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August, 2015
From the Desk of Tom Wood,
Superintendent
Welcome Back!
It is nearly time to start another school year. After an exciting
summer with both softball and baseball we are anxious to have
students come back to the building. Everyone at school has
been busy readying the grounds, rooms, and facilities for a
new year. We also have several new faces and some changes
in staff assignments that you will notice.
Wade Gibson has taken over has our head of maintenance. He
hit the ground running this summer, and along with his staff,
has made some noticeable changes to the exterior and interior
of the building. The facilities look great thanks to this crew.
Please thank them when you see them. They are a dedicated
group loyal to the serving our students and living up to the
MStM mission and vision. Our students will have a safe,
comfortable, and nice looking building to learn in.
Beth Happe has also joined us as the new elementary principal
and elementary curriculum director. She comes to MStM with
a wide variety of experience including building leadership and
school improvement within the Iowa Department of
Education. The elementary and secondary both have several
new teachers that Ms. Happe and Mr. Moser will be
introducing you to.
Each year brings its own set of challenges, and the 2015-2016
school year will be no different. We continue to receive new
mandates, changes in law or Iowa Code, and rulings from the
Department of Education that guide our practice from
instruction to accounting. One of the biggest disappointments
from the legislator and governor was our lack of funding for
the upcoming year and the continued uncertainty of school
funding by our state. These changes will not affect the quality
of MStM or the instruction your children receive. We will
meet these challenges head-on and continue operating as
normal as possible.
School begins on August 31. I invite you to come in to open
house on August 27 from 6:30-7:30; meet new people,
reconnect with others, and see what we are proud of at MStM.
Please continue to share your feedback with us as we value
your input and appreciate ideas for continual improvement.
Thank you for your continued support; the families of MStM
make this school a great place to be!
From the Desk of Josh Moser,
Secondary Principal
“I just kept hoping, I just kept hoping
The way would become clear
I spent all this time tryna play nice and
Fight my way here.
“See, I’ve been having me a real hard time
But it feels so nice to know I’m gonna be alright”
-Alabama Shakes, “This Feeling”
These summer months have given me a lot of time and a lot of
reasons to ponder the idea of thankfulness. There have been
things I was able to experience in a few short weeks that have
become some of the most memorable times in my life (visiting
Mexico and seeing ancient ruins, meeting one of my favorite
authors, watching my daughters’ senses of awe and wonder
ignite during a trip to the Omaha Zoo). As I reflect on these
experiences, my sense of thankfulness becomes more and
more evident. In doing so I realized I have much more to be
thankful for on a day-to-day basis than I have realized. I am
thankful to be the secondary principal at Martensdale-St.
Marys and the many opportunities and relationships it has
provided me. As a community, we have a lot for which to be
thankful: A passionate and knowledgeable teaching staff, a
patient and dedicated support staff, talented artists, driven
athletes, and many people working in often difficult and
thankless roles to make the school a better place.
The start of the 2015-2016 school year is imminent, and I
hope that we all take the time to not only be thankful for what
we have, but also recognize, celebrate, and perpetuate the
things that make MStM a great place to be. The lyrics posted
above (which come from a band I was lucky enough to see in
concert this summer as well) illustrate a common feeling in
the human experience: taking for granted the great things we
do have in our lives – especially the people. This will be my
16th
year in the District, and each year helps me realize how
much we have going for us. In people-centered professions
like education, all too often those in it (teachers, students,
staff, parents, and administrators) take focus away from the
many positive and enriching experiences and point it toward
those small, infrequent negative experiences. It is human
nature to do so, I suppose, yet knowing how many wonderful
things happen in our school on a daily basis gives me pause to
avoid focusing so much time, energy, and attention on the
negative.
This is not to say there aren’t things we can do to make the
MStM community better, stronger, and more accessible to all
students and learners. I know that personally I must make
improvements in my community outreach practices and efforts
to create culture and climate that allow all teachers to be able
to reach all kids. Rather than focus on how much work might
lie ahead, I see this as another reason to be thankful – thankful
that I have the opportunity to continue to help others make
improvements for the greater good and benefit of our students.
