2009.
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POLICY

First Reading

502.9 Gangs, approved.
502.10 Weapons, approved.

Initial Review

503.1 Student Government, mark reviewed.
503.2 Student Organization, will compare with IASB policy.
503.3 School Publications, look into regulations related to this policy.
503.4 Social Events, mark reviewed.
503.5 Intramural Activities, mark reviewed.
503.6 Interscholastic Competition, need to compare with MHS handbook to ensure consistency.
503.7 Attendance at Events Outside of School, bring back for first reading.
503.8 Student Honors and Awards, bring back for first reading.
503.9 Activity Ticket Funds, mark reviewed.
503.11 School Sponsored Camps, mark reviewed.
503.12/R Private Activity Camps, mark reviewed.
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PERSONNEL – Click here and here.
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The next regular meeting will be Monday, Feb. 3, 2014, at Anson Elementary. A tour of the building will begin at 5pm and the meeting will be called to order at 5:30pm.

Board looks at social media policy

The Board looked at a proposed social media policy Monday night, meant to give staff members a better understanding of the impact their online presence can have on their professional lives, as well as outline procedures and protocols for district social media accounts.

Jason Staker, district communications director, told the Board the policy was needed to help educate staff about how what they say and post on social media like Facebook and Twitter can have an impact on their personal and professional lives.

The policy will have three sections: an overall policy, a regulation focused on staff use of social media and electronic communication, and a section about establishing and using district-approved social media sites. The District has official accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Four Square, YouTube and Pinterest, Staker said. The policy, once approved, will provide clear guidance on how to expand the presence to buildings and programs.

Lisa Koester, director of human resources, said the policy is to help protect staff by better defining when items posted on social media are First Amendment protected and when they could have an adverse impact on employment. It also addresses electronic communication between students and staff, including email and text messaging.

“Much of what is put into this policy is common sense,” Staker said. “Social media is such an major part of everyday life now that it’s important to have these things outlined in official board policy.”

Details of the policy are still being developed and will be presented for initial review at the Jan. 6, 2014, Board meeting. Once approved, Staker said the District will need to work on educating staff about the rules and regulations in the policy.
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Support Services Building tech bid approved

Tri-City Electric of Davenport was awarded the technology portion of the Support Services Building project Monday night, saving the district more than $100,000.

The project was originally bid as part of the overall building renovation and remodeling, but bids at that time came in much higher than budget estimates. The Board elected to remove the technology project and bid it separately. The $118,075 bid from Tri-State Electric brings the cost down significantly.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Monday’s Board of Education meeting included a vote by the Board to set a public hearing for Jan. 20, 2014 regarding the Instructional Support Program (ISP) for fiscal year 2015. It is proposed that the District continue its current level of ISP participation – making an additional funding amount equal to ten percent of our regular program cost available for instructional needs of MCSD (an amount that was approximately $1.9 million for the 2013-2014 school year).

Setting the public hearing for the Instructional Support Levy has traditionally been the unofficial kick-off of budget preparations for the following fiscal year. We know our student enrollment count and the level of supplemental state aid for next year, the Board will review its budget development parameters in January, and other budgetary considerations (e.g. insurance rates, compensation negotiations) will begin soon thereafter.

With the winter break rapidly approaching, I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you every happiness this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
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NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

Tonight the Board approved the revised technology bids for the administration suite at the Support services building. Over the past several years, technology upgrades have been accomplished through out the district at every building and the costs of new technology have escalated. We decided to break out the IT costs on the administration project so we can be better informed of the costs and how we will proceed in the future. In doing so, the District removed $140,000 of cost from the project without compromising the upgrade of the facility. Thanks to staff and our consultants for helping us achieve the goal at a greatly reduced cost.
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POLICY

Initial Review

502.1 Student Behavior and Discipline, mark reviewed
502.8/R Student Expulsion, mark reviewed
502.9/R Gangs, correct minor grammar issues, some clarifications needed on regulations.
502.10 Weapons, change “shall” and “will” to “may” in some parts of the policy.
502.11 Violence, reviewed.
502.12 Smoking, Drinking, Drugs, need to review health policy and student handbook to see what regulations are defined; policy will be refined as necessary.
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PERSONNEL – Click here.
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Students share their experience at Global Youth Institute

Adam Willman and Aleyna Bakirli talk about their experience at the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute Monday.

Marshalltown High School students Adam Willman and Aleyna Bakirli represented their school on a global stage in October as participates in the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute.

Both were on hand at Monday’s Board meeting to discuss their experience at the event, held in Des Moines Oct. 17-19, 2013. The students had the chance to meet international dignitaries, hear from Food Prize laureates and interact students from around the globe, all focused on ways to solve hunger.

Read more about their experience here.
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College-level coursework increasing at MHS

Nearly one out of three Marshalltown High School students were enrolled in college-level coursework last year, a significant increase from the year before.

“We have a multitude of opportunities and outshine other districts,” said Meri Edel, MHS guidance counselor. Edel and Connie Gardalen, Marshalltown Community College dual credit coordinator, told the Board about the four ways MHS students can earn college credit while still in high school.

The most common way to earn credit is through the dual credit system, where students take classes on the MHS campus taught by instructors with a master’s degree in the content area. Students in dual credit courses earn both high school and MCC credit.

“That’s where we have huge opportunities for kids,” Edel said.

Another parthway is Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO), which is for courses not offered at MHS. Students take the course at MCC and again earn both high school and college credit.

Career Academies offer a set of courses in a specific trade. Students take pre-requisites at MHS, then enter the academy at MCC (usually in their senior year), earning both high school and college credit.

