Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees

Mrs. Bond shared the following Good News:

1.  Approximately 30 vested community members, with or without students in our district, became the first cohort of the MV Ambassadors and kicked off their first meeting in August by getting to know each other, listening to a presentation about the district from Dr. Parker, and ended with a tour of the bus barn while learning about facts about transportation.

2.  MV held three 65+ Club registration events this summer for those patrons 65 and over who live in our district to receive an event pass for most MVHS & MVMS events.  

3.  MVHS Booster Blas was a success with many community members' families coming out ot enjoy the day with inflatables, games, silent auction, live music and reinforcing the camaraderie in the MV community.

4.  MVCSC hosted the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce with Governor Holcomb as the speaker and Hancock Health CEO Steve Long moderating.

Mr. Scott Shipley, Director of Curriculum and Misty Hall, Curriculum Integration Coordinator, gave a Curriculum Update and Digital Learning Pathway presentation. Mr. Shipley began by stating the curriculum team had made several additions to their team including Mrs. Stacy Muffler, Assistant Director of Curriculum, and 9 Specialists for each building in math and reading focusing on supporting students who's rate of learning has been affected by COVID and supporting those students quarantined due to COVID.  The past couple of years they have been working on a crystal clear curriculum noting the importance of clarity as clear is kind, unclear is unkind.  When talking about a crystal clear curriculum, we talk about Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum.  Guaranteed is the opportunity to learn; specific content is taught in specific grade levels, regardless of the teacher to whom the student is assigned.  Viable Curriculum is time to learn; the number of required students is manageable for students to learn a level of mastery in the time provided.   Indiana Academic Standards are used, but to teach all the standards, students would need to be in school for 23 years.  As this is not possible, we need to determine what is Essential Learnings (ELs).  ELs were created by teacher and articulate the skills, content and concepts aligned with standards determined to be non-negotiable areas of proficiency for all students .  The ELs promote clarity, consistent priorities for student learning, provides pacing for assessments and creates ownership of the curriculum.  The teachers determined what is essential by prioritizing standards and benchmarks to create ELs based on endurance (will this standards provide knowledge and skills that will be valued beyond a single class period, throughout the year and/or future  years); leverage (will this standard provide knowledge and skills that can leverage other standards in your discipline or other disciplines); readiness (will this standard provide students with the "tools" they must have for success); teacher judgement (do you as the content experts believe this skill/knowledge is critical based on what you know about your students); and assessment (something you know students will be assessed on standardized assessments).  Created quarter views to attain that clarity where students are assessed during each nine week quarter on the ELs.  The quarter views provides a clear overview of when essential learnings will be taught and assessed, clarifies intended and implemented curriculum, provides a crosswalk between essential learning and district resources, and communicates with stakeholders.  The ELs can be found on the MVCSC website or school websites.  

Misty Hall began her presentation on Digital Learning Pathway by giving kudos to teachers and administration for their hard work, extra time and support to create this pathway.   The Digital Learning Pathway, created by MVCSC teachers for MVCSC teachers, is a professional development opportunity where educators explore translating teaching and learning best practices to the digital world with a common MVCSC vision.  Digital Pathway Overview:  1)  funded by IDOE Grant monies; 2) collaborated with CIESC for creation and implementation; 3) six hours of synchronous learning utilizing ZOOM meetings; 4) multiple hours of own pace learning utilizing Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).  Modules were created:  Module 1 Establishing Relationships and Foundations in the Digital Space; Module 2:  Accessible Learning in the Digital Learning Space; Module 3:  Learner Centered Design; Module 4: Engagement and Empowerment; Module 5:  Feedback and Assessment; and Module 6:  Future Ready Mindset.   Next steps include establishing Cohort 2 in the fall consisting of approximately 42 teachers and remaining administrators.  Cohort 3 will consist of approximately 84 teachers.  Cohort 4 will consist of approximately 110 teachers (all remaining teachers).  Grant dollars will be budgeted to pay teachers their contracted extra hours rate for many of the hours outside their teaching day needed to complete the MVCSC Digital Learning Pathway Credential.   Mr. Shipley and Ms. Hall presented certificates to members of Cohort 1.

