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Miller speaks of school board duties to Rotary Club

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Marshalltown Community School District School Board member Mike Miller presented a program to Rotary on the Marshalltown school system from the perspective of a school board member.

The Tuesday Marshalltown Rotary meeting held at Elmwood Country Club opened with prayer and Pledge of Allegiance led by Richard Graves. Guests for the day included Janelle Carter, Ben Fletcher, Kyle Leger and Amber Danielson. Jacque Wyant thanked student Rotarians Leah Edel, Immaculate Edwin and Mary Margarette Drummer  for their participation in November, presenting them with a certificate and coin incorporating elements of the Rotary four-way test.

Mary Giese then introduced artist Gail Folwell, who is in town putting the finishing touches on her creation at the Roundhouse. Her two-dimensional sports sculpture “Drills” is now on display outside the facility. Giese thanked Folwell for sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm of art with students. Folwell reciprocated by thanking Marshalltown for leaping into the public art arena and noting that such undertakings “inspire, heal, teach and bring energy, beauty and pride to a community.”

A news report by Conrad Dejardin included the historic significance of the location of Marshalltown’s Main Street (separating Church and State).

Doug Boyd, standing in for Kurt Polley, introduced Marshalltown native, and Raycom President and CEO, Mike Miller. Miller has been active in the community in a variety of capacities. The theme of his message for the day revolved around his role as school board member, a role he acknowledged is new to him after being appointed this past January. Miller explained why it became important for him to pursue this role. Reflecting on open enrollment numbers and the barometer of pride in the school system, he had a nagging feeling that we could do better–especially given the pioneering history of the community’s education system and community commitment toward those efforts. He also felt a comfort level with those members who were recently elected to serve in this capacity. The district is comprised of 5,300 students and 800 full-time staff operating within a $60 million budget. Recent data on open-enrollment indicate baby-step improvement. The certified enrollment numbers came in a few weeks ago and indicate the fantastic news that the Marshalltown district is up by about 100 students. This growth will allow for a nearly $800,000 increase in funding for the next school year. The second phase of the Roundhouse renovation is in full swing and Miller noted the priority of space needs and maintaining the iconic nature of the facility. He has appreciated the degree of input received and outreach efforts extended to ensure those goals are at the forefront. Miller reflected on the time spent this year essentially rebuilding the central office administrative team. Many board members are new to the position so there has been a great deal of orientation during the past 12 months. He spoke of the importance of setting the tax rate for the district. Addressing the strategic planning process, Miller once again noted the value of input from stakeholders. He is cognizant that pride in the school system is important to building community pride in general. After his remarks, Miller took a handful of questions.

One reason people get involved in Rotary is to connect with people who take action.

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