Meeting Details
August 17, 2020
7:00pm - 9:00pm
2 hr
Mt. Vernon Administrative Service Center
Purpose
N/A
1.
Pledge of Allegiance (7:00 P.M.)
Minutes
Mrs. Freeman changed the order of the agenda and started by honoring the 2020 Retirees: Dan Brinker (30.5 Years); Patty Calder (15 Years); Cindy Carmack (37 Years); John Davis (17 Years); Donna Dillon (10 Years); Joe Freeman (41 Years); Nedra Herbert (18 Years); Emily Rogers (16 Years); Kim Tillett (15 Years) and Michelle White (17 Years).
Dr Parker presented clocks in honor of their retirement to Joe Freeman, Nedra Herber, Emily Rogers and Donna Dillon. He thanked them for their years of service to Mt. Vernon.
2.
Call to Order
Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Mrs. Freeman led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
Adoption of Agenda
Minutes
Mrs. Walls made a motion to adopt the agenda as revised. Mrs. Smith seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
4.
Public Comments Regarding Agenda Items
Minutes
There were none.
5.
Public Hearing: 2021 Bus Replacement Plan
Minutes
The Public Hearing on the 2021 Bus Replacement Plan was opened. Mrs. Freeman stated the notice for the hearing was published as legally required in the Greenfield Daily Reporter on July 24, 2020 with the plan being made available for public viewing on the corporation's website. Pursuant to Indiana Code 20-40-18, following the public hearing, the officers of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation may adopt the proposed plan as presented. She turned the hearing over to Mr. Elkins. Mr. Elkins informed board members that the corporation will be trading in five buses and purchasing five buses. The quotes and specs were approved by the board at their May 18, 2020 regular meeting for a total purchase cost of $661,565.00. The corporation is required to list bus inventory for a rolling period of five years with the life of a bus anticipated to be twelve years. If the proposed bus replacement plan is adopted by resolution, the resolution will be submitted to the Department of Local Government Finance.
Mrs. Freeman asked if there was anyone present who would like to speak regarding the 2021 Bus Replacement Plan. There were no public comments and the hearing was closed.
6.
Action Item
6.1
Resolution 2020-25 Adoption of Bus Replacement Plan Budget Year 2021
Minutes
Mrs. Smith made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-25 Adoption of Bus Replacement Plan Budget Year 2021. Mr. May seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
7.
Public Hearing: 2021 Capital Projects Plan
Minutes
Mrs. Freeman opened the Public Hearing: 2021 Capital Projects Plan. She stated the notice of this public hearing was published as legally required in the Greenfield Daily Reporter on July 24, 2020 with the plan being made available for public viewing on the corporation's website. Pursuant to Indiana Code 20-40-18-6, following this public hearing, the officers of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation may adopt the proposed plan as presented. She turned the hearing over to Mr. Elkins. Mr. Elkins stated the corporation is legally required to list any projects or capital asset purchases which might be paid for from the Operations Fund for Budget Year 2021 if the anticipated amount is $10,000 or more. The plans does not obligate us to expend those funds and the plan could be amended as need with board approval. Several items on recent plans, including mechanical, electrical, heating/cooling and roofing are being addressed as part of our 2020 Stewardship Project, with regular maintenance of those improvements to be part of our ongoing capital plan. If the proposed capital projects plan is adopted, the resolution will be submitted to the Department of Local Government Finance.
Mrs. Freeman asked if there was anyone present who would like to speak regarding the 2021-2023 Capital Projects Plan. There were no public comments and the hearing was closed.
8.
Action Item
8.1
Resolution 2020-26 Adoption of 2021 Capital Projects Plan Budget Year 2021
Minutes
Mr. McCarty made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-26 Adoption of Capital Projects Plan Budget Year 2021. Mrs. Walls seconded and the motion carried 5-0.
9.
Reports
9.1
Good News
Minutes
Mrs. Bond shared the following Good News:
1. MVHS Jag Program was recognized with the Multiplying Good Foundation's "One in a Million" Award which recognizes/rewards acts of service that benefit the community.
2. The Mt. Vernon Education Foundation awarded Mrs. Ashley Schenck (MCE-5th Grade Teacher) as the Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020 and Veronica Kirby (FES- Technology Associate) as the Staff of the Year.
