Meeting Details
November 15, 2021
7:00pm - 10:00pm
3 hr
Mt. Vernon Administrative Service Center
Purpose
N/A
1.
Executive Session (5:15)
Minutes
An Executive Session was held at 5:15 p.m.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance (7:00 P.M.)
Minutes
Mrs. Freeman led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
Call to Order
Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
4.
Adoption of Agenda
Minutes
Dr. Parker advised board members that there were two revisions to the agenda: Additions added to the Personnel Report and Item 9.5 Approval of CMa Contract for Future Growth Plan was pulled from the agenda by Mr. Elkins. Mr. Edwards made a motion to adopt the revised agenda as presented. Mrs. Walls seconded and the motion carried 4-0.
5.
Public Hearing - Internet Safety Policy
Pursuant to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and in compliance with the schools and libraries universal service support program, commonly known as the E-rate program, which helps schools and libraries to obtain affordable broadband, the school is required to periodically review its Internet Safety Policy during a public hearing. The E-rate program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company under the direction of the FCC.
Minutes
Mr. Elkins opened the Public Hearing on our Internet Safety Policy. He stated Pursuant to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and in compliance with the schools and libraries universal service support program, commonly known as the E-rate program, which helps schools and libraries to obtain affordable broadband, the school is required to periodically review its Internet Safety Policy during a public hearing. The E-rate program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company under the direction of the FCC. The board has previously approved revisions to current Policy A300 Responsible Use of Technology at their July 20, 2020 board meeting. The policy specifically references the requirements of the Children's Internet Protection Act. He stressed tonight's hearing was for information only, no policy change was on the table.
The School Board believe accessing content on the Internet is essential to fully prepare students for their careers and life. The goal in providing access to the Internet and other technology to staff and students is to promote educational excellence by facilitating collaboration, innovation and communication. The use of the Internet and technology is a privilege, not a right and inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of some or all privileges.
Mr. Rollo stated the E-rate program requires CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act) Compliance and to keep documentation of compliance to include evidence that an internet filter is in place and working; evidence of a public notice and public hearing or meeting; and existence of an Internet Safety Policy. The first thing that needs to be in place is to prevent access by minors to inappropriate material on the internet. Protection is at school and away from school. Mt. Vernon uses Lightspeed Relay to provide this protection to all devices that plug into our network. Students in grades 9-12 have access to e-mail while grades 6-8 have e-mail, but only within our domain. Grade 3-5 can only e-mail teachers. Several policies are in place through Google and GMail also. A Cisco firewall is in place and Five Star monitors 24 hrs. a day. Classroom teachers are given tools to use to monitor students' chromebooks while in school. Common Sense Media Program provides additional information and tools for teachers to use to educate students on the proper use of technology.
Mrs. Freeman asked if there was anyone who had signed in to speak, There were none and the hearing was closed,
6.
Reports
6.1
Good News
Minutes
Dr. Parker, on behalf of Maria Bond, gave the following Good News Report:
1. All MV schools honored veterans on Veterans' Day. FES and MVMS had in-person celebrations with a modified crowd; MCE and MES had virtual celebrations and MVHS shared numerous announced throughout the day to honor veterans.
2. Athletic News: MVHS Football Team captured the Regional title and advance to semi-state; Cheer Team advanced to state finals bringing home 3rd place; Boys' cross country brought home the regional title (Tristan Trevino and Austin Rush competed at state and finished in the top 100 of more than 200 runners; and Meridith Johnson and Alaina Nugent advanced to state girls golf.
3. MVMS teacher Debbie Thomas was awarded the Indiana Middle School Geography Teacher of the Year by the Geography Educators Network of Indiana.
4. Mt. Vernon Education Foundation hosted a successful Parent University event with programming full of resources for MV parents and staff. More than 50 attended.
5. A special breakfast for realtors and builders showcased updates on Mt. Vernon's Futur Growth Plan, enrollment, decreasing transfer student numbers and other programming information.
6.2
Spotlight on Programs
Mt. Vernon Middle School - Mrs. Brooke Tharp, Kelly Diehl and Paula Day
Mini-Marauder Preschool - Mrs. Heather Johnson
Minutes
Brooke Tharp, MVMS Principal, introduced Reading and Math Specialists Paula Day and Kelly Diehl, who gave a presentation spotlighting their specialist programs. The purpose/mission of a Middle School Specialist is to meet students academically where they are and help them grow. They are dedicated to building relationships to foster a safe environment where student can ask questions, make mistakes and feel ownership in their learning. Ms. Day and Diehl meet with students 3 days a week, every other day, and their goals are met by teaching GOAL classes (Going Onward Always Learning); measure student growth with frequent progress monitors, determine gaps in individual student learning by analyzing data; collaborate with classroom teachers; and provide support to all students during digital learning and quarantine situations. Students who have been identified with learning gaps have been scheduled in GOAL classes. Due to the diverse learning needs of each student in the class, it is important to use educational strategies and activities that best meet each of their individual needs. The main priority is to build a relationship with each student so they feel comfortable and safe to make mistakes and learn from them. In order to meet the needs of these students, they have participated in Professional Development that included CIESC Trainings, Smekens Trainings, PLC Collaboration and data analysis.
