Meeting Details
July 18, 2022
7:00pm - 9:00pm
2 hr
Mt. Vernon Administrative Service Center
Purpose
N/A
1.
Work Session (5:15-6:45pm)
Tour Fortville Elementary and Mt. Vernon Middle School.
Minutes
Board of School Trustees held a work session at 5:15pm.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance (7:00 P.M.)
The School Board, before each meeting, offers the opportunity to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance. People attending the meeting are welcome to take part in this procedure. Those desiring not to take part may either remain in the hallway before the meeting or sit quietly in the meeting room.
Minutes
Mrs. Freeman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
Call to Order
Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 7:01pm.
4.
Adoption of Agenda
Minutes
Dr. Parker announced there were additions to the Personnel Report.
Mr. Smedley brought to the boards attention an error on the personnel report. Classified change of assignment #7 approving Dave Merica, MVMS Athletic Director & Facilities Coordinator to Assistant Director of Operations should be a Certified change of assignment. Dr. Parker recommended moving the personnel report to an action item on the agenda in order to make the correction.
Mr. Gray made a motion to adopt the revised agenda. Mr. Edwards seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
5.
Public Hearing: 2023-2025 Capital Projects Plan
Notice is hereby given to taxpayers of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation that the proper officers of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation will conduct a public hearing on the year 2023-2026 proposed Capital Projects Plan pursuant to IC 20-40-18-6. Following the public hearing, the proper officers of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation may adopt the proposed plan as presented or with revisions. Complete details of the Capital Projects plan may be seen by visiting the website of this unit of government at the following address: www.mvcsc.k12.in.us
Taxpayers are invited to attend the meeting for a detailed explanation of the plan and to exercise their rights to be heard on the proposed plan. If the proposed plan is adopted by resolution, the resolution will be submitted to the Department of Local Government Finance as per IC 20-40-18-6(d).
Minutes
Mrs. Freeman opened the public hearing. Notice of this public hearing for the 2023-2025 Capital Projects Plan was posted, as legally required, on July 6th, 2022 at 2:34 pm to the Department of Local Government Finance Gateway website and to the school 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.
Mr. Elkins made the presentation. The corporation is legally required to list any projects or capital asset purchases which might be paid for from the Operations Fund for Budget Years 2023-25, 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 needed with board approval. If the proposed capital projects plan is adopted tonight, the resolution will be submitted to the Department of Local Government Finance as per IC 20-40-18-6(d).
Mrs. Freeman asked if there were any public comments. No comments were given. The Public Hearing was closed.
6.
Public Hearing: 2023-2027 Bus Replacement Plan
Notice is hereby given to taxpayers of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation that the proper officers of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation will conduct a public hearing on the year 2023 proposed Bus Replacement Plan pursuant to IC 20-40-18. Following the public hearing, the proper officers of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation may adopt the proposed plan as presented or with revisions. Taxpayers are invited to attend the meeting for a detailed explanation of the plan and to exercise their rights to be heard on the proposed plan. If the proposed plan is adopted by resolution, the resolution will be submitted to the Department of Local Government Finance as per IC 20-40-18-9(d).
Complete details of the Bus Replacement plan may be seen by visiting the website of this unit of government at the following address: www.mvcsc.k12.in.us
Minutes
Mrs. Freeman opened the public hearing. Notice of this public hearing for the 2023 Bus Replacement Plan was posted, as legally required, on July 7th, 2022 at 8:47 am to the Department of Local Government Finance Gateway website and to the school corporation’s website. Pursuant to Indiana Code 20-40-18, following this public hearing, the officers of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation may adopt the proposed plan as presented.
Mr. Greg Elkins, corporation CFO, presented the 2023 Bus Replacement Plan. The corporation will be trading in 5 buses and purchasing 5 new buses. The bus quotes and specs will be considered for approval by the board at a subsequent meeting. The corporation is required to list bus inventory for a rolling period of 5 years. If the proposed bus replacement plan is adopted by resolution, the resolution will be submitted to the Department of Local Government Finance as per IC 20-40-18-9(d).
Mrs. Freeman asked if there were any public comments. No comments were given. The Public Hearing was closed.
7.
Reports
7.1
Good News
Minutes
Dr. Parker shared the good news report on behalf of Mrs. Bond.
