Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees

Dr. Parker gave the Good News Report for Maria Bond.

School Accolades, Notable Activities & Great News

• Throughout February, our schools celebrated Black History Month with engaging activities highlighting the achievements of Black individuals in American history. Students participated in trivia, research projects, artwork, and library readings, while hallways showcased murals and visual displays. MVHS aviation students also explored the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
• Congratulations to Lucinda Blair, MVHS Agriculture Teacher and FFA Staff Sponsor, for being nominated for the 2025 Indiana FFA Golden Owl Award, which recognizes outstanding agricultural educators.
• Indiana’s Secretary of Education, Dr. Katie Jenner, kicked off Read Across America Week with a visit to Shona Kelly's first-grade classroom at MES. Principal Stephanie Miller praised the visit as a valuable opportunity for the students to interact with such a high-ranking education official and learn about the importance of reading. Miller said it’s teachers like Ms. Kelly who made it possible for half of the school’s second-graders to pass the IREAD-3 test early last year, referring to the state standardized assessment given to third-graders to measure foundational reading skills.
• FES fourth-graders participated in the local American Legion Essay Contest. Two winners were selected from each classroom and each received $25 while overall winners earned $50. All winning students enjoyed a pizza party, ice cream and read their essays to their families.
• Our incredible high school and middle school students in VOICE, a student-led tobacco-free advocacy, had the opportunity to represent Mt. Vernon at the Statehouse, joining other students from across Indiana. They engaged in meaningful discussions, learned about the legislative process, and demonstrated their leadership skills by advocating for a tobacco-free world!
• Some MVHS students who are studying Mandarin recently visited MVMS Social Studies classes to share insights about the Chinese culture and language. Their visit was especially relevant as MVMS students are currently learning about China.
• Congratulations to Effie Miller at MVHS for completing 18 graduate credits toward a dual credit credential in Political Science.
• Kindergarten and second-grade students participated in a special "Cardiology Day" on Valentine's Day at MES, becoming "doctors" tasked with fixing "broken hearts" through hands-on learning.
• The FES Kindergarten team transformed their classrooms into a Dino-topia and planned for a full day of fun, dinosaur-related activities.
• Mt. Vernon’s growth continues, with a projected enrollment of 5,003 students in grades K-12 for the 2025-26 school year.
• Senior Daniel Harter earned a spot in the swim state finals, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination throughout the competition.
• Five criminal justice students from Mt. Vernon High School/Hancock County Career Center were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS)—the nation’s premier honor society for CTE-based courses. They earned this honor based on their skill development and academic achievement in their CTE courses.
• The recent Teacher Recruitment Event was a great success, bringing together over 60 current and aspiring educators. Attendees enjoyed a presentation, listened to a teacher-student panel, and interviewed with principals based on their respective licenses.

Sports

• Junior wrestler Eli Broady competed in the prestigious state championship and earned an impressive 4th-place finish.
• Six county football players, including seniors Joliba Brogan and Rylan Vinard, were selected for the IFCA Region 8 All-Star Team.
• As of March 6, the MVHS boys basketball team is headed for the sectional semi-finals against Anderson.
• MVHS’s Daniel Harter competed in the 200 freestyle at the boys swimming state finals.
• Boys cross country, swimming, and wrestling state finalists were recognized recently at a boys basketball game. Ahmed Saleh (9th -XC) and Eli Broady (4th - Wrestling) were the two podium finishers for state.

Community Connections

• MVCSC was delighted to host the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce’s “Talk of the Town” luncheon. Nearly 80 attendees, including local dignitaries, gathered to hear town managers share community updates.
• As part of FCCLA Week, MVHS student members created and delivered Valentines to the residents at Traditions Assisted Living in McCordsville.
• For National Kindness Week, MVMS students decorated coffee sleeves with caring messages on them for Coffee at the Crossing.
• The MES Choir had the wonderful experience of singing the National Anthem at the Indy Fuel game.

Noteworthy Media

• WTHR covered Dr. Jenner’s visit to MES for Read Across America week. Read Across America Week aims to encourage young readers to pick up a book

Mr. Donnie Turner participated with the board, demonstrating a CogniMoves activity. CogniMoves is a pilot program Mt. Comfort is using to assist students with their thoughts, actions, and emotions. The program helps with memory, focus, impulse control, and task switching. Studies have shown that this program strengthens academic success and skills. It is designed for students from Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Students participate in 5-minute segments twice a day. The program will help teachers identify which students need improvement in these areas. Small groups are formed to address those students' needs. Mt. Comfort has seen improvements in students. Mrs. Durig and Mrs. Weber shared comments on how they have observed these improvements. Mr. Turner stated that the students love it when administration or other adults in the building participate. Mrs. Freeman inquired about the connection between movement and student learning, asking if there is a program for older students. Mrs. Durig replied with information on functioning skills and the improvements they have seen. Mrs. Freeman asked about the small groups and if students are able to move back into larger groups. Mr. Turner shared that they are moved based on their successes. He also shared that this is a new program this year and that he is looking forward to the new programs CogniMoves will be releasing in the next year, hoping to include other students.

Mr. Shelton introduced Bob Martin from Transportation. Mr. Martin shared information on