Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees

Mrs. Bond shared the Good News report. 

School Accolades & Notable Activities

• The start of school was a big success with many smiles and hugs from staff and students.  New teachers and classified staff had welcome  orientations lasting 1-2 days, with many welcoming introductions to MV.
• FES student Doran Bennett won the state Junior Olympics competition, placing in three events and advanced to the USA Track & Field Indiana Junior Olympics in California where his long jump results were named in the top 13 in the nation.
• FES student Brody Daniel qualified for and competed at the American Tae-kwondo Association World Championships, ending his season as a district champion.

Community Connections

• The 2022-2023 MV Ambassadors program has launched with 25 new members who will attend seven meetings designed to give them behind-the-scenes details on MV operations, programming and student opportunities.
• MVHS Athletic Booster Blast was a big success with a large number of community members enjoying the inflatables, games and silent auction.
• The Vernon Township Fire Station 432 groundbreaking ceremony was a success with numerous civic leaders and fire fighters in attendance to support the new firehouse in McCordsville which will be located just north of the railroad tracks.
• Vernon Township Fire Station spent three days walking through MV schools in an effort to become familiar with the buildings’ layouts. 

Mrs. Durig presented information on Mt. Vernon Special Education Department.   

Students can be evaluated on their third birthday for special education Services.  Mt. Vernon can provide services until their 21st birthday and possibly educate them for 19 years.   The definition of Special Education is, specially designed instruction to meet the unique individual learning needs of our students. 

Information from December 2021-2022.  Mt Vernon has an 11% increase in students eligible for services: Autism, Emotional Disability (Full-time), Multiple Disability, DHH, BLV, Severe/ Profound Intellectual Disabilities and a 10.5% increase in students eligible for services: Other Health Impaired, Specific Learning Disability, Mild /Moderate Intellectual Disability, Emotional Disability (Part-Time) Developmental Delay.   Mrs.Durig shared the following information for all schools. 

• FES, has 113 eligible, 80 Special Education and 19 Intense Support students
• MES  has 124 eligible, 73 Special Education and 20 Intense Support students
• MCE  has 111 eligible, 74 Special Education and 19 Intense Support students
• MVMS has 156 eligible, 145 Special Education and 24 Intense Support students
• MVHS has 168 eligible, 167 Special Education and 36 Intense Support students
• MMP has 68 eligible, 42 Special Education and 13 Intense Support students 

Special Education Department has the following staff in each building.

• FES staff includes 5 Teachers in the classroom up to 40-80% of the day and 2 teachers less than 40% of the day. 
• MES staff includes 3.4 Teachers in the classroom up to 40-80% of the day and 3.4 teachers less than 40% of the day.  
• MCE staff includes 5 Teachers in the classroom up to 40-80% of the day and 2 teachers less than 40% of the day.  
• MVMS staff includes 7 Teachers in the classroom up to 40-80% of the day and 2 teachers less than 40% of the day.  
• MVHS staff includes 6 Teachers in the classroom up to 40-80% of the day and 2 teachers less than 40% of the day. 
• MPP staff includes 2 Teachers in the classroom up to 40-80% of the day and 0 teachers less than 40% of the day (currently no students).  
• Corporation has 7 Speech & Language Pathologist, 1 Behavior Specialist, 2 Behavior Techs, 3 Life Coaches, 3 OT and 1 PT. 

Mt. Vernon staff will attend meetings to collaborate on what services best meets each individual student.  Considerations are taken for academic, behavior and social emotional needs for each individual student.   It is key to look at what instruction aligns with state standards and essential learnings.  The teams are made of staff at the building level to better support each students needs which is very unique to Mt. Vernon.   

Snapshots of the Unified Champions event from last Spring were included in the presentation. 

Mrs. Freeman commented she appreciates the great job the Special Education department is doing to allow the use of all resources.  Information sharing from the team allows students to be a part of the school and doing what any other student would do on a daily basis.  As a special education teacher this means a lot to her. 

 

 

Mr. Elkins shared the budget preview.  Projected numbers for next year were presented and will be finalized in January. Projections given include information from 4 years with the tax rate supported by property tax rate with exception of the education fund.  Education fund is tax supported by sales tax, income taxes and other forms of tax collected.   Debt Services for 2020-22 adopted a flat rate approach and it is the intention to continue this next year.  Since 2004 the Pension funds had cash for early retirement many years ago and are still being paid off.    Operation funds have dropped even though the amount we continue to collect is still going up from growth in property value. This amount  is unique as this amount is determined by the state and property values. As long as the assessed valuation growth is over 8% MV should see the operation tax rate drop annually.   The tax rate drop has almost brought the rate down to 2020 levels.  The operating referendum will hold at $.17.   Property value 2022-23 will see a 1.4 to 1.7 billion increase for growth and development and reclassification of property that factors into amounts this year.  The school does not determine property values that are determined by the assessor's office; another elected official   Factors shows that great schools do increase property value.   We will wait to see the numbers to come from the assessors office soon. 