Mrs. Heather Johnson, Director of the Mini-Marauder Preschool, gave a presentation spotlighting the preschool. She began by stating the Mini-Marauder Preschool is made up of 27 staff members, 15 who are new this school year. There are 7 classrooms, 3 three-year-old classes and 4 four-year-old classes. Each class is assigned an Instructional Assistant and 5 MVHS ICE students also assist. Of the seven lead teachers, one is licensed in Special Education, and one additional licensed Special Ed teacher and Special Ed Instructional Assistant push into classes to provide services. They are also supported by speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and the school psychologist. The students consist of 40 3-year olds; 69 4-year olds; 28 part-time students; and 43 students with disabilities identified with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The Preschool provides students with nutritional snacks and meals; an academic day with aftercare; tuition assistance and Paths to Quality Level 3, Indiana's statewide quality rating system for early education. The Mini-Marauder Preschool strives to be an extension of Mt. Vernon CSC seeking to provide readiness for a smooth transition to kindergarten. Teachers worked last year to create new assessments for preschool and pre-K. These assessments align with the Indiana Early Learning Foundations. Included are standards in social-emotional and play skills, early numeracy skills, early literacy and writing skills and fine and gross motor skills. Teachers meet weekly in PLC to engage with one another, including the special education staff to discuss student progress and use data to inform instruction. They share ideas and lessons to continually improve instruction.. Research based early learning curriculum is used.
6.3
Lilly Scholarship Finalists
Minutes
Mr. Casey Dodd introduced the 2021 Lilly Scholarship Finalists, Maitlyn Griner and Hayden Kovell.
Maitlyn is ranked 8 out of 328 in her class with a GPA of 4.218. Community Service activities include DARE ( serves on Youth Advocacy Board for the State of Indiana), MVHS Student Government (all 4 years currently serving as executive president), Fortville Winter Festival, Riley Park's Trunk or Treat; Milion Meals; chairman of Choose Kind; and Mental Health Week committee member. Extra-curricular activities include Marauder Mentors, Marauder Mob Spirit Club and Varsity Softball. Maitlyn's future plans include attending either Butler University or Purdue University majoring in Civil Engineering or Forensic Science.
Hayden is ranked 23 out of 328 in her class with a GPA of 4.048. Community Service activities include Fortville Area Resource Mission (formerly Fortville Christian Food Panty); Campus Life; small group leader at East 91st Street Christian Church; Shepherd Community Center; Kyle Guy Foundation Golf Outing; and Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen. Extra-curricular activities include National Honor Society; Marauder Mentors; MVHS Girls' Basketball and Girls' Tennis; Campus Life, AfriCAN; and Marauder Mob. Future plans include attending Purdue University or Ball State University majoring in Pediatric Nursing.
In order to be eligible for the full four-year tuition scholarship award, applicants must be ranked in the top 15% of their graduating class and plan to pursue a baccalaureate course of study, to be completed in four years, at any accredited Indiana public or private university or college. Student applications are submitted online and reviewed blindly (without name) by a third party who selects eight finalists, two students from each Hancock County School. Community Service is the biggest factor in consideration for this award. The winner will be announced in December.
6.4
Future Growth Plan: Site Concepts
Minutes
Representatives from Lancer+Beebe provided board members with site concepts showing possible sites for the future Transportation Center and Fortville Elementary School to be built on recently purchased land to the north of the main campus. The plans also showed additional parking lots and potential new roads and traffic patterns designed to alleviate traffic issues during drop-off and pick-up with the goal to keep buses away from cars.
6.5
Stewardship Project Update
Minutes
Mr. Elkins gave an update on our current Stewardship Project. He reminded everyone that we have approximately $16 million dollars worth of other projects going on at this time with roofing, mechanical systems, etc. Last week he received very good news from Emcor on the mechanical portion. The initial portion of the project was $8.3 million for year one of a three year plan. Through savings, materials, and labor, Mr. Elkins was happy to announce a savings of $400,000 and year 1 is completed, most of year 2 completed and they have started on year 3, so we have saved and are ahead on the project.
7.
