The Board Report

Enrollment up 75 students

Certified enrollment for Marshalltown Schools shows an increase of 75 students, according to numbers submitted to the Department of Education Oct. 15.

The District has 5,383 students, up from 5308 at this time last year. Lisa Koester, director of human resources and student issues, said the largest class size increase was in kindergarten. This fall the District has 426 students in kindergarten, an increase of 46 students from last year. To accommodate the larger numbers, an additional kindergarten classroom was added to Fisher Elementary.

“I really want to thank Mrs. Vopava for being flexible right at the start of the school year,” Koester said.

The number of open enrolled out students increased as well, though at a slower rate than last year. Open enrolled in students increased slightly and the number of tuition in/tuition out students also decreased.
—

Roundhouse bids approved, work to begin next month

Work on the Roundhouse will begin in November now that the Board approved a $7.92 million bid from Dean Snyder Construction of Ankeny.

Five bids came in for the project, with the other for all over $8 million. Snyder’s bid comes in slightly below the architect estimate of $8.2 million.

Snyder has not completed a project for Marshalltown Schools before, but has done a number of projects larger, smaller, and comparable to the Roundhouse for districts such as Ankeny, Des Moines, and Mason City. Rick Simpson, director of buildings and grounds, told the Board Snyder’s references were vetted and those districts reported satisfaction with the work.

The scheduled completion for this phase of the Roundhouse project is Dec. 1, 2014.
—

Board approves covering Special Education Deficit

The cost to provide quality education for special needs students far exceeds the amount of funding districts receive for it, which is why the Board approved an application for additional spending authority from the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC).

Marshalltown’s Special Education Fund Deficit is $882,056 – the amount spent on Special Education programming beyond the state allocation. Matt Cretsinger, director of special services, said the deficit is a common problem among districts as the spending formula has not changed since the 1980s, but the needs of students have changed. The way Special Education weighting is calculated has also changed, making it harder in his opinion to designate a student as Level III and therefore eligible for more funding.

Cretsinger noted that a recent conversation with other districts in the Urban Education Network showed districts dealing with $1.5 million to $3.5 million in SpEd deficits.

Board Vice President Jennifer Wilson encouraged the Board to consider pushing for reform of the funding formula during the Iowa Association of School Boards conference. That group lobbies the Iowa Legislature on behalf of school boards across Iowa.
—

All elementary schools to be School-wide Title I programs

The three district elementary schools current functioning as Targeted Title I buildings will become School-wide Title I buildings.

Currently Anson, Rogers and Woodbury elementary schools are identified as school-wide programs. Next year Fisher, Frankin and Hoglan elementary schools will be added to that list.

To qualify as a school-wide program an elementary building has to have a poverty level of at least 40 percent. The schools will have to develop a comprehensive plan for reforming the instructional program. This plan will be reviewed and submitted annually to the state Title I office.

Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement, said this process will not be as daunting for these schools as they have the plans from other schools to use as a model. She said the move to school-wide programming allows schools to use Title I funds for all students in a building instead of only those specifically identified for Title I services.

“It’s a big factor in how we can meet the needs and serve the students in Marshalltown,” she said.

School-wide programs also require paraeducators to be deemed “highly qualified”. Pecinovsky said passing the Work KEYS test or taking an AEA 267 certification could achieve this. The District will use Title I funds to support these certification processes.
—

District approves bond sales

The Board approved the sale of $10 million in revenue bonds Monday night, approving a bid from Suntrust of Townson, Md., they initially accepted at the Oct. 7 meeting.

Suntrust had the lowest interest rate (2.92 percent) among the bids received. Matt Gillaspie from Piper Jaffray told the Board on Oct. 7 that they received very favorable interest rates and compared Marshalltown’s bond sale to several comparable sales in other Iowa districts.

The $10 million will be used to fund work in the District Facilities Plan, which includes the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse renovation and the Support Services Center remodeling.

The bonds will be paid back over time using future one-cent sale sax revenue.
—

Board reviews timeout process

In the wake of the investigation at the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo, school districts across Iowa are reviewing the seclusionary timeout processes in their districts. During Monday’s Board meeting Matt Cretsinger, director of special services, reviewed the legal requirements and training related seclusionary timeout.

“[Timeout] can really be any setting,” Cretsinger said. “It doesn’t really have to be a room like you heard about at the Juvenile Home. This room could be a timeout room.”

According to Iowa law, seclusionary timeout means “the student is not allowed to access and is removed from the instructional setting to a designated time out room.” This can mean escorting a student to a room implementing room-clearing procedures where all except the identified student is removed from the classroom. It doesn’t mean asking a student to sit in another part of the classroom, in-school suspension or a student choosing to go into a timeout room.

The intent of timeout rooms is to provide a setting that minimizes opportunity for injury withholds all environmental stimuli from the child so they can de-escalate. It is not intended to serve as a disciplinary setting, a deterrent for inappropriate behavior, or for students who have not undergone extensive functional behavior assessment.

The rules and regulations for timeout rooms are detailed in Chapter 281-103 of the Iowa Code. At the start of each school year all school staff must complete Chapter 103 training through Area Education Agency 267’s online service. Each building also has a team of staff members who annually complete the nonviolent crisis intervention program (CPI) training.

Board member Bea Niblock suggested the District examine a different form of Chapter 103 training, citing concern that online training doesn’t provide enough guidance for staff. Cretsinger and Superintendent Marvin Wade said that was something the district could examine for next year.
—

NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

With only one month in office, our new school board members have already received considerable training in governance – with more to occur during the month of November. Following their swearing in on September 23rd, an orientation to the responsibilities of the Board was provided by former and current board members. The Iowa Association of School Boards then provided three hours of training on October 2nd that included topics such as policy development, open meetings law, and the difference between board and administrative roles. Near the conclusion of Monday’s board meeting, there was a review of MCSD’s Strategic Action Plan, Organizational Chart, and Central Office Duties and Responsibilities Chart. New board members have also attended meetings of the Teacher Quality Committee and School Improvement Advisory Committee. Our veteran board members have been involved in all these learning opportunities, as well as meetings of the Business Education Alliance, Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, Design Advisory Committee, and the Marshalltown Auditorium Foundation Partnership. In November, the Board will participate in training from the Urban Education Network and the Iowa Association of School Boards, and will receive an orientation to school finance provided by MCSD Director of Business Operations Kevin Posekany.

I mention all of these events so people can better understand that successful governance of our district requires many hours of behind-the-scenes work in addition to the 5-10 hours per month of board meetings.  As unpaid elected officials, school board members give generously for the benefit of our children and community.
—

NOTES FROM THE BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

Tonight the Board approved the sale of a $10m revenue bond to continue our capital improvement projects. The terms of bond quotes we received were very favorable at 2.92 percent interest and we will exclusively use sales tax revenues for payments.

The capital improvement plan is a long term investment in our district and keeps our facilities competitive with the ever changing technology of advanced education. We appreciate the planning and thought from the Boards of past for their insight. Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our parents, and the tax payers of our district.
—

Policy

First Reading

Early Retirement Policies – Changes made based on suggestions from Marshalltown Education Association; Change retirement notice deadline to first working day in February, will come back as first reading again.

