Meeting Details
August 21, 2023
7:00pm - 8:30pm
1 hr 30 min
Mt. Vernon Administrative Service Center
Purpose
N/A
1.
Pledge of Allegiance (7:00 PM)
Minutes
Mr. Gray led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.
Call to Order
Minutes
Mr. Gray called the meeting to order at 7:01pm.
3.
Adoption of Agenda
Minutes
Dr. Parker announced the personnel report was updated along with an added donation to the agenda. Policy D250 was moved from the second reading of policies to have its own action item approval for an annual update.
Mr. Gray asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Mrs Freeman motioned to approve the agenda with changes. Mrs. Walls seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0
4.
Public Comments Regarding Agenda Items
Please Reference Policies for guidance on providing public input on an agenda item.
- H225 (Public Comments and Concerns) and
- B225 (Meetings)
Board policies can be found at www.mvcsc.k12.in.us
Minutes
No one was available to comment.
5.
Public Hearing: 2024 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 2024 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.
Public Hearing Date: August 21, 2023
Public Hearing Time: 7:00 PM
Public Hearing Place: 1806 W. SR 234 Fortville, IN 46040
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).
Minutes
Mr. Gray opened the Public Hearings for the 2024 Bus Replacement Plan. He asked for those interested in speaking at the hearing to be sure they are signed in to speak after the presentation.
Mr Elkins presented the information. Notice of this public hearing for the 2024 Bus Replacement Plan was posted, as legally required, on July 17th, 2023 at 10:21 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. 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). The corporation will be trading in up to 5 buses once the 2023 newly purchased buses are received and inventoried. For the 2024 plan, the corporation plans to purchase up to two buses with existing funds. There will be no new bond sales or bank loans for the 2024 purchases. The bus quotes and specs will be considered for approval by the board at a subsequent meeting. Copies of the bus replacement plan were available to review if requested.
Mr. Gray asked if any members of the public would like to speak? No one requested to review the plan or speak.
Mr. Gray closed the public hearing.
6.
Public Hearing: 2024 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 2024-2026 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
Public Hearing Date: August 21, 2023
Public Hearing Time: 7:00 PM
Public Hearing Place: 1806 W. SR 234 Fortville, IN 46040
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
Mr. Elkins presented the information.
Notice of this public hearing for the 2024-2026 Capital Projects Plan was posted, as legally required, on July 26th, 2022 at 9:52 am to the Department of Local Government Finance Gateway website and to the school corporation’s website. Following this public hearing, the officers of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation may adopt the proposed plan as presented or with revisions. 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 2024-26, 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). Copies of the Capital Projects plan were available to review if requested.
Mr. Gray asked if any members of the public would like to speak? No one requested to review the plan or speak.
Mr. Gray closed the public hearing.
7.
Action Items for Public Hearings
Resolution 2023-32 Adoption of Bus Replacement Plan Budget Year 2024
Resolution 2023-33 Adoption of Capital Projects Plan Budget Year 2024
Minutes
Mr. Gray asked if there is a motion to approve Resolutions 2023-32 and 2023-33? Mr. Edwards made a motion to approve the resolutions. Mrs. Walls seconded the motion.
Mrs. Freeman inquired about the buses status of what was ordered last year and if MV is able to maintain what we have right now to get by until these buses arrive? Mr. Elkins stated that we always have try to have buses in reserve. However with growth we might need to start to look at things differently. Mrs. Freeman asked if there is an estimated timeframe for arrival. Mr. Elkins explained about the tight supply chain market. MV is trying to approve these needs annually in order to stay ahead for delivery before it becomes larger issue. Mr. Gray stated that there are not a lot of vendors and time line to order.
Mr. Gray asked for approval of the motion. Motion carried 5-0
8.
Reports
8.1
Good News Report
Minutes
Maria Bond gave the Good News Report.
School Accolades & Notable Activities
- All five schools earned Highly Effective Schools accreditation from Solution Tree. This accreditation is a significant achievement that reflects all five schools’ commitment to learning and maintaining the highest levels of educational quality, as well as driving permanent, positive and significant impacts on student achievement.
- MVEF hosted a “Soar into a New Year” Staff Appreciation event at the Indianapolis Regional Airport hanger with numerous food and door prize vendors from our community. Over 200 staff attended with nearly 70 prizes being randomly distributed to the staff.