Mr. Smedley provided updates to the MVCSC Health & Safety Plan for 2021-2022, made since the last presentation, along with how to support students who are out on quarantine.  He began by stating as of 8/13/21, the number of COVID positive cases was at 19 with number of close contacts at 437 and number of close contacts not required to quarantine 63.  Mt. Comfort Elementary and Fortville Elementary have reported no cases; McCordsville Elementary 2; Mt. Vernon Middle School 12; Mt. Vernon High School 3 and 2 Other.  Legal guidance related to COVID-19 and schools includes school boards have the jurisdiction to implement routine and prevention measures they deem necessary to protect the health of students and staff, such as masking, distancing, and disinfection.  Two mandates related to COVID-19 in Indiana are masks  required while riding a bus (per the U.S. Department of Transportation) and contact tracing and quarantine/isolation (Executive Order 21-19 issued on 7/29/21 supports the Indiana Department of Health's guidance on COVID-19 issued on 7/9/21; duty to report COVID positive cases and conduct contact tracing; and failure to report is a Class B misdemeanor according  to the Indiana Communicable Disease Statute IC 16-41-2).  The guiding principles in developing and revising our Health and Safety Protocols includes adhering to state and federal laws; aligning our protocols with guidance from state and county health departments; prevent as many students and staff from missing school due to illness, including COVID-19; if students and staff do miss then we want them back in school as quickly and safely as possible; and maintain a safe and healthy environment for our students, staff and community members who come to visit our campuses.  He pointed out changes to the Health, Safety & Facilities Protocols includes each level of the tiered plan is specific to one building and data to inform a change will be only that building's data.  Mr. Smedley re-capped the tiered plan, previously presented.  Significant changes from the IDOH are:  1)  students who are 3' to 6' from an identified positive case do not have to quarantine provided that the positive case and close contact(s) is/are wearing a mask; 2) contact tracing on the bus is now 3' because everyone is masked on the bus. 

Supporting students who are quarantined is very important and  administrators have worked diligently to put a plan in place to do just that:

1.  Assignments and materials will be provided no later than 48 hours after teachers are notified of close contacts;

2. In most cases assignments will be given for the duration of the quarantine period or at the very least a week's worth at a time;

3. Assignments/materials will be pushed out electronically in most cases via Canvas or Google Meet; printed materials and supplies may be picked up from school;

4. Both direct (teachers, specialists, other support staff) and/or indirect ( links to videos, recordings, other resources) instruction will be provided; 

5.  Instruction and check-ins will be conducted by teachers, specialists and other support staff;

6. Assistance and follow-up will be provided;

7. Students and parents are encouraged to reach out to ask questions, seek further assistance, etc.;

8. Special education teachers will coordinate with students/families in order to provide support based on needs in student IEPs;

9. Students encouraged to complete their assignments while out in order to stay on pace with the class; due dates may be extended in certain circumstances; and

10. Tests or quizzes may be given electronically or delayed until the student returns depending on the teacher's discretion as to whether they feel the student is prepared.

Mr. Smedley called on Mt. Vernon's attorney Amy Matthews, to respond to several essential questions.  

1,  Where is it stated that it is a legal requirement to report Covid positive cases, conduct close contact investigations and quarantine.  Why must students and staff who are returning early from a quarantine wear a mask through day 14? Why is a vaccinated individual able to return to school earlier than an unvaccinated individual?

Ms. Matthews responded these three questions come from the Indiana Department of Health's control measures which are requirements the  IDOH has the authority to issue under state law IC16-41-2.  These control measures are independent of the Governor's Executive order, discussed earlier, and can and will  continue even after the Governor's order expires or until the IDOH rescends or replaces them. 

2.  How can it be a misdemeanor  to not follow this?  Are school personnel liable?

Ms. Matthews responded IC 16-41-2-9  Indiana Communicable Disease statute does establish it is a Class B Misdemeanor to recklessly violate or fail to comply with state law Chapter 2 Communicable Disease: Reporting of Communicable or Dangerous Diseases.  She went on to further state each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense.  Since the control measures for COVID 19 that are in place now do specifically put requirements on schools, school officials who actions cause non-compliance could be liable. 

3.  What gives schools the legal authority to issue or not issue mask requirements?  

Ms. Matthews responded that is also Indiana statute that provides or grants schools that authority.  

4.  Why do we have to wear a mask while on the bus?

Ms. Matthews responded it is a requirement of the federal Center for Disease Control enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (TSA) and is a federal statute for transportation which is why you see a federal mask mandate that just applies to school buses.  

Mrs. Freeman asked if most of the quarantining is coming from the school bus.  Mr. Smedley responded about half and said the new significant change from the IDOH regarding contact tracing on the bus is now 3' because everyone is masked on the bus will really help. 

Mr. Smedley asked the board to approve the updated Health & Safety Protocols for 2021-2022 as presented.  Mr. May made a motion to approve the updated Health & Safety Plan,  Mr. Gray seconded.

Mrs. Walls stated when she voted to table the motion at the last meeting it was heavily weighed because she felt we lacked in our academic response to our students. She applauds the administration because they took that very seriously.  Even though we need to do better, she feels we have a very comprehensive plan in place and appreciates all the work that went into this as the last thing we want is for our students to fall behind.  We want them in school, we want them safe and we want them healthy.  We does not want any student to have a year like her son had last year as a senior as he missed out on so many important events.  She feels it is important to keep our kids in school and that the administration is trying their best to do this.  She believes as a community we have an opportunity to shine and you don't have to agree with the person sitting next to you, but we have the opportunity to walk out of this meeting united and hopefully as as community we can do that and move forward. 