To review the policy changes, visit the Staff Resources section of the district website.
—

Personnel – Click here.

District moves forward with bond sale process

The Board took the next step toward selling $10 million in revenue bonds Monday night, accepting a bid from Suntrust of Townson, Md., and slating final approval of the sale for the Oct. 21 meeting.

Suntrust had the lowest interest rate (2.92 percent) among the bids received. Matt Gillaspie from Piper Jaffray told the Board they received very favorable interest rates and compared Marshalltown’s bond sale to several comparable sales in other Iowa districts.

The $10 million will be used to fund work in the District Facilities Plan, which includes the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse renovation and the Support Services Center remodeling.

The bonds will be paid back over time using future one-cent sale sax revenue.
—

Marshalltown Schools receive PE, nutrition grant

Marshalltown Community School District is the recipient of one of 60 grants under the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP).

Marshalltown Schools will receive $494,201 in year one of the three-year grant out of the combined $32 million awarded Monday by the U.S. Department of Education. Funding is intended to assist with initiating, expanding, or enhancing physical education and nutrition education programs, including after-school programs, for students in grades K-12. The PEP program is aligned with and supports First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Active Schools initiative to get kids moving before, during and after school.

“Through the collaborative effort of the Healthier Communities Coalition in Marshalltown, we have laid the groundwork toward educating students and families about the benefits of physical activity and healthy eating habits,” said Matt Tullis, director of equity and learning supports and coordinator of the district Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative. “We know there is a direct link between physical fitness and student achievement. This project will move us toward our goals and will certainly benefit all of Marshalltown.”

In 2013, PEP applicants were invited to align their proposals with seven “design filters” for creating engaging, high-quality physical activity programs. Applicants could also receive points for focusing their efforts on the persistently lowest-achieving schools in their area. More than half of awardees chose to address one or both of these two new priority areas for the PEP program.

“Healthy, active students do better in school and in life,” said Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education. “These grants will help schools and communities educate students on the value of healthy lifestyles through programs that get kids moving and teach lifelong healthy habits.”

All PEP grant recipients must implement programs that help students make progress toward meeting their state standards for physical education. In addition, these programs must undertake 1) instruction in healthy eating habits and good nutrition, and 2) physical fitness activities that include at least one of the following:

• Fitness education and assessment to help students understand, improve, or maintain their physical well-being
• Instruction in a variety of motor skills and physical activities designed to enhance the physical, mental, and social or emotional development of every student
• Development of and instruction in cognitive concepts about motor skills and physical fitness that support a lifelong healthy lifestyle
• Opportunities to develop positive social and cooperative skills through physical activity participation and
• Opportunities for professional development for physical education teachers to stay abreast of the latest research, issues, and trends in the field of physical education.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Healthy Students manages the PEP grants and supports efforts to create safe schools, ensure the health and well-being of students, teach students good citizenship and character, respond to crises, and prevent drug and alcohol abuse.

For additional information on the PEP grant program, visit http://www2.ed.gov/programs/whitephysed/index.html
—

Board receives annual secretary/treasurer’s report

Marshalltown Schools has a strong general fund balance according to a report from Kevin Posekany, director of business operations and Board secretary.  There was caution that the fund balance declined in 12-13 and the solvency ratio fell slightly below the acceptable level.

Posekany gave the annual secretary/treasurer’s report to the Board Monday evening, showing fund balances, revenues and expenditures over the last three years. He also reported on Days Net Cash and Solvency Ratio, both of which have fiscal goals set forth in a new board policy developed last year.

Days Net Cash is the total cash and receivables divided by the value of total expenditures divided by 365 days. Board policy sets a goal of 60-75 days. The district met the goal, having 66 days net cash.

Solvency ratio is the assigned and unassigned fund balance divided by the actual general fund revenues minus AEA flow-through dollars. It means what percentage of revenue would be left over of the District closed its doors on June 30 of the fiscal year and ceased to exist. Board Policy sets 8-10 percent as the annual goal, which the District missed by 0.41 percent (2013 solvency ratio was 7.59 percent).
—

Roundhouse gift made in honor of longtime Bobcat coach

A pair of Marshalltown High School alumni and their family are making a generous donation to the Roundhouse renovation project in honor of longtime coach George Funk.

The donation from Bob and Sally Becker (’47) and their family will be above the “Diamond Level” of $25,000. The family requests a photo and plaque displayed near the new athletic offices or the Hall of Pride recognizing Coach Funk for his contributions as a MHS coach and athletic director.
—

Asbestos removal quote approved

Controlled Asbestos Inc. of Ankeny will complete asbestos removal in the Support Services Center remodeling areas.

The asbestos in contained in ceiling tile glue in the upper levels. Removal will cost $40,000.
—

Project Lead the Way change order approved

The Board approved change orders for the Project Lead the Way renovations at Marshalltown High School totaling $9,994.

The change orders include a combination of additional costs and cost reductions. The largest additions included a drainpipe rerouting, mechanical changes, and the rebuilding of an office space.

Work is scheduled for substantial completion at the end of this month.
—

NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

During Monday’s meeting the Board of Education did a First Reading of the Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive Program for Licensed Teaching Staff, Twelve-Month Secretaries, and Administrators (Policies 314.1, 407.7 and 413.7, respectively).  The Board requested changes be made to clarify deadlines (e.g. “by September 30” instead of “in the first quarter”) and the default status of the program if the Board does not take action by the deadline stated in policy.

All three Early Retirement policies have been rewritten and will return for another First Reading during the Oct. 21 board meeting. First Reading means the policies could be approved that evening if the Board chooses to waive a Second Reading, so individuals wanting to comment on Voluntary Early Retirement are strongly encouraged to attend the Oct. 21 board meeting at 317 Columbus Drive.

The newly revised policies may be viewed on the MCSD website by clicking on the “Staff Resources” tab. Questions about the policies should be directed to Director of Human Resources Lisa Koester, Director of Business Operations Kevin Posekanyor Superintendent of Schools Marvin Wade.
—

PERSONNEL – Click here.

New school board seated, officers elected

Kendall Derby and Bea Niblock are the newest members of the Marshalltown School Board and began their tenure Monday evening.

Derby and Niblock were elected Sept. 10 to fill four-year terms. Jennifer Wilson was reelected to serve four years as well. All three were sworn in Monday.

Sherm Welker was reelected as Board president for another year. Wilson was reelected as vice president.

The board also approved appointments for 2013-2014:

• Secretary/Treasurer: Kevin Posekany
• School Attorney: Rex Ryden, Cartright, Druker & Ryden
• Additional Legal Counsel: Ahlers & Cooney, PC
• Architect of Record: TSP, Inc.

Board members will chose their committee assignments at the next meeting.
—

Facilities Plan approved

The Board approved the updated District Facilities Plan Monday night.

The plan, which outlines construction projects in the district over the next four years, was updated by the Design Advisory Committee to account for projects added after the original plan was written (e.g. Project Lead the Way), add new projects that have since been identified, and amend cost estimates and budgets.

The updated plan totals $26,815,443 in projects, an increase of $9.4 million from the original document. Half of increase comes from new projects, while the other half comes from increased scope of work on current projects.
—

Board looks to sell bonds to fund facilities plan

The Board approved a bid package to sell $10 million in bonds to fund the District facilities plan.

