Meeting Details
September 21, 2020
7:00pm - 9:00pm
2 hr
Mt. Vernon Administrative Service Center
Purpose
N/A
1.
Executive Session (5:30 p.m.)
Minutes
The Mt. Vernon School Board of Trustees held an Executive Session at 5:30 p.m.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes
Mrs. Freeman led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
Public Hearing 2021 Budget (7:00 p.m.)
Minutes
Mrs. Freeman announced that three Public Hearings will be held preceding regular session of the Board. The Board is holding Public Hearings for 2021 Budget; 2021 Bus Replacement Plan; and 2021 Capital Projects Plan. Adoption of the 2021 Budget will take place during a special session on Monday, October 5, 2020 at 6;00 p.m. Action on the Bus Replacement and Capital Projects Plan will take place immediately following each Public Hearing. The public will have an opportunity to make comments about the budget and/or plans after the presentations.
The Public Hearing 2021 Budget was opened at 7:02 p.m. Notice of this Public Hearing was published on the DLGF Gateway website on September 10, 2020. Following this meeting, any ten or more taxpayers may object to a budget, tax rate or tax levy by filing an objection petition with the proper officers of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation not more than seven days after the hearing.
Mr. Elkins reviewed the 2021 Budget as previously presented at the August 17, 2020 Board Meeting, The Notice to Taxpayers notes the Budget Estimate for the following funds: Rainy Day $150,000; Debt Service $10,007,499; School Pension $255,036; Education $27,568,398; and Operations $12,534,441 for a total of $50,515,374. Maximum Estimated Funds to be Raised (including appeals and levies exempt from maximum levy limitations): Rainy Day $0 (not tax supported); Debt Service $14,401,388; School Pension $255,036; Education $0 (not supported by local property taxes); and Operations $5,157,431. The Debt Service Fund equals exactly the debt payments we need to make in 2021.
Mrs. Freeman asked if there were any members of the public who would like to speak regarding the 2021 Budget Advertisement. There were none. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:07 p.m.
3.1
2021 Budget Advertisement
4.
Public Hearing - 2021 Bus Replacement Plan Amended
Minutes
The Public Hearing 2021 Bus Replacement Plan was opened at 7:08 p.m. Notice of this Public Hearing was originally published July 24, 2020 in the Greenfield Daily Reporter with the plan being made available for public viewing on the corporation's website. In compliance with DLGF that the plan be published on the Gateway website at least 10 days prior to the hearing, the plan information was presented again. The bus plan was published to Gateway on September 10, 2020. Pursuant to Indiana Code, following the Public Hearing, the Board may adopt the proposed plan as presented.
Mr. Elkins reminded everyone that we will be trading in five buses and purchasing five new buses. The bus quotes and specs were approved by the Board at the May 18, 2020 regular meeting at 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 (state inspection requirements). 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 were any members of the public who would like to speak regarding the 2021 Bus Replacement Plan. There were none. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:10 p.m.
4.1
2021 Bus Replacement Plan
5.
Action Item: Approval of Amended 2021 Bus Replacement Plan
5.1
Resolution 2020-36 Approval of 2021 Bus Replacement Plan (Amended)
Minutes
Mrs Walls made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-36 Approval of 2021 Bus Replacement Plan. Mrs. Smith seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
6.
Public Hearing - 2021 Capital Projects Plan Amended
Minutes
Mrs. Freeman opened the Public Hearing 2021 Capital Projects Plan at 7:11 p.m. Notice of this Public Hearing was originally published on July 24, 2020 in the Greenfield Daily Reporter with the plan being made available for public viewing on the corporation's website. In compliance with DLGF that the plan be published to the Gateway website at least 10 days prior to the hearing, the plan will be presented again. The Capital Projects Plan was published to Gateway on September 10, 2020. Pursuant to Indiana Code, following the Public Hearing, the Board may adopt the proposed plan as presented.