3. MVCSC received 500 cloth masks from the organization Sew and Service.
4. Girl Scouts of Central Indiana named all school staff as "heroes' and donated a box of cookies for every staff member.
5. MVEF held their "Black & Gold Gala" recently with early numbers showing the fundraiser will have exceeded last year's Gala net profits. These funds are used to support educational experiences and programs for students.
6. Several Fortville area churches sponsored a school supply drive.
7. Hamilton Exhibits donated a Temporary Quarantine Room for MVMS which provides two safe areas in one designated isolation room.
8. Family Leisure donated a large umbrella for shade for the FES Sensory Garden.
9.2
2020 Retirees
Dan Brinker MVHS Custodian 30.5 Years
Patty Calder MVHS Athletic Secretary 15 Years
Cindy Carmack FES Secretary 37 Years
John Davis Technology Associate 17 Years
Donna Dillon MCE Head Custodian 10 Years
Joe Freeman MVHS French Teacher 41 Years
Nedra Herbert Speech Pathologist 18 Years
Emily Rogers MES Instructional Assistant 16 Years
Kim Tillett MVMS Teacher 15 Years
Michelle White FES Instructional Assistant 17 Years
Minutes
The 2020 Retirees were honored and presented a clock at the beginning of the meeting.
10.
Consent Agenda
Minutes
Mrs. Walls made a motion to approve the following Consent Agenda Items:
1. Minutes of the July 20, 2020 and August 7, 2020 School Board Meetings;
2. Claims;
3. and the following Personnel Items:
CERTIFIED RETIREMENT/RESIGNATIONS
Nicole Privett, FES Teacher
KIm Tillett, MVMS Teacher (Retirement)
Brooke Mochal, MES Teacher
Stephen Phillips, FES Counselor Maternity Leave
Chad Wimmenauer, MES Teacher
Amber Gunn, MCE Teacher
CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
Emilee Niles, MES 3rd Grade Teacher (Temporary Full Year)
Julie Geisen-Ritchey, FES Counselor
Lauren Kramer, FES 2nd Grade Teacher
Jordan Fuerstenau, MES FMLA First Semester
Brooke Kistler, MES Kindergarten Teacher
Emily Cronk, MES 4th Grade Teacher
Megan Devries, MES FMLA First Semester
Christine Clements, MVMS Instructional Assistant
Joe Anderson (Secondary Level Technology Integration), Ben Rhoades ( Before-School Weight Class Supervisor) and Tom Shaver (Radio & TV Classes), Classified as FTE 1.25 (Engaging in Services provided to MVCSC in addition to their regular teaching duties)
CLASSIFIED RETIREMENT/RESIGNATIONS
Sidney Hastings, FES Special Education Instructional Assistant
Amber Baker, MVMS Instructional Assistant
Morgan Bitz, MES F.I.S.H. Instructional Assistant
Jen Ugen, Mini-Marauder Preschool Secretary
Jay Jones, Life Center Instructional Assistant
Lisa Lampert, MVMS Cafeteria
Erika Fowler, MES Instructional Assistant
Steven Lackey, MVMS Instructional Assistant
Pam Matthews, Health Room Assistant
Heather Woods, MVHS Permanent Substitute
Sredrick Tinker, MVMS Permanent Substitute
Ryan Wechsler, MES Secretary
CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
Allyson Hamlin, MES F.I.S.H. Instructional Assistant
Tyler Taing, MVHS Permanent Substitute Teacher
Jay Jones, MVMS Life Coach
Nedra Herbert, Mini-Marauder Preschool Secretary
Lisa Valenti, MES Kindergarten Instructional Assistant
Tori Wisker, Alternative School Instructional Assistant
Kayleigh Carrier, MVMS Attendance Secretary
Christina Bastin, School Nurse
Susan White, MCE Cafeteria
Christine Roach, MVHS Cafeteria
Penny Wilson, MVMS Cafeteria
Recommendation of Title Change for Gretchen Sitton
Recommendation for Additional Days for Office Staff
Suspension of Attendance Incentive for Classified Staff
Lilly Reese, Mini-Marauder Preschool After-Care Instructional Assistant
Stephanie Prasuhn, Mini-Marauder Preschool Instructional Assistant
Lisa Lee, MVMS Instructional Assistant
TRANSFER