Matt Gillaspie, Senior VP of Piper Jaffray, explained the process to the Board Monday. Because of the current bond market, Gillaspie recommends the District look at a private bank loan. School districts in Iowa can have a long-term debt no larger than 5 percent of the total property valuation. The January 2012 valuation for Marshalltown Community School District was $1.6 billion, making the total allowable debt $82 million. Marshalltown Schools currently have approximately $28 million in long-term debt, leaving a $54 million capacity.

Bids are due by Oct. 7. Since the bank loan option is something new for the district, if they bids that come back are undesirable the early October deadline allows the district time to re-bid through the traditional process before the close of the calendar year.
—

Evirothon team discusses trip to North American contest

MHS Envirothon Team (L to R): Sean Finn, Wynn Tan, Joe Metzger, Adam Willman, Abby Snyder.

The Marshalltown High School Envirothon team has a long history of state and national accolades. During Monday’s School Board meeting four members of the 2013 state champion team told of their latest experience on an international stage, competing in the North American Envirothon in Bozeman, Montana.

“If they become future leaders of the world we’ll have no wars – everyone will be happy.” said Susan Fritzell, MHS Extended Learning Program teacher. “They’re a real testament to the students in Marshalltown Schools.”

The team, comprised of Joe Metzger, Abby Snyder, Wynn Tan, Sean Finn and Adam Willman, placed 11th in the North American competition held Aug. 4-9 at Montana State University. All team members were present at Monday’s meeting except Metzger, who graduated from MHS last May and is now studying at the University of Iowa.

“You know once you hit the top 15 you’re part of an elite group,” Snyder said. The MHS team was among 57 teams from 47 states and 10 Canadian provinces.

To get to the competition, the team drove from Marshalltown in a school van, camping in national parks along the way. They stopped in the Badlands of South Dakota, Big Horn Mountains and Yellowstone in Wyoming before making their way to Bozeman, Montana. The team had spent the year training, studying, and preparing for the competition, which focused on aquatics, forestry, soil, wildlife and the “current events” topic: rangeland management.

“I don’t know how many of you are familiar with rangeland management, but it’s very different from Iowa,” Snyder told the Board.

During their travels the team took time to meet with experts on the topic, as well as hone their skills in the national parks.

“While other people were rushing through the park…we always managed to find the small, secluded area to find what more we could learn from the area,” Willman said.

The actual contest was divided into two sections: a written exam and an oral presentation. The written exam consisted of 50-minute tests with 10-minute breaks in between. The team had to work collaboratively to answer all the questions as thoroughly as possible.

“It’s a very intense 50 minutes,” Snyder said.

The last part of competition is a 20-minute oral presentation. The team works for 8 hours developing a plan to address sustainable rangeland management. They had to design the best plan and make it unique, including an outline, research, implementation, action necessary and timeline.

“We had been training for the past year – if not three for our high school careers,” Snyder said.

In the end their hard work paid off, as the team took first place in the current events exam, fifth place in the oral presentation and fourth place in forestry.

Each team member won a Canon Powershot Camera for placing in the top 15.
—

Support Services remodel bids tabled

The Board voted to table action on the Support Services remodeling after bids for the project came in higher than architect estimates.

The low bid on the project came from Garling Construction and totaled $2,834,000. The architect estimate was $2,592,755, leaving the actual costs 9.3 percent higher than anticipated. Board members noted a trend on recent projects to have these discrepancies. Board President Sherm Welker said technology is the area where the costs most often exceed estimates. He told architect Dave Schulze to talk to district information technology director Jeff Weinberg to figure out how this could be remedied.

Since the District has 30 days to accept or reject a bid, the Board tabled action until the meeting.
—

Change orders approved for Miller project

Change orders totally $4,992 were approved for the Miller Middle School 1957 wing remodeling.

The total sum was actually a total of numerous smaller change orders throughout the project, some adding costs and some deducting costs.
—

NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

By Sherm Welker, President

Tonight our MHS Envirothon team gave a presentation to the Board of their trip this summer to Montana where they competed with 57 teams from across the US and Canada. We are please that our team had a great experience while they camped, hiked, and toured to the event and then presented range management plans and presentations at the event. We are pleased to congratulate our team on an 11th place finish. This is another example of how well prepared our students are here at MHS for life and work in our world. Thank you to the team and staff for your effort to be excellent!
—

NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

During Monday’s meeting the Board of Education completed an Initial Review of the Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive Program for Licensed Teaching Staff, Twelve-Month Secretaries, and Administrators (Policies 314.1, 407.7 and 413.7, respectively).  Board discussion focused solely on reactivation of the Program for the 2014-2015 school year; voluntary early retirement continues to not be an option for the current 2013-2014 school year.

All three Early Retirement policies are scheduled for First Reading during the October 7 board meeting. First Reading means the policies could be approved that evening if the Board chooses to waive a Second Reading, so individuals wanting to comment on Voluntary Early Retirement are strongly encouraged to attend the October 7 board meeting at Fisher Elementary School.

Proposed changes may be viewed on the MCSD website by clicking on the “Staff Resources” tab. Questions about the policies should be directed to Director of Human Resources Lisa Koester, Director of Business Operations Kevin Posekany or Superintendent of Schools Marvin Wade.
—

POLICY

Second Reading

412.3 – Insurance, added paraeducator contract, approved.

First Reading

414.2 – Personal illness, added paraeducator contract, waive second reading.
414.4 – Funerals, added paraeducator contract, waive second reading.
414.8 – Absence Without Pay – Classified, added paraeducator contract, waive second reading.
414.10 – Immediate Family Illness, added paraeducator contract, waive second reading.
414.11 – Personal Leave, added paraeducator contract, waive second reading.

Initial Review

414.12 – Temporary Disability, mark reviewed.
415.1 – Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, mark reviewed.
415.3 – Relations to Pupils and Public, mark reviewed.
415.4 – Classified Staff-Professional Development, mark reviewed.
415.5 – Classified Substitutes, mark reviewed.
407.6, 314.1, 413.7 – Early Retirement policies, proposed changes follow requirements in Iowa Code and would mean the policy is approved in September of a given school year for retirement at the end of the same school year. Changes would take effect for the 2014-2015 school year. Policy will come back for first reading.
—

PERSONNEL – Click here.

Roundhouse project enters bidding process

The Roundhouse renovation project is entering the bid phase as plans move forward for a $9.9 million renovation of the iconic structure.

Representatives from RDG, the architectural firm heading up the project, presented drawings and bid documents to the Board Monday night. Joe Benesh from RDG said drawings are complete and are being printed for contractors.

Plans include remodeling current locker rooms, as well as adding new locker rooms, a team room, conference rooms, offices, a Hall of Pride and additional storage. There will also be a training area, 5,000 square foot fitness area, additional bathrooms, and seating for 3,000 Bobcat fans. New floors, roof, HVAC and electrical infrastructure will also be part of the overall project.

