Bobcats Making Headlines

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The small manilla envelope sealed in a copper box and hidden in the 1925 cornerstone of the former Anson Middle School appeared unassuming. Its contents, however, give a snapshot at life in Marshalltown 87 years ago and a glimpse at what then leaders saw as the future of Marshalltown Schools.

Inside the envelope was a letter from Superintendent William F. Shirley (b. 1886 d. 1944), detailing the bond issue passed to fund the construction of Anson Middle School and future plans for a new high school (current Miller Middle School). The total cost for constructing the middle school at that time was just shy of $75,000.

“It would be interesting to all of us,” Shirley wrote. “to know what posterity’s verdict will be but this is, of course, impossible.”

The envelope also contained the Marshalltown School Building Program Survey from 1925, a comprehensive look at district facilities, community growth and demographics, and plans for future school construction.

Plans are currently underway to create a new time capsule to place at the site as the remaining parts of former AMS are remodeled to house district central offices. If you have ideas for items to include email Jason Staker at jstaker@marshalltown.k12.ia.us.

The original contents of the capsule will soon be on  display at the Marshalltown Public Library. The contents have also been digitized.

To read Mr. Shirley’s letter in its entirety click here.

To read the full Marshalltown School Building Program click here.

Matt Cretsinger

Matthew Cretsinger will be the next district Director of Special Services starting July 1, 2012.

Mr. Cretsinger is currently Program Assistant for Special Education at Heartland Area Education Agency 11, where he has also worked as Team Leader for Behavioral Supports. He is also an adjunct instructor for the School of Education with Upper Iowa University.

Previously he was co-director and program director at the Tanger Place School in Cedar Rapids. He has also worked at Woodward Academy Day School and in the Perry and Indianola school districts.  He has been an Instructional Coach for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Response to Intervention (RTI) and DIBELS Next.

“There were a couple of key aspects that drew me to the district,” Mr. Cretsinger said.  “The first is Marshalltown’s great reputation for meeting the needs of all their students. I was impressed with the extensive continuum of services Marshalltown offers to support their students. You don’t always find such a range of opportunities available to students.”

Mr. Cretsinger has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Simpson College and an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in educational leadership from Drake University.

He is a member of the School Administrators of Iowa, National Association of Elementary School Principals and National Association of Secondary School Principals.

“The other reason I was drawn to the district are the people,” Mr. Cretsinger said. “Over the years I’ve spent time with both teachers and families from the community. They are such great people and care so much about their children that I wanted to become part of that community.”