- Start of the school year and new staff orientation for both classified and certified staff went off without a hitch.
- Four MVMS band students participated in the INpact Band program held at the Indianapolis Convention Center with a performance at the SoundSport International Music and Food Festival. INpact Band is a program of Drum Corps International designed to celebrate the commitment to excellence made by middle school music programs in the U.S.
- The first MVHS football game was played at Lucas Oil Stadium with the Band of Marauders performing during halftime as well as the Gold Intensity dance team.
Community Connections
- Before school started, the Vernon Township Fire Department stopped by and sprayed the Band of Marauders who were practicing on a very hot day.
- MVHS Athletic Boosters held a Booster Blast event with games, inflatables and a silent auction that raised approximately $21,000 and brought out over 1,000 community members.
- The Vernon Township Fire Department 432 in McCordsville recently had their grand opening with Dr. Parker assisting with the ribbon cutting. Prior to school beginning, the fire department toured all Mt. Vernon schools to keep the layout and safety features top-of-mind in case of any emergency response situations.
- FoxGardin Kitchen and Ale’s 8th Anniversary Celebration in Fortville named the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation as the recipient of their event’s charitable giving, bringing support and awareness of our foundation to the local community.
- A community reception for our three new principals was held before school began and had a number of families in attendance.
- MV has 31 Ambassadors who have committed to attend the year-long program and learn behind-the-scenes information about Mt. Vernon operations, finance, departments, schools and more. The August meeting was well-received with a district overview and focus on operations, safety and transportation.
8.2
Spotlight Report: Fortville Elementary School
Minutes
Dr. Edwards made a presentation on Fortville Elementary.
Fortville Elementary has 718 students enrolled in Grade K-5. There are 52 certified staff members and 28 classified staff members. Fortville Elementary has 33 Homerooms with average class size of 20-24. Program highlights consist of Essential Learning for ELA and Math, High Ability, Special Education services, Daily Intervention for reading and math, Project Lead the Way, Whole Child programs, Celebrations for students and after school activities. Dr. Edwards has been proud of staff that had volunteer their time to support activities for students. Dr. Edwards shared information regarding the FES House System. The system is set up to reward positive behaviors among student while build a sense of community. Student earn point in their house for Celebrations. FES PTO has been very supportive in helping with these reward celebrations for students.
8.3
2024 Budget Preview
Minutes
Mr. Elkins presented the budget preview. This preview is just an estimate. The budget will not be raising tax rates they will be overstated to allow for the full funding due to the school corporation. It is DLGF's job to apply all the administrative rules and statutes to adjust the budget to protect the tax payers.
September will be the budget hearing with the final budget available to approve at the October board meeting.
Mr May asked about the total tax rate from passing the referendum for residential is lower, what will be expected to raise from it. Mr. Elkins explained all combined will be lower with referendum. The referendum rates itself will be less. All other funds on the cap budget will be based on the circuit breaker. Every measurable rate in our budget will be going down next year. Mr. May asked about assessed values being different from 2020 and 2021 are they dropping? Mr. Elkins stated the assessed values are a 23% growth but this growth is not just residential and is spread out with other factors, there are several property types added to this tax base.
8.4
Business Math Textbook Report
Minutes
Dr. Shipley presented a report for Business Math Textbook. Last year the course was approved but pulled out due to it not being a hardback book. The cost was $58 per student with the average being $27-$38. The book was reevaluated this fall to be cost efficient for our parents. The new book recommended is "Modern Business Math" by McGraw Hill, the cost will be $40 per student. Mr. Shipley would like to leave the book in the office for review and will bring to the board at the September meeting for approval.
Mrs. Freeman asked if there was anything in the first book that was difference that the teachers wanted from this book? Dr. Shipley commented the content was not specific and no difference in curriculum to justify the extra expense.
9.
Consent Agenda
Minutes
Mr. Gray presented the Consent Agenda,
Mrs Freeman motions to approve the Consent agenda items as presented. Mrs Walls seconded the motion. Motioned carried 5-0.