Mr. May asked if that assessed value is only the property value or if TIF buildings are included?   Mr. Elkins responded that the numbers listed did not include the TIF information.  Target appropriation includes budget (approved to spend)  plus cash on hand plus collecting revenues compared to estimated expenses, if positive then numbers will be approved.  MV is looking at the following estimations.  $10.5 million in Education funds, $18.8 million for Debt Services, $239,000 for Pension Debt, $11 million for Operations Fund, $2 million for Rainy Day Fund and $3.6 million for the Operating Referendum.  The $3.6 Million will be the estimated Operation Referendum that includes the $.17 tax rate increase, the 8% AV and the TIF properties.  Mr May asked about the properties that were under abatement.   Mr. Elkins responded that abatement is not included and the tax under the TIF are still taxed after the referendum was passed now those amounts now come to the schools.  

Mrs. Freeman asked for clarification about those properties that were abated and if still needed to pay a portion? Mr. Elkins explained that abatements are different and not included in the TIF.  

Looking at next month the only changes Mr, Elkins that might be changed are from collective bargaining, employees pay rate updates from the referendum and everything else should be  closed.  Mr. Elkins thanked the board for discussion and allowing him to explain the budget.  Mrs. Freeman thanked Mr. Elkins for his time and information. 

CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

Krista Emshwiller, ½ FES / ½ MES Special Education/Resource

Camille Hull, MVMS Math Teacher

Kasmin Espenlaub, MVHS FACS Teacher

Michael Quinton, MVHS Social Studies Teacher

Dana Hilgert, MVHS English Teacher

Audrey Ricker, MVMS Science

Jacob Clark, MVHS Social Studies

Avery Bray, MES Extended Substitute Teacher (J. Gowin 4th Grade)

Traci Vance, MVMS 6th Grade ELA Teacher

Jacob Rush, MVHS Social Studies Teacher

Jennifer Bayliss, MCE Special Education Teacher

Olivia Morales, MVMS Health / PE Teacher

Revised MVMS Summer School Staff  

Sarah Bryson, FES STEM Teacher

Recommendation for 1.25 FTE for Joseph Anderson, Ben Rhoades, Vince Lidy, Tom Shaver and Effie Miller

 

CERTIFIED RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT

Erin Hardin, MES Kindergarten Teacher

Elizabeth Leonard, MCE Special Education Teacher

Stacy Griner, MVMS Science Teacher

Heather Meyer, MVMS 6th Grade Teacher

Neva Kathryn Tingwald, FES STEM Teacher

Amanda Ruble, MVHS Social Studies Teacher

Kristi Scherer, MVHS English Teacher

 

CERTIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

Abby Dewing, FES Instructional Assistant to FES 1st Grade Teacher

Nick Clarkson, MVHS Teacher to MVMS Assistant Principal

Kim Hamilton, MES Extended Leave Substitute to MES Kindergarten Teacher

 

CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

Amanda Lehr, MVHS Food Service Cashier

James Cochran, MVHS Permanent Substitute

Kevin Kessinger, MVMS Instructional Assistant

Malinda Rose, MVMS Instructional Assistant HI

Stephanie Goff, MCE DREAM Room Instructional Assistant

Julia Nelson, MCE Special Education Instructional Assistant

Julie Wilson, MVMS Media Assistant

Richard Watson, MVHS Custodian

Reagan Hersberger, MVMS Instructional Assistant

Nicole Abernathy, Admin Bldg Special Education Administrative Assistant

Sydney Anderson, FES Instructional Assistant

Kim Benge, MVMS Instructional Assistant

Brady Days, MVMS Athletic Director and Facilities Coordinator

Margaret Elsbury, FES Office Assistant

Recommendation for Data Steward to go from an hourly position to salary.

Recommendation for rate change with Kelly Services for Substitute Teachers

Hillary Hawkins, MES Cafeteria Manager

Janice Zenor, MVHS Food Service Server

Chloe Draper, MVHS Food Service Cashier

Estela Salazar, MES Food Service Pre Cook / Dishwasher

Julie Williams, Food Service Prep Cook / Servier

Lisa Fox, MES Office Assistant

William Quinn, Transportation Bus Driver

Angela Rafert, MCE Custodian

Daylon King, MVHS Office Assistant ICE Program 

Jessica Jacks, MMP School Instructional Assistant

Natalia Font, MMP School Instructional Assistant

Mary Nichols, MVCSC Libraries ICE

George Burhenn, MVHS Athletics Worker ICE

Recommendation for Preschool IA pay for Afterschool Care

Amy Lowe, Transportation Bus Driver

 

CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

Margret Kati Stanfield, MVHS Instructional Assistant to Assistant Treasurer/Attendance Secretary

Karla Maynard, MVHS Essential Skills Instructional Assistant to General Education Instructional Assistant

Angela Burkholder, FES Instructional Assistant to FES Media Center Assistant

Melissa Ellerman, MES Special Education Instructional Assistant to MES Behavior Tech

Becky Weir, Cafeteria Sub to MCE Food Service part-time

Donna Archer, MES Food Service to MVMS Food Service

Mary Adams, Transportation Bus Aide to FES Custodian

Julie Williams, MES Food Service PERF Coveredto MES part-time

Mae Joubert, MES Food Service part-time to PERF Covered

 