I hope your summer months were filled with great times with
great people, and that the upcoming school year will give you
the opportunity to be thankful you are a Blue Devil. As the
excitement and optimism of the school year inevitably begin
to fade, I challenge you to remain thankful for the
opportunities you have while seeking the means to revitalize
your excitement and expand your optimism. If I had to
quantify a single element of our school district that makes us
stand out, it is that there isn’t a single person in this
community who hasn’t been willing to help someone else in
their time of need. In spite of the disagreements, challenges,
and strained relationships that are a natural part of the human
experience, we overcome it with our Blue Devil Spirit. We
support each other, we encourage each other, and we help
each other grow. It’s what we do here at Martensdale-St.
Marys, and that’s why, for me (and hopefully for you), “it
feels so nice to know I’m gonna be alright.”
From the Desk of Beth Happe,
Elementary Principal
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! Let me begin by
introducing myself. I am Beth Happe, your new elementary
principal. I come to you with 25 years of experience:
seventeen as a social studies teacher (Grades 6-12), four as
assistant principal (Grades PK-8) and four as school
improvement consultant at the Iowa Department of Education.
I am a mother of three adult children, and recently celebrated
my oldest daughter’s wedding on August 7th
. It has been a
very busy and exciting summer!
I am anxious to begin the new school year among great staff
and eager students. I look forward to getting to know you, so
please feel free to stop by and introduce yourself. As we
begin this journey together, I want to share with you my
beliefs about the collective work we will do as the
Martensdale-St. Marys community. I believe:
We will all work together for the common good.
Human diversity is a gift, and the human spirit, a
blessing.
We can solve unsolvable problems together.
Trust and caring make everything possible.
As leader of the elementary school (and the very reason I
wanted to be in a school setting again) I hold in highest regard
the success of the students - academically, socially and
emotionally. I value the commitment of the staff to make
every day one of abundant learning opportunities for all
learners. I appreciate the support of parents and families of
our school. We are ALL in this together. Not to sound cliché,
but I believe it does “take a village.”
As we look forward to starting the new year, please join me in
welcoming the following new members to our staff at the
elementary school:
Dana Smith – School Counselor
Ashley Cupp – Special Education
Abby Foster – Special Education
Tacy Vogel – Preschool
Enjoy these last few weeks of summer with your families and
friends! Get ready for a great school year!
Go Blue Devils!!
From the Desk of Amy Sowder,
Talented and Gifted/Yearbook
Senior Parents/Yearbook Information: The time to get
your senior photography session scheduled is now, as turn-
around time is often four to six weeks. A senior photo
(vertical poses only) and a clear and easily reproducible baby
photo (5x7 or smaller) are due in to Mrs. Sowder or the
yearbook staff the first week of second semester. The earlier
you can get them into the yearbook staff, the better. Photos
may be originals, on CD’s, or sent as jpegs to Mrs. Sowder’s
e-mail. Other digital formats are often too small to reproduce,
including photos from Facebook or cell phone
cameras. Original baby photos will be returned.
If there are financial circumstances, the yearbook staff will
take your senior’s photo for the yearbook for free. Please
make an appointment.
Also, if you would like to congratulate your senior with a
personal ad in the yearbook, the message (30 word limit),
photo, and payment of $35 are due by fall parent/teacher
conferences. Contact Amy Sowder at [email protected]
with questions.
From the Desk of Angela Davidson,
PK-12 Art
Iowa State Fair || Concrete Horse Painting Contest
Congratulations!! The MStM Iowa state fair concrete horse
won 1st Place for the novice division.
The Iowa State Fair encouraged individuals and groups to
submit a proposed design to be considered for painting a
concrete horse. Multiple concrete horses with be displayed
around the fairgrounds. A small group of MStM Art students
worked together this summer to paint a horse. Mrs. Davidson
and the students painted the horse with images relating to the
theme, “Nothing Compares to Small Town Iowa Schools”.
Anna Wetzler, Bailey Douglas, Josie Coates, Caitlyn Pote
along with Mrs. Davidson worked together to paint the design
on the concrete horse.
The horse will be on display during the fair in the vicinity of
the Knapp Animal Learning Center on the north end of the
fairgrounds. After the fair, the horse will be placed in the
courtyard area on the school grounds.
From the Desk of Andrea Benson
High School Spanish
Emma Eschliman, Abby Anctil, and Tim Hornback spent
three days at Simpson College this summer participating in the
Math Modeling Workshop. At the workshop they were paired
with a Simpson Student, and they worked to find a solution to
a real word problem in 36 hours. Eschliman, Anctil, and
Hornback choose the Theme Park Problem where they
developed a model for evaluating and rating theme parks in
the United States. On the end they received feedback from
other math teachers and a Simpson professor. They are
excited to take what they gained from the workshop and apply
it to the international competition that takes place in
November.