The timeline put forth by CPMI, the firm acting as project manager, aims for exterior work to begin in November of this year. Substantial completion of exterior additions will be completed in May 2014, with the Roundhouse being closed for interior work in June (after graduation). Substantial completion of interior renovations is slated for Nov. 1, 2014, with project completion Dec. 1, 2014.

Bids are expected Oct. 10, 2013, with the Board considering them at its Oct. 21 meeting.
—

Revised AYP figures show progress in schools

The Iowa Department of Education has amended its Adequate Yearly Progress decisions for Marshalltown Schools, resulting in several schools meeting AYP.

Fisher, Hoglan and Rogers elementary schools all met AYP for 2012-2013 according to the updated DOE data released Sept. 5. This change means all elementary schools met AYP mathematics.

“This demonstrates that the work we’re doing is paying off,” said Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement. Pecinovsky presented the updated AYP to the Board, as well as a timeline from when the first data was received (Aug. 4) to when the district was informed there could be changes (Aug. 28).
—

Special Education Service Delivery Plan approved

The Board approved the Special Education Service Delivery Plan, which governs services provided Sept. 15, 2013 to Sept. 15, 2018.

Matt Cretsinger, director of special services, presented the updated plan, which is being reviewed as part of a 5-year cycle required by the Iowa Department of Education. The plan, drafted by a representative committee of parents, administrators, teachers and Area Education Agency staff, was posted on the district website before being approved by Mary Stevens, AEA 267 director of special education.

Changes to the delivery plan include a realignment of the continuum of services to have a single continuum for students ages 3 to 21. There is also an added category for “Early Childhood Services” and addition of special education teachers working with general education teachers through consultation to provide services in the general education classroom. There is also a rubric to evaluate a teacher’s time and efforts in supporting a student with special needs in all settings, a procedure to resolve caseload concerns and details of the evaluation process regarding how often data is shared with teachers and building administrators.
—

Board reviews revised facilities plan

The Board reviewed an update District Facilities Plan Monday night, with plans to bring it back for approval on Sept. 23.

The plan, which outlines construction projects in the district over the next four years, was updated by the Design Advisory Committee to account for projects added after the original plan was written (e.g. Project Lead the Way), add new projects that have since been identified, and amend cost estimates and budgets.

The updated plan totals $26,815,443 in projects, an increase of $9.4 million from the original document. Half of increase comes from new projects, while the other half comes from increased scope of work on current projects.
—

Spread the Words campaign focusing on attendance

In honor of Attendance Awareness Month, Lindsey Upah and Arlene McAtee from Mid-Iowa Community Action came before the Board to discuss the “Every Day Counts” campaign, an initiative of Spread the Words – Read by 3rd focusing on chronic absenteeism in the schools.

Chronic absence is defined as missing 10 percent or 18 days of the school year. Upah and McAtee said their work over the next school year will be focused on reducing the number of students missing 18 days or more through parent education and recognition programs for students. This year the group will continue with its quarterly attendance recognition activities at the elementary schools, which proved popular last year. There are also plans to train preschool classrooms for a Perfectly Punctual Campaign and a presence and school events like conferences, parent nights and registration.

There are also plans to work with parents on understanding the importance of coming to school every day – especially among preschool and kindergarten parents. McAtee says there is often a perception among parents that kindergarten and preschool are just “play time” and not really learning. She says they will work to combat that image.
—

NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

The September 9 board meeting included a report about Attendance Awareness Month from Spread the Words – Read by Third Project Coordinator Lindsey Upah and Mid-Iowa Community Action Executive Director Arlene McAtee. Ms. Upah and Ms. McAtee provided statistics about the impact of chronic absenteeism on achievement and explained the Perfectly Punctual Campaign developed to improve attendance. Marshalltown Schools appreciate Spread the Words – Read by Third for not only addressing issues of school attendance, but also summer learning loss and readiness for kindergarten.
—

NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

Tonight the Board reviewed the updated facilities plan for 2013-2018. With cost increases of materials and labor, along with more scope in many of these projects our funding will be stretched over the next five years and fewer new projects were added to the list of authorized upgrades. As always, we thank the fundraisers for helping expand the funding steam for our projects.

We have many more needs and wants than we have ability to fund them so priorities are given each project by staff, administration, the board, and by the public. We encourage all of you to review the plans for our district and provide feedback on your needs and wants.
—

POLICY

First Reading

411.2 – Classified Employee – Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection, changed to reflect our current procedures, waive second reading.
412.3 – Insurance, paraeducator contract Section 8 needs added.
413.2 – Retirement, mark reviewed.
413.3/E/R – Termination or Suspension of Classified Employees, mark reviewed.

Initial Review

413.6 – Classified Employee Retirement, mark reviewed.
414.1 – Vacation – Classified, mark reviewed.
414.2 – Personal Illness, add paraeducator contract reference.
414.3/E1/E2/R1/R2 – Classified Employee Family and Medical Leave, mark reviewed.
414.4 – Funerals, add paraeducator contract references.
414.6 – Jury Duty, mark reviewed.
414.7 – Military Service, mark reviewed.
414.8 – Absence Without Pay – Classified, add paraeducator contract references.
414.10 – Immediate Family Illness, add paraeducator contract references.
414.11 – Personal Leave, add paraeducator contract references.
—

PERSONNEL – Click here.
—

Rigorous cleaning schedule prepares buildings for school

After several months, 550 gallons of floor wax, and even more elbow grease, 925,460 square feet of school facilities are cleaned ready for the school year.

Pat Hemming, building operations supervisor, gave a status report to the Board Monday night. He said 68 personnel worked from June 3 until Aug. 18 to complete the summer cleaning schedule, the work beginning and ending at Miller Middle School as the 1957 wing was prepared for renovation in June, then prepared for students in August.

Besides the work at Miller, other major summer projects included polishing the terrazzo floors in Anson and Woodbury elementary school hallways and sanding and repainting the Rogers Elementary gym floor.
—

Average Daily Attendance on track with Strategic Action Plan projections

Average daily attendance in 2012-2013 was 94.32 percent, meeting the 94.1 percent target in the Strategic Action Plan.

Lisa Koester, director of human resources and student issues, reported on attendance, noting all six elementary buildings and Lenihan had attendance above 95 percent. Marshalltown High School had attendance at 92.12 percent, while Miller Middle School was at 93.67 percent.

The five-year target in the Strategic Action Plan is 95 percent by the end of the 2014-2015 school year.
—

Board reviews Adequate Yearly Progress report

Initial analysis of Adequate Yearly Progress shows areas of growth and areas that need more focus.

“Yes, we’re making progress,” Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement, told the Board Monday. “We have some areas that need attention. That will be drilled down at the building level with the principals.”

AYP is based on Iowa Assessments scores and is used to identify Schools and Districts In Need of Assistance (SINA, DINA) as part of No Child Left Behind. NCLB legislation requires 100 percent of students nationwide are proficient by 2015. Pecinovsky said steeply increasing requirements in NCLB are pushing more and more schools into SINA and DINA designations. She reported that Area Education Agency 267 saw twice as many schools designated as SINA this year.

Even with increasing requirements in NCLB Marshalltown schools are seeing progress. Several schools are off the SINA list in math. Anson, Fisher and Franklin elementary schools are on the “watch list” in math, meaning they have only missed AYP one year and are not designated as SINA. Hoglan Elementary met AYP in math last year and has been removed from SINA in that category.