1) FES student Doran Bennett won state and will compete in the USA Track & Field Indiana Junior Olympic Regional meet.
2) The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference named MVHS Alumni Jake Stank as their Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year.
3) MVHS Alumni Michael Ertel has signed to play with Finland’s Lahti Basketball.
4) MV Junior Eli Bridenthal made this year's Baseball ALL-USA Central Indiana Super Team. Community Connections
5) MV held two successful 65+ Club registration events for in-district residents to register and receive an event pass for free admission to most school activities. Attendees enjoyed refreshments and were able to visit with Dr. Parker and staff. Noteworthy Media. MV has handed out 299 65+ passes to date.
6) The WTHR Weather Academy promotional commercials feature many MCE students, filmed at their visit last school year.
7.2
Spotlight on the District
New Teacher Academy
Minutes
Mrs. Muffler presented on the New Teacher Academy. The purpose of the New Teacher Academy (NTA) is to provide newly hired teachers additional support to ensure a smooth transition to ensure each teacher’s needs are met and they feel confident entering the classroom. The vision of the academy is to provide communication, check-in meetings, 180 days self care workbook journal, mentor teacher in the buildings and extended orientation with layers of support. New Teachers will be placed in Cohorts and meet quarterly. Quarterly meetings will consist of open ended questions that allow teachers to engage and participate in, which will better guide the discussion in meeting their needs. A new resource page has been put together with helpful links. Mentor teachers will be assigned in each building to provide support.
New Teacher Orientation this year will be two full days. There will be a meet and greet with the MVCSC admin team, MV spirit shop, small group break-out sessions, and meals provided by various vendors and the MV Education Foundation. All teachers will be given an Avanti subscription.
During the 2021-2022 school year Cohort # 1, there were 57 Teachers who participated, 14 were hired after the first day of school. Of the 57 teachers, 51 will be returning for the 2022-23 school year. The 2022-23 school year Cohort #2 consist of 62 teachers, 38 are new, 6 are first year teachers and 24 are late Cohort #1 hires or opted in the program.
8.
Public Comments Regarding Agenda Items
H 225 - Public Participation at Board Meetings
May only address items listed in the agenda
Must be recognized by the presiding officer.
Must reside within the Corporation boundaries, and/or are parents/guardians of MVCSC students, and/or employees of MVCSC.
Must provide name, address, and group affiliation, if and when appropriate
Limited to 3 minutes duration
Comments and concerns related to curriculum, methods of instruction, instructional materials, or Corporation employees shall be submitted in writing to the principal of the school and the Superintendent.
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
No public comments were given.
9.
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 and remove the personnel report in order to make the change for Dave Merica's position. Mr. Edwards second the motion. The motion carried 4-0
1) Minutes of the June 20, 2022 board meeting.
2) Claims
3) Request to Accept Donation for the Middle School Care Closet from Elaine Tharp, a grandparent of a MV student, in the amount of $1000.
4) Construction Claims
5) Request of Destruction of Records from the High School by Lisa Tappy for Receipts 6/2015-5/2016, Bank Statements 6/2011-5/2012, Check stubs 6/2011-5/2012, Account Ledgers 6/2011-52012, and Claims for payment 6/2011-5/2012.
9.1
Regular Session Minutes
Minutes of the June 20, 2022 board meeting
9.2
Claims
9.3
Personnel Report
9.4
Overnight Field Trip Request
None
Minutes
None
9.5
Request to Accept Donation
9.6
Construction Claims
9.7
Destruction of Records
10.
Action Items
Minutes
Mr. Smedley presented the Personnel Report with the correction of Classified change of assignment #7 approving Dave Merica, MVMS Athletic Director & Facilities Coordinator to Assistant Director of Operations to a Certified change of assignment.