Public Comments Regarding Agenda Items
B 225 - Public Participation at Board Meetings
May only address items listed in the agenda
Must be recognized by the 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
For those wishing to address the board on an item not on the agenda, a request to place an item on the agenda must be received no later than seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
Minutes
There were none.
8.
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
Mr. Gray made a motion to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
1. Minutes of the October 18, 2021; October 25, 2021 and November 1, 2021 meetings;
2. Claims;
3. The following Personnel items:
CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
Lisa Sullivan, FES Substitute for Kelsey Rusk 1st Grade Teacher Leave of Absence
Kathrine Wilhelm, MCE Substitute for Teran Strickland Counselor Leave of Absence
CERTIFIED RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
Wendy Trissel, MVHS Special Education Teacher
CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
Yesenia Villanueva, MCE Cafe Supervisor
Leonard Allis, Transportation Bus Driver
Jessica Halsmer, MCE / MVMS ENL Instructional Assistant P/T
Leann Wright, FES Instructional Assistant
Lori Shaw, MVMS Instructional Assistant
Elizabeth Welch, Corporation COVID Nurse
CLASSIFIED RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
Brookly Miller, FES Instructional Assistant
Ronald Corn, FES Custodian
Antwan Jenkins, MVMS Permanent Substitute
Breanna Johnson, MCE Custodian
Virginia Horton, MVMS Head Custodian (Retirement)
Alexa Hayes, MCE Instructional Assistant
CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
Victoria Campbell, staff member requested to move from full-time to part-time HA Instructional Assistant
ECA RECOMMENDATIONS
James Cochran, MVMS Assistant Swim Coach
MCE Non-Athletic ECA’s
ECA RESIGNATIONS
Brad Grieshop, MVMS Assistant Swim Coach
LEAVE REQUESTS
Ashley Bryan, Leave of Absence (February 3, 2022 - Undetermined)
Ann Shirley, Leave of Absence (November 29, 2021 - February 21, 2022)
Jill Bainbridge, Leave of Absence (October 18, 2021 - Undetermined)
4. The following Overnight/Out of State Field Trip Requests: a) MVHS Wrestling to Chris Traicoff Invitational December 10-11, 2021 at Calumet High School; b) MVHS Wrestling to Al Smith Invitational December 27-29, 2021 at Mishawaka High School; c) MVMS 7th Grade Class Trip May 13, 2022 to Cincinnati, Ohio; and d) MVMS 6th Grade Class Trip April 8, 2022 to Louisville, KY.
5. The following Requests to Accept Donation: a) Donation of $1,500 in steel from Steel MartLegion to the MVHS Welding Program; b) Donation of $500.00 from Mr. Bernie Baldwin of Baldwin Excavating to help support the MVHS Lady Marauders Basketball Program; and c) Proposed Sponsorship agreement between Dellen Automotive Group, Greenfield, IN and the MVHS Athletic Department. The sponsorship will be in effect for 7 years at $20,000 per year with MVCSC Athletics agreeing to provide certain messaging, signage, logo placement, and naming right to Dellen Automotive Group for the duration of the agreement.
6. Construction Claims; and
7. Attached list of Fall 2021 Salvage Items.
Mr. Edwards seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
8.1
Regular Session Minutes
Minutes of October 18, 2021 Meeting
Minutes of October 25, 2021 Meeting
Minutes of November 1, 2021 Meeting
8.2
Claims
8.3
Personnel Report
8.4
Overnight Field Trip Request
MVHS Wrestling December 10-11, 2021
MVHS Wrestling December 27-29, 2021
MVMS 6th Grade Class Trip April 8, 2022
MVMS 7th Grade Class Trip May 13, 2022
8.5
Request to Accept Donation
8.6
Construction Claims
8.7
Declaration of Surplus Inventory
9.
Action Items
9.1
Renaming of Athletic Facility
Minutes
Mr. Elkins recommended to the board that the MVHS football stadium name, currently Hancock Health Stadium, be renamed to Dellen Field at Hancock Health Stadium. The name change will put us in compliance with the terms of the new Dellen Automotive sponsorship agreement, presented earlier in the meeting.