“I think we’re doing the right work to continue moving the math progress forward,” Pecinovsky said.

Woodbury Elementary is also on watch for math and met AYP in reading, meaning it is no longer a SINA building.

Pecinovksy said the next steps will be delving deeper into the subgroup identifications and working with principals at the building level to determine what work needs to be done.
—

Work moves forward with district-wide initiatives

All Marshalltown schools are involved in five district initiatives geared toward increasing student achievement and Monday night the Board heard and update on the work in each.

The five initiatives are Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP), Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Response To Intervention and Instruction (RTI), Language/Literacy Framework (LLF) and Common Unit Design (CUD). Buildings are at different levels of implementation for each initiative, though all are in at least year two or three of each, with some in year four of their work.

Elementary buildings and Lenihan are also in year one or two of the Comprehensive Literacy Model (CLM) that fits with the LLF initiative.  This year these buildings will have pilot classrooms and all buildings will have professional earning about CLM structures.

See a full list of the work planned for 2013-2014 in each initiative here.
—

PPEL information meetings scheduled at Miller, MHS

Information sessions about the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) are scheduled Monday, Aug. 26, in the Marshalltown High School library and Thursday, Aug. 29, in the Miller Middle School Library. Both sessions will begin at 5:30pm.

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013, voters in the Marshalltown Community School District will be asked to vote on the renewal (whether to renew) the PPEL program which allows school district across Iowa to collect revenue for specific uses within their district.

In MCSD, PPEL has been used for a number of projects over the course of the years, including:

• Playground resurfacing
• Bobcat Boulevard
• Roof replacements
• Parking lot improvements
• Bus replacements
• Technology infrastructure upgrades
• Classroom remodeling

The levy cannot be used for staff salaries or supplies.

Renewal of the PPEL will not increase property taxes. The district is asking for approval to continue the voter-approved rate that has been in place for the past 10 years so that we may continue to fund maintenance and upgrades to district facilities. The question on the ballot is whether to continue the approved rate that has been in place for the past 10 years.  The funds will be used for maintenance and upgrades to district facilities.  The current rate is $0.67 per $1,000 of taxable property valuation.

The current levy expires June 30, 2016. The voter-approved PPEL program provides approximately $676,000 per year for district upgrades and maintenance.
—

Board maintains previous stance on buses from outside districts

The Board voted down a request from a family wanting buses from another district to enter Marshalltown district boundaries by a vote of 5-2.

The family, who lives on the southwest edge of the Marshalltown district, was seeking allowance for a bus from the Baxter School District to enter Marshalltown boundaries and pick up their two children. They said their reason for requesting it was convenience as both parents worked out of town and Baxter was geographically closer to their new home than Marshalltown.

Several years ago a group open-enrolled to East Marshall requested a similar allowance. State law dictates it’s at the discretion of the local school board to determine if buses from outside districts are allowed. At that time the Board determined it would not allow it.

Two Board members, Jason Jablonski and John Johnson, voted to allow the buses, saying they felt it was in the best interest of the kids. Board President Sherm Welker encouraged the family to consider enrolling in Marshalltown, stating the District offered opportunities for diverse education.
—

NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

Tonight the staff reported to the Board on the some education indicators that show our district is advancing as planned. The business plan sets goals for each of the next 3 years so that we can monitor progress and move resources where they will can have the largest impact on student achievement here in Marshalltown.

We all know and expect that students in the classrooms achieve at a higher rate than do those that are absent from class. Our attendance last year was 94.32 percent and our goal was 94.1 percent. Our goal for attendance this next school year (2013/14) is at 94.5 percent and the following year (2014/15) is 95 percent

We also have an increase in the number of areas where adequate yearly progress was achieved in our district. This measure is from the No Child Left Behind legislation and tracks each district and buildings progress. While many districts saw an increase in the number of areas of concern, Marshalltown has decreased the number of concerns and will continue to move forward for our students.

We can accomplish our mutual goals with a good plan, use of data on progress, and being excellent in our pursuit of the goals. We have 5 district Initiatives that are in various stages of implementation throughout MCSD and are on track to complete the full measure as scheduled by 2015.

Thank you for your support for our administration, staff and students. We are dedicated to continual improvement and make Marshalltown, “the district of choice.”
—

NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

With school starting Aug. 20, a significant portion of the August 19 board meeting was devoted to a discussion about facilities. The Board of Education expressed appreciation for the large number of certified, classified and contracted staff who worked tirelessly to get the schools ready for the first day of school. It was also reported that the electric service upgrade work at Marshalltown High School continues and will not interfere with the start of school, the remodeled portion of Miller Middle School may now be used, and Project Lead the Way classes will be taught beginning the first day of school (though the Biomedical and Engineering labs will not be available until Oct. 11).

Also during the meeting, the Board of Education made plans to have one board meeting per month in the schools, as per the following schedule:

• Oct. 7, 2013 – Fisher Elementary School
• Nov. 4, 2013 – Franklin Elementary School
• Dec. 2, 2013 – Hoglan Elementary School
• Jan. 6, 2014 – Rogers Elementary School
• Feb. 3, 2014 – Anson Elementary School
• March 3, 2014 – Woodbury Elementary School
• April 7, 2014 – Lenihan Intermediate School
• May 5, 2014 – Miller Middle School
• June 2, 2014 – Marshalltown High School

Finally, The Board of Education scheduled meetings to explain the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) that is on the September 10 election ballot. These information meetings will be Monday, Aug. 26, in the Marshalltown High School library and Thursday, Aug. 29, in the  Miller Middle School Library. Both sessions will begin at 5:30pm.
—

PERSONNEL – Click here.
—

Digital Conversion on schedule

The District is moving forward with its Digital Conversion initiative and the work continues to gain momentum.

Digital Conversion is the initiative to bring Samsung Chromebooks into classrooms and integrate technology into learning. In January 2014 all Grade 7-12 science classrooms and all third and fourth grade classrooms will be outfitted with Chromebooks for students, with access to a wide variety of learning tools.

Jeff Weinberg, director of information technology, told the board the infrastructure necessary to make Digital Conversion possible is nearly complete, with the new fiber optic network in place since February and work on the dense wireless network 95 percent complete.

Weinberg reported that Monday afternoon the District increased its Internet capacity from 60MB to 200MB.

“It grows year-to-year anyway, but this is a big jump,” Weinberg said.

The District purchased 1,500 Chromebooks and will spend the first semester training staff and preparing for implementation in second semester. Dr. Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement, said if teachers feel prepared for early implementation they’ll have the opportunity to do so.

“We can use technology as a way to personalize learning,” said Superintendent Marvin Wade. He told the Board the District is continuing to explore options for funding more technology and increasing access, including a possible application for Race to the Top funding.
—

Special Education Committee approved

The Board approved a committee of teachers, AEA 267 representatives, and parents to provide feedback on the District Special Education Service Delivery Plan.

The plan, which is reviewed every five years, will be later posted online for a period of public comment before the committee makes final recommendations to the Board.
—

Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL)

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013, voters in the Marshalltown Community School District will be asked to vote on the renewal of the PPEL program which allows school district across Iowa to collect revenue for specific uses within their district.

