The Board Report

View PDF version here.

District works to graduate more students on time

While it’s too early to calculate the actual graduation rate for 2013, district administrators told the Board they are working hard to ensure more students earn a Marshalltown High School diploma in four years and the data so far is promising.

In the first semester at MHS attendance increased over the same period last year, with fewer in-school and out-of-school suspensions. Students are also failing fewer classes and fewer are credit deficient. Principal Aiddy Phomvisay said many of the credit deficient students are currently enrolled in classes to put them back on track. The students are on “critical watch lists” in their Smaller Learning Communities, with case managers tracking progress.

“We really can’t reach into the bag and pull out a hard and fast number today, but from all the indicators we’re hearing – what we’re doing is working,” said Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement.

Graduation rates are calculated by the Department of Education and impact District In Need of Assistance and School In Need of Assistance designations. The 2013 target in the Strategic Action Plan is 89 percent. Dr. Marvin Wade, superintendent of schools, told the Board he wants the community to be aware that increasing graduation rate means increasing student achievement, not decreasing standards.

“We won’t get the graduation rate up by lowering the bar,” he said. “That’s non-negotiable.”
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Scholarship established in memory of Donna Hoop

Adam and Jared Hoop were present at the Board meeting Monday night to establish a scholarship in memory of their mother, Donna Hoop.

The Donna Hoop Memorial Scholarship will be a $1000 annual scholarship going to one student or one male and one female. Students must have a 3.5 GPA, be a varsity student athlete, plan to enroll in a two- or four-year degree program in Iowa, and submit a 400-word essay reflecting on athletic participation and the vital role families play in supporting their students.

The Hoop Family gave $10,000 to establish the scholarship.

They’ve always been so gracious to our school and community,” High School Principal Aiddy Phomvisay said.

Donna Hoop passed away Jan. 11, 2013, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
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Low-interest loans available through Frank Pierce Trust 

Frank Pierce was 25 when he became mayor of Marshalltown in 1896. He and his wife devoted their lives to the city and when they died they established a trust to ensure future generations of Marshalltown youth could afford quality college education.

Established in 1950, the Frank Pierce Trust is a revolving education fund that offers loans to Marshalltown High School graduates at 2 percent less interest than the Federal student loan rate. Since its inception, the trust has dispensed 939 loans, loaning about $200,000 a year.

“This is huge,” said Board President Sherm Welker.

Loans are available only to MHS graduates going to an Iowa college. Applications are available at Grimes Law Firm or in the MHS Counseling Office. Applicants go through an interview process with trustees and can reapply for funds every year. Repayment begins upon graduation or end of schooling and must be repaid in 10 years.

To date there is $1.84 million in outstanding loans from the trust and another $636,000 available to make new loans.
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District seeks more opportunities to offer college-level courses

One in five students at Marshalltown High School this year is enrolled in some form of college-level coursework and the district would like to see that number increase.

Increasing participation in college-level coursework is one part of the Strategic Action Plan. In 2012-2013 20 percent of MHS students are enrolled in classes that could earn them college credit, a decrease from 21.8 percent last year.

“It does mean we have work to do,” said Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement.

Pecinovsky said the district is looking at new ways to offer coursework outside of the traditional school day, including online classes.

“We are continuing to look for opportunities that fall outside of seat time,” she said.

New programs coming to MHS, like Project Lead The Way, will also offer more opportunities for college credit.

High School Principal Aiddy Phomvisay noted that the class of 2012 earned 400 college credits while at MHS, equating to about $55,600 in tuition parents and students saved by taking the classes while in high school.
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NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

A new scholarship was presented to the District tonight from the family of Donna Hoop. The new scholarship will provide funding to Marshalltown High School student athletes pursuing further education at an Iowa college or university. Many thanks to the Hoop family for their donation to the future of our students.

We also heard tonight about the Frank Pierce Trust that provides college loan to MHS students. The Trust was established in 1950 and has provided 939 loans to college students since it was stated. The current loan balance is $1.8 million and the trust has an ample balance for more loans. The interest rate is set at 2 percent below the Federal student loan rate and payments are delayed until the student completes their college education. To qualify, MHS graduates must be attending an Iowa college or university and maintain a 2.0 GPA. This fund should be the first choice for any student needing to borrow for their advanced education, as the interest rate is well below other funds that are available. Please see your guidance counselors or contact the Grimes Law Office for application details.

As with both of these funds, MHS students have many opportunities to continue their education and advance their goals and dreams. This is just another reason that Marshalltown is the school district of choice.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Increasing student achievement and maintaining a safe/supportive learning environment are two district objectives frequently discussed by the Board. Tonight’s education portion of the meeting focused entirely on the third MCSD objective –  increasing readiness for further education and employment. The Board heard about student development of workplace competencies, completion of challenging curriculum, and graduation from high school.

Particularly impressive is the number of opportunities for Marshalltown High School students to earn college credits though Postsecondary Enrollment (PSEO), Concurrent Enrollment, and Advanced Placement classes. We’d like to see more students take advantage of the chance to earn college credits while in high school, so please encourage students who will attend MHS next year (and their parents) to strongly weigh the educational and financial benefits of PSEO, Concurrent Enrollment and Advanced Placement as course selections are made in the near future.
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POLICY

First Reading

600.1 Nondiscrimination, amended based on Site Visit recommendations, waive second reading

603.12 Internet – Appropriate and Safe Use, amended based on Site Visit recommendations, waive second reading

Initial Review

402.2/E/R Child Abuse Reporting, note that it’s an approved training course

402.3/E1/E2/R Abuse of Students by School District Employees, mark reviewed

402.4 Gifts to Employees, mark reviewed

402.5 Public Complaints About Employees, mark reviewed
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A schematic drawing depicting Phase 1 of the Roundhouse renovation

Roundhouse project enters design development

The Roundhouse renovation project is entering the design development phase after a presentation of schematic drawings met with informal approval at Monday’s Board meeting.

Joe Benesh and Phil Hodgin from RDG, the architectural firm handing the Roundhouse project, presented schematic drawings of both phases of the project, as well as artistic renderings of the completed facility.

In order to create the schematic designs, RDG held focus groups with students, teachers, maintenance staff, and others who utilize the facility. They worked with the Design Advisory Committee, comprised of community members, Board members and district administration, to come up with a design to meet the community needs.

“We’ve distilled everything we’ve heard and everything we’ve learned into some design options,” Benesh said.

Benesh and Hogdin also stressed they want to preserve the iconic nature of the Roundhouse, will adding and enhancing it to create an impressive landmark.

“Your guests will be impressed and intimidated and you’ll be proud,” Hodgin said.

The School Board has committed $9.1 million toward the project, which will include new entrances, Hall of Pride, concessions, restrooms, locker rooms, weight room, roof, floor, bleachers, and a lot of mechanical and HVAC upgrades. A second phase, which would add a new wrestling room and auxiliary gym, will cost an additional $3.7 million and is contingent on community fundraising.

