Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees

School Accolades & Notable Activities

• On Agriculture Awareness Day, MVHS FFA students “planted seeds of knowledge” with fifth-grade FES students by bringing farm animals, a giant tractor, as well as shared how to plant seeds and discuss how to produce fruits and vegetables.
• MVHS senior, Vurvian Woolston, has qualified as a semifinalist for the 2025 National Merit Scholarship. She is in the running still to go further in the competition and we will share updates on her progress.
• MV was well represented at the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents and Indiana School Board Association’s conference with four staff members sharing their knowledge by either leading or participating in three different presentations regarding finances, breaking behavior silos and more.
• MES had an enjoyable time naming their mascot Mr. McCord and introducing a new mascot costume to the students. Special thanks to their PTO for all their support in this fun endeavor.
• On September 19, all six schools participated in the parent-teacher connection day. A survey was shared after and it seemed to be received very positively in the community.
• Homecoming week was fun for all schools (and administration) as they participated in a variety of dress up days and enjoyed other fun activities that brought the Marauder community together. Congratulations to the MVHS varsity football team as they came off with another win against New Castle, and congrats also to MVHS’s homecoming king, Brodyn Gray and queen, Sophie Guthrie.
• FES’s walkathon raised nearly $27,000 for the school and the PTO was integral in these efforts.
• MES enjoyed “Rock Your School” week by creating a different or out-of-the-norm educational experience for their students. Teachers themed their educational activities, such as safari, outer space, neon 80’s rock and more.
• MES students also “cashed in their reward” for reaching their fundraising goal and helped to duct tape Principal Miller and Assistant Principal Edwards to the wall.

Community Connections

• MVCSC hosted a Realtor Breakfast with 42 realtors, developers and mortgage professionals enjoying a morning filled with both preschool students and the MVMS choir performing. They learned about MV growth and programming, as well as 17 realtors took advantage of the opportunity to get into our schools by joining us for a MVHS tour led by Principal Tharp.
• As part of Fire Prevention Week, the Vernon Township Fire Department visited some of our young students at MES and shared safety education.
• As part of Dr. Parker’s outreach efforts in the community, he schedules a time in each of our three towns to break bread and connect with anyone. His October “Traveling Talks” was held at Ranchera in the Cumberland or southern part of our district and approximately six parents and non-parents engaged with Dr. Parker and enjoyed having their questions answered.

Dr. Scott Shipley introduced David Spencer from Ninestar with a check for Robotics competition team Grant..  This grant will allow the robotics program to grow and develop.  This year Fortville Elementary will start a competition team for the first year.  

Mrs. Ashley Ridenour presented information on the Special Programs at the Administration Building.  The Mini Marauder Preschool, Life Center and the Core programs are all currently housed at the Administration Building.  

The Mini Marauder has 127 students and 30 staff members.  Students are given services as needed and identified and allows them to grow and be prepared for Kindergarten.   This year a PTO was developed to help support the students and staff. 

The Life Center has 30 students. The programs services 8-12 grade student  based on the students needs.  Mr Fountain works closely with the High School Counselors to help these students grow in different areas along with their education. 

The Core program has two classrooms.   As of today there are nine students in the program.  The Core uses a reward medal system to help support the students which allows them to develop. 

Mrs Ridenour thanked the board to have the opportunity to serve the students and program.

Dr. James presented information on the Early Child Care Grant.  She hared statistics on the cost of childcare for employees and why it is so important.  Currently 52 families receive $4000 each as a subsidy from this grant.  Mt. Vernon plans to use the grant to serve as many students as possible.   Families have given positive feedback on how this has helped their families with rent, mortgage and other family expenses.  They appreciate the support the corporation has given for their family. 

Mrs. Freeman asked if this is one year grant?  This is a one year grant and other opportunities are being looked at for the future.   Dr. Parker stated this will be a topic of conversation in Legislature to cover cost in the future and MV will be watching it closely.

CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

CERTIFIED RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENT

1. Audrey Catellier, FES Resource Teacher
2. Edward Henderzahs, FES Physical Education (Retirement)

CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Wynndel Finney, MVHS Food Service
2. Sharika Fowler, Transportation Substitute Bus Driver
3. Winsome Mitchell, MVMS 1:1 Instructional Assistant
4. Deborah Hargraves, Administration Food Service Substitute
5. Alexis Rafert, MES Food Service
6. Ian Hanssen, Administration Custodian
7. Cameron Baker, MVHS Permanent Substitute Teacher
8. Marianne Besett, All Buildings Cafeteria Substitute
9. Kristina Englehart, MES Instructional Assistant 
10. Erika Monroy, All Buildings Cafeteria Substitute
11. Brigitte Bussen, Administration HR Coordinator
12. Claire Gray, MMP Instructional Assistant

CLASSIFIED RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS

1. Denise Cooley-Goolsby, Administration HR Coordinator
2. Betty Morris, Transportation Bus Driver
3. Samantha Oquendo, MMP Instructional Assistant
4. Terry Smith, MCE Custodian
5. Grace Yantes, MES Instructional Assistant
6. Amie Bone, MVHS Custodian
7. Derek Kaminski, MVHS Custodian

CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

1. Alissa Canning, MVHS Food Service Cafeteria to Cafeteria Substitute
2. Lilly Smith, Transportation moving to a full-time route
3. Robert Pillow, Transportation Experience Verified
4. Linda Harvey, Transportation Experience Verified
5. Marla Sterrett, Transportation Experience Verified

ECA RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Lindsey Knight, MES Math Bowl
2. Colin McAtee, MVMS Volunteer Wrestling Assistant Coach
3. Ryan Johnson, MVMS 7th Grade Volunteer Assistant Baseball Coach
4. Mike McQueen, MVMS 7th Grade Head Baseball Coach
5. Eric Harnish, MVMS Weight Room Coach
6. Jovan Joyner, MVMS Volunteer Assistant Baseball Coach
7. Chase Wilkerson, MVHS Volunteer Wrestling Coach
8. Chris Wilkerson, MVHS Volunteer Wrestling Coach

ECA RESIGNATIONS

1. Camille Hull, MVMS Student Council

LEAVE

1. Julie Crist. MVHS FMLA (September 18, 2024 to To Be Determined)
2. Brandi Delp, MVMS FMLA (October 31, 2024 to December 16, 2024)

Mrs. Walls made a motion to uphold to Explosion.'Mrs. Freeman seconded the motion. 

Motion carried 5-0

Mr. Elkins reviewed the budget for approval. Mr. Edwards made a motion to approve the budget at presented. Mrs. Britt seconded the motion.

Motion carried 5-0

Mr. Elkins shared information on the Bus Replacement Plan Amendment.  Mrs. Freeman made a motion to approve the bus replacement plan.  Mrs. Walls seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0

Mr. Elkins shared the new 2024-25 Collective Bargaining Agreement and asked for board approval.  Mr.Edwards made a motion to approve the Collective Bargaining agreement.  Mrs. Britt seconded the motion. 

Mrs. Freeman thanked the administration staff and teachers that took them time to work through this process. 

Motion carried 5-0. 

Dr. Parker presented the first reading of the new policies.  These policies will be ready to approve at the next meeting. 

Dr. Parker presented the new criteria for School Board Scholar program.   He explained the new criteria for the high school students.  High school students must have a 4.0 for all four quarters non accumulative to quality.  Notices will be sent via parent square to students and guardians at the end of each quarter. 

Mrs. Walls made a motion to approve the new School Board Scholar criteria.  Mrs. Freeman seconded the motion. 

Mrs Freeman expressed her appreciation to Mrs. Tharp and her staff on their review of the new criteria.  This will allow the board to continue to recognize the best of the best on MV for this award. 

Motion carried 5-0.