In MCSD, PPEL has been used for a number of projects over the course of the years, including:

–       Playground resurfacing

–       Bobcat Boulevard

–       Roof replacements

–       Parking lot improvements

–       Bus replacements

–       Technology infrastructure upgrades

–       Classroom remodeling

The levy cannot be used for staff salaries or supplies.

Renewal of the PPEL will not increase property taxes. The district is asking for approval to continue the voter-approved rate that has been in place for the past 10 years so that we may continue to fund maintenance and upgrades to district facilities. The current rate is $0.67 per $1,000 of taxable property valuation.

The current levy expires June 30, 2016. The voter-approved PPEL program provides approximately $676,000 per year for district upgrades and maintenance.
—

NOTES FROM THE BOARD

By Sherm Welker, president

MCSD has requested a vote on renewal of the PPEL for 2016-2026 during our upcoming school district board election. The PPEL (Physical Plant Equipment Levy) has been in place for many years and allows the district to purchase buses, equipment, and pay for building maintenance and improvements (such as new roofs, door replacement, window repairs, etc). Currently the district receives 67 cents per $1000 of valuation on property within the district. We are requesting the same amount of PPEL be extended so that we can provide quality facilities / equipment and continue with district improvements. The election and vote is scheduled for Sept. 10, 2013, and MCSD will have several information meetings to discuss the district plan for physical improvements at those meetings. We will announce the location and schedule at a later date and appreciate the feedback and comments from the constituents that can attend.
—

NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

The board meeting included a discussion about conducting a review of MCSD facilities to ensure highest priority needs will be met in the near future and that cost estimates are updated to current market rates.  It is anticipated that this review/revision can be completed quickly (by Sept. 23, 2013) because a great deal of work was already done for the long-term Capital Improvement Project List in July 2012 and the short-term Facilities Plan approved by the Board on Oct. 15, 2012. We look forward to this “management audit” as an important component of our overall strategy for continuous facility improvement.
—

Policy

First Reading

412.1 Salary Schedule, changed to add paraprofessional, approved.

Initial Review

411.2 Classified Employee – Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection, change to say all applications are made online.
412.3 Insurance, initial review.
412.4 Annuities – Classified, mark reviewed.
413.2 Retirement, correct policy reference numbers.
413.3/E/R Termination or Suspension of Classified Employees, include paraeducator contract.
—

Personnel – Click here. 

View PDF version here.

K-3 Innovative Grants for At-Risk Students awarded to four schools 

Iowa Department of Education grants totalling $280,736 will assist with funding summer programs and other educational supports at four elementary schools next year.

Anson, Hoglan, Rogers and Woodbury elementary schools will each receive $70,184 in funding. The four buildings were eligible to apply for the K-3 Innovative Grant because of Free and Reduced Meal numbers.

Anson and Hoglan will use the funds to create summer programs similar to Rogers University. Rogers, which has separate grant funding for its university program, will use the Innovative Grant to fund a certified teacher to provide additional literacy support during the school day.

Woodbury Elementary will continue to use grant funding to support bilingual staff in kindergarten and first grades with increased instructional opportunities for Spanish-speaking and English Language Learners.

“Once you have an opportunity to participate in this grant the history would tell us you have a very good opportunity to receive it again,” said Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement.
—

Six CTE strands offered at MHS

Marshalltown High School offers six strands of Career and Technical Education (CTE) as defined by the Iowa Department of Education, but the programs and course offerings go far beyond the areas defined by the state.

Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement, reported on CTE programs as part of a Strategic Action Plan update to the Board Monday evening. She told the Board MHS offers a number of courses that fall under some of the CTE departments and designations, but may not fit into a specific strand as defined by the DOE. An example of that is Financial Literacy, a Business Department course that teaches essential 21st Century skills, but doesn’t fit into the defined business strand. Other CTE strands include manufacturing engineering, drafting and design, family and consumer science, construction trades and marketing.

Project Lead the Way, which offers courses in engineering and biomedical studies, also doesn’t fall under the state definition of CTE offerings because the teacher is certified in science, not CTE.

Last year MHS had 454 students considered CTE “concentrators”, meaning they had completed three semesters of coursework in one CTE strand. There were 57 students considered “completers”, meaning they’d completed six semesters of CTE classes.

Pecinovsky said the next steps for the District include clarifying the purpose of the CTE Advisory Committee, which is made up of parents, students, teachers and administrators. The committee will provide recommendations to the Board about CTE programs.
—

Strong partnerships evident in MCSD

District administration provided updates on Strategy 4 of the Strategic Action Plan Monday evening.

Strategy 4 focus on strong partnerships, looking to “collaborate with parents, community and business leaders to support increased student achievement.” A collaborative attitude is strong in Marshalltown, according to administrators, who cited many examples including the Teach Them to Swim program with Lenihan Intermediate and the Community Y, work with Iowa State University to develop STEM programming (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), work with the University of Northern Iowa Jacobson Center to improve literacy and create demonstration classrooms in every elementary school, and the continued work of the Marshalltown Business Education Alliance.

Much of this work will continue in 2013-2014, as the MBEA begins examining the Strategic Action Plan for both MCSD and Marshalltown Community College and the STEM implementation gets underway with Project Lead the Way. Other work to begin in 2013-2014 are the demonstration classrooms set up through work with the Jacobson center, investigation into the possibility of online payment and registration systems for families, and the development of a DVD highlighting Marshalltown Schools.
—

PLTW classroom bid awarded

The Board voted 5-1 to approve work on Project Lead the Way classrooms at Marshalltown High School.

Hay Construction will complete the project, which will cost $540,600. This was the second time the project has gone to bid. The first time bids returned significantly higher than architect estimates. The project was retooled and sent to bid again, though the second round also produced higher bids than anticipated.

Board Member Jason Jablonski cited concern with these discrepancies, saying he couldn’t vote to approve the project unless he knew money was available to fund it. He also cited concern with the project not being in the District Facilities Plan.

The Board agreed to meet in August to review the Facilities Plan, including updating cost estimates to align with current economic influences.

Substantial completion is slated for mid-October.
—

NOTES FROM THE BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

This evening the Board was given the “state of the district transportation department” report. This past year, MCSD operated 95 vehicles, traveled 100,000 miles, performed daily services on 39 different routes, and transported teams, clubs, and field trips for over 2500 special events. We value their experience, professional driving abilities, and thank all of you for the safe transport of our most valuable assets here at MCSD.

In late May of 2013, we experienced flooding events that limited our ability to transport north of the Iowa River. Many of the road and bridge closings were occurring on a daily, hourly, and minute by minute basis and we thank the City, County, and Iowa DOT for helping us keep safe travel at the paramount of our efforts. The staff, students, and families were also very adaptable with each changing condition and notification. We will have an emergency plan ready for the upcoming year should road and bridge closures hamper our bus routes in the future. More details will be announced as the new school term approaches.
—

NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

This evening’s meeting included reports about increased opportunities that will be available to our students during the 2013-2014 school year. Project Lead the Way will be expanded into Marshalltown High School and elementary schools will be able to increase services for at-risk students because MCSD was able to obtain over $280,000 in additional grant funding. The Board also heard about a critical component for the success of our students – efforts to increase collaboration between the school district and the Marshalltown community. These efforts -and others that are already underway- will allow us to surpass the successes of 2012-2013 during the coming year. I hope everyone is having an enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing staff and students return in August.
—

Contracts approved for paras, B&G

The Board ratified contracts with district paraprofessionals and buildings and grounds Monday evening.