The project now enters the design development phase, where more detailed drawings are created. This phase should be completed around April 1 RDG says, at which time it will come to the Board for approval in order to begin working on blueprints and specifications.
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District receives positive feedback from Site Visit

Representatives from the Department of Education spent three days in the district last week as part of a required Comprehensive School Improvement Visit. Though their formal report will not be available for 60 days, they gave informal feedback to district administration Thursday, Jan. 17.

The Site Visit team was impressed with the progress seen since the last visit five years ago, noting a consistent understand of the district mission, vision and goals across different groups. The Site Visit team interviewed teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and students as part of the process, and noted there was a strong sense of partnership and collaboration.

Team members were particularly impressed with the community Not In Our Town initiative, and said one of the highlights was their time interviewing Marshalltown High School students.

The Site Visit also included a document review of everything from Board Policy to personnel files. The district received three notes of noncompliance, which Superintendent Marvin Wade noted were all easily fixed. Two included changing language in Board Policy, which the Board began addressing during Monday’s meeting. The third was a missing evaluation in a personnel file, which will also soon be corrected.

Dr. Wade and Dr. Susan Pecinovksy, associate superintendent for student achievement, noted the hard work of everyone in the district for continuing to focus on improving student achievement.
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District examines integrating digital literacy into curriculum

Digital literacy is an important skill for students to find success in the 21st Century. Through the help of learning.com, Marshalltown students will soon find these skills integrated into their regular classroom instruction.

Ronnie Manis, district instructional applications specialist, and Chris Niemeyer from learning.com gave an overview of their services to integrate digital literacy education into core instruction. Instead of adding new curriculum, learning.com adds technical skills components to current instruction, from keyboarding and word processing to online safety. The goal is to increase the digital literacy of students, preparing them for the demands of school and work in the 21st Century.

The district is still working on the details of how this will be rolled out across schools and integrated with different subject areas.
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NOTES FROM THE BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

Tyler Kluver at the ceremony to receive his game jersey last fall.

This evening we were reminded that once in a while, life gives us an experience that can grow us beyond our expectations. MHS senior Tyler Kluver spoke concerning his recent experience while playing in the 2013 Under Armor All-American High School Football Game. It was obvious that Tyler has worked diligently to develop his athletic skills and talents that took him to this venue. He is an example of what dedication, hard work, sacrifice, and determination can accomplish when we set our goals at a high level and then work to achieve our goals. It is our role as parents, educators, counselors, coaches, administrators and mentors to help our students succeed in athletics, scholarship and life. We are extremely proud of Tyler and his accomplishments. We know he will represent us well as he moves into college and through his adult life. Thank you for reminding us as Board members what we can achieve when we put forth enough effort to reach our goals.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Expectations for student use of technology now far exceed merely being able to use a desktop computer. Twenty-first century students must be “digitally literate” – able to locate, use, summarize, evaluate, create and communicate information while using a variety of digital devices. Tonight’s presentation on Digital Literacy focused on the district’s commitment to strengthen our curriculum in this important area. Future presentations will be devoted to infrastructure, policies, devices and support materials consistent with our technology vision of promoting innovative practices that prepare students for success in an ever-changing global society.
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POLICY

First Reading

401.4 Employee complaints, approve as amended, waive second reading.

Initial Review 

401.10/R – Credit Cards, mark reviewed.
401.11 – Travel Allowance, mark reviewed.
401.12/R – Employee Use of Cell Phones, mark reviewed.
600.1 – Nondiscrimination, change language according to the recommendation of the Site Visit Team, bring back for first reading.
603.12 – Internet – Appropriate and Safe Use, change language according to the recommendation of the Site Visit Team, bring back for first reading.
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Community kickoff for third grade reading initiative slated for Jan. 16

A community-wide kickoff for “Spread the Words – Read by Third” is planned for Wednesday, Jan. 16, 5-6:30pm at the Marshalltown Public Library.

Marshalltown was designated an All-America City for its work on the Spread the Words initiative, selected out of 160 communities applying for the distinction.

Work focuses on three areas connected to literacy: chronic absenteeism, summer learning loss and school readiness. Task forces worked in the late summer and early fall to develop action plans focused on the three areas, aligning goals and strategies to the District Strategic Action Plan.

“Our work has just begun,” said Sue Martin, one of the cochairs of the Spread the Words initiate and former director of the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation. Martin, along with Mid-Iowa Community Action director Arlene McAtee, told the Board about some of the pilot projects and upcoming projects geared toward having 90 percent of third graders proficient in reading by 2016.
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MPD plans summer Kid Career Academy for at-risk youth

Twenty middle school students will participate in a Kid Career Academy next summer, facilitated by members of the Marshalltown Police Department.

Kraig Langeschulte, school resource officer at Marshalltown High School, and Brad Mauseth, MPD community outreach officer, told the Board about their proposed program, which will run July 8-26, 2013, in the Community Y Cultural Center. The program will work with at-risk youth and focus on character education, police education, physical fitness, leadership and community service.

Participants will have guest speakers from different aspects of local law enforcement, including a look at the K9 unit, crime scene investigation, and the Marshalltown Fire Department. There will also be activities about bullying, character building, and leadership.

Each day will also include physical fitness activities and a time for writing and reflection. Meals will be provided through the Marshalltown Schools Summer Meal Program.

At the end of the program students will have a celebration and graduation ceremony with a family potluck and five special awards given out for the five focus areas.

The cost of the program is $4,000, which Langeschulte and Mauseth hope to fund with grants so there is no cost to the students and their families.
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District defines RTI2, continuum of services

District staff and administrators have been working hard to create a comprehensive, well-defined continuum of services for students, as well as a framework for accessing services.

The work has resulted in a common vocabulary and understanding of services in the Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI2) process.

“This has been a journey for us and we’re going to continue to strengthen this work,” said Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement. “This isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning.”

Pecinovsky said previously a lot of the same work was going on around the district, but under different names, with each building having its own labels for teams and processes. Now there are common names and a common understanding across the district, with data teams monitoring the RTI2 process.

The continuum of services has been defined by three areas: universal, targeted and intensive. The goal is for 80 percent of students to have their needs met by services in the “universal” area, which includes work like the Language Literacy Framework, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports and using data to inform instruction.

“It’s going to take time and the resources will shift as the universal gets stronger,” Pecinovsky said.
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31 take early retirement

 The final early retirements were approved at Monday’s Board meeting, bringing the total to 31 for 2012-2013.

District staff will leave the district with a combined 791 years of service to Marshalltown Schools. Early retirements approved Monday night are:

• Tim Bell, MHS athletic director, 35 years.
• Marsha Eppert, MHS Special Education, 21 years.
• Molly Ferrin, MHS Special Education, 21 years.
• Mary Fitzgerald, Miller 7/8 Language Arts/Reading/At-Risk, 35 years.
• Carolyn Hanchak, MHS Special Education, 31 years.
• Catherine Hansen, MHS Special Education, 25 years.
• Julie Harvey, Hoglan Grade 2, 30 years.
• Shirley Mann, Franklin Grade 3, 35 years.
• Peggy Niedermann, Lenihan Grade 5/6, 15 years.
• Sally Robertson, Hoglan School Nurse, 18 years.
• Paula Rutherford, Fisher School Nurse, 23.5 years.
•  Nancy Van Wyk, Franklin Grade 4, 38.5 years.
• Ellen Youds, Rogers Media Specialist, 32 years.
• Val Strong, MHS 12-Month Secretary, 32 years.
• Brenda Walkup, Rogers 12-Month Secretary, 33 years.