Mr. Gray made a motion to approve the personnel report as corrected. Mr. Edwards seconded and the motion carried 4-0
Personnel Report
CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
Michael Ahearn, MVHS & MVMS Assistant Band Director
Laura Knight, MVMS 7th Grade Math Teacher
Yesenia Avila-Gentry, MVMS Resource Teacher
Heather Meyer, MVMS 6th Grade Teacher
Taylor Giunta, MVMS 7th Grade Science Teacher
Erin Billstrom, FES 4th Grade Teacher
Leroy Striker, MVHS Criminal Justice Teacher
Amanda Robinson, MES Kindergarten Teacher
Sarah Cameron, FES 5th Grade Teacher
Simone Wheeler, FES Essential Skills Teacher
Brandi McClanahan, MVMS 7th Grade Science Teacher
Kim Hamilton, MES 3rd Grade Extended Substitute (Braun - 7/28-8/29/2022)
CERTIFIED RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
Betsy Zarse, FES Dream Special Education Teacher
Melanie Bass, MCE Special Education Teacher (Retirement, not enough through MV)
Angela Coffin, MVHS English Teacher
Crystal Cooper, MVMS Assistant Principal
Brooke Messer, MES Kindergarten Teacher
Rebekah Tilley, MVMS Science Teacher
Christie Clements, MVMS Computer Tech Education
Sarah Terrell, MVHS Social Studies Teacher
Steven Flechtner, MVMS Special Education Teacher
Megan Addison, MVHS Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher
Michael Retherford, MVMS 7th Grade Teacher
CERTIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
Abbie Southern, MES/FES Shared to MES Full Time Special Education Teacher
Emily Tucker, MES Special Education Teacher to MCE Special Education Teacher
Brock Wedgeworth, MVMS Instructional Assistant to MVMS World Language Teacher
Kacie Grimm, MVHS Counselor to Director of Counseling
Christine Young, MVMS Media Specialist to 6th Grade English Teacher
Dave Merica, MVMS Athletic Director & Facilities Coordinator to Assistant Director of Operations
CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
Lindsey Schernekau, MMP Part-Time Instructional Assistant
Donna Blake, MMP Part-Time Instructional Assistant - applicant rescinded offer
Erin Cress, LIFE Center Instructional Assistant HI
Jennifer Thomas, MVMS Counseling Secretary
Abby Dewing, FES Instructional Assistant
Wendy Mayo, MCE Instructional Assistant DREAM Rm HI
Nancy Graves, MMPS Preschool Instructor
Brookly Miller, MES Registered Behavior Tech
Erin Straight, MVMS Instructional Assistant HI
Todd Patterson, Transportation Bus Mechanic
Recommendation for a one time Honorarium Stipend
Justin Goff, Transportation Bus Driver
Mackenzie Ralston, FES Instructional Assistant
Mae Joubert, MES Prep Cook / Server
Dianna Lapack, MVHS Cook
Kiley Shaw, MVMS Server
Melanie Isakson, MVHS Cooks Helper
Renee Stevens, MVMS Attendance Secretary
Kristi Ray, FES Treasurer
Brenda Whitecotton, MMP Preschool Instructional Assistant
Ashley Allen, MMP Preschool Instructor
Ashley Glasco, MMP Preschool Secretary
Kara Morris, MMP Part-Time Preschool Instructional Assistant
Brandy Burt, MMP Preschool Instructional Assistant
Elizabeth Blunk, MMP Part-Time Preschool Instructional Assistant
Lexa LeRoy, FES Instructional Assistant
CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
Halee Evans, MMPS Instructional Assistant to MMPS Preschool Instructor
Jennifer Curry, FES Instructional Assistant to FES Registered Behavior Tech
Mary Wolf, MMPS Instructional Assistant to MMPS Special Education Instructional Assistant
Erika Redus, MMPS Secretary to MV Payroll & Benefits Assistant
Deborah Kline, MVMS Server to MCE Server
Cathy Magee, MVHS Cashier to Cafeteria Sub
CLASSIFIED RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
Rachel Klimt, FES Media Assistant
Bliss Nunez, MVMS Instructional Assistant
Natalie Tucker, Transportation Bus Driver
Rebecca Storey, MMPS Instructional Assistant
Stephanie Goff, MMPS Instructional Assistant
ECA RECOMMENDATIONS
MVHS Athletic ECA Recommendation (See Attached)
Ashley Allen MVHS Reserve Volleyball Coach
LEAVE REQUESTS
Brandon Taylor, Request for leave of absence (Estimated July 6, 2022 to August 30, 2022)
Jessica Gowin, Request for leave of absence (August 12, 2022 through November 18, 2022)
Tammy Parson, Request for intermittent leave of absence.
Jennifer Hohnbaum, Request for intermittent leave of absence (July 11, 2022 to September 30, 2022)
10.1
2nd Reading Policies
Due to recent legislative changes, I am recommending the board consider the following new and updated policies for a second reading.