From the Desk of Dana Smith,
Elementary Counselor
My name is Dana Smith and I am the new elementary school
counselor. I was a classroom teacher for six years and am
currently getting my master’s degree in school counseling. I
am looking forward to meeting all of the students and families
in the district! Please feel free to contact me with any
questions you may have. We are going to have a fantastic
school year!!!
Articles Wanted!!
If you have a student or know of a former student that has
received a special award or has had a major accomplishment
please let Brenda DePauw know. Just write up an article and
add a picture if you have one and she will see that it gets put in
the district newsletter. Email it to [email protected].
September Lunch Menu
The September lunch menu will be posted in the next
newsletter and available at registration.
Registration & Open House
Registration will be held on August 19th
from 8:00-4:00 and
on August 20th
from 12:00-8:00. Open house will be on
August 27th
from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
School Board Election
September 8th
from 12:00-9:00
Music Boosters
Welcome to the 2015-2016 School Year!!
Mrs. Clark, Mr. Olson and I would like to meet with the Music
Boosters prior to the school year starting. The first meeting
for the 2015-2016 school year will be August 24th
at 6:30 pm.
We would like to start the year off moving forward with some
of the things we started last year, look at the types of expenses
we may have for the upcoming year and any type of
fundraising we would like to do.
By the time we meet, a used shoe drive fundraiser will be
underway. This fundraiser has no expenses to us. We do need
to collect a rather large number of shoes, but if everyone
pitches in, it can be accomplished. You can bring any shoes
that you have already gathered to the meeting on the 24th
until
the end of October. I have asked my family, Tim’s Boy Scout
Troop, members at our Church and people I work with. Ask
as many individuals and groups that you can think
of. Collection containers will be at the school at registration
and ongoing in the offices. Additional information will be
provided at the meeting regarding this fundraiser.
I look forward to seeing everyone on the 24th
. Bring all and
any ideas that you have and let’s make it a great year!!
If you would like to be removed from the distribution list for
the Music Boosters, please let me know. If you know of
someone that would like to be added, please let me know that
also! We are always looking for others to join us!
Thanks!
Vicki Hornback
Music Boosters
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING MAY 11, 2015
The Board of Directors of the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District met in regular session, pursuant to law on May 11,
2015.
Members Present: President, Nicole Bunch; Dean Furness, Ralph DiCesare, and Dawn Reeves and together with Superintendent Tom
Wood, Principal Josh Moser and Business Manager Jill Gavin.
Members Absent: Vice President, Wade Gibson
I. Welcome – Board President
Mrs. Bunch called meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and welcomed all guests.
II. Consent Items
A. Approval of Minutes – Board President
B. Approval of Agenda – Board President
C. Approval of Bills and Secretary’s Report – Board President
D. Approval of Hot Lunch and Activity Reports – Board President
Mr. Furness motioned to approve the consent items, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 4 ayes.
III. Celebration
Mr. Wood recognized our three retirees; Mr. Steve Goodale, Mrs. Barb Meier and Mr. Jim Lynch. We had a retirement reception
where they were thanked publically for their service. It was fun to see old friends and past teachers and administers join in on the
celebration.
The Running with the Devils 5K race was held on May 2nd
. We had 86 race participants sign up. Total revenue = $3,839. Total
expenses = $1,555.39. Net revenue = $2,283.61. Coach Bixby and Coach Benson have submitted a request of a 10 x 15 blue tent
with sides and the MStM logo that will cost $1,567. A special thank you to Coach Bixby, Coach Benson, Wendy Hill, Melissa
Criswell and Jill Gavin for organizing the 5K race. A special thank you to Mr. Hansen and Mr. Klemesrud for helping with the timing
system. Thank you to the girls track team and to all the special volunteers that chipped in that day to have a smooth race day. Thank
you to all of our sponsors who either donated money or water, Gatorade and granola bars. It was a lot of fun and we look forward to
next year.