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Notes from the School Board

By Sherm Welker, Board President

Tonight we had the final numbers presented for those long term district employees choosing the early retirement package for this year. We had 31 employees with 791 years of experience with the district elect retirement. We wish them well on the next adventures in their lives and careers whatever they may be.

We deeply express our gratitude for the lives these educators have touched through the years and know they have added so much to so many. We will greatly miss your experience and devotion to our district, the community, and mainly our children. Thank you for your service and dedication.

The early retirement program accomplished several goals and we estimate (with many assumptions I might add) that the district will save about $600,000 assuming all of the positions are filled for next year. This makes a big dent in the budget shortfall of $1 million that we are projecting for 2013-2014.

We will need to monitor our budget projections while we negotiate contracts with those employee groups that are on single year contracts over the next few weeks and months. We then will determine where additional cuts can be taken to keep our expenses in line with our income. Since salaries are the major piece of our budget at about 70 percent, those costs will have the largest effect on the costs projected for next year.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our district.
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Notes from the Superintendent

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Tonight’s “Spread the Words – Read by 3rd!” and “Student Academy” presentations reminded me of how fortunate our school district is to be located in Marshalltown. A significant number of community members consistently demonstrate their commitment to education by selflessly giving of their time and expertise. As important as these contributions are, perhaps the greatest gift is the fact that these individuals serve as role models for our children and youth.  We can never have too many positive role models so, when given the opportunity, please take a few moments to thank others for supporting our mission of “nurturing students to become intellectually and personally empowered for citizenship in a changing world.”
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Policy

First Reading

401.1 Equal Employment Opportunity, update language to say we will conduct a background check before all employments, update to reflect Matt Tullis as equity coordinator, waive second reading.

Initial Review

401.4 Employee Complaints, strike third paragraph

401.5/R Employee Records, mark reviewed

401.8 Recognition for Service of Employees, separate service awards from retirement awards

703.4/E Fiscal Management – Performance Measures, run policy by Mary Gannon
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Personnel – Click Here
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Architect contracts approved for upcoming projects

The Board approved contracts with TSP, Inc., for three facilities projects slated to begin next year.

Contracts cover the high-voltage electric upgrade at Marshalltown High School, remodeling at the Support Service Center to relocate district administration offices, and renovation of the 1957 portion of Miller Middle School.

District attorney Rex Ryden reviewed the contracts and said everything was in order before Board approval.
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Board approves 12 early retirements

Twelve district employees with more than 250 years of combined service were approved for early retirement Monday.

Those taking advantage of the early retirement incentive (so far) are:

• Jane Boehler, Anson Grade 4, 19 years
• Julie Bousum, MHS Art/speech coach, 19 years
• Nancy Brant Ahn, Miler Grade 7 math, 25.25 years
• Beth Campbell, Hoglan Preschool/Special Education, 21 years
• Lacinda Gillen, Miller ELP, 22.17 years
• Steven Hanson, MHS English, Journalism & Publications, 28 years
• Marna Hunnicutt, MHS industrial tech, 17.5 years
• Peggy Kelly, Rogers Grade 4, 16.5 years
• Cheryl LaVille, MHS English, 33 years
• Jan McGinnis, Miller Special Education, 18 years
• Julie A. Miller, Miller Grade 8 science, 34 years
• Bea Niblock, Anson Principal, 17 years

The window to take the early retirement incentive is open until Jan. 4, 2013.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Despite a hectic fall schedule overseeing important matters such as budget, facilities, school climate, community engagement and student achievement, the Board remains committed to following an established policy review schedule. To ensure every MCSD policy is reviewed at least once every five years, there are times when the agenda for a board meeting focuses more heavily on policies than usual. Tonight was such a case, as the Board painstakingly examined 16 policies from the 300 Series (Administration) of our policy manual.  I appreciate the Board’s willingness to devote time now to policies – which provides greater flexibility for future agendas when time-sensitive issues will need to take precedence over policy review.
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NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

By Sherm Welker, President

Tonight we accepted retirement notices from 12 long-term employees with more than 250 combined years of service with MCSD. We thank them for their service and dedication to our district and to our students. I know some of you as friends and remember the many parent meetings through the years with my children. They were very blessed to have you as educators, coaches, and as role models. Your experience and work ethic will be greatly missed and we wish you all well for many years into the future. Once again, thank you!

The board will be mapping out our financial goals in upcoming work sessions and formal meetings as we move through the holidays and into 2013. The economic conditions that have been here for several years in industry are now impacting our publicly funded institutions and we are prepared to meet the challenge. Through the process we will keep you informed of where we are as a district and where we want to be in the future.

Thank you for your support and excitement as Marshalltown moves forward with more opportunities and choices for educating the next generation. We have set the goal of being the “district of choice” and remain in dedicated pursuit of this goal.
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POLICY

Second Reading

301.1 Superintendent of Schools – Qualifications and Recruitment, approved as amended.

301.2 Superintendent of Schools – Contract and Contract Non-Renewal, add legal reference, approved as amended.

301.3 Superintendent of Schools – Functions, Letter E amended to reflect current practice (using IASB policy as reference), Letter L removed, Letter R changed to reflect current district positions, approved as amended.

First Reading

302.1 Associates to the Superintendent – Positions, approved as amended, waive second reading.

302.2 Associates to the Superintendent – Qualifications, added “Iowa” before Dept. of Education, approved as amended, waive second reading.

302.3 Associates to the Superintendent, Directors and Supervisors –Appointment, mark reviewed.

Initial Review

301.4 – Currently in Committee

303.1 Building Principals and Associates, mark reviewed.

305.1 Administrative Cabinet, mark reviewed.

310.1 Administrative/Management Team, update legal reference, mark reviewed.

312.1 Administrative Personnel Employment – Individual Contracts, mark reviewed.

312.3/E1-E2 Administrative Personnel – Compensation/Benefits, mark reviewed.

312.4 Evaluation of Administrative Staff, sent to committee.

312.5 Administrative Personnel – Professional Development, amend to reference Strategic Plan.

314.2 Administrative Personnel Contract Termination – Resignation, mark reviewed.

314.3 Administrative Personnel Contract Termination – Dismissal, mark reviewed.

401.7 Travel, mark reviewed.
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PERSONNEL

Resignations

Melissa Marks, Miller paraeducator, effective Nov. 28, 2012.

Jean Creekmur, Lenihan food service, effective Nov. 15, 2012.

Appointments

Kathy Cox, MHS assistant girls golf coach, salary: $1,953/year.
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View PDF version here.

College credit opportunities expanding

Students have more opportunities to earn college credit while at Marshalltown High School and the ways students can achieve those credits are expanding, according to a report the Board received Monday night.

Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement, reported on college coursework as part of objective two in the District Strategic Action Plan: Increase readiness for further education and employment.

In 2011-2012 31.87 percent of MHS students took college coursework. That number serves as a baseline, with the district looking to increase that number each year.

MHS students have four ways to earn college credit:

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) allows juniors, seniors, or students in the Extended Learning Program to enroll in college courses at Marshalltown Community College, earning college credit and high school credit. Students can earn a maximum 11 credits per semester.

Shared Credit Courses are taught at MHS (sometimes at MCC) by qualified instructors and also provide dual credit.

Career Academies allow juniors and seniors to enroll in college courses in a vocational field, earning college and high school credit.

Advanced Placement courses are designed for students who have demonstrated competence by achieving a high level in college preparatory courses. Students earn high school credit and can receive college credit by passing an AP test after completing the course.

MHS offers seven AP courses, including two new courses this year in the English department.

“It allows students to perhaps access more than they could have a year ago,” Pecinovsky said.

Pecinovsky said the district is working to increase options for college credit, including coursework linked to Project Lead The Way.
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Dates amended in 2012-2013 early retirement policies

The Board approved amending the early retirement policies for 2012-2013 to extend the deadline for notification and the date to qualify.

The eligibility requirements now read that an employee must turn 55 prior to Aug. 14, 2013. Previously the date had been set at July 1. Iowa Code only says the date has to be after July 1, but before the start of the next school year, so the changed date will allow people who turn 55 during that period to potentially qualify. Each year when the policy is reviewed a new date will be chosen according to when the veteran teaching staff members are scheduled to return for that school year.

The date for notifying the district about early retirement was moved to Jan. 4, 2013.
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District plans for site visit

The Department of Education will visit Marshalltown Schools for a site visit Jan. 15-17, 2013.

Site visits occur every five years and look at compliance, as well as assessing continuous improvement. The results of the site visit will be a list of strengths and a list of recommendations for improvement. If something is found out of compliance the DE will provide guidance on how to fix it.

“We look forward to having another set of eyes look at what we’re doing,” said Dr. Susan Pecinovksy, associate superintendent for student achievement.
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NOTES FROM THE BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

This evening we accepted the completed version of the facilities improvement plan for 2013-2017. The current schedule calls for the start of the plan with work on several projects this summer.

•  The first phase of the Roundhouse with renovations to the locker rooms, main gym area, roofing, electrical, heating and cooling upgrades, and the addition of a fire sprinkler system.
• MHS will also have upgrades to the electrical services to most of the building.
• Support Services will  see the next phase of renovation on the upper two floors for District Administration offices.
• Miller Middle School will have renovations to the 1957 classroom addition to upgrade the finishes, doors, and new ceilings with lighting. The heating system will be replaced and cooling added throughout this wing.

The board worked on numerous policies during our meeting as we had fallen behind schedule with other pressing business of the district. One of the main functions of the board is to keep our policies and practices current with regulations and standards. Some policies can be reviewed and passed without revision, but others require changes. We rely on policy from the Iowa Association of School Boards and the Iowa Department of Education when we are creating new standards and modifying policy.

Last week was the annual IASB (Iowa Association of School Boards) meeting in Des Moines with conferences and training sessions. Your board team and administrative staff attended many of the events and came back with knowledge and information on new practices.

Many thanks to the staff and to the school board members for the increased time commitment this fall. We have added work sessions for planning that are needed to prepare the way for change and improvement.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

During its Nov.19, 2012, meeting, the Board approved changes to the Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program for Licensed Teaching Staff, Twelve-Month Secretaries, and Administrators (Policies 314.1, 407.7 and 413.7, respectively). All three programs have been discontinued for the 2013-2014 school year as one of several measures being taken to offset the loss of funds created by declining enrollment.

The Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program remains in effect for all three employee groups for the 2012-2013 school year – with two important date changes approved by the Board:

1.  To be eligible, an employee, prior to Aug. 14, 2013, must have attained at least 55 years of age and must have been employed by the District for at least 15 years. This eligibility date was changed from July 1, 2013 to Aug. 14, 2013, at the Nov. 19, 2012, board meeting.
2.  Eligible employees have until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, to notify the District of their intent to take voluntary retirement at the end of this school year. This notification of intent date was changed from Dec. 1, 2012, to Jan. 4, 2013, at the Nov. 19, 2012, board meeting.

Licensed Teaching Staff, Twelve-Month Secretaries, and Administrators contemplating early retirement are encouraged to closely examine the applicable Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program policy. These policies may be found on the District website by going to http://www.marshalltown.k12.ia.us, clicking on the “School Board” tab, and then clicking on the links under the heading “Board Policy.”
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POLICY

First Reading
413.7 12-Month Secretary Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program/314.1 Admin Voluntary Retirement/407.6 Licensed Teaching Staff, change notification date to Jan. 4, 2013, and eligibility requirements to being 55 prior to Aug. 14, 2013.
206.1 New Board Member Orientation, approve as amended, waive second reading.
504.11 Wellness, changes due to Federal guidelines, approve as amended, waive second reading

Initial Review
300 Statement of Guiding Principles for Administration, mark reviewed
301.1 Superintendent of Schools – Qualifications and Recruitment, minor grammatical changes, add “military service” after the word veteran so it is clarified, bring back for second reading
301.2 Superintendent of Schools – Contract and Contract Non-Renewal, bring back for second reading
301.3 Superintendent of Schools – Functions, replace “e” with portions of IASB policy, change “r” to reflect organizational chart, strike sentence referencing finance committee (second L), bring back for second reading,
301.4/E/R Evaluation of the Superintendent, John Johnson and Anne Paullus will work on aligning the policy closer to the Iowa guidelines adopted in 2008
302.1 Associates to the Superintendent – Positions, 302.2 Associates to the Superintendent – Qualifications, 302.3 Associates to the Superintendent – Appointment, bring back for first reading.
302.4 Associates to the Superintendent – Functions, mark reviewed
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Youth Institute attendees share their experiences

Marshalltown High School students Emma Runquist and Abby Snyder told the Board about their experiences at the Global Youth Institute.

The students were among 150 students from around the world selected for the World Food Prize Foundation event held Oct. 18-20 in Des Moines. The institute brought together students from 25 states and six countries. Students presented papers on food shortage around the world – Runquist focusing on Jordan and Snyder focusing on Peru. Students presented their research and discussed findings with international experts and their peers in roundtable discussions. Student papers will be published in the Youth Institute Proceedings and made available online.

Runquist and Snyder were able to view the World Food Prize Laureate ceremony, join experts at Borlaug Dialogue (“a ‘davos-style’ dialogue which brings together over 600 international experts and policy leaders from 65 countries to address cutting-edge challenges in food security and international development”), participate in an Oxfam hunger banquet, tour the Des Moines waterworks plant and bag meals to send overseas.

Both students told the Board they are pursuing internship opportunities with the World Food Prize.
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Literacy work progresses with help from UNI Jacobson Center

Marshalltown Schools are enhancing their literacy instruction with the help of the University of Northern Iowa’s Jacobson Center.