Mr. Gray asked Dr. Parker for clarification on whether  there was a difference between extra-curricular and contact tracing quarantine periods.  Dr. Parker stated he had written that question down to check on himself as he needed some clarification also. 

The motion carried 4-0.

Mr. Smedley presented the updated Teacher Appreciation Grant Policy which allows the Board to distribute its Teacher Appreciation Grant monies received from the Indiana Department of Education to the teachers that meet the following criteria:

1.  Employed in the classroom or directly provided education in a virtual classroom setting;

2.  Received a Highly Effective or an Effective rating on their most recently completed performance evaluation; and

3.  Employed on December 1st of the year the Corporation receives the grant monies.

Those teachers receiving a Highly Effective rating will receive at least 25% more than the stipend  given to those teachers receiving an Effective rating.  Mr. Smedley reminded everyone that this is the same policy as last year, the policy did not change. Mr. Gray made a motion to approve the Updated Teacher Appreciation Grant Policy.  Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.

Dr. Parker presented a resolution regarding the 2021 return to in-person instruction plan.   March 6, 2021, Gov. Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-02 declaring a public health emergency in Indiana due to COVID-19.  The Mt. Vernon School Board approved the 2021 Return to In-Person Instruction Plan, also known as the Health, Safety and Facilities Protocols for the 2021-22 School Year on July 19, 2021.  As facts and circumstances change quickly, the resolution of the Board authorizes the Superintendent and administration to revise and refine the Return to In-Person Instruction Plan as warranted by the changing conditions.  Mrs. Walls made a motion to approve the Resolution Regarding the 2021 Health & Safety Plan as presented.  Mr. Gray seconded, and the motion carried 4-0. 

Mr. Elkins gave a presentation on the General Obligation Bonds of 2021.  He is asking approval to advertise for a $3 million GO Bond (advertise high, but thinks it will probably be closer to $2.5 million) to be paid back in one year due to the revenue we can generate because of a low tax rate .  Typical time frame to pay back a GO Bond is seven years.  The Net Assessed Value Rate is expected to grow to 15.220%.  Issuance of this bond will allow us to pay all bills, pay back stewardship project bonds, along with bus loans.  It will also make room for future growth projects.  It is not anticipated that the debt service tax levy will increase over the 2021 Debt Service Tax Rate of $1.18.  

Mr. Elkins asked for consideration and approval of Resolution 2021-22 Preliminary Bond Resolution.  This resolution establishes the maximum amount to be borrowed, maximum term of repayment and maximum interest rate.  Should the board vote to approve, notice of the determination to issue the bonds shall be published twice in the Greenfield Daily Reporter and posted in three places within the school corporation.  Mr. Gray made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-22 as presented.  Mr. May seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.

Mr. Elkins asked for consideration and approval of Resolution 2021-23 Declaration of Official Intent to Reimburse Expenditures.  If the school corporation pays any preliminary costs related to the project in advance of receiving the bond proceeds, this resolution allows the school corporation tp be reimbursed from bond proceeds after the closing.  Mrs. Walls made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-23 as presented.  Mr. Gray seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.

Mr. Shipley presented Health Science and Welding Fees.  This is not a new request, but a transfer request.  Previously the fees were charged through the Anderson Career Center where students attended the classes.  This request transfers the fees to in-house to be billed by Mt. Vernon High School.  By transferring in-school,  it has increased attendance in theses classes.  The fees are not new fees for parents, just a  change in who is billing them and are very comparable to what was billed at the Anderson Career Center.  The fees were determined after all other fees were approved at a previous board meeting so that is why they are being presented for approval tonight.  Mr. May made a motion to approve the Health Science/Welding Fees.  Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.  

Mr. Smedley presented a Resolution Electing to join the Public Employees' Retirement Fund as Administered by the Indiana Public Retirement System.  We created a classified position to oversee the rental of our athletic facilities.  This position is currently not a classified position we offer, therefore we are required by INPRS to pass a resolution to allow this position to be added to the Public Employees' Retirement Fund (PERF).  Passing this resolution will provide retirement  benefits to this position and allow us to backdate it to date of hire.  Mr. Gray made a motion to approve Resolution Electing to Join the Public Employees' Retirement Fund as Administered by the Indiana Public Retirement System.  Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.

Mr. May made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-24 Bus Replacement Plan Adoption.  Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.

Mrs. Walls made a motion to approve the Bus Purchase Bids as presented.   Mr. May seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.

Mr. Gray made a motion to approve  Resolution 2021-25 Capital Projects Plan Adoption.  Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried  4-0.