9.1
Personnel Report
Minutes
CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
Pamela Pearce, MVMS Special Education Teacher
Angela Dalrymple, MVHS Physical Education/Health
Dana O'Bold, MCE 4th Grade Teacher
Kevan Behlmer, MVMS 7th Grade Science
Jaclyn Stephenson, FES Extended Substitute Art Teacher
Caroline Anderson, MVHS Family and Consumer Science Teacher
Yareni Priego Nino, MVMS World Language Teacher
Michelle Lowe, MES Physical Education Teacher
Michelle Brummett, MES ENL Teacher
Christian Crenshaw, MVHA English Teacher
Stephen Lackey, FES 4th Grade Teacher
Jacob Kessinger, MVHS Earth/Space Science Teacher
Kathryn Spanger, MVHS Director of Bands
CERTIFIED RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENT
Sandy Taylor, MVMS Spanish Teacher
Krystal Vermillion, MCE ENL Teacher
Sara Bryson, FES STEM Teacher
Kayla Negley, MCE PE Teacher
Johnathan Johnson, MVHS Science Teacher
Jay Matthews, MVHS Science Teacher
Nate Bingham, MVHS Special Education Teacher
CERTIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
Corrie Herron MVMS 8th Grade ELA to EL Teacher
Stephanie Thorla, FES from Perm Substitute to STEM Teacher
CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
Kathryn Wright, MVMS Hi-Intensity Instructional Assistant
Richard Lassiter, MVHS Permanent Substitute Teacher
Robin Booth, Administration Occupational Therapist
Madelyn Meyer, FES ICE Student Instructional Assistant
Karynne Ousley, MVHS ICE Student Instructional Assistant
Luke Shelton, MVHS ICE Student Worker - Athletic Office
Chris Barber, MVHS Auditorium Director
Lindsey Edwards, Administrative Registered Behavior Technician
Michael Meyer, MVMS IA
Lindsey Calvert, MVMS Part - Time Permanent Substitute
Dawn Easton, FES Custodian
Dakota Gray, MVMS 8th grade Instructional Assistant
Easton Wampler, MVMS ICE Student Worker
Brady Fitzgerald, MVMS ICE Student Worker
Tessa Globerger, MES Library Aide
Annelise Hiner, MVMS ICE Library Student Worker
Hunter Eineman, MMP Preschool Coordinator
Hannah Baldwin, MES Building Substitute
Cameron Baker, MVHS Instructional Assistant
Amber Garza, MVMS Food Service
Brittany Clark, MVHS Food Service
Katara Lasley, MVMS Food Service
Kimberly Belcher, MMP Kitchen Manager
Caroletta Brewer, MMP Food Service
Heather Archer, FES Food Service
Lori Dellinger, MVHS Food Service
Angela Avers, MVHS Permanent Building Substitute Teacher
Lacey Groce, Administration BCBA
Keasia Bush, Administration Registered Behavior Tech
Pam Myers, Transportation Full Time Bus Driver
Danae Kendrex, FES High Intensity Instructional Assistant
Danielle Risher, FES Food Service
Anna Stanfield, MVHS ICE Technology
Brian Decker, FES Custodian
CLASSIFIED RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENT
Lisa Valenti, MES Instructional Assistant
Grace Yantes, Administration Registered Behavior Tech
Daniel Kelly, MCE Behavior Technician
Briana Lacy, MVHS Instructional Assistant Physical Education
Amanda Butler, MMP Food Service
Pam Debaun, Administration Food Service
Penny Spragg, MVMS Food Service
Richard Lassiter MVHS Permanent Substitute Teacher
Natasha Kirkwood, Transportation Bus Driver
David Wiley, FES Custodian
Carey Ross, MVMS Food Service
Hanna Gilmer, FES Instructional Assistant
Julie Williams, MES Food Service
CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
Johnetta Hill, Transportation Substitute Bus Driver to Full Time Driver
Connie Johnson, FES Food Service Part-time to Cafeteria Substitute
Hope Doyle, MES Instructional Assistant to High Intensity Instructional Assistant
Inger Burnicle, MCE Full Time Nurse to Part Time Nurse
Diane Rafert, MES Custodian to MES Food Service
Michelle Davis, Transportation Assistant to Transportation Bus Driver
ECA RECOMMENDATIONS
Coach Recommendations for MVHS 2023-24 school year
ECA Recommendations for MCE 2023-24 school year
Kevin Kessinger, MVMS 7th Grade Softball Coach
Erik Morrison, MVMS 7th Grade Baseball Head Coach
ECA Recommendation, MVHS Band, Musical, and Choir assignments
ECA Recommendation, Non-Athletic Activity Sponsors
Kalee Hardy, MVHS Girls Soccer Volunteer Coach
Todd Cress, MVHS Boys Soccer Volunteer Coach
ECA RESIGNATION
Mark Anderson, 8th Grade Softball Coach
Matt Hankley, 7th Grade Baseball Coach