So far the partnership has resulted in six teachers being trained in Reading Recovery, an intensive early literacy strategy taking place at all District elementary buildings. Three instructional coaches were also trained in the Comprehensive Literacy Model and will receive graduate-level credit and certification from UNI. An additional four instructional coaches will be trained next year.

“We are creating a systemic, rigorous, viable curriculum in the area of literacy,” said Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement. Instructional coaches Elizabeth Overstake, Lora Kester, Melanie Knoll and Penny Duer told the Board about their work with the Jacobson Center and the Comprehensive Literacy Model during Monday’s meeting.

The Comprehensive Literacy Model has 10 key features, beginning with a framework for literacy. This uses a workshop approach to meet the needs of students, blending small group and independent work, conferencing, mini lessons and sharing to assist students with varying needs and skill levels.

The CLM utilizes coaching and mentoring to increase educator efficiency. Pilot classrooms are set up where teachers can view the literacy framework in action, collaborate with each other and learn from one another. All learning is tied to the high standards of the Common Core Standards and aligned with specific literacy benchmarks. A comprehensive assessment system – including data walls in every building – allow educators to see the “big picture” of learning in their buildings, as well as drill down to the details needed to help struggling students.

When students need that additional support system interventions like Reading Recovery and small-group interventions are delivered through additional instruction time and supplemental opportunities.

Through collaborative learning teams and a well-designed literacy plan, students can work together to achieve goals while educators guide them through clear, focused, rigorous curriculum aligned across the district.

“We’ll be able to guarantee that for children regardless of the building they’re in or the time of day it is,” Pecinovsky said.

The CLM also includes components focused on integrating technology into learning and highlighting the successes and achievements of students.

The cost of training and the work of the instructional coaches is paid for entirely by the Jacobson Center.
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NET High Academy offers path to high school diploma

The Board approved an agreement with NET High Academy that helps returning dropouts earn a Marshalltown High School diploma.

“These are students [for whom] who graduating in a four or five year window is no longer feasible for a variety of reasons,” said Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement.

New to Iowa, NET High Academy offers online competency-based instruction. Students will be assessed using COMPASS and National Career Readiness Certification and will earn a diploma from MHS after completion. The Community Y will house the program, though it can be utilized anywhere online.

Waukee and Saydel schools districts are also offering this program.

“This is one of a continuum of services we have for our at-risk students,” Pecinovsky said.
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Early retirement program discontinued for 2013-2014

The Board voted 6-1 to discontinue the voluntary early retirement incentive for 2013-2014 for certified staff, 12-month secretaries and administrators.

Several educators addressed the Board on the subject, asking them to either continue the program next year or postpone a decision until sometime in 2013. Board members said they would review the policy every year and that the intention was not to remove the policy permanently.

The Board is considering amending the current policy to extend the deadline for taking early retirement in 2012-2013 to Jan. 4, 2013. The deadline was set at Dec. 1, 2012. The Board will discuss this at the Nov. 19 meeting.
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NOTES FROM THE BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

Tonight’s meeting was held at the MHS Media Center (Library) to afford everyone interested a chance to hear and be heard on policy issues for next year. The board set aside the Early retirement plan for 2013-2014 in light of the General Fund budget projections. We anticipate that the allowable growth rate established by the state will affect our state funding this next year along with a decrease in enrollment. Funding of our programs from the federal level many be reduced as well. In the weeks and months ahead we will be tasked with solving the budget issues that are now standing ahead of us.

Industry has suffered with low volumes and profits for the last 3-5 years and now we may see some fallout into the public sector. We have dodged the proverbial bullet over the past several years with increased enrollment, state budget guarantees, and federal bailout backfills on funding. Only time will tell when the economy will strengthen and new money will be available but we have a good plan for the future and will continue to work for district wide improvements.

Our ability to offer opportunity for students is far superior to many other districts and I encourage our people to continue to focus on the positives. Improving the performance of our students and keeping our finances strong are difficult tasks but demonstrate our commitment to making a difference in our community.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

As employees reflect on the Board’s decision to discontinue the Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program for 2013-2014, I hope they’ll remember the Board is also in the process changing the deadline for informing the District of intent to participate in the Program at the end of this school year. Currently, eligible staff members have until Dec. 1, 2012 to notify the District of this intent – however, the Board requested this deadline be changed to Jan. 4, 2013. All indications are that the Board will approve this proposed change in policy when it is presented as a First Reading during the Nov. 19 board meeting.

The board meeting also included a report about MCSD’s partnership with the University of Northern Iowa’s Richard O. Jacobson Center for Comprehensive Literacy. Staff members trained in the Comprehensive Literacy Model (CLM) explained 10 features of the model and how it’s being implemented in the District.

There was also a presentation of the Comprehensive Intervention Model (CIM) that provides structured interventions for students who need extra assistance beyond the instruction provided in the classroom. Evidence about the effectiveness of CLM and CIM is impressive, so MCSD is fortunate to be one of the few districts in the state selected to partner with the Jacobson Center.

From a “big picture” perspective, these reports serve as excellent examples of how MCSD professionals are implementing effective practices consistent with priorities of the District – in this case, CLM and CIM are integrally aligned with Common Unit Design, Sheltered Instruction, and Response to Instruction and Intervention.
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Change orders approved for two projects

Change orders for Fisher Elementary and the Support Services building were approved Monday night.

The change orders at Fisher Elementary are the final changes orders for the project. The project closed with a total of $153,793 spent on change orders. A five percent contingency is built into the project budget and this total represented a 2.77 percent contingency. The amount approved Monday night was for $12,225.01.

Change orders on the Support Services project are at 3.09 percent with $49,599.00 approved Monday night.
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Click here for the personnel changes approved Nov. 5.

See PDF version here.

Students, teachers recognized by Iowa’s Belin-Blank center

Emma Alman and Cailyn Ernat, Marshalltown High School freshmen, were recognized Monday night for accolades received from the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development.

Emma and Cailyn were among five then Miller Middle School students selected for Belin-Blank after being nominated and writing an essay. Emma participated in the drama program and Cailyn in the creative writing course. Both students were invited to attend a recognition ceremony Oct. 7 that recognized students who earned scores in the top 1 percent, were selected to one of the scholarship programs, or received special recognition in a program.

The students in turn recognized Miller teachers Nikole Hempy (nominated by Emma) and Mary Fitzgerald (nominated by Cailyn). Each student recognized at Belin-Blank was asked to nominate an educator who “has had a significant impact on that student and his/her educational achievements.”
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Board approves facilities plan

The Board approved updating the District Facilities Plan with prioritized projects totaling $17.3 million.

The projects include $10 million at Marshalltown High School (with $7.7 million for the Roundhouse renovation), $4 million at Miller Middle School, $2.2 million at the Support Services/Marshalltown Learning Academy/District Office, and $1.1 million for projects at Anson, Rogers and Woodbury Elementary schools.

Justin Sorensen from TSP told the Board the next steps is to create a binder like the previous facilities plan with more details of each project, projected costs, and possible time lines.

