Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees

Mr. Smedley gave the Good News Report for Maria Bond. 

School Accolades & Notable Activities

• Congratulations to Lydgia Palmer, FES fourth grade teacher, who received the American Legion teacher of the year award.
• Another staff member in the limelight is Jordan Gerbsch, MVHS English teacher and counseling department intern. She was named the 2023 recipient of the Jeannine Miller Scholarship in Support of Guidance, Counseling and Social Work through the Community Foundation of Hancock County.
• Congratulations also to Leah Perry, MVHS Science Teacher, was one of 19 individuals across the state selected to receive the second annual Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction President’s Awards, the highest honor for Ivy Tech dual credit faculty.
• The MVCSC Board of Trustees received an Indiana School Boards Association Exemplary Governance Award. They received this award at the Commendable level, which is granted to school boards that have a majority of board members with Commendable individual status.
• The collaborative high school Hancock County Career Center has named Stan Wilkison, current MVHS assistant principal, as the director for the career and technical education (CTE) classes.
• A bus full of MV educators attended a PLC at Work conference in St. Charles, MO for professional development.
• The Mt. Vernon High School Softball Team was one of only 42 schools to receive the Team Academic All-State honors.
• George Burhenn became Mt. Vernon’s first track and field state champion ever, winning first place in the 110m hurdle event. The boys’ track and field team placed 6th at state, which is their highest placement at state in school history.

Community Connections

• Walmart Fulfillment Center 8972, the largest in the US, invited the MVEF to their grand opening, as well as awarded the MVEF with a $5,000 check to support and advance the mission of the foundation and support Mt. Vernon.
• MV School Resource Officers (SRO) attended the National Association School of Resource Officers (NASOR) conference in Indianapolis for continuing education to expand their school safety knowledge.

Mr. Smedley shared the policies for the first reading approval.  Mr. Gray reviewed the information of each policy item.

Mrs. Freeman asked a few questions regarding policy B225.   The statement of Live Streaming, should there be a comment in there unless YouTube or technology is not working or having issues?    Can we review the 7 days to add an item to the agenda.  If the agenda does not come out until a few days before a meeting how would a patron know to add something they want discussed?  Mrs Freeman would like these to be looked at and discussed.  Mr. Gray agreed about the 7 days and it should be talked about.  Mr. Gray also commented if there is something that someone wants to cover they are to contact the superintendent anyway so not sure how this should be worded.  Mr. May agrees before something comes to a meeting or a topic the school is already notified and discussed with the board prior.  Mr. Gray is asking for clarity on this and the patron has to understand that public comments are not a discussion during a meeting.  If a patron would like dialogue they need to start with the superintendent on the topic first.  Mrs. Freeman would like more discussion on this prior to the second reading.  Mr.  May stated for meeting possibly use the verbage we will try to live stream and update that incase there is a technology issue. 

Mrs. Freeman asked about C525 Medication on Field trip,  how do teachers know they need to take the medication and when?  Mr. Smedley stated Mrs. Furnas has the information she provides prior to the field trip with the Principal and staff that will be with the student.  

Mrs. Freeman asked about C600 Anti-Bullying and what is done to train staff. Mr. Smedley stated all staff are required to go have safe school training annually and the bullying policies are covered at that time. 

Mrs. Freeman asked about the F100 internal controls.  Looking at claims and etc how are staff trained regarding these policies?  Mr Smedley replied the required safe school training also covers topic annually. 

Mr. Gray liked the discussion and would like to continue the conversation prior to the second reading of these policies. 

The policy website has been updated. 

Mr Elkins presented Resolutions 2023-20 to 2023-31 for approval.  These are annual resolutions.  

Mr. Gray reviewed the resolutions and asked for approval

Mrs. Freeman made a motion to approve Resolutions 2023-20 to 2023-31.  Mr May seconded the motion.    

Mrs. Freeman appreciated the opportunity to look them over in advance.  She asked if the interest on the rainy day fund.  Mr. Elkins stated it was better this year and could be more profitable for the school. 

Motion carried 4-0