Mr. Elkins presented the 2021-2023 Capital Projects Plan with no changes from last month's presentation. The corporation is legally required to list any projects or capital asset purchases which might be paid for from the Operations and for Budget Year 2021 if the anticipated amount is $10,000 or more. The plan does not obligate us to expend those funds and the plan could be amended as need with board approval. Several items on recent plans includes 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 were any members of the public who would like to speak regarding the 2021-2023 Capital Projectst Plan. There were none. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:13 p.m.
6.1
2021-22 Capital Projects Plan
7.
Action Item: Approval of 2021 Capital Projects Plan (Amended)
7.1
Resolution 2020-37 Adoption of 2021 Capital Projects Plan (Amended)
Minutes
Mrs. Smith made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-37 Adoption of Capital Projects Plan (Amended) Budget Year 2021. Mr. May seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
8.
Call to Order
Minutes
Mrs. Freeman called the Regular Session to Order at 7:14 p.m.
9.
Adoption of Agenda
Minutes
There was one addition to the Personnel Report. Mr. May made a motion to Adopt the Agenda as revised. Mr. McCarty seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
10.
Public Comments Regarding Agenda Items
0167.3 - Public Participation at Board Meetings
May only address items listed in the agenda
Must be recognized by presiding officer.
Must provide name, address, and group affiliation, if and when appropriate
Limited to 3 minutes duration
All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer; no person may address or question Board members individually
Minutes
There were none.
11.
Reports
11.1
Good News
Minutes
Mrs.. Bond shared the following Good News:
1. She pointed out there was ten pages of press in the board packet.
2. MVMS received the "Champions in the Middle" Award fro the second consecutive year from the Special Olympics Indiana and the IHSAA.
3. MVHS Football Coach Mike Kirschner was named Indianapolis Colts Coach of the Week earning him $1,000 as well as $1,000 for the MVHS Athletic Department and $2,000 to a local food pantry.
4. MVMS received a grant from NineStar Connect to benefit their P.E., FACS and Swim Department. Special thanks to Kay Burdine, MVMS Treasurer, for taking the initiative to apply for this grant.
5. Harvest Church donated goodie bags for each of the Mt. Comfort Elementary teachers.
6. WTHR featured the MVHS Band of Marauders as the Band of the Week on Sunrise.
7. The Indy Star nominated MVHS Quarterback Gehrig Slunaker and Rylan Cole as Player of the Week.
11.2
Spotlight on Schools
Fortville Elementary School - Mrs. Stacy Muffler, Principal
Minutes
Stacy Muffler, Principal at Fortville Elementary, gave a presentation Spotlighting her School. She began by discussing their TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) journey. Their journey began in June, 2019 when seven staff members formed a pilot team to begin TBRI training. In August, the team grew to ten. May, 2020 they implemented full training for elementary teachers across the district. July-September 2020 training for all staff (I.A.'s, special education, special area teachers, etc.) will be completed. A year later they have learned the importance of regulation, TBRI is for everyone, shame will never motivate, the importance of teaching students to use their words, the structure/nurture balance, and progress and healing are not linear. One year later data also showed in-school and out-of-school suspensions were down approximately 50%. The goal is to see in and out-of-school suspensions to continue to go down along with office referrals . Mrs. Muffler and her team have set three goals to focus on in the future: Goal #1 All students will be able to check (identify) their engines (where emotions are); Goal #2 See a 20% decrease in office referrals from 2019-20 to 2020-21; and Goal #3 During Focus on Data) walks, circle time, nurture groups, and life value terms will be observed.
11.3
Bayer Grant Recipient - MVMS Robotics Class
Minutes
Mr. Shipley shared with board members that Mt. Vernon Middle School has been awarded a $15,000 STEM Grant sponsored by Bayer and made possible by local farmers and America's Farmers Grow Rural Education, sponsored by Bayer Fund. The grant funds will be used to supply equipment for the Middle School Robotics/Engineering II course taught by Brenda Schoenlein. Local farmers Bob Cook and Courtney Widenhaupt nominated the Middle School for this honor. Mr. Cook was in attendance and thanked by board members for his nomination.
12.
Consent Agenda
The school board shall use a consent agenda (Policy #0166.1) to keep routine matters. By a single motion, the Board approves/adopts the following items or actions which reflect application of School Board Policy and/or Indiana Code. Any items marked "Consent" may be removed from the agenda by a Board Member or the Superintendent.
