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Marshalltown school board honors counselor and highlights new parent-education cohort
Summary
The Marshalltown Community School District recognized counselor Heidi Williams with the inaugural Jesse Benford Advocate for Youth award and heard from organizers and parents about a new seven-week parent-education program with near‑perfect attendance and planned winter and spring sessions.
The Marshalltown Community School District on Nov. 18 honored Heidi Williams, a counselor at Woodbury Elementary, as the first recipient of the Jesse Benford Advocate for Youth award and heard testimony from program organizers and parents about a newly launched parent‑education cohort.
Board President Sean Heitman introduced Williams and representatives from the Binford House and the Marshalltown Federation of Women’s Clubs, who described the award’s history and selection process. “She has received the first annual Jesse Benford advocate for youth award,” one presenter said, noting the award recognizes sustained advocacy for children and families in the community.
District staff and two program leaders described the parent-education series as a seven‑workshop cohort inspired by Dr. Luis Cruz’s seven topics, covering family time, behavior supports, literacy, college and career readiness, and other practical skills. Tatiana Collins, a migrant ELL teacher, said the program emphasized English‑language development and parent participation and reported strong turnout and engagement; organizers announced a winter session beginning Dec. 4 and additional spring sessions. A participant added that the program helped her obtain library cards for her family and learn strategies to support her child’s schoolwork.
Board members applauded the recognition and the parent‑cohort’s early results. There was no board action required; the board moved on to other agenda items after the presentations.
The district also read the presidential proclamation for American Education Week (Nov. 17–23, 2024) and announced staff appreciation plans for the week.
