Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees

School Accolades & Notable Activities

• Congratulations to Superintendent Dr. Jack Parker on being recognized as “Superintendent of the Year” for District V by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS).
• Congratulations to FES for achieving a 95% or higher pass rate on the 2024 IREAD assessment for the second consecutive year!
• Seth Hamilton earned his Certified Education Technology Leader® (CETL) Certification from the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN).
• MVHS Teacher, Leah Perry, and Football Coach, Vince Lidy, were named among the top three in their respective categories in the “Best of Hancock County” magazine.
• The first-year HVAC students at MVHS earned their OSHA 10 Safety Certification.
• In July, we reported that all elementary buildings received the Highly Effective School accreditation from Solution Tree, and we wanted to provide an update that MVMS and MVHS have also earned their HES accreditation by maintaining and growing identified areas that have the biggest impact on student learning and growth. MES held its Pirate Fun Run, raising $25,000 for student programming, supplies and materials, as well as teacher training and support.

Community Connections

• MVCSC and the MVEF recently partnered to celebrate MV staff by hosting the “SOAR Into a New Year” event at the Indianapolis Regional Airport hanger. Many generous community businesses contributed to the event by providing food and prizes for staff.
• FES hosted several guest speakers from the community to share insights about their professions and role in our community. The wide variety of careers included a K9 police officer, student resource officers, a Riley Hospital ER nurse, an INDOT public relations director, a United Airlines captain, and an engineer.
• The Greenfield Banking Company launched the MV school spirit debit card where a donation to the MVEF is made every time the card is used.
• Congratulations to Denise Kirby, MVHS alumna and president of the Athletic Association, who recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association District IV (21 counties).

Dr. Parker shared Mr. Seth Hamilton,Director of Technology, has completed his CEFL certification.   Mr Hamilton introduced those from CEFL program who have mentored him through this certification.  They presented Mr. Hamilton with his award and expressed appreciation for his hard work on the Certified Educational Leader Exam. 

Mr. Elkins and Mr. Smedley shared the report for the Preschool and Expansion.  Mr Elkins shared budget information.   In the Spring of 2022 this information was shared.  WIth other construction projects coming in under budget and ahead of the timeline has allowed us to move forward with this project.  Mr. Smedley shared the layout of the plans for the renovation and expansion.  Mr Elkins stressed this is all approved in the budget and not additional debt at this time. 

Dr. Parker introduced Dr Katz to provide the Spotlight on the middle school. 

MVMS students, Sydney, Regan and Zoe were present to talk about the Student Voice of MV, a new program at the middle school.   The Student Voice of MV is in its first year and is a school media team.   A weekly schedule and format was shared that is followed by the team.  Dr. Katz shared some future plans on what they would like to see happen with this program.   She mentioned how proud she is of the team and appreciated their hard work to represent their school.   They expressed their thanks to the board for allowing them to share their ideas and information on their voice.   

Mrs Freeman asked if parents can see the daily slides?   Dr. Katz shared that parents can see the slides but not videos.  Staff is taking the time to develop this program to be sure it is done right and insure safety of the students.  

CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS   

1. Adam Morelock, MVMS 7th Grade Science Teacher
2. Sarah Mills, FES Kindergarten Temporary  Teacher
3. Michael Ashford, Administration Secondary 53 Teacher