The para contract includes a new wage scale based on job classification and years of service. All existing fringe benefits remain unchanged. The total package increase comes to 3.55 percent, or $108,000.

The B&G contract there will be no regular wage increases, but two additional steps will be added to the wage scale and the amounts of each step will be increased, ranging from 10 cents per hour to 40 cents per hour.

Health insurance will remain the same, with District paying 100 percent of individual and 68 percent of family coverage. The total package increase for the B&G contract is 3.6 percent.
—

POLICY

Initial Review

411.1 Definition of Classified Personnel, marked reviewed, mark reviewed
411.2 Classified Employee – Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection, tabled until Aug. 5
411.7 Evaluation, mark as reviewed
411.9 Terms of Employment, mark as reviewed
412.1 Salary Schedule, change to include paraprofessionals and bus drivers/monitors
—

PERSONNEL – Click here.
—

View PDF version here.

Garza named next Woodbury principal

Anel Garza de Sandoval will be the next principal at Woodbury Elementary beginning July 1, 2013.

Read more about Garza on Bobcats Making Headlines.
—

Board approves annual progress goals

The Board approved annual progress goals for 2013-2014 focused on increasing the number of students attaining one year’s growth in one year’s time.

The goals, drafted by the School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC), focus individually on math, science and reading tests on the Iowa Assessment. The 2012-2013 goals focused on increasing the percentage of students attaining proficiency on the text. Goals are measured at fourth, eighth and eleventh grades. The District met the projected gains in all grade levels for reading, in 8th grade for math, and in 11th grade for science (there is no 4th grade science component).

Changing the goal focus to growth shifts the goals to encompass all students and aligns with the Strategic Action Plan.
—

Board reviews kindergarten readiness data

Pecinovsky

Spring assessment of District preschool students show 93.9 percent met the social-emotional readiness criteria for kindergarten.

The 228 preschoolers were evaluated using the GOLD Assessment, given to preschool students in the fall and spring. Previously the assessment data was calculated manually, but recent changes to the GOLD Assessment have put it online and added more efficient report capabilities.

The spring 2013 data shows 94.7 percent of preschoolers demonstrating kindergarten readiness in physical-fine motor skills, 85.9 percent in language, 89 percent in cognitive abilities, 85.9 percent in literacy and 62.8 percent in mathematics.

Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent of student achievement, said in 2013-2014 preschool educators will have quarterly job-alike meetings and monthly program meetings to allow more time to work together and review the implementation of the Creative Curriculum. There will also be special professional learning geared toward increasing kindergarten readiness among preschoolers.
—

Board approves 2013-2014 salaries

The Board approved salary increases for several groups Monday night.

The Board ratified a settlement with the Marshalltown Education Association that adds $675 on the BA base salary, increasing it to $30,815 (a 2.2 percent increase). A new teacher starting at BA Step 5 on the salary schedule will make $35,745, a $783 increase over 2012-2013.

The total package increase for the MEA is 3.59 percent, including mandatory IPERS increases and teachers moving on the salary schedule. The increase will cost $786,600.

The Board also approved a 3 percent salary increase for District administrators and a 3.5 percent increase for district supervisors, Learning Supports Specialists, and those falling into an “other” employment category. Two exceptions were business office manager Jody Brintnall and district server specialist Mark Krukow, who received 5.5 percent and 6 percent respectively.

Six administrators also received one-time salary increases totaling $35,200 in an effort to increase the compensation for the lowest-paid administrators. Vicki Vopava, Tim Holmgren, Amy Williams and Matt Cretsinger will receive $6,000 each and Deb Holsapple and Dr. Liz Jurgensen will receive $5,600 each. Savings from administrator retirements funded these increases.

The total increase to the district for these groups (administrators, supervisors, LSS and other) came to 1.7 percent over 2012-2013 expenditures.

The Board also voted 5-1 to approve a new contract for Superintendent Marvin Wade through June 30, 2015. This included the same 3 percent increase as other District administrators.
—

Dairy, produce bids awarded for 2013-2014

The Board approved renewing the bid with Hiland Dairy (formerly Roberts Dairy) to supply milk in the 2013-2014 school year.

In 2011-2012 the District approved a milk bid from Roberts Dairy that included a possible two annual renewals, with the approval Monday night being the second of those renewals.

The contract with Loffredo Fresh Product Company of Des Moines was also renewed.
—

PPEL extension slated for Sept. 10 ballot

Extending the District’s Physical Plan and Equipment Levy (PPEL) will head to the voters Sept. 10, 2013.

The current tax levy is $0.67 per one thousand dollars of taxable valuation and will expire June 30, 2016. The Board approved asking voters to extend the PPEL at the current tax rate for another 10 years. PPEL funds can be used for improving grounds, construction of schools and buildings and purchase of transportation equipment.

The question will be on the next regular school board election ballot.
—

MHS PLTW remodeling goes to bid

Marshalltown High School’s remodeling for Project Lead the Way is heading to bid for the second time after the initial round of bids came in too high above projections.

The project includes remodeling the existing Student Resource Center into a bio-medical lab and part of an existing area adjacent to the Manual Drafting classroom into an engineering lab.

Total anticipated project costs are $409,317.13.
—

NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

During its June 3 meeting, the Board demonstrated fiscal responsibility by rejecting all bids for the MHS Project Lead the Way (PLTW) remodel because the bids came in significantly above anticipated costs.  The Board also directed district staff and the Architect of Record to return later with another plan for PLTW.  This evening, Architect David Schulze presented a new proposal to remodel classroom spaces for PLTW Biomedical and Engineering labs.  The Board approved the revised project and directed Mr. Schulze to proceed with the public bid process.  Mr. Schulze’s aggressive revised project schedule includes a substantial completion date of Oct. 11, 2013, so PLTW is still a course offering for first semester of the 2013-2014 school year – with classes temporarily taught in other MHS spaces until the labs become available mid-October.  These actions demonstrate the Board’s continuing commitment to implementing innovative programs while also maintaining the district’s strong financial standing.
—

NOTES FROM THE BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

This evening the Board ratified the negotiated agreements with the MEA (Marshalltown Education Association) aka Teachers Union, and with the Administration group. Both groups received and average pay increase and those increases will be funded with the 2% State funded increase. The settlements were well above the amount of increase we received from the state, but we made cuts in our budget earlier this year to offset the increased costs. Thank you to all parties in reaching an amicable solution.
—

POLICY

First Reading

409.3 Licensed Employee Family and Medical Leave, updated legal references, waive second reading

Initial Review

409.7 Licensed Employee Military Service, mark reviewed
409.8 Absence Without Pay – Licensed, mark reviewed
410.1 Substitute Teachers, mark reviewed
410.7 Exchange Teachers, mark reviewed
—

PERSONNEL – Click here (PDF) and here (PDF).
—

Suspensions, expulsions down in district

Suspensions and expulsions decreased in 2012-2013 according to data compiled after the close of the school year.