Minutes
Mrs. Walls made a motion to approve the following Consent Agenda Items:
1. Minutes of the August 17, 2020 School Board Meeting and September 8, 2020 Public Hearing;
2. Claims;
3. and the following Personnel Items:
CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
Megan DeVries, MES Maternity Leave October 6, 2020 through December 18, 2020
Amanda Goodin, Mini-Marauder Preschool Special Education Teacher
CLASSIFIED RETIREMENT/RESIGNATIONS
Myra Hess, Mini-Marauder Preschool Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Erin Cress, MES Special Education Instructional Assistant
Howard Savage, MVHS Instructional Assistant
Kristen Blakey, MVMS Essential Skills Instructional Assistant
Roc Martin, MVHS Custodian
Heather Verhoeff, MCE Cafeteria
Hannah Cordle, MVHS Cafeteria
Lindsey Frisby, MVMS Cafeteria (Termination)
Sarah Cruz, MES Cafeteria (Termination)
CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
Lisa Hays, MES Special Education Instructional Assistant
Peyton Falls, FES Special Education Instructional Assistant
Yarmeth Hickman, Mini Marauder Preschool Instructional Assistant
Tasia Lewis, MCE Special Education Instructional Assistant
Robert Ross, MCE High Intensity Special Education Instructional Assistant
Sydney Huynh, MVHS Resource Instructional Assistant
Alexander Bouvier, MVHS Custodian
Gustavo Leon Gutierrez, MVHS Custodian
Ronald Corn, FES Custodian
Faith Hayes, FES Special Education Instructional Assistant
Vicky Griffey, MVCSC Administration Receptionist
Velina Dalchow, MVCSC Assistant Payroll/Benefits
Trinity Stommel, Mini-Marauder Preschool Instructional Assistant
Cynthia Webster, Sub Bus Driver/Bus Aide
MacKenzie Ralston, FES Instructional Assistant
CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
Rachel Bratton, Transfer from Mini-Marauder Preschool Instructional Assistant to Preschool Instructor One Day a Week
Randi Goen, Transfer from Mini-Marauder Preschool Instructional Assistant to Preschool Instructor Four Days a Week
Cindy Thompson, Transfer from Part-time Prep Cook/Cashier to Full-time Cook Position at MVHS
Sarah Kunkle, Transfer from Part-time Prep Cook/Service to Full-time Cook Position at MVMS
Linda Walker, Transfer from Cafeteria Sub to Part-time Prep Cook/Server Position at FES
Connie Illy, Transfer from Part-time Prep Cook/Service to Full-time Cook Position at MCE
Pam Lyons, Transfer from MMS Health Room Assistant to MCE Health Room Assistant
Tracy Hoyt, Transfer from MCE Health Room Assistant to MVHS School Nurse
ECA RECOMMENDATIONS
MVMS Non-Athletic ECA’s for 2020-2021 (per attached list)
Andy Williams, MVMS 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach
Drew Slentz, MVMS 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach
Peter O’Malley, MVMS 7th Grade Boys’ A Team Basketball Coach
Ryan Roland, MVMS 6th Grade Boys’ B Team Basketball Coach
Dylan Freeman, MVMS 7th Grade Boys’ B Team Basketball Coach
Joana Goff, MVMS 6th Grade Boys’ A Team Basketball Coach
ECA RESIGNATIONS
Luke Webber, MVMS 6th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach
LEAVES
Lydgia Palmer, FES 4th Grade Teacher (FMLA November 9-December 7, 2020)
Craig Wooten, MVHS Custodian (FMLA August 7-20, 2020)
Sarah Hall, MVMS 6th Grade Teacher (Maternity Leave February 9-May 19, 2021)
Kacie Grimm, MVHS Counselor (Maternity Leave October 26-December 18, 2020)
Brooke Wilson, MCE Teacher (Leave of Absence October 5-December 4 2020)
There were no overnight field trip requests or requests to accept donations.
