Board of School Trustees Meeting

Mrs. Bond shared the following Good News:

1.  MVHS Girls' Soccer Coach Mr. Steve Williams won the "Third Annual High School Coach of Significance Award" for Indiana.  

2.  MVHS Band received a Gold Rating w/Distinctions in Music, Visual & Effect at the ISSMA Scholastic Prelims, qualifying them for the ISSMA Scholastic State Finals on October 26, 2019.

3.  FES 3rd Grader Ressie Lemmon qualified for the 2020 Drive Chip & Putt National Finals as the Age 7-9 Girls' Winner.

4.  Over 400 middle and high schools students spent part of their eLearning Day participating in service projects throughout the community.

5.  FOX 59 did stories on 13 Schools Recognized for Student Success (MVMS Counseling Gold Star Award) and MVMS Teacher (Deb Thomas) Named Top 10 Teacher of the Year Amid Push for Mental Health Resources.

Mr. Casey Dodd, Principal, Mt. Vernon High School gave a presentation spotlighting MVHS.  He began by recognizing the MVHS Band of Marauders who will compete in the ISSMA Scholastic State Finals October 26, 2019 at Lawrence Central High School.  He thanked Director Jackie Nason and Drum Majors Madelynn Lowell and Ethan Cottrell for all their hard week getting the band to this point.  Mr. Dodd's presentation centered on preparing students for the next step in their lives.  He provided board members with Advanced Placement Data  pointing out that there are several classes where students are outpacing state and some global averages. The number of students that pass AP Courses has grown each year for the past five years.  Advanced College Project course offerings include Biology, US History, Chemistry and Calculus.  Enrollment for these courses has risen from 83 in 2017-18; 84 in 2018-2019 to 96 students for the 2019-20 school year.  Dual Credit course offerings include PLTW Engineering courses (3), Computer Science courses (9), Education Professions courses (2), and Human and Social Services.  Enrollment for these courses has risen significantly from 96 in 2017-18; 118 in 2018-19 to 218 students for the 2019-20 school year.  Vocational courses outside of Mt. Vernon are offered at Anderson and Walker Career Center.  Enrollment remains consistent at 27 in 2017-18; 20 in 2018-19 to 27 students for the 2019-20 school year.  Mr. Dodd feels student enrollment for these classes is lower due to travel issues as students are responsible for their own transportation.   The ICE Program (Interdisciplinary Cooperative Education) provides students an opportunity to learn career related skills through on-the-job training with a local employer.  Participation in that program has risen from 92 in 2017-18; 87 in 2018-19 to 99 students for the 2019-20 school year.   Mr. Dodd stated it is very important for students to be prepared after high school whether they go on to college, vocational schools, the military, etc. 

Dr. Parker presented second reading of the following policies: 

C525    Medical Needs at School

D325    Personal Background Checks References and Mandatory Reporting

D425    Employee Benefits

G100    Facility and Transportation Safety

G150    Registered Sex or Violent Offenders

H225    Public Comments and Concerns

 Mrs. Smith made a motion to accept policies C525, D325, D425, G100, G150 and H225 as presented.  Mrs. Freeman seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.

Dr. Parkered recommended that the following policies be deleted due to the recent adoption of new policies that render them obsolete:

Policy #2413, 2414, 5320, 5330, 5330.01, 5330.02, 5335, 5340, 5340.01, 8450, 8451, 8452, 8453, 8453.01 (replaced with Policy C525 Medical Needs at School).  Policy #1520.08, 2315,3120.08, 3121, 4120.08, 4121, 8120, 8121, 8121.01 (replaced with Policy D325 Personal Background Checks & Mandatory Reporting).  Policy #3421, 4421 (replaced with Policy D425 Employee Benefits).

Mr. McCarty made a motion to delete policies as outlined, due to the adoption of new policies that render them obsolete.  Mrs. Freeman seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.

Dr. Parker presented first reading of the following policy updates due to recent legislative changes:  

C100    Entrance Requirements

C125    Determination of Legal Settlement and Eligibility for Enrollment of Students Without Legal Settlement in the Corporation

C150    Homeless Students

C275    Test Security Provisions for Statewide Assessments

E175    Student Records

F125    Purchasing Procedures and Capital Assets

F175    Collection and Forgiveness of Debt (Bad Debt)

H150    Public Records

No motion required.

Mr. Elkins asked for the board's approval for MVCSC to change to Capital One (Visa) credit company from American Express (AMEX).  By doing so, it will be advantageous to the district in terms of rewards, expanded vendor payment options and increased security/internal controls. 

Mr. McCarty made a motion to accept the recommendation to change our credit card company to Capital One.  Mr. May seconded.   

Mrs. Freeman asked if the on-line virtual cards were something on your phone.  Mr. Elkins stated he had seen something like a key fob being used.  He stated we would also still have some physical cards.  Mrs. Freeman asked how many he thought we would need since there is a $35 annual fee per physical card.  Mr. Elkins stated we will have some, but near as many as we have currently.  

The motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Elkins presented Resolution 2019-12 authorizing the deposit of Operations and Education Funds Interest into the Rainy Day Fund.  This will give the Rainy Day Fund more flexibility and additional funds can continue to be added throughout the year.

Mrs. Smith made a motion to authorize the transfer of interest earned on deposits made to the Education and Operation Funds to the Rainy Day Fund.  Mr. May seconded.

Mrs. Freeman asked how much interest is he anticipating.  Mr. Elkins stated currently it is between $4,000-$5,000 and as cash savings increase, so will the fund.

The motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Elkins presented Resolution 2019-13 Authorizing the Reduction of Line One, Two, or Eleven When the 1782 Budget Order is Available.  He does not anticipate having to do this, but in case it is needed, the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer are authorized to reduce the Education Fund, Debt Service Fund, Operations Fund and/or Pension Bond Fund at the time the 1782 notice is received. 

Mr. May made a motion to to authorize the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer to reduce the Education Fund, Debt Service Fund, Operations Fund, and/or Pension Bond Fund at the time the 1782 notice is received if it is in the best interest of the School Corporation.  Mrs. Smith seconded. 

Mrs. Freeman asked if they will be notified if this does occur.  Mr. Elkins stated he will let everyone has soon as he can, but reiterated chances are very slim it will be required.

The motion carried 5-0.