Kristin Gray, MVHS Class Sponsor
ECA CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
Audrey Sornson, MVMS 7th Grade Softball Coach to 8th Grade Softball Coach
LEAVES
Laura McCrory, FES Maternity Leave (November 20, 2023 to end of of 2023-2024 school year)
Madison Steele, MCE Maternity leave (November 17, 2023 to end of 2023-2024 school year)
Senaida Richwine, MES FMLA (August 22, 2023 to September 18, 2023)
Madeline Murphy, MCE Maternity Leave (September 16, 2023 to January 3, 2024)
Diane Wetzold, FES Leave (December 13, 2023 to January 4, 2024)
Candy Turner, Transportation Driver (August 22, 2023 to October 13, 2023)
Lindsey Crow, MVHS Maternity Leave (November 22, 2023 to March 8th, 2024)
Madison Roeder, MVMS Paternity Leave (October 28, 2023 to November 11, 2023)
9.2
Regular Session Minutes
9.3
Claims
9.4
Construction Claims
9.5
Construction Change Orders
9.6
Monthly Fund Transfers
9.7
Overnight Field Trip Request
9.8
Donation Approval
9.9
School Cash Drawer Request for 2023-24 school year
10.
Action Items
10.1
Second Reading of Policies
B225 Meetings
C150 Homeless Students Enrollment Rights and Services
C225 Parental Access to Instructional Material and Surveys
C500 E Field Trip and Transportation Permission Form
C525 Medical Needs at School
C600 Anti-Bullying
D325 Backgrounds Checks
F100 Internal Controls and Reporting Losses, Shortages, Variances, or Thefts
F125 Purchasing Procedures and Capital Assets
G125 Criminal Organization Activity
Minutes
Dr. Parker presented the policies for approval. He met with all five board members to review the policies. The recommendation was made to update B225 Meetings policy. This update will now state "Any person or group wishing to place an item on the agenda should assume that their item of interest is not a planned agenda item; thus,they shall register their intent with the Superintendent no later than five(5) business days prior to the meeting"
Mr. Gray reviewed the policies asked for a motion to approve the second reading with updates to B225. Mrs. Walls motioned to approve the policies. Mr. Edwards seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
10.2
Approval of Annual Teacher Appreciation Grant Policy D250
Minutes
Mr. Smedley presented D250 for the annual Teacher Appreciation Grant Policy.
Mrs. Freeman motioned to approve D250. Mr. May seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
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
Fortville RDC - Mr. Tony May - Fortville discussed process to approve AED's in police cars. Also a location for electric car charging station downtown was discussed.
Cumberland RDC - Mrs. Kellie Freeman - Meeting was moved to same time as tonights board meeting so she was unable to attend.
Hancock Co. RDC - Mr. Phil Edwards was unable to attend due to his driving restrictions.
McCordsville RDC - Mrs. Shannon Walls McCordsville did not have an August meeting.
MVEF - Mr. Chad Gray - The staff SOAR event went well and was well attended. September 14 will be the annual TopGolf Event. The foundation is working on a new event Bourbon Bags and Bingo Event in October more information to come.
12.
Announcements
Minutes
Dr. Parker thanked the amazing MVEF for hosting the SOAR event that the staff enjoyed. The Administration and Foundation would like to continue the event. He thanked Jet Access for the hangar usage and donations they made.
Dr. Parker stated the beginning of the year has been off to a great start. Staff is working through the normal adjustments to a new school year such as bussing etc . Last year was the first year post pandemic. This year staff days were adjusted to allow adding 4 days teachers prior to the first student day. Teachers were more relaxed and appreciated how well things went. Dr. Parker thanked all those you worked during the summer to plan for the new start of the year. The schools were prepared and cleaned. New staff was welcomed nicely by the Human Resource events. He was humbled for the great work by all.
13.
Adjournment
Minutes
Mr. Gray asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Edwards motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Freeman seconded the motion. Motion carred 5-0. Meeting was adjourned 7:52pm.