Mr. McCarty seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
12.1
Regular Session Minutes
August 17, 2020 School Board Meeting
September 8, 2020 Public Hearing
12.2
Claims
12.3
Personnel Report
12.4
Overnight Field Trip Request
There are none.
12.5
Request to Accept Donation
There are none.
13.
Action Items
13.1
1st Reading Policies
C425 Student Suicide Prevention and Awareness
C575 Homework
D175 Board-Staff Communications
E150 Programs for High Ability Students
E200 Credit for Religious Education
G425 Religious Ceremony-UPDATED Pledge of Allegiance and Moments of Silence
G450 Advertisements, Publications and Naming Rights
H200 Relations with Special Interest Groups
Minutes
Dr. Parker presented first reading of the following policies revised due to legislative changes and recommendations of our attorney. As it is first reading, no action is required:
C425 Student Suicide Prevention and Awareness-previously title Student Suicide
C575 Homework-policy not yet adopted
D175 Board-Staff Communications-policy not yet adopted
E150 Programs for High Ability Students-policy not yet adopted
E200 Credit for Religious Education-policy not yet adopted
G425 Religious Ceremony-UPDATED Pledge of Allegiance and Moments of Silence-previously titled Religious Ceremony
G450 Advertisements, Publications and Naming Rights-policy not yet adopted
H200 Relations with Special Interest Groups-2020 Legislative update
13.2
2nd 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
Dr. Parker presented second reading of the following policies:
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 udpate
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 not yet adopted
G475 Prohibition of Unmanned Aircraft (Drones)-policy not yet adopted
H125 Corporation Support Organizations-policy not yet adopted
H175 The Schools and Governmental Agencies-policy not yet adopted
Dr. Parker recommended not adopting Policy E100 Adoption of Curricular Materials as it is not necessary and not required by law. We still have an Administrative Guideline that guides our work.
Mr. May made a motion to adopt Policies A100, D200, D425, E125, G200, G225, G475, H125 and H175 as presented. Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.3
School Improvement Plans
Minutes
Each year at this time, every Indiana school is required to submit an updated School Improvement Plan, usually based on the previous year's performance, establishing goals and strategies for the current school year . Building principals Stacy Muffler (FES); Stephanie Miller (MES); Alissa Lockwood (MCE); Ben Williams (MVMS); and Casey Dodd (MVHS) presented their updated School Improvement Pans for 2020-2021, per the attached.
Mr. McCarty made a motion to approve the school improvement pans as presented. Mrs. Smith seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.4
Approval to Contract with a Real Estate Broker
Minutes
Mr. Elkins reminded board members that they gave him permission at the August 17, 2020 board meeting to seek out a real estate broker for the purpose of engaging them in the sale of property MVCSC owns at the northeast corner of 600 W and 100N, Greenfield, Indiana. A Notice of Determination to Engage a Broker was posted in the Greenfield Daily Reporter as required by law. Mr. Elkins is recommending Robert Robey of Berkshire Hathaway to serve as Real Estate Broker. Mr. May made a motion to approve Mr. Bob Robey as our broker for the purpose o selling the land owned by the school corporation at W 100 North and N 600 West, Greenfield, IN. Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
13.5
Approve Updated Novel List
Minutes
Mr. Shipley stated at the May, 2020 board meeting, members adopted textbooks and the corporation's Novel List. A process was created where teachers could update, change and make adjustments to that novel list. One request has been received and the process completed by the Novel Committee. The Committee is recommending the Mt. Vernon High School AP Language/Composition 12th Grade Class replace the novel "In Cold Blood" with "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson. He noted this is the only change to the Novel List from the list approved in May. Mrs. Smith made a motion to accept the Novel List as presented. Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
14.
Announcements
Minutes
Dr. Parker thanked all the dedicated teachers and support staff working with our students during these impossible circumstances. He is amazed at all their hard work and the extra time they have been putting in on behalf of Mt. Vernon students. He further thanked administrators and expressed how proud he was of their leadership during these times. He is very humbled by all their amazing work.
15.
Adjournment
Minutes
Mr. McCarty made a motion to adjourn at 8:12 p.m. Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