CERTIFIED RESIGNATIONS

1. Ryan McAtee, MVMS 7th Grade Science Teacher

CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Erin Walker, MVHS Custodian
2. Kimberly Zeis, MVMS Guidance Secretary
3. Natalie Johnson, FES Building Technician
4. Yaketerina Nolte, MVHS ICE Student
5. Tasha Elhag, Transportation, Substitute Bus Driver
6. Larissa Plymale, MVMS Library Instructional Assistant
7. Maya Morales, MVHS ICE Student
8. Miranda Rehfus, FES Registered Teacher Apprentice
9. Katelyn Captain, FES Registered Teacher Apprentice
10. Emersyn Lusby, FES ICE Student
11. Chelsey Manners, MMP Instructional  Assistant
12. Kathleen Oberneder, MCE Custodian
13. Tyree Noble, Transportation Substitute Bus Driver 
14. Theresa Thomas, Transportation Bus Aide
15. Maria Morales Perez, MVMS Instructional Assistant
16. Samantha Oquendo, MMP Instructional Assistant
17. Monica Nichols, MVHS Food Service
18. Tracy Hoyt, Administration, SPED Nurse Salary Adjustment
19. Cara Dever, MCE SPED IA/ENL IA 
20. Daniel Dotson, MVHS Custodian
21. Jeanne Cool, MCE Food Service

CLASSIFIED RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS

1. Maria Gunter, Transportation Bus Driver
2. Dawn Parker, Transportation Bus Driver
3. Candace Woods, FES Instructional Assistant
4. MaDonna Olson, MES Head Custodian
5. Rockie Stamps, MCE Food Service
6. Martha Graham, MVMS Instructional Assistant
7. Lindsey Calvert, MVMS Instructional Assistant
8. Colin Brown, Administration Custodian
9. John Wilkinson, Transportation Bus Driver
10. Brittany Clark, MVHS Food Service
11. Ryan Strantz, MVHS Custodian
12. Linda Smith, MVMS Attendance Secretary

CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

1. Brenda Edwards, Transportation from Bus Driver to Substitute Bus Driver
2. Malinda Rose, MVMS High Intensity IA to Resource IA
3. Alix Collins, FES High Intensity IA to Resource IA 
4. (Susan) Diane Rafert, MES Food Service to Head Custodian
5. Dylan Bupp, MVMS Instructional Assistant to Resource IA
6. Kris Maynard, Transportation Bus Driver to Substitute Bus Driver

ECA RECOMMENDATIONS

1. MVMS ECA Stipends
2. Dustin Ritz, MVMS 7th Grade Boys Basketball Assistant Coach

ECA RESIGNATIONS

1. Nicole Rehm, FES Student Council

LEAVE

    1.  Hailey Oak, MVMS Maternity Leave (August 8, 2024 to October 1, 2024)
    2. Terri Smith, Transportation Bus Assistant (September 9, 2024 to October  21, 2024)
    3. Haley Emmert, FES Maternity Leave (January 6, 2025 to May 30, 2025)
    4. Donna Huth, Maternity Leave (December 23, 2024 to March 14, 2025)
    5. Krista Weber, Administration FMLA (October 30, 2024 to December 11, 2024)

Mr.Elkins shared the Life Insurance Benefit Update from LHD.   Life Insurance is being proposed for income replacement for administration level positions. Mt Vernon currently has a basic amount for all administrators.   LHD researched each administrators income and found a rate to have their income replaced at $56/administrator.  The additional cost would be $1000/annually to offer this.  Mr. Elkins asked for board approval of the new policy.  Mr Edwards made a motion to approve the life insurance benefit for administration.  Mrs. Walls seconded the motion.   Mrs Freeman asked after adding this for the administrators when would be the cost be looked at again to guarantee it does not increase.  Mr. Elkins stated they would review it regularly.  Mr Gray stated he thought the policy was outdated and appreciates the review and update for the administrators. 

Motion carried 5-0

Mr Smedley shared the information on the Annual School Improvement plans and what is required by the state.   Mr. Smedley introduced the principals.  Each principal presented their school improvement plans.   The principals work together to have set goals and with staff to have individual building goals. 

Mrs. Freeman motioned to approve the school improvement plans. Mrs. Walls seconded the motion. Mrs. Freeman expressed her appreciation to principals on their completion of these plans and understands the time it takes. Mrs. Walls shared her appreciation of the collaboration of staff in the building and the principals together to do what is best for students.   Motion carried 5-0