Erin Heller, Transfer from MCE Teacher to MVMS Counselor
Savanna Chapple, Transfer from MES 3rd Grade First Semester Maternity Leave to Full-time 4th Grade Teacher
Michelle Anderson, Transfer from MES 3rd Grade 2020-21 School Year Leave to Full-time 5th Grade Teacher
Abigayle Price, Transfer from MES Kindergarten FMLA Leave to Full-time 1st Grade Teacher
Gerri Burge, Transfer from Administration Building Custodian to Head Custodian
Shirley Maxwell, Transfer from MCE Instructional Assistant to Mini-Marauder Preschool Instructional Assistant
Kristen Blakey, Transfer from MVHS Instructional Assistant to MVMS Instructional Assistant
Cary Hargis, Transfer from Facilities Rental Coordinator to MVHS Science Teacher
CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
Kimberly Nix, Mini-Marauder Preschool (Change in hours)
Alyssa Jean-Baptiste, Mini-Marauder Preschool (Change in hours)
Amy Lunn, Mini-Marauder Preschool (Change in hours)
Christi Poske, Mini-Marauder Preschool (Change in hours)
Rachel Bratton, Mini-Marauder Preschool (Change in hours)
ECA RECOMMENDATIONS
MVHS Non-Athletic Extra-Curriculars (per list)
LEAVES
Lynn Hartley, MES Teacher (Maternity Leave October 6, 2020 through end of 1st Semester)
RESCINDED INTENT TO EMPLOY
Christopher Hymer, FES Custodian
Mrs. Smith seconded, and the motion carried 5-0,
10.1
Regular Session Minutes
July 20, 2020 School Board Meeting
August 7, 2020 Emergency Board Meeting
10.2
Claims
10.3
Personnel Report
10.4
Overnight Field Trip Request
There are none.
10.5
Request to Accept Donation
There are none.
11.
2021 School Budget for MVCSC Presentation
Minutes
Mr. Elkins presented the 2021 School Budget for MVCSC. He reminded everyone that this is not the final budget and numbers are intentionally inflated as it is standard practice to advertise high to give ourselves a cushion. The DLGF will ultimately trim it back. Numbers will be more accurate in September for the Public Hearing.
The initial 2020 Budget Appropriations: Education Fund $26,027,305; Debt Service $10,407,386; Pension Fund $237,279; Operations Fund $10,580,667 and Rainy Day Fund $40,198 for a TOTAL BUDGET of $46,882,835. He reminded everyone that this is the last year you will see any remnants of the Capital Projects Fund, Transportation Fund and Bus Replacement Fund as this the third year of the new budget structure and these funds were condensed into the Operations Fund. 2020 Assessed Valuation $1,133,043,631. He pointed out the AV Estimate is $906,434,905. This number is reached because the DGLF asks you to use 80% of last year's AV as the number to build your budget from and 80% of last year's AV is the $906,434,905 amount. AV target is $1,148,000,000 and where we want to be. Target Tax Rate has always been $1.12 not to go over $1.19. He noted he received a call this morning informing him that the new anticipated Assessed Valuation is $1,225,491,194 as of 8/17/20. The increase in AV would allow us to max out Debt Service Fund cash balance so the Target Tax Rate would not get to the $1.19 limit. This new number will be certified at a later point in the budget season.
Timeline for Budget: Tonight asking to Advertise; August 19, 2020 First Legal Advertisement-DLGF Gateway); September 6, 2020 All budget materials uploaded into Gateway; September 21, 2020 Public Hearing at Board Meeting; and October 5, 2020 Budget Adoption at a Special Board Meeting.
12.
Budget Action Item
12.1
Permission to Advertise the 2021 Budget
Minutes
Mr. McCarty made a motion to grant permission to advertise the 2021 Budget to the Department of Local Government Finance Gateway Website by September 6, 2020 (no later than September 10, 2020). Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.