Mrs. Walls made a motion to rename the current Hancock Health Stadium to Dellen Field at Hancock Health Stadium. Mr. Gray seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
9.2
Resolution 2021-41 Approval of Single Project Proposer
Minutes
Mr. Elkins presented Resolution 2021-41 Approval of Single Project Proposer. This resolution is required as we received only one proposal for the MEP/HVAC design-building project at Fortville Elementary. Mr. Gray made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-41 Approval of Single Project Proposer. Mr. Edwards seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
9.3
Recommendation to Award Project to Design-Builder
Minutes
Mr. Elkins asked the board to accept the recommendation from Lancer+Beebe and award the design-build project to EMCOR for the MEP-HVAC work at Fortville Elementary. Mr. Edwards made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented and award the design-build project to EMCOR. Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
9.4
Approval of FES Addition-Roofing Project Commissioning
Minutes
Mr. Elkins asked the board to approve roofing project commissioning with Moisture Management for the roofing portion of the Fortville Elementary addition. Mrs. Walls made a motion to approve the roofing project commissioning with Moisture Management as presented. Mr. Gray seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
9.5
Resolution 2021-42 Approval of Form of Lease
Minutes
Mr. Elkins stated the corporation is funding this project through a lease financing, as it has done with other past construction/renovation projects. Lease financings are used by school corporations across Indiana in order to borrow for renovation and construction. This type of financing does not count against the school corporation's constitutional debt allowance. The Building Corporation will purchase the real estate upon which the new elementary school will be constructed and the existing Mt. Comfort Elementary School at the closing for at least the appraisal value. The Building Corporation will then lease that real estate back to the school corporation. The lease rental due from the school corporation will be paid from property taxes. The lease rental, as shown as a maximum amount in the Lease, will be sufficient to pay the principal and interest due to the bond holders. Mrs. Walls made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-42 Approval of Form of Lease. Mr. Edwards seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
9.6
Resolution 2021-43 Reapproval of Building Corporation
Minutes
Mr. Elkins stated in order for the Building Corporation, a not-for-profit Indiana Corporation, to issue tax exempt bonds, the IRS requires that the School Board approve the Building Corporation and authorize it to issue tax exempt bonds on behalf of the school corporation. Mr. Edwards made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-43 Reapproval of Building Corporation. Mr. Gray seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
9.7
2nd Reading Policies
Second Reading for New Policies
Due to legislative changes and recommendations of our attorney, I am recommending the board consider the following new and updated policies for adoption.
A275 School Wellness
A300 Responsible Use of Technology and Internet Use Policy
A350 Civility and Decorum
B225 Board Meetings
C125 Admission to the Corporation (Legal Settlement)
E200 College and University Programs
F125 Purchasing Procedures and Capital Assets
G500 Intellectual Property Ownership and Revenue
H175 The Schools and Governmental Agencies
H225 Public Comments & Concerns
Minutes
Dr. Parker presented to following polices for second reading:
Due to legislative changes and recommendations of our attorney, I am recommending the board consider the following new and updated policies for adoption.
A275 School Wellness
A300 Responsible Use of Technology and Internet Use Policy
A350 Civility and Decorum
B225 Board Meetings
C125 Admission to the Corporation (Legal Settlement)
E200 College and University Programs
F125 Purchasing Procedures and Capital Assets
G500 Intellectual Property Ownership and Revenue
H175 The Schools and Governmental Agencies
H225 Public Comments & Concerns
Mr. Gray made a motion to remove Policy G500 Intellectual Property Ownership and Revenue and approve the remaining nine policies as presented. Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
10.
Board Member Reports
Mt. Vernon Education Foundation - Mr. Chad Gray
Hancock Co. RDC - Mr. Tony May
Cumberland RDC - Mrs. Kellie Freeman
McCordsville RDC - Mrs. Shannon Walls
Fortville RDC - Mr. Phil Edwards
Minutes
Board Member Reports:
1. Mr. Chad reported that the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation recently hosted a successful Parent University.
2. There was no Hancock Co. RDC report.
3. Mrs. Freeman reported that the Cumberland RDC met and discussed a Sugar Creek Township redevelopment project that does not affect Mt. Vernon.
4. Mrs. Walls reported that the McCordsville RDC met and were shown revisions to the McCord Square site plan, final review of the Economic Development Plan that will go to the council; and re-implementation of the Facade Grant Program.
5. Mr. Edwards reported the Fortville RDC has not met this month, but there are no new developments. New changes to Main Street.
11.
Announcements
Minutes
Dr. Parker's announcement was actually a celebration of the great work teachers, staff and parents have been doing to manage the Pandemic. Using the Indiana Department of Health Control Measures, we have significantly been able to reduce the number of students required to quarantine. Since September 1st, we have had 93 covid positive cases resulting in 703 close contacts, but only 285 have required quarantine. This means 418 individuals, mostly students have been kept in school for in-person learning. He is very proud of our teachers, administrators, students and parents. It is a celebration keeping kids in school and allowing teachers to focus on what they do best. This will be revisited in January, after Winter Break.
12.
Adjournment
Minutes
Mrs. Walls made a motion to adjourn at 8:27 p.m. Mr. Edwards seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