CLASSIFIED RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT

Andrea Davis, MVMS Food Service 

Brookly Miller, MES Registered Behavior Tech

Brenda Whitecotten, MMP School Instructional Assistant

Tammy Parsons, Admin Custodian

Kaitlyn Zelepugas, MVHS Instructional Assistant

Debra Klnie, MVMS Food Service

Beverly Whiteman, MVHS Food Service

Melvin Tillman, MVHS Life Coach

Hannah Collins, MCE Instructional Assistant

 

ECA RECOMMENDATIONS

Richard Barber, MVHS Fall Musical / Drama Director

Kristi Norton, MES Robotics

Mandy Greenlee, MES Elementary Music

Terry Trowbridge, MES Elementary Art

MVMS ECA Athletics (See attached)

MCE ECA Recommendations (See attached)

FES ECA Recommendations (See attached)

MVHS ECA Non Athletics Recommendations (See attached)

Blaire Viehweg, MVHS Girls Soccer Volunteer Coach

 

ECA RESIGNATIONS

Joana Goff, 7th Grade Volleyball Coach

Ashley Bryan, 8th Grade Volleyball Coach

 

LEAVE REQUESTS

Ashley Bryan, Request for leave of absence (March 2, 2023 - May 25, 2023)

Zachary Brubaker, Request for Paid Parental Leave (October 3, 2022 - November 25, 2022)

Melissa Montague, Request for leave of absence (July 25, 2022 - August 5, 2022)

 

Mr. Elkins presented Resolutions 2022-21, 2022-22, 2022-23, 2022-24, 2022-25, 2022-26, 2022-27, and 2022-28 to the board for approval. 

Mrs. Freeman read the descriptions for the public to hear.  Mr. Elkins shared the 2022-21 Transfer Funds to Education to Operations is $300,000.  Resolution 2022-28 was new this year for the new tax rate.  Mrs. Freeman stated she appreciated that Mr. Elkins had shared them prior for the board to review. 

Mrs. Walls made a motion to approve Resolutions 2022-21, 2022-22, 2022-23, 2022-24, 2022-25, 2022-26, 2022-27, and 2022-28.   Mr. Gray seconded and the motion carried 5-0.

 

Dr Parker discussed at the July Board meeting a second reading of H225 was held.  After reflecting some the discussion during that meeting did not make it exactly into the recommendation for the change that the board wanted.   Minor adjustments were recommended for consideration.  

Mr May made a motion to approve H225 Policy Comments and Concerns as presented. Mrs. Walls seconded. 

Mrs Freeman opened up discussion stating to Mr. May mentioned at the meeting there was confusion.  The policy states public comments must be signed in 24 hours ahead of time.   The board wants the public to be able to speak when need.  After review the board is recommending the change to allow public to sign in prior to the start of the board meeting to speak on an agenda items for that night. To confirm the time will be limited to 24 hours alternating topics on the agenda.  

Mr. May amended the motion to approve H225 policy approval and waive the second reading.  Mrs Walls seconded and the motion carried 5-0. 

Dr. Parker clarified  Policy B225 is the policy which requires public comments not on an agenda item which requires a seven day notice to the Superintendent.   Signs are up in the boardroom and on the website for more information on H225 and B22 policies. 

Mr. Smedley presented the annual renewal of this policy.    

    Annual Policy is presented to establish distribution of its annual Teacher Appreciation Grant.   Teachers must meet the following requirements. 

1. Employed in the classroom or directly providing education in a virtual classroom setting
2. Who received a Highly Effective or Effective Rating on their most recently completed performance evaluations
3. Employed the previous school year in the Corporation and remains a teacher in the school corporation as of December 1 of the year the school corporation received the Teacher Appreciation monies. 

Those teachers qualifying for a Highly Effective Rating will receive 25% more than Effective rating teachers.   The timeline requires funds be release 20 days after receiving the monies from the DOE for the stipend. 

Mr, Gray made a motion to approve policy D250 Annual Approval of Updated Teacher Appreciation Grant.   Mrs. Walls seconded and the motion carries 5-0. 

 

Dr. Shipley presented to the board the new Criminal Justice fees for 2022-23 school year.  He explained the fee $28 fee includes course fees, CPR and Skills USA membership.   The Skills USA membership includes awards and scholarship opportunities for students.   Mr May asked for clarification on how long the CPR certification would be for the student.  Dr. Shipley stated it would be good for two years.  Mrs. Freeman asked if the fee was required every year and Mr. Shipley stated it is a one time class and fee.   CPR certification would be for two year. 

Mrs. Walls made a motion to accept the new Criminal Justice fee. Mr. Gray seconded and the motion carried 5-0 

 

Mr. Hamilton presented the surplus technology information to the board. Mrs. Freeman asked if the any of the items could be reused.  Mr. Hamilton shared the majority of the items have already been recycled once by the Computer Science Program at the High School.   

Mr. Gray motioned to approve the technology surplus.  Mr. May seconded and motion carried 5-0.