In just a few days, Marshalltown will find out if its been named an All-America City.
Local leaders in education, service agencies and the city are heading to Denver for a conference on the third grade reading initiative.
Marshalltown will be one of 32 finalists at the conference with an estimated 10 to 15 communities set to be honored as an All-America City by the National Civic League. A plan has been put in place in Marshalltown to improve the reading levels of elementary students and the effort has been spearheaded by Sue Martin and Arlene McAtee. That plan was submitted as part of this year's All-America City application.
Martin said the All-America City distinction would be a nice boost for the community, though the efforts to improve reading have been worthwhile.
"I think we're all really focused on what kind of additional knowledge and insight we can incorporate into our plan more than the concept of winning," Martin said of the trip. "Not that we wouldn't like to win."
The seminar will allow for local leaders to learn from experts and what has worked at other communities.
The announcement of the All-America City honorees will be at a luncheon Monday with a group of 11 from Marshalltown in attendance. Win or lose, the effort to improve reading levels will continue to progress.
"We will go forward with our plan," Martin said.