F125 - Purchasing Procedures and Capital Assets
Recent changes and complexity of highly-audited policy. Improvements help with audit/compliance
C125 - Legal Settlement
Update due to 2022 State Board of Account guidance received in spring 2022.
D500 - School Resource Officer Employment & Training
Elevating some aspects to policy that could be administrative guidelines and adds language that will be required by July 1, 2023.
H225 - Public Comments and Concerns
New statute requiring comment from any individually physically present. Also, requires the board to provide opportunity for public comment before the Board takes final action ona topic.
B225 - Meetings
Provided clarification if we need virtual meeting(s).
C175 - Student Attendance and Academic Engagement
New title for policy along with defining continuous learning (virtual/distance). This conforms with new law related to the amount of asynchronous learning.
D325 - Personal Background Checks and Mandatory Reporting
Plenty of new language required by SEA 115 from General Assembly 2022.
Minutes
Dr Parker presented the policies for a second reading.
Mr. May made a motion to approve. Mr Edwards seconded.
Mrs. Freeman opened up a discussion for policy H225. Policy H225 changes current time allowed for patron comments at meetings from 2 to 3 minutes each and a 30 min maximum comment time. Mrs. Freeman commented on the importance of allowing time for anyone to speak and was concerned with the 30 minute maximum allowed time. Mr. Edwards commented that parameters needed to be set. Mrs. Freeman suggested on allowing one hour maximum for patron comments. Mrs. Freeman requested clarification for in district speakers to be moved to comment first. Dr. Parker clarified that in district speakers could be moved by the board to speak first but clarified that both in or out of district speakers were allowed to comment.
Mr. May amended his previous motion to change policy H225 to allow patron comments 3 minutes each and have comments last no longer than one hour. Mr. Edwards seconded and the motion carried 4-0.
10.2
Resolution 2022-17 Adoption of Capital Projects Plan and Resolution 2022-20 Adoption of Bus Replacement Plan
Minutes
Mr Elkins presented the Resolution 2022-17 Adoption of Capital Projects Plan and Resolution 2022-20 Adoption of Bus Replacement Plan for approval.
Mr. Edwards made a motion to approve Resolution 2022-17 Adoption of Capital Projects Plan and Resolution 2022-20 Adoption of Bus Replacement Plan. Mr. Gray seconded, the motion carried 4-0.
10.3
AP Spanish Workbook and update of Student Fees
Minutes
Dr Shipley asked the board to approve adding the AP Spanish Workbook to the high school curriculum which will add $22 to student fees.
No discussion
Mr. Gray made a motion to approve the AP Spanish workbook and the $22 student fee. Seconded by Mr May and motion carried 4-0
11.
Board Member Reports
Fortville RDC - Mr. Tony May
Cumberland RDC - Mrs. Kellie Freeman
Hancock Co. RDC - Mr. Phil Edwards
McCordsville RDC - Mrs. Shannon Walls
MVEF - Mr. Chad Gray
Minutes
Mr May reported the Fortville RDC meeting is on Tuesday.
Mrs. Freeman stated the Cumberland RDC meeting was cancelled this week and will be held next month.
Mr. Edwards attended the Hancock County RDC, there was no information pertaining to schools.
Mr. Gray attended Mt. Vernon Education Foundation meeting, new officers were elected. A back to school event for staff is being planned, more information coming soon.
12.
Announcements
Minutes
Dr Parker spoke about the Back to School Social gathering event for staff. The date is set for September 12. The Mt. Vernon Education foundation will be providing free food and entertainment, more information will be available soon.
Dr. Parker shared he is impressed with all the staff working so hard this summer to prepare for a great school year. He expressed his appreciation to all District & Building level Administrators for all their hard work. Looking forward to a great year.
Dr Parker recognized Brandon Hayes and Veronica Kirby for providing leadership in technology area prior to Mr. Hamilton's start.
Dr. Parker recognized Gwen Scrogham for her last board meeting and thanked her for all she has done for MV. She has been a leader and great supporter to MV. Her Retirement celebration will be held July 28 from 3 to 5:30pm in the Alumni Center. Mrs. Freeman expressed her gratitude for all she has done. Mr. May commented on the dedication she has taken and remembers when she would drive the county to deliver board information.
13.
Adjournment
Minutes
Mr. Edwards made a motion to adjourn at 7:37pm. Mr May seconded, and the motion carried 4-0