Mr. Moser congratulated the Class of 2015. The graduation ceremony will be held on May 17, 2015. They have worked very hard
and got most out of their education here at MStM. The JH/HS bands and choirs recently had their spring concert. It is fun to see the
growth and improvement in both programs. Mr. Moser recognized the teaching staff during Teacher Appreciation Week.
IV. Public Comments - none
V. Old Business
A. Reports
1) MStM Music Booster Minutes – April 13, 2015
2) MStM Athletic Booster Minutes – April 8, 2015
3) MStM PTO Minutes – April 21, 2015
B. Presentations
1) Principal’s Report Mr. Wood
No report was given.
2) Principal’s Report Mr. Moser
Mr. Moser reviewed the summaries of recent focus groups; Independent Study Focus Group and the Seminar/Advisory Focus Group.
They have engaged in standardized and improving areas from the recent site visit. He received teacher input and feedback from all
staff and students. Mrs. Bunch provided comment for consideration about still haring a lot of parents that do not understand the
process and how students are still struggling. She asked if there is anything more we can do to educate or an email to parents
explaining the process. Mr. Wood stated that the At-Risk program has created a new vision and mission stated and they redid their
handbook, which now includes details on continuum of services, how students are placed, progress monitoring.
Mr. Moser attended the Warren County Perkins Consortium Meeting on May 6 at the DMACC Campus. It was well attended by
MStM, Norwalk, Carlisle, I-35 and SEW. The meeting covered hot to improve career and technology education in industrial arts and
Family Consumer Science programs.
The Quality Support Committee will be meeting on May 13. They will cover long range district goals, and discuss the Iowa Youth
Survey and Iowa Assessments.
Mr. Moser provided an update on the weight room project. It is almost complete. We are now waiting on the floor company to return
and straighten out the drainage issue that they forgot to complete. The room looks great and the students are excited!
3) Superintendent’s Report Supt. Wood
Mr. Wood explained to the board information provided to us by Piper Jaffray regarding our 2009 SILO Bonds that are callable July 1,
2019. They may be financed, if feasible, on time prior to that 2019 call date. Discussion by the board was that rates will rise in June.
The board agreed that we wait and continue to monitor rates for the next year.
Ms. Happe, our new Elementary Principal, has begun work to assume her new position this summer. She recently has met the staff;
she will be attending training this summer and working on handbooks and document for the next year.
VI. New Business
A. School Board Recognition Week Supt. Wood
The month of May is School Board Recognition Month. Mr. Wood thanked the board members for their continued service to our
school district. Without people like you who volunteer time and energy to support our district we would not function as efficiently as
we do. Mr. Wood applauded their dedication to continued learning and willingness to be open to new ideas. On behalf of all of our
employees, thank you! Each board member received a certificate for dedicated excelled in leadership in public education and
continued service to the students of MStM.
B. Approve 2015 Graduates Supt. Wood
Mr. Furness motioned to approve the 2015 Graduates of Martensdale-St. Marys, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 4 ayes.
C. 1ST
Reading/Public Hearing CIPA Policy Supt. Wood
The district currently participates in E-rate which provides discounts for internet access, internal connections and basic maintenance of
internal connection. It is now required that we have a Children’s Internet Protection Act policy in place. A public hearing was posted
for the reading of the policy.
D. 1st Reading Policy 601.1 Supt. Wood
Iowa Code has been amended by Senate File 227 during the 2015 legislative session which now requires all Iowa school districts
begin school no earlier than August 23 of each year. The new law no longer allows waivers for districts to begin school prior to the
designated start date.
E. Approve District Developed Special Education Delivery Plan Supt. Wood
The districts Developed Special Education Delivery Plan has be redone every 5 years. The plan needs to be cleared by the special
education department of Heartland, it has to be displayed on our website, and has to be open for public comment. Mrs. Reeves
motioned to approve the District Developed Special Education Delivery Plan, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 4 ayes.
F. Approve Personnel Recommendations Supt. Wood
Mr. Furness motioned to approve Beth Grafft as the PK-12 Technology Integrationist for 2015-2016 and Sara Sleyster as the 7-12
English Language Arts Instructor for 2015-2016, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 4 ayes.
G. Approve 2015-2016 Daycare Handbook Supt. Wood
The daycare program will move away from the Department of Education and now be approved and follow the requirements of DHS.
Mr. DiCesare motioned to approve the 2015-2016 Daycare Handbook, seconded by Mr. Furness. Roll call: 4 ayes.