Human Resources Director Lisa Koester presented the numbers Monday night as part of a regular report on Strategic Action Plan progress.

In 2012-2013 there were 2,609 in-school suspensions, down from 2,839 in 2011-2012. Out-of-school suspensions decreased from 424 in 2011-2012 to 263 in 2012-2013 and there were no expulsions.

The decreases in these three areas meet and exceed the projected decreases in the district Strategic Action Plan.
—

Schools strive to create safe, supportive learning environment

Student Support Teams are just one component of the work district-wide to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

Tullis

Matt Tullis, director of equity and learning supports, presented an update on this component of the Strategic Action Plan Monday evening. Some of the work related to this strategic was implemented a few years ago, such as a safety and security audit. That initial work at evaluating district needs provided the baseline information to implement future work.

Current work includes Student Support Teams in each building. These teams meet regularly to identify students who are experiencing barriers to learning, communicate with families and connect them with appropriate services. They also follow up with students and monitor progress.

Connection to those services is also a key component of this strategy, which includes maintaining strong partnerships with community-based agencies that provide counseling and mental health services.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is also being implemented in every building with training and support from Area Education Agency 267. Tullis noted the recent Department of Education site visited cited this as a strength.

Tullis reported results from the Iowa Youth Survey that showed an overall decrease in instances of students being bullied in 2012 compared to 2011.

Much of the work in this area has been facilitated through the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative, a four-year, $5.6 million grant awarded in July 2009. Next year the district will be in a fifth extended year of the grant, which will officially end June 20, 2014. After that time the District will no longer have Learning Supports Specialists employed in every school. Tullis says at that time other District staff will need to take over the work done by LSS. Much of the work completed by LSS through the grant has been establishing the infrastructure for services, which will aid in the transition. The District will continue working with community partners and service providers to make sure student needs are met.
—

Board rejects construction bids

The Board rejected several construction bids Monday night that came in significantly higher than expectations.

The cost for re-roofing the Roundhouse received one bid from Academy Roofing and Sheet Metal for $709,000, nearly $300,000 over the estimated budget. The cost for Project Lead the Way classroom remodeling came in near $1 million. Construction estimates were $335,000.

Architect Dave Schulze told the Board he will work on new plans to cut costs and hopes to bring the cost of the PLTW project down to $400,000. The Roundhouse roof will either be packaged with other components of the renovation of simply bid again at a later date.
—

NOTES FROM THE BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

Tonight the Board was presented with data for our discipline issues for the past school year. We have achieved the goals outlined in our strategic plan and commend the staff for their diligence. Part of our success must come by having a successful environment for student achievement and discipline is one of the major factors.

Last week we had storm events that caused some of our students and families difficulties due to transportation issues caused by road closures and regional flooding. This has happened 3 times in the last 20 years but twice in the last 5 years. The District will be working on an emergency plan that can be enacted for future events such as this. When this happens in the future, the plan for closures, delays, and instruction on what we will be doing will be posted on the District website, and released to the local radio stations as early as possible. We will also contact the regional TV stations, but have very limited control on how and when they may announce those plans. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Have a great summer!
—

Personnel – Click here.

View PDF version here.

Mechdyne Corporation in Marshalltown donated $5,000 toward Project Lead the Way at Marshalltown High School. Representatives presented a check to the Board of Education at Monday’s meeting.

Rogers University returns, expands this summer

Rogers University will begin its third installment in June, this year serving students from the Rogers Elementary neighborhood entering preschool through sixth grade.

“It’s really far more unique than just a summer school,” said Dr. Mick Jurgensen, principal at Rogers Elementary. He said the program takes the idea of the “university” to heart, with teachers known as “professors” and kids having majors and minors.

A 21st Century Learning Center Grant secured by Mid-Iowa Community Action funds Rogers University and a network of community agencies and organizations provide support and enrichment for students. Some of this summer’s activities include programs with SATUCI and the Community Y, the summer reading program at Marshalltown Public Library, and a drama component organized by the Orpheum Theater Center.

“We have a climate where kids are interested and willing to learn,” Jurgensen said.

Preschool students have a two-week program that begins June 10. K-3 students have a six-week program running June 10-July 19. For this first time this year students in grades 4-6 residing in the Rogers neighborhood will participate in a 4-week program June 24-July 19. Students will participate in a variety of activities, including broadcasting and drafting lessons through Marshalltown Community College, service learning at the Iowa Veterans Home and work with Iowa State University.
—

Art students find success after MHS

Before she retired, Marshalltown High School art teacher Julie Bousum decided to see how many of her former students she could track down. She wanted to know what they had done with their lives and if their paths included the lessons learned in art classes.

The results were overwhelming.

Bousum shared the results of her search with the Board Monday, which included pages of names of MHS alum in every facet of the art world. Some are art directors, some graphic designers, some art educators. Others were currently enrolled in prestigious art and design programs across the country. All said their time with the MHS art department shaped their personal and professional lives.
—

Classroom engagement increases, falls short of Strategic Plan projections

While classroom engagement increased in 2012-2013 compared to the previous school year, the increase didn’t meet the projections in the Strategic Action Plan.

Engagement is measured through Instructional Practices Inventory, a set of strategies for profiling student engagement in six categories, with 1 being “complete disengagement” and 6 being “student active engaged learning”.  This data helps teachers assess and enhance their teaching process to increase engagement and with it student achievement.

In 2011-2012 the district saw 86.46 percent of observations scored in the 3-6 range. In 2012-2013 that number increased to 88.3 percent. While the number increased, it fell short of the 92 percent projection in the Strategic Action Plan.

Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement, told the Board the District will continue organizing IPI data for building-level analysis, as well as building a problem identification and solution process. Dr. Jerry Valentine, the foremost authority on the IPI process, will be conducting training in the District this fall as well.
—

NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Among other things, tonight’s board meeting included review of financial and academic accountability measures. Just as metrics (e.g. Solvency and Day’s Net Cash ratios) convey the financial condition of our district, the Indicators of the Strategic Action Plan allow us to monitor the academic condition of MCSD – recognizing that progress on these ten Indicators is a big deal because attendance, achievement and the other Indicators are important for the success of our students.

While holding us accountable, our Board also acknowledges there is much more to MCSD than the numbers being reported. The Board appreciates the complexity of 21st century education. Each board member understands that every child and adult is unique, and that schools must often address non-academic needs as a precondition for the academic success of many of our students. Just this evening, this “awareness of the bigger picture” was demonstrated through board member comments about a broad array of topics, including Art, Athletics, Band, Healthy US Schools Challenge, World Languages (Chinese), Four Oaks, Project Lead the Way, Rogers University, Promise Neighborhood, Net High, Marshalltown Learning Academy, and Spread the Words – Read by Third!

As mentioned in the last issue of The Board Report, continuous improvement is something all Bobcats can expect to see from your Marshalltown Community School District – knowing that our Board values formal -and informal- indicators that we are meeting the diverse needs of our students, families and community.
—

PERSONNEL – Click here.
—