The Board Report

The school board met in a special session on August 11, 2016 to approve personnel hires. The meeting was held to approve the hiring of several of the new teachers who will be reporting for new teacher orientation on August 15, said Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte.

To view the personnel items approved, click here.

Note: Director of Human Resources Anthony Spurgetis pulled Joseph Doyen (Miller art) off the list of hires to be approved.

The next regular meeting of the school board will be at 5 p.m. on Monday, August 15 in district offices.

The board also invites everyone to an open house to meet new school administrators from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16 in the team room of the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse. For more information on the open house, click here.

Open House
There will be an open house to meet the several new administrators in the Marshalltown Community School District from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on August 16 in the team room of the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse. For more information on this event, click here.

New MHS Activities/Athletics Director Rollie Ackerman talks to the board during the August 1 meeting. Also pictured at the table, from left, is new Miller Associate Principal David Glenn, new Miller Principal Pat Rial and new Buildings and Grounds Director Brett Purvis.

New Administrator/Director Introductions
Several new administrators and directors introduced themselves at the board meeting on August 1 including Rollie Ackerman, David Glenn, Pat Rial, Brett Purvis, Anthony Spurgetis and Dr. Theron Schutte.
Activities/Athletics Director Ackerman said he is planning a fall sports kickoff with team scrimmages on August 19.
Glenn, the new associate principal at Miller Middle School, said his immediate goal will be to continue the work which has been started, especially with standards based grading and supporting PBIS.
Purvis comes from the Iowa Valley Community College District and is the new director of buildings and grounds. “I look forward to serving you,” Purvis said.
Pat Rial, new principal at Miller Middle School, comes from the associate principal post at Miller. He said project based learning and standards based grading will continue to be a focus.
“I’m excited to build on the positive relationships I’ve had at Miller,” Rial said.
Anthony Spurgetis, new director of human resources, arrived from Des Moines Schools.
“Very excited to be here, very excited about our new admin team,” Spurgetis said.
New Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte said his welcome has been “unbelievable” in the community.
Dr. Schutte said he is excited to move forward this fall with crafting a renewed strategic plan for the district.

Personnel
For personnel items approved by the board, click here. Spurgetis said one hire on this list, John Pelzer, has decided not to take the assistant football coach position.

Woodbury Teacher Librarian Sue Cahill, left, reports on the findings of the continuous learning calendar committee to the board. Also pictured giving the report at the table, from left, is Arlene McAtee, Karina Hernandez and Jenny Fisher.

Continuous Learning Calendar Committee Recommendation
Arlene McAtee and other members of the continuous learning calendar committee presented to the board including Sue Cahill, Jenny Fisher and Karina Hernandez.
Several other committee members were also in attendance.
The 18-member committee spent more than 14 months looking at the possibility of a continuous learning calendar or a balanced calendar in Marshalltown.
The majority of the committee (80 percent) recommended MCSD should move from a 12 week summer break to an 8 week summer break to help cut summer learning loss.
The committee also recommended the following: that the change be made gradually, to commit to the alternative calendar for no less than three years, intersessions created through an additional break time and some of the summer break be used in whole or in part for remediation and enrichment, have baseline data and measure changes over time.
McAtee said the committee members were all in agreement that the district consider having a broader community dialogue to get community input on this potential change.
The board had several questions for members of the committee regarding their research, which was extensive with school districts that have implemented a balanced calendar out of state. No current Iowa school district is on a balanced calendar though some have certain buildings on a type of calendar like this.
Dr. Schutte gave some background on a school that used a balanced calendar in Bettendorf.
“It most helps a challenged demographic population,” Schutte said.
Dr. Schutte asked about whether this calendar is feasible at the state level, according to Iowa Code.
McAtee said they talked with legislative advisors and weren’t told exactly that they couldn’t do this.
“We were given the impression that it was possible to do this,” McAtee said.
The board thanked the calendar committee for their many months of work and meetings.