H. Closed Session – Negotiations Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to go into Closed Session for negotiations per Iowa Code 21.5, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 4 ayes;
Mr. Furness, Mrs. Reeves, Mr. DiCesare, Mrs. Bunch. Time: 4:40 p.m.
Mr. Furness motioned to go out of Closed Session for negotiations per Iowa Code 21.5, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 4 ayes;
Mr. Furness, Mrs. Reeves, Mr. DiCesare, Mrs. Bunch. Time: 5:13 p.m.
I. Closed Session - Superintendent Review Supt. Wood
Mr. Furness motioned to go into Closed Session for Superintendent Review per Iowa Code 21.5, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll
call: 4 ayes; Mr. Furness, Mrs. Reeves, Mr. DiCesare, Mrs. Bunch. Time: 5:14 p.m.
Mrs. Reeves motioned to go out of Closed Session for negotiations per Iowa Code 21.5, seconded by Mr. Furness. Roll call: 4 ayes;
Mr. Furness, Mrs. Reeves, Mr. DiCesare, Mrs. Bunch. Time: 5:39 p.m.
J. Confirm – Next Meeting Dates Supt. Wood
The next board meeting will be held on Monday, June 8, 2015
VII. Adjournment
Mr. DiCesare motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 4 ayes. Time: 5:40 p.m.
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING MAY 19, 2015
The Board of Directors of the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District met in regular session, pursuant to law on May 19,
2015.
Members Present: President, Nicole Bunch; Vice President, Wade Gibson; Dean Furness, Ralph DiCesare, and Dawn Reeves and
together with Superintendent Tom Wood, Principal Josh Moser and Business Manager Jill Gavin.
I. Welcome – Board President
Mrs. Bunch called meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and welcomed all guests.
II. Public Comments - none
III. New Business
A. Consider Approval to Ratify the Negotiated Agreement with the MStM Education Association
The negotiation team and association reached a tentative agreement with the association. The Iowa Legislature has not set state
supplemental aid for 2015-2016 or 2016-2017 and is close to adjourning for the session at any time. The negotiation team and
association appreciated not having to go to mediation or arbitration. The only change to the language of the Master Contract was to
the teacher’s work day to 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Mr. Furness motioned to approve the negotiated agreement of 4.4% increase with the
MStM Education Association for the 2015-2016 school year, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 5 Ayes.
B. Discuss/Approve 2015-2016 Classified Staff Contracts Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the 4.4% increase for the 2015-2016 classified staff contracts, seconded by Mr. Furness. Roll call:
5 ayes.
C. Discuss/Approve 2015-2016 Administration Staff Contracts Supt. Wood
Mr. DiCesare motioned to approve the 2015-2016 administration contracts, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 5 ayes. Mr. Wood
will be in the 2nd
year of a 3 year contract. Mr. Moser will be in the 2nd
year of a 2 year contract.
D. Discuss/Approve 2015-2016 Extra Curricular Staff Contracts Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the 2015-2016 extracurricular staff contacts, not including football contracts, seconded by Mr.
Furness. Roll call: 4 ayes. Mr. Gibson abstained from the vote due to his golf contract.
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the 2015-2016 football contracts, seconded by Mr. Gibson. Roll call: 3 ayes. Mr. DiCesare and
Mr. Furness abstained from the vote due to their football contracts.
E. Discuss/Approve 2015-2016 Bus Driver Contracts Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the 2015-2016 bus driver contracts, seconded by Mr. Furness. Roll call: 5 ayes.
F. Discuss/Approve 2015-2016 Registration Fees Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve keeping the registration fees the same for 2015-2016, seconded by Mr. Furness. Roll call: 5 ayes.
G. Discuss/Approve 2015-2016 Activities Pass Fees Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve keeping the activity pass fees the same for 2015-2016, seconded by Mr. Furness. Roll call: 5 ayes.
IV. Adjournment
Mrs. Reeves motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Furness. Roll call: 5 ayes. Time: 4:16 p.m.
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING JUNE 8, 2015
The Board of Directors of the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District met in regular session, pursuant to law on June 8,
2015.
Members Present: President, Nicole Bunch; Vice President, Wade Gibson Dean Furness, Ralph DiCesare, and Dawn Reeves and
together with Superintendent Tom Wood, Principal Josh Moser and Business Manager Jill Gavin.