Action Items
13.1
1st Reading Policies
A100 Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment
D200 Standard of Care and Supervision of Students
D425 Employee Benefits
E100 Adoption of Curricular Materials
E125 Promotion, Placement, and Retention
G200 Environmental Health & Safety Issues
G225 Vehicle Idling
G475 Prohibition of Unmanned Aircraft (Drones)
H125 District-Support Organizations
H175 The Schools and Governmental Agencies
Minutes
Due to recent legislative changes and recommendations of our attorney, Dr. Parker is recommending the board consider the following policy updates for first reading. No action required.
A100 Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment-Addition of Title IX
D200 Standard of Care and Supervision of Students-Addition of Title IX
D425 Employee Benefits-SBOA language update
E100 Adoption of Curricular Materials-Policy not yet adopted
E125 Promotion, Placement, and Retention-Policy not yet adopted
G200 Environmental Health & Safety Issues-Policy not yet adopted
G225 Vehicle Idling-Policy net yet adopted
G475 Prohibition of Unmanned Aircraft (Drones)-Policy not yet adopted
H125 District-Support Organizations-Policy not yet adopted
H175 The Schools and Governmental Agencies-Policy not yet adopted
13.2
2nd Reading Policies
C275 Test Security Provisions for Statewide Assessments - UPDATED
C450 Drug Prevention and Drug Testing - UPDATED
C475 School-Sponsored Publications and Productions
C500 District-Sponsored Trips
D125 Evaluation of the Superintendent
D150 Board-Superintendent Relationship
F125 Purchasing Procedures and Capital Assets- UPDATED
F150 Use of Credit Cards
F225 Online Fundraising and Crowdfunding
G300 Latch-Key Programs
G375 Community Use of School Facilities
Minutes
Mrs. Walls made a motion to accept the 2nd reading of the policies as presented at the July 20, 2020 school board meeting:
C275 Test Security Provisions for Statewide Assessments - UPDATED
C450 Drug Prevention and Drug Testing - UPDATED
C475 School-Sponsored Publications and Productions
C500 District-Sponsored Trips
D125 Evaluation of the Superintendent
D150 Board-Superintendent Relationship
F125 Purchasing Procedures and Capital Assets- UPDATED
F150 Use of Credit Cards
F225 Online Fundraising and Crowdfunding
G300 Latch-Key Programs
G375 Community Use of School Facilities
Mrs. Smith seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.3
Resolution 2020-27 Permission to Transfer from the Educational Fund to the Operational Fund Budget Year 2021
Minutes
Mr. Elkins presented Resolution 2020-27 which asks the board to approve the monthly amount to be transferred from the Education to Operational Fund. Maximum amount that can be transferred is $300,000. Mrs. Smith made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-27 Permission to Transfer from the Educational Fund to the Operational Fund Budget Year 2021. Mr. May seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.4
Resolution 2020-28 Authorizing the Reduction of 2020 Budget Appropriations
Minutes
Resolution 2020-28 gives Mr. Elkins the authority to reduce a fund's appropriation and transfer it to next year if we get to the end of the budget year and see that we will not use all of the 2020 budget appropriations. Unlikely this will happen, but an option if needed. Mrs. Walls made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-28 Authorizing the Reduction of 2020 Budget Appropriations. Mr. McCarty seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.5
Resolution 2020-29 Authorizing the Deposit of Operations and Education Funds Interest into Rainy Day Fund
Minutes
Resolution 2020-29 authorizes the deposit of Operations and Educational Fund interest into the Rainy Day Fund giving more flexibility to use those funds for any educational purpose. Mr. McCarty made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-29 Authorizing the Deposit of Operations and Educational Funds Interest into Rainy Day Fund. Mr. May seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.6
Resolution 2020-30 Authorizing the Reduction of Line One, Two, or Eleven When the 1782 Budget Order is Available
Minutes
Resolution 2020-30 gives Mr. Elkins authorization to adjust budget order numbers as needed. Mr. May made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-30 Authorizing the Reduction of Line One, Two or Eleven When the 1782 Budget Order is Available. Mrs. Smith seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.7
Resolution 2020-31 Authorizing Pension Bond Tax Neutrality
Minutes
Resolution 2020-31 authorizes the board to neutralize the pension debt fund as required annually. This means the tax rate and tax revenue for the pension debt will be deducted from the Operations Fund instead of being a separate tax. This was the legal requirement in 2004 when the state allowed districts to sell bonds to fund early retirements. Mrs. Smith made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-31 Authorizing Pension Bond Tax Neutrality. Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.8
