Marshalltown board approves early-retirement offer, purchase of two grounds vehicles and construction change orders

The Marshalltown Community School District board on Nov. 11 approved an early-retirement incentive and several routine purchases and construction change orders, and received updates on curriculum implementation and enrollment.

Board chair Sean Heitman opened the meeting and the board unanimously approved an amended agenda after administrators pulled an agreement with a third-party provider for further clarification from the state Department of Education. The board later approved the consent agenda, three Franklin Field change orders, two Kubota utility vehicle purchases and an early-retirement incentive, each by voice vote, 6-0.

Administration recommended offering an early-retirement package that would pay health benefits for qualifying staff for up to 96 months or until age 65, whichever comes first. A staff member said roughly 46 people are eligible and the district will give employees a 45-day decision window if the board…