Members Absent: None
I. Welcome – Board President
Mrs. Bunch called meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. and welcomed all guests.
II. Consent Items
A. Approval of Minutes – Board President
B. Approval of Agenda – Board President
C. Approval of Bills and Secretary’s Report – Board President
D. Approval of Hot Lunch and Activity Reports – Board President
Mr. DiCesare motioned to approve the consent items, seconded by Mr. Furness. Roll call: 5 ayes.
III. Celebration
Mr. Wood celebrated and recognized Wade Gibson for his service since 2009 as a school board member at Martensdale-St. Marys.
Mr. Gibson was recently hired as Head of Maintenance for the school district and will start that position July 1, 2015. The district will
appoint Jon White to fulfil Mr. Gibson’s remaining two years of his four year term for District 2.
Mr. Moser recognized the recent graduating class of 2015. All 41 graduates fulfilled all the necessary requirements for MStM. He
wished the best to Mr. Goodale in retirement, and Ms. Zielinski and Ms. Hoyka, as they moved forward with their new career paths.
He also recognized the new teaching staff of Mr. Metcalf, Mr. Stoulil, and Ms. Sleyster and look forward to having them on board.
IV. Public Comments - none
V. Old Business
A. Reports
1) MStM Music Booster Minutes – May, 2015
2) MStM Athletic Booster Minutes – May 13, 2015
3) MStM PTO Minutes – None
B. Presentations
1) Principal’s Report Mr. Wood
No report was given.
2) Principal’s Report Mr. Moser
Mr. Moser provided the agenda from May 13, 2015 Quality Support Committee Spring Meeting. The goal was to work directly from
the district’s current mission and vision statement to reach academic achievement in reading, math, science, and using technology to
reach those achievements. The long range goals are at least 8-10 years old. Mr. Moser provided the list of long-range goals that
included: 1) all students will attain high levels of academic achievement through their school career; 2) all members will demonstrate
continuous improvement in academic and non-academic settings; 3) all members will contribute to a positive climate in academic and
non-academic settings; 4) all members will demonstrate a high degree of engagement in learning in academic and non-academic
settings.
Mr. Moser and the Board discussed the IA Assessments data. The goal is to work toward a 100% proficiency. Mr. Moser presented
how to use our student management system JMC. He discussed the requirements and the time to utilize the program with teachers.
The basic expectations of the teaching staff are to take attendance, enter assignments and score and provide lesson plans. It was
requested to provide instructions to parents. Training will be done during the 7th
grade/new student orientation in August.
3) Superintendent’s Report Supt. Wood
Mr. Wood stated that they conducted exit interviews with the staff members that are leaving this year. The interviews aim to give us
information regarding reasons for seeking employment elsewhere, ways to improve positions, and system changes that could benefit
the school, students and employees. The reason for leaving were split three ways: retirement, high salary/ hometown job, and
returning full-time to school. Improvement of professional development was a common theme of members leaving. Mr. Wood and
Mr. Moser are excited to implement a new strategy to address this theme. Teachers are required to write and complete an Individual
Career Development Plan. This plan will allow the administration to personalize professional development for each teacher regardless
of grade level or the discipline which he/she teaches. They will use student data will help drive the writing of SMART goals. These
goals need to be specific, measurable, attainable, results-focused and time-bound.
VI. New Business
A. Approve Board Member Resignation Supt. Wood
Mr. Furness motioned to approve the Wade Gibson’s school board member resignation, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 4 ayes.
Mr. Gibson abstained from voting.
B. Approve New Board Member Appointment to District #2 Vacancy Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve to appoint Jon White as school board member of District #2 to fill the vacancy of Wade Gibson,
seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 4 ayes. Mr. White abstained from voting. Mrs. Gavin presented Oath of Office to Jon White.
C. Approve 2nd Reading CIPA Policy Supt. Wood
Mr. Furness motioned to approve the CIPA policy, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 5 ayes.
D. Approve 2nd
Reading Policy 601.1 Supt. Wood
Mr. Furness motioned to approve Policy 601.1, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 5 ayes.
E. Approve 2015-2016 JH/HS Student Handbook Supt. Wood
Mr. Furness motioned to approve the 2015-2016 JH/HS Student Handbook, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 5 ayes.
F. Approve 2015-2016 Staff Handbook Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the 2015-2016 Staff Handbook, seconded by Mr. Furness. Roll call: 5 ayes.