Resolution 2020-32 Authorizing Tax Anticipation Warrant (TAW 2021)
Minutes
Resolution 2020-32 gives Mr. Elkins approval to apply for a tax anticipation warrant which is a short term loan to be paid back by year's end from our tax settlement in the event of a tax revenue shortfall. Mr. May made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-32 Authorizing Tax Anticipation Warrant (TAW 2021). Mr. McCarty seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.9
Resolution 2020-33 Authorizing the Use of Temporary Interfund Loans as Needed for Cash Flow Purposes
Minutes
Resolution 2020-33 authorizes Mr. Elkins to temporarily transfer cash from another fund that has a surplus in the event that a fund runs short of cash reserves or monthly revenue. The loan must be returned by the end of the calendar year. Mrs. Walls made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-33 Authorizing the Use of Temporary Interfund Loans as Needed for Cash Flow Purposes. Mrs. Smith seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.10
Resolution 2020-34: RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ON INTEREST IN PURCHASING A PARTICULAR PROPERTY
Minutes
Dr. Parker and Mr. Elkins announced MVCSC is working to purchase 37.609 acres of land located at 8283 North 200 West. The sale price of $21,255.55 per acre is derived from two appraisals: Traynor & Associates ($789,800) and Beam, Longest and Neff ($809,000). Purchasing the land will allow us flexibility to manage future growth as more space is needed due to this growth. Sale would be contingent upon successful rezoning from agricultural to institutional usage along with approval from the Fortville Plan Commission and Town Councils. A $5,000 earnest money payment will hold the offer in place while rezoning is secured.
To finance this purchase, Dr. Parker and Mr. Elkins recommends the sale of property MVCSC owns at the northeast corner of 600 W and 100N, Greenfield, IN. This two tracts of land totalling 67.044 acres was originally purchased in 2009 at a cost of $1,011,861.03 as a possible site for a future school building. While it has been an amazing investment, they do not see it has an ideal spot to build a school building due to high traffic, car and semi, along Mt. Comfort Road. The property was appraised at $1,341,000 in September of 2019.
They are recommending engaging a real estate broker with experience in school property transactions, commercial real estate and large tracts of land for development. A Notice of Determination to Engage a Broker will be posted in the Greenfield Daily Reporter prior to September's board meeting with the selection process to begin following board approval.
Mr. McCarty made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-34 Resolution of the Board of Education on Interest in Purchasing a Particular Property. Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.11
Permission to Declare Items Salvage
Minutes
Mr. Rollo presented a list of items, per the attached, he recommends be declared salvage. He reported he has sold the previously declared surplus chromebooks and ipads and generated over $56,000 so far. Mrs. Walls made a motion to grant permission for technology items presented be declared salvage. Mr. May seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.12
MVMS Student Handbook Addendum
Minutes
Mr. Williams stated with the addition of the Life Coach position at Mt. Vernon Middle School, MVMS has an addendum to the student handbook reflecting minor changes to the STEP (Student/Teacher Expectation) Plan. Mr. May made a motion to accept the MVMS Student Handbook Addendum. Mrs. Walls seconded.
Mrs. Freeman asked how the Life Coach position will work. Mr. Williams stated Mr. Jones will be housed in a classroom, but also in hallways interacting with students with the goal to build relationships and by doing so, hopefully improve behaviors lessening the number of in and out of school suspensions. He will also do credit recovery.
The motion carried 5-0.
14.
Announcements
Minutes
Dr. Parker was excited to announce the first day of school was a good one. Cabinet members each visited a different school. He thanked everyone for their hard work to make the start of school a good one and is very happy to get everyone back and rolling. He announced he will continue his virtual traveling talks. Mrs. Smith stated her and Mr. May visited schools and were very impressed with everyone's incredible job to take care of the students and get them safely back into class. Mr. May added his thanks for everyone taking the time to answer questions they had. Mrs. Freeman added the level of communication with teachers and families doesn't happen in every district and we are all lucky to be at Mt. Vernon where it does happen.
15.
Adjournment
Minutes
Mrs. Walls made a motion to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Mr. McCarty seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