“It’s very hands-on opportunities,” Edel said. Some of the Career Academy courses include construction trades and broadcasting. Gardalen said next year MCC will be adding an electrical career pathway as well.

The fourth pathway to college credit is the Advanced Placement course. These rigorous courses are taught at MHS by AP-certified staff. Students complete coursework and take an exam through the College Board, earning college credit if they receive a high enough score. Edel said some AP courses are also offered online, noting the work of Extended Learning Program teacher Susan Fritzell in helping identify courses to meet the needs of talented and gifted students.

Edel said the best part of these programs is the cost. While enrolled at MHS students can take the college coursework without paying for college tuition. While there are some fees for things like AP exams, the majority of costs are covered by the school and not students and their families.

“Having just sent a son to college…it’s just dollars back to us,” Edel said.

Students increasingly taking advantage of dual credit opportunities. In fall 2012 MHS students were enrolled in 794 dual credits. This fall students are taking 1366. A large part of the increase is the addition of Project Lead The Way programming, which offers dual credit in Principles of Engineering and Biomedical Sciences. Edel says as PLTW continues to grow in the coming years the number of students taking college-level coursework will increase as well.
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Support Services technology scope of work approved after re-bid

After re-bidding the technology components of the Support Services Building project, the Board approved the scope of work and project schedule Monday night.

The project consists of the technology cabling associated with the two floors of the Support Services Building which will eventually house district offices. The revised project schedule anticipates bid approval Dec. 16, 2013, with substantial completion May 23, 2014.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Monday’s Board of Education meeting included a report about progress made during the past year on Indicator 2.3 of the District Strategic Action Plan: Increase the percentage of students enrolled in college level coursework.  During 2012-2013, 20 percent of Marshalltown High School students took college level coursework.  In 2013-2014, that number has grown to 30.7 percent of MHS students.

The increase is due, in part, to introduction of Project Lead The Way courses at MHS – though there are numerous other ways to earn college credits (for example, Advanced Placement courses and Career Academies).  Anyone interested in learning more about these valuable opportunities is encouraged to view the MHS Course Description Manual for 2014-2015 on the district website (click on “Senior High School” and then “Counselor’s Corner”).
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Policy

First Reading
501.5 Resident Students, waive second reading.

Initial Review
502.1 Student Discipline Policy, Attendance policy covers a lot of elementary-level issues related to tardiness – remove it from the discipline policy (Delete 4B); Under section 6, change “will” to “may”; bring back for first reading.
502.2 Search and Seizure, mark reviewed.
502.3 Cooperation with Law Enforcement Officials, will ask the school attorney about language.
502.4 Physical Restraint, mark reviewed.
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Personnel – Click here.
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Four Oaks Consortium contract approved

The Board approved a Four Oaks Consortium contract Monday, allowing outside districts to utilize Four Oaks classroom. The agreement states those districts will then reimburse Marshalltown Schools for the actual costs of serving those students.

Matt Cretsinger, director of special services, told the Board if all the Four Oaks slots are filled and students from within the District are identified for services they will take priority and he would work with the outside districts to find alternatives for their students.

Cretsinger said currently there are six outside districts expressing interest in placing students at Four Oaks.
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MHS medium voltage service upgrade nears completion

The Board approved substantial completion of the medium voltage electrical service project at Marshalltown High School.

The project, which cost about $1.4 million, updates electrical equipment at MHS and removes the risk of power loss at the high school.

“It’s one that makes our district way safer than it was,” said Sherm Welker, board president.
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Marshalltown named ‘Platinum’ district for enrollment reporting

The Iowa Department of Education has named Marshalltown Community School District a “Platinum” district for its timely certified enrollment count.

The DOE recognized 159 districts as being “Gold” level, which means they met three data submission targets set by the state. Districts receiving “Platinum” distinction met those targets for the second consecutive year. Marshalltown is one of 52 districts – or 15 percent of Iowa districts – to meet this standard.

Lisa Koester, director of human resources and student issues, told the Board about this recognition Monday evening. She thanked Sharon Baughman, Stacey Mommer, Keri Ashby and Ginger Jacobson for their work on submitting enrollment data to the state, as well as the numerous others who supported the process.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

During Monday’s meeting the Board of Education approved Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive Program policies for Licensed Teaching Staff, Twelve-Month Secretaries, and Administrators (Policies 314.1, 407.7 and 413.7, respectively).  These policies may be viewed on the MCSD website by clicking on the “Staff Resources” tab.

Respecting the November 2012 decision of a previous Board, voluntary early retirement is not an option for the current 2013-2014 school year.  Sometime between July 1 and September 30, 2014, the Board will make a decision about the Program for the 2014-2015 school year.

Thanks go out to everyone who provided input during the recent process of policy revision – your comments were both helpful and appreciated.
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POLICY

First Reading

407.6/314.1/413.7 – Early Retirement Incentive Programs, approved and waived second reading.
500.1 Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students, changing “buses” to “vehicles” and “legal guardian or custodian” to  “legal custodial guardian”, approved and waived second reading.
501.3 Attendance Center Assignment, last part of first sentence and second paragraph struck from policy, approved and waive second reading.

Initial Reading

501.4 Attendance Records, mark reviewed.
501.5 Resident Students, add “and/or designee” after superintendent.
501.6 Non-Resident Students, mark reviewed.
501.7 Foreign Students, mark reviewed.
501.9/R Open Enrollment – Sending District, mark reviewed.
501.10/R Open Enrollment – Receiving District, mark reviewed.
501.11 Student Transfers In, mark reviewed.
501.16 Homeless Children and Youth, mark reviewed.
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PERSONNEL – Click here.