G. Approve 2015-2016 Coaches Handbook Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the 2015-2016 Coaches Handbook, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 5 ayes.
H. Approve Nurse Contract Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the nurse’s contract for 2015-2016, seconded by Mr. Furness. Roll call: 5 ayes.
I. Discuss/Approve Open Enrollment Request Supt. Wood
Mr. Furness motioned to approve the open enrollment request with the funding to follow or if the family chooses to pay tuition and
pending Norwalk’s approval from the Merrell Family, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 5 ayes.
Mr. Furness motioned to approve the open enrollment request with the funding to follow or if the family chose to pay tuition and
pending Winterset’s approval from the Gartner family, seconded by Roll call: 5 ayes.
J. Discuss/Approve Transportation Request Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the transportation request from Norwalk Community School District to enter our district boundaries
to promote a more efficient and/or direct route for their school buses, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 5 ayes.
K. Approve Personnel Resignations Supt. Wood
Mr. Furness motioned to approve the resignations of Katie Brinkman, Elementary Guidance Counselor, and Cynthia Wetzler,
elementary associate, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 5 ayes.
L. Confirm – Next Meeting Dates Supt. Wood
The next board meeting will be held on Monday, July 13, 2015.
VII. Adjournment
Mrs. Reeves motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr.
Furness. Roll call: 5 ayes. Time: 5:47 p.m.
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
June 23, 2015
CONFERENCE CALL
The Board of Directors of the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District met in special session by conference call, pursuant
to law, on June 23, 2015.
Members Present: Dean Furness, Ralph DiCesare, Dawn Reeves, and Jon White together with Superintendent Tom Wood, and
Business Manager Jill Gavin.
Members Absent: President, Nicole Bunch
I. Welcome – Board President
Mr. Furness called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m.
II. Public Comments - none
III. New Business
A. Approve Bus Driver Extension Request Supt. Wood
Mr. Dave Banks requested an extension on Bus #3, per board policy, due to repairs needed. Mr. White motioned to approve Mr.
Banks’ bus #3 extension request, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 4 ayes.
B. Approve Personnel Recommendations Supt. Wood
Mr. DiCesare motioned to approve Tacy Vogel as Varsity Volleyball Coach, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 4 ayes.
Mr. DiCesare motioned to approve Dana Smith as Elementary Counselor, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 4 ayes.
IV. Adjournment
Mr. DiCesare motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 4 ayes. Time 12:07 p.m.
It is the policy of the Martensdale-St. Marys Community
School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of
race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion,
creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs),
sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic
status (for programs) in its educational programs and its
employment practices.
There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of
discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance
related to this policy, please contact the district’s Equity
Coordinator.
MStM’s Equity Coordinator is Josh Moser, secondary
principal. His address is MStM Community School, 390
Burlington, Martensdale, Iowa 50160. His phone number is
641-764-2686 and his email address is:
The Martensdale-St. Marys District Newsletter is published by the last day of the preceding month.
The newsletter is available for pickup in the Superintendent’s office, Post Office and the Jiffy station, all
are located in Martensdale.
You may also view it on the http://www.MStM.us website. Questions or concerns may be addressed to:
Mrs. DePauw Martensdale-St.Marys
Elementary Office 390 Burlington Ave.
Martensdale, Iowa 50160 or by email
[email protected] Office: 641-764-2470
Fax: 641-764-2100
Martensdale-St Marys
August, 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 4:00pm School
Board Meeting @
Supt. Office
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 8:00am-
4:00pm Registration
20 12:00pm-
8:00pm Registration
6:00pm-
7:00pm 7th Grade
Orientation @ JH-HS Media Center
21 22
23 24 8:00am Professional
Development
25 8:00am Professional
Development
26 8:00am Professional
Development
27 8:00am Professional
Development
5:00pm Cross Country-
Varsity Guthrie
Center vs. Multiple
Schools
6:00pm-
6:30pm 9th
Grade/New Student
Laptop Orientation
Meeting @ JH-HS
Media Center 6:30pm-
7:30pm Open House
28 8:00am Professional
Development
7:00pm Football-Varsity Away vs.
Woodward-
Granger
29 8:00am Volleyball-
Varsity Away vs.
Clarke
30 31 First Day of School
6:00pm Football-JV Away vs.
Pleasantville