Next step
Board President Bea Niblock said the next step is for the board to take this information and work with the central office cabinet to provide for focus groups at the community level. President Niblock said there is a need to investigate together and move out in the community for a broader community perspective on this issue before making any decision to pursue this type of calendar.

To view the report from the committee, click here.

Operations/Maintenance Report
New Buildings and Grounds Director Brett Purvis gave a brief update on his department as we are three weeks away from the start of school on August 23.
“We look very capable of hitting all of our goals,” Purvis said as they get ready for the start of school.
Purvis said he is working to get the grounds of the schools looking better.
“We kind of like to pick up the curb appeal,” Purvis said of the appearance around schools.

Board Policies
204.6 – Notice of Board Meetings – Marked at reviewed, check on legal reference
204.7 – Quorum for Meetings – Marked as reviewed
204.8 – Rules of Order – Marked as reviewed
204.9 – Agenda and Order of Regular Business Meetings – Marked as reviewed
204.10 – Community Participation in Board Meetings – Marked as reviewed

From Board President Bea Niblock
“The board had the opportunity to hear from the continuous learning calendar committee at Monday’s board meeting. The committee, made up of educators and community people, had worked for 14 months to interview school districts which used the continuous calendar model and to do the necessary research on summer learning loss and other pertinent topics.
The recommendation, from the majority of the committee, was to encourage MCSD to move from a 12 week summer break to an 8 week summer break. This would create short intersessions during the school year to be used for remediation and enrichment. It was recommended that the change be made gradually and methodically.
The board accepted the committee’s research and data and agreed to work with the Central Office cabinet to further investigate the possibility for such a move in the district. This would include community focus groups to gather the impressions and opinions of a broader segment of the community. Watch for further information on this process from the MCSD Board of Education.” – Bea Niblock

Rogers Elementary Principal Dr. Mick Jurgensen, left, recognizes Karina Hernandez from Mid-Iowa Community Action during the July 18 board meeting. Jurgensen said Hernandez is very dedicated to work in the schools in several different programs.

Recognitions
Karina Hernandez from Mid-Iowa Community Action was recognized by the school board and district. Hernandez is very active in several of the schools year-round and this summer leads Rogers University and the Munch and More programs. She also is involved in the Marshalltown High School 4-H Club, Spread the Words- Read by Third initiative and more.
“She is just everywhere in the school district and deserved this recognition,” said Rogers Elementary School Principal Dr. Mick Jurgensen. “We are much stronger with her support.”
Hernandez said being around youth is her passion.
“I’m thankful for being around what I like to do,” Hernandez said.

Personnel
For personnel items approved by the board, click here.
Of the hires approved by the board was Dave Glenn, the new associate principal at Miller Middle School, who was in attendance at the meeting.
“We are very excited to have him come on our administrative team,” said Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte.

Director of Special Services Matt Cretsinger talks to the board about the Extended Learning Program (XLP) alongside XLP teachers Deb Christenson, center, and Nicole Holman

Extended Learning Program (XLP)
Director of Special Services Matt Cretsinger led this presentation and was assisted by district elementary XLP teachers Nicole Holman and Deb Christenson.
Cretsinger said the Extended Learning Program will now go by the acronym XLP to not be confused with English Language Proficiency.
The XLP Program works to support accelerated students in a variety of ways and serves 5 percent of the students in the district for a total of 300. Cretsinger said the district will look to recruit a more diverse student population into the XLP program to better reflect the district’s demographics after a memo from the Office of Civil Rights and the Department of Justice.
Conversation was held around the board wanting to grow the XLP program and ways to look at funding to allow for more participation.
To view the presentation document, click here.

Review Board Calendar
Board President Bea Niblock gave the board a printed copy of the board calendar as it relates to a board policy. This calendar lists proposed annual agenda items and is the policy 204.9 R-1. The board approved minor changes to the policy.

Food Service Report
Director of Food Service Lynn Large gave a report on the summer meals program and a look ahead to new menu items for the fall. The summer meals program served on average 656 kids a day in June and 491 students a day in July

Lynn Large

“We’ve had a great summer,” Large said.

New additions for the menu for the fall include: tamales (due to Miller and MHS student request), extended salad offerings for students in the cafeteria and for staff to order and a new cookie.

Large said partnerships with a local farm and Iowa Choice Harvest will bring more fresh food to the district.

Large has a goal of increasing participation in the lunch program for MHS students this school year. She said they are trying new ideas such as a “grab and go” lunch option with deli wraps, sandwiches and new salads in a box. A tailgate style lunch with a grill at the front of  the building is also being considered.

Food Service Contracts for 2016-17
Large presented five contracts up for renewal by the board.

1. Renewal of Contract with Loffredo Fresh Produce Inc.

2. Renewal of Contract with Martin Brothers Distributing

3. Pizza Bid:  Contract award to NPC International (dba Pizza Hut) and to Iowa Pizza Co. (dba Domino’s)

4.  Milk Contract renewed year two (2016-2017 and summer program) with Hiland Dairy

5.  Agreement between MCSD and Nurtrislice, Inc. for Nutrislice Software Services.

The board approved the foodservice contracts for 2016-17.

Roundhouse Resolution for Final Acceptance and Closing Final Project Costs
Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz proposed this resolution on the final acceptance and closing final project costs with Dean Snyder Construction for Phase 1 of the Roundhouse. The board approved the resolution.

Board Policies
201.8 – Board Vacancies – Approved policy as presented, waived second reading.
203.5 – Comprehensive School Improvement Advisory Committee – Marked as reviewed
203.6 – Legal Counsel – One word added to policy, marked as reviewed
203.7 – Administration in Absence of Policy – Change typo at top, marked as reviewed
203.9 – Gifts to Board of Directors – Marked as reviewed
203.10 – Board Self-Evaluation – Marked as reviewed.

Board members report
Board Vice President Janelle Carter would like to plan an open house for the public and staff to have a meet and greet with the several new administrators in the district. The board members were receptive to this and one will be planned, possibly in mid-August. Look for more information on this open house in the coming weeks.

From Board President Bea Niblock
“We’ve heard of Christmas in July, but we don’t usually hear “Happy New Year!”
But, July is truly a month of beginnings for a school district. It is the beginning of the contract year and the fiscal year. And with that beginning, we had the opportunity to welcome new people to the district at last night’s board meeting.
Dr. Theron Schutte, Dr. Lisa Stevenson, Anthony Spurgetis, Pat Rial, David Glenn, Brett Purvis, and Rollie Ackerman all join the administrative team. And many certified and classified staff members join the MCSD family, as well.
As Joyce Meyer, author and speaker, says “Don’t be afraid of change. Because it is leading you to a new beginning.”
And so, we begin the 2016-2017 school year. Welcome aboard to many new faces, and welcome back to our old and trusted friends.” – Bea Niblock

The MCSD Board of Education held a special meeting on June 23, 2016. After an exempt session, the board approved the following items in open session:

Secretarial staff compensation – The board approved a 3.22 percent salary package increase. Of this increase, 1.9 percent is salary alone.

Administrative staff compensation – The board approved a salary package increase of 3.4 percent, of which 2.38 percent is salary alone.

Stipend – The board approved a $2,500 stipend for Director of Business Operations Brian Bartz for additional duties he took on during the superintendent transition process.

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

Personnel

Dr. Lisa Stevenson

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

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

Brett Purvis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personnel items
For personnel items, click here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Launa Snyder, left, and Nicole Gaughan

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

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

For personnel items approved by the board, click here.

New Human Resources Director

Anthony Spurgetis

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

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

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

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

Appointment of Superintendent

Dr. Theron Schutte

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personnel
For personnel items, click here.

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

Shedd Aquarium, Chicago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Personnel items, click here.

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

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

Jacy Large 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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