The Board will discuss the plan in more detail at a work session to be scheduled in the upcoming weeks.
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Tribute to Coach Bell
Marshalltown High School Principal Aiddy Phomvisay and members of the boys cross country team came to the Board meeting to pay tribute to their coach, Tim Bell, who announced he is retiring at the end of this season.

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Certified enrollment at 5,308 this year

The 2012-2013 certified enrollment is approximately 5,308 students according to a report by Lisa Koester, director of human resources and student issues.

Koester said there are still some final figures to calculate, as some districts have not completed uploading their information to the state website, but any adjustments would only be a few students either direction. This year’s enrollment is 11 less than 2011-2012, a year which saw a nearly 120-student increase.

Enrollment is up nearly 200 students since 2008-2009.
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Application to SBRC approved

The Board approved applying to the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) for additional spending authority to cover the Special Education deficit.

The deficit, which is $534,200.82, is the cost to serve Special Education students on top of the funding received for those services. Since Special Education programming is Federally mandated and districts are funded at 40 percent of the cost of serving students, deficits like this are common.

Matt Cretsinger, director of special services, said the deficits at other 4A schools range from $700,000 to $2 million, while at 3A schools it’s $350,000 to $700,000.

“As a district – considering the Special Ed element of it – we’re doing very well,” he said.

Application to the SBRC will give the district the spending authority to cover these additional costs. Once authority is granted districts can, if they wish, levy additional cash reserves to cover the costs.
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District receives Gold Level Recognition for 2012 Student Reporting

Marshalltown Schools earned Gold Level Recognition for 2012 Student Reporting from the Iowa Department of Education for its timely enrollment information submission.

MCSD was one of 162 districts that had submitted valid data for every enrolled student in the district within two days of the official count day (Oct. 1, 2012).

Lisa Koester, director of human resources, recognized Sharon Baughman, administrative assistant to the associate superintendent; Keri Ashby, district registrar; and Ginger Jacobson, administrative assistant to the director of special services for their hard work that earned this recognition.
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Special Education bus purchased

The district is purchasing a 65-passenger 2013 International bus from Hoglund Bus Company for $77,288.

Special Services Director Matt Cretsinger told the Board there is an increased demand for specialized transportation and the bus at Hoglund is available for immediate purchase.
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Innovative Calendar application approved

The Board approved application for an Innovative Calendar Waiver Monday night.

The District was granted the waiver for 2012-2013 and is using the year to plan a pilot program at Rogers Elementary – examining the success of Rogers University and how it can be expanded.

Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement, said similar pilots across the district are also still a possibility.
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District partners with Iowa Valley Continuing Education for summer school

Marshalltown Schools will partner with Iowa Valley Continuing Education for high school-level summer school programming in 2013.

“I think it opens up some opportunities for us,” said Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement.

The program will utilize a blend of direct teacher interaction with the Iowa On-Line Learning coursework. Students will be able to come to the Education & Training Center to use computers, or can complete coursework from home. Students will be required to make daily contact with the site coordinator and attend the center 2-3 times a week.

Completion of the courses will result in Marshalltown High School course credit.

Iowa Valley will have a student/parent contract and a fee for courses, which increases the commitment and probability of course completion.
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NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

By Sherm Welker, Board President

As the District Improvement Plan is developed and both schedules and scope at each project can be refined, the community will be asked to comment on how we should fund our improvements. We heard tonight in a presentation from Matt Gillaspie of Piper Jaffray in Des Moines that we have several options to weigh with respect to funding. As always, our Board will listen to the concerns of those we represent and work toward a responsible funding stream to address the need.

We look forward to public meetings concerning our PPEL levy renewal, and potential General Obligation bonding as may be appropriate. We ask for your attendance and advice to see that the funding of the District needs meet also with the public needs. Please review our plan and see the impact these changes will make in the quality we see and produce.

On a lighter note, we are always elevated by the achievement of our students. Tonight we saw two of five Miller Middle School students that were honored to attend the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa. We thank them for their excellence and also our fine staff that have a significant impact on our students lives and dreams. This is what makes the effort to be a Board member worthwhile.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

It is common knowledge that board members attend many regular board meetings and work sessions. In contrast, it is rarely mentioned that each board member also serves on several of our 11 committees and seven negotiation teams. I mention this because tonight’s meeting included a task that is completed every year with little fanfare – assignment of board members to committees and teams. Committees include the Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, Auditorium Foundation, Bilingual Advisory, Business-Education Alliance, Design Advisory, Equity, Frank Pierce Trust, Insurance, Labor-Management, Marshall County Conference Board, and School Improvement Advisory. By serving on these committees, board members (no more than three per committee) serve as liaisons to the community and help the entire Board avoid getting bogged down by issues that require intense, careful consideration. An example of the benefit of committee work is the Capital Improvement Plan approved tonight by the Board after extensive work by the Design Advisory Committee (President Welker, Vice President Wilson and Director Schrum).
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POLICY

413.7 Twelve-Month Secretary Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program, will come back for first reading

First Reading
206.1 New Board Member Orientation, bring back for second reading

Initial Review
300 Statement of Guiding Principles for Administration
301.1 Superintendent of Schools-Qualifications and Recruitment
301.2  Superintendent of Schools-Contract and Contract Non-Renewal
504.11 Wellness
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PERSONNEL – PDF

View PDF version here.

Welker elected Board president, Wilson vice president

Sherm Welker was elected president of the Board of Education Monday night.

Welker replaces Kay Beach, who served two years as president. Welker won in a 4-3 vote during the annual organizational meeting.

Jennifer Wilson was re-elected Board vice-president in another 4-3 vote. The Board also approved a number of annual appointments

• Secretary/Treasurer – Kevin Posekany
• School Attorney – Cartwright, Druker & Ryden
• Additional Legal Counsel – Ahlers & Cooney, PC
• Architect of Record – TSP

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Board approves SIAC committee

The Board approved the roster of the School Improvement Advisory Committee Monday night.

The committee is comprised of students, community members, Board members, and district staff. Members of the committee are Luis Alcaraz, Ken Anderson, Morgan Bellile, Ralph Bryant, Laurie Buchwald, Tomasa Fonseca, Matt Cretsinger, John Hermanson, Tim Holmgren, Jason Jablonski, John Johnson, Lisa Koester, Vickie Lewis, Scott Lothe, Ronnie Manis, Susan Pecinovksy, Aiddy Phomvisay, Abigail Saucedo, Kendal Shomo, and Marvin Wade.
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Design Advisory Committee recommends projects to Board

The Design Advisory Committee recommended a slate of prioritized capital improvement projects to the Board Monday night, totaling $17.3 million.

The DAC – comprised of Board members, community representatives and district administration – reviewed the entire Capital Improvement Plan, which contains $57 million in projects, and identified priorities across the district (see Notes from the Superintendent).

The Board is expected to vote on the Capital Improvement Plan at the Oct. 15 Board meeting.
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Secretary/Treasurer’s Annual Report shows positive trends

The annual secretary/treasurer’s report showed the district increasing it’s general fund cash and investments 5.1 percent last year.

Kevin Posekany, director of business operations and Board secretary, told the Board members the District has a healthy cash position and a lot of schools would be happy to have ending balances like Marshalltown’s.

Posekany said the District has a solvency ratio of 6.7 percent. This falls within the auditor’s recommendation of 6-8 percent, though Posekany said the goals is to reach 8-10 percent. Solvency ratio is calculated by dividing the unreserved fund balance by expenditures.
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Board reviews graduation trends

The Marshalltown High School graduation rate for 2011-2012 was 77.7 percent, according to a report presented at the Sept. 24 Board meeting.

Dr. Susan Pecinovksy, associate superintendent for student achievement, said some discrepancies in calculations by the state can be confusing, as each building has a different graduation rate than the district. The state also revised its graduation calculations in February 2011.

The 77.7 percent rate is a decrease from 2010-2011, which saw 80.8 percent, though still higher than the three previous years. The Strategic Action Plan objective is to have a 95 percent graduation rate by 2014-2015.
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Fisher Elementary Phase II complete

Phase II of the Fisher Elementary project was approved as substantially complete Monday evening.

Phase II of the project included electrical work and a lot of finishing including windows, carpeting, etc.

The school will soon host an open house to showcase the finished facilities to the community.
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NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

By Sherm Welker, President

We as a community have started a renewal program for our school district and for our school buildings. Many of us were not around during the 1970s and 1980s when some of Marshalltown’s industry changed and made funding local capital projects very difficult for the community and school district. We changed that in 2002 and throughout the last 10 years have reinvested into our building infrastructure. Our elementary schools have been renovated and have fewer students due to the grade structure realignment. Our newer Lenihan Intermediate School is a bright star for our students to start the transition to High School. While many funds have been spent at Miller Middle School, it still is our oldest structure and continued reinvestment will be necessary to continue the process we have begun.

Our newest facility when the bond issue projects started was MHS. It remains one of our focus sites for educational improvements and will need upgrades to the buildings as we approach our 50th year of service to our students. The first project is the Roundhouse renovation that will update and re-commission our effort to have first class facilities to mirror our first class education. We have asked for Board input into the capital plan and our advisory committee stands ready for public input as this project is launched this spring. We are all excited to see MHS changing in both the physical and educational realms. Please review our plan and be involved in our capital building campaign.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Tonight’s meeting included a report from Director of Business Operations Kevin Posekany indicating the Board has $17 million that could be allocated toward completion of capital improvement (buildings and grounds) projects within MCSD. This amount was determined through a statutory funding formula that takes into consideration taxable valuation, a legal bonding rate of no more than five percent, and outstanding debt of the district.

The Board then reviewed a list of requested capital improvement projects totaling over $57 million. Members of the Design Advisory Committee identified projects considered priorities based upon criteria such as safety, educational need, and preventative maintenance to avoid costly repairs in the future. The $17.3 million of identified priority projects included work at Marshalltown High School ($10 million); Miller Middle School ($4 million); Support Services/Marshalltown Learning Academy/District Office ($2.2 million); and Anson, Rogers and Woodbury Elementary schools ($1.1 million).

This evening’s presentation included a large amount of information. Board members now have two weeks to study the entire project list and the recommendations of the Design Advisory Committee. It is anticipated that the Board will vote on Oct. 15 to identify those projects that will collectively serve as the MCSD Facilities Plan for the foreseeable future. I look forward to the Board’s vote and to the work that will begin immediately afterward to make the Board’s vision a reality for our community, schools and students.
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POLICY

Sept. 24, 2012
First Reading: 204.11 General Complaints by Citizens, waive second reading.
Initial Review: 205.1 Compensation for Expenses, mark reviewed; 205.2 Membership in Associations, delete.

Oct. 1, 2012
First Reading: 204.6 Notice of Board Meetings, mark reviewed. 204.5/204.5-R Organizational Meeting/Procedures, changed to state Board Secretary calls meeting to order, waive second reading.
Initial Review: 205.3 Board of Directors and Elected Officials, mark reviewed; 206.1 New Board Member Orientation, work on revising the list of recommended orientation seminars.
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PERSONNEL

Sept. 24, 2012 (PDF)
Oct. 1, 2012 (PDF)
—

View in PDF form.

Options, costs for Roundhouse renovation reviewed by Board

The Roundhouse at Marshalltown High School.

Preliminary plans for renovation of the Roundhouse were presented to the School Board Monday night.

Joe Benesh, from architectural firm RDG Planning and Design of Des Moines, presented two options: what he called the “base option” and the “everything included” option.

The base option would include new bleachers, improved press box and observation areas, new second floor track, new roof, mechanical and electrical improvements and AV/sound/display/scoreboard upgrades. This project would also remodel the locker rooms, restrooms, laundry facilities and PE/equipment storage. Site improvements would include a new entry plaza, road re-configuration and decorative paving.

The cost of this project would be $7.7 million. Benesh told the Board this work would improve the facilities to be a point of pride for the community.

A second option, the “everything included” option, would also include a new music suite, new offices and a Hall of Pride, an auxiliary gymnasium, a new wrestling room, and additional site improvements and other work. It also includes the option for a new weight room.

This project, which Benesh said was more a list of “wants” than “needs”, came in at $20.9 million.

The Board will discuss the direction for the Roundhouse renovation at upcoming meetings in conjunction with revising the capital improvement plan. Board Member Larry Shrum noted that plans were still preliminary and whatever final project is approved, the work to fund the project would come from both the district and the community.

“This project has always been considered a public-private partnership,” he said. “This is still a work in progress.”
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Marshalltown ACT scores up across the board, surpass state average

Read more about this here.
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Special Olympics continue under Parks & Rec

Marshalltown Parks & Recreation department has assumed administration of the Bobcat Special Olympics program.

“This fits right in with our mission as far as Parks & Recreation is concerned,” said Chad Weir, Parks & Rec superintendent. “This is stuff we do on a daily basis. We’re happy to do it, we’re excited to do it.”

Jennifer Hart, Parks & Rec supervisor, told the School Board the program is up and running, with the fall bowling season commencing this week. Parks & Rec has partnered with Marshalltown Schools for more than 40 years on a wide variety of programs, including Camp Marshalltown. Hart told the Board this partnership promises to continue offering the Special Olympics programs students have enjoyed and possibly expanding options later down the road.

“We’re excited to be partnering with the school in another aspect,” Weir said.

Hart says she has 65 students on her roster so far and many more potential future athletes.

Anyone interested in signing up for Bobcat Special Olympics or those looking to volunteer can contact Jennifer Hart at Marshalltown Parks & Rec at 641-754-5715 or jhart@ci.marshalltown.ia.us or by visiting the office at 10 W. State Street (old library building).
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Three facilities projects reach substantial completion

The Board accepted the substantial completion of three district projects Monday night.

First was the demotion and site paving at the Support Services Building (old Anson Middle School). There were some change order costs with the project, but they fell within the contingency set at the outset of the work.

The second was the MHS track resurfacing, which was completed without change orders.

