Schutte

How to most effectively protect students, staff and public while they are using school district facilities was a key topic of discussion at Monday night’s regular school board meeting.

Marshalltown Community School District board members and staff will hear a presentation on the subject at the Aug. 19 meeting from representatives of TSP Architects.

“In a nutshell, this is looking at further securing, or adding more secured entry points for the school – all of our schools have secured entry – Superintendent Theron Schutte said. This further enhances those (secured entries) while also taking a look at places where key entry is viable and also taking a look at securing cameras, especially external.”

Schutte said the project was a continuation of one started by TSP Architects with updates. The proposed improvements, if installed, would allow a school secretary to see on camera individuals outside and with use of intercom, let them in.

The primary focus would be first at elementary schools, if approved by the board. Then additional improvements could be made at Lenihan Intermediate School, Miller Middle School and Marshalltown High School.

In other action, recently retired MHS head baseball coach and educator Steve Hanson thanked the board and staff, past and present, for assistance in making his 26-year tenure a success.

Before becoming MHS coach, Hanson was an assistant to then MHS head baseball coach Brad Clement.

Hanson, coaches and players helped the Bobcats qualify for the state baseball tournament seven times, while proceeding to the championship game on four occasions.

In 2002, the Bobcats won the state championship on their home field, defeating Cedar Rapids Kennedy.

As head coach at Vinton and MHS, Hanson compiled 567 wins.

That and other accomplishments earned Hanson selection into the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Schutte, former Bobcat baseball player, thanked Hanson for not only producing disciplined and competitive teams, but developing character and a work ethic in student-athletes that would enhance post-baseball endeavors.

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Contact Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com