The third was the district security and surveillance project, which was funded through the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

During tonight’s presentation of design elements and cost estimates for the “Renovate the Roundhouse” project, it was obvious that a significant amount of work is necessary to return the Roundhouse to its former glory. The Board is committed to meeting this expectation in a fiscally responsible manner – which means also examining other facility needs and the district’s construction budget. During its Sept. 24 meeting, the Board will receive a comprehensive list of construction projects recommended for completion between 2013 and 2016. During the same meeting, the Board will receive information about how these projects could be funded – though no action will be taken on the Capital Improvement Project List or funding mechanisms until October.
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NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

By Kay Beach, Board President

This evening Dr. Pecinovsky reported that for the first time in four years our students who took the ACT test last spring (137 juniors) scored higher than the state average in every category, scoring a full scale score point above the previous year’s test-takers.  This was cause for rejoicing, and celebratory noises were made around the Board table when it was reported!  I have since learned that MHS Principal Phomvisay made the same announcement at a football game on the Friday evening after the school  first received the news—and there was essentially no response at all from the crowd.  I live for the day when a crowd of MHS supporters will cheer as lustily for an academic achievement as they do for a touchdown!  And I heartily encourage Mr. Phomvisay to continue making celebratory announcements about our students’ accomplishments whenever he has the opportunity.  The community needs to know about our students’ successes, and we need to let our students know that we are proud of ALL of their accolades.
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Personnel – Read here.
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Policy

First Reading: 204.6 Notice of Board Meetings, mark reviewed. 204.5/204.5-R Organizational Meeting/Procedures, changed to state Board Secretary calls meeting to order, waive second reading.

Initial Review: 204.12 Minutes of Meetings-Publication of Proceedings, mark reviewed. 204.7 mark reviewed; 204.8 mark reviewed; 204.9/204.9-R Agenda and Order of Regular Business Meetings, mark reviewed. 204.10 Community Participation in Board Meetings, mark reviewed. 204.11 General Complaints by Citizens, add that complaints are addressed in policy 402.5, bring back for first reading.
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View as PDF.

AYP gains take district off math DINA list

Anson drops SINA designation in math, Franklin completely off SINA list

The hard work over the last few years to improve math instruction in the district is paying off in a big way.

The Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) report for last year saw math scores continuing to improve, resulting in Marshalltown losing the District In Need of Assistance (DINA) designation in the area of mathematics.

Two elementary schools were also removed from the School In Need of Assistance (SINA) list in math – Anson Elementary and Franklin Elementary. Franklin is completely removed from the SINA list.

Dr. Susan Pecinovsky, associate superintendent for student achievement, said this results from the hard work of District staff, who have been critical in implementing new math curriculum and tightening the alignment of programs.

Pecinovsky said the District is now focusing on improving reading scores. Last year the District purchased new K-6 reading materials with specific components for Special Education and English Language Learners. This year each elementary building will also have a literacy coach and all students will receive 120 minutes of core literacy instruction daily.

The District is also partnering with the University of Northern Iowa Jacobsen Center to establish demonstration classrooms where teachers can see best practices in action.
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District attendance topped 94 percent in 2011-2012

A report a Monday’s Board meeting showed District attendance for the 2011-2012 school year at 94.37 percent, ahead of the annual projected target in the Strategic Action Plan.

Lisa Koester, director of human resources and student issues, noted that all elementary schools were above 95 percent attendance, with some at 96 and nearly 97 percent. The district goal is to hit 95 percent by 2015.

Koester said the District will continue working toward that goal.
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Facilities ready for school year

 Between construction projects, summer school, RAGBRAI, and a presidential visit, there was a lot going on this summer in and around Marshalltown Schools, yet district support staff worked ahead of, through, and around it all to prepare facilities for the first day Aug. 21.

“People were willing to help each other out,” said Pat Hemming, operations supervisor for the district. “We’re ready.”

Green Cleaning Initiative

Hemming also told the Board about the green cleaning initiative adopted by the Iowa legislature in 2010. The bill asked schools to go with environmentally safe cleaning projects or asked to opt out. Two years ago the District began testing products and are switching to green products as supplies of old chemicals are exhausted.

Hemming noted that the green initiative is only for cleaning products and the district still uses chemical disinfectants and some lawn care products.
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Board receives update on SAP Strategy 5

District administrators gave an informal overview of Strategy 5 of the Strategic Action Plan at Monday’s Board meeting.

Strategy 5 focuses on improving student achievement through efficient stewardship of district resources. It has five primary actions:

• Promote continuous improvement through alignment of district policies, plans and handbooks with the strategic action plan.

• Implement a data-informed and results-driven process for decision making within the district.

•  Identify funding priorities and allocate resources for attainment of district goals.

•  Identify funding priorities and allocate resources for attainment of district goals.

• Ensure student and staff access to technology necessary for increased academic achievement.

An update on the progress of all parts of the Strategic Action Plan will be included in a community-wide report in October.
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Board sets legislative priorities

The Board set their legislative priorities for 2012-2013 during Monday’s meeting.

The Board reviewed a list of legislative priorities provided by the Iowa Association of School Boards, then selected the five they would like to see IASB lobby for at the statehouse.

The five priorities included continued development of rigorous content standards with funding for all components, support of adequate and on-time funding for English Language Learners, funding for quality 4-year-old preschool programs, setting an allowable growth rate that encourages continuous school improvement, and supporting legislature that provides greater flexibility to districts to meet their changing needs.
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West bus barn demo complete

The Board recognized substantial completion of the west bus barn Monday night.

The project included the demolition of the structure and subsequent site work with lighting and fencing.
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NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools

Tonight’s board meeting included reports that last year’s student attendance exceeded expectations and that progress has been made in several categories of Adequate Yearly Progress. On Wednesday, August 22, scores will be released from last spring’s administration of the ACT. All three reports are important to MCSD because they give us externally-provided evidence that our emphasis on higher expectations, narrowed focus and increased accountability are making a difference. I look forward to this new school year knowing that 2012-2013 will provide us with many opportunities to celebrate the continued success of our students and district.
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NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

By Kay Beach, Board President

One of the benefits of membership in the Iowa Association of School Boards is their very active role in lobbying the legislature on behalf of education in general and school boards in particular.  This evening the Board spent some time determining where our board would like IASB’s lobbying efforts to focus.  Our priorities include (1) greater flexibility for schools, especially in regard to school calendars (2) developing rigorous curriculum content standards and high-quality assessments—and fully funding their implementation, (3) funding for ELL programs until students reach proficiency, (4) continued funding of preschool for 4-year-olds, and (5) reasonable, fully-funded allowable growth.  As always, the goal of all of these efforts is to support increased student achievement.
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PERSONNEL – View as PDF.

POLICY

First Reading

204.3 Closed Sessions, change to clarify who keeps detailed minutes, waive second reading.

204.4 Annual Meeting, eliminated some redundancy, waive second reading.

Initial Review

204.5 Organizational Meeting, change to say board secretary calls meeting to order

204.5-R Organizational Meeting Procedures

204.6 Notice of Board Meetings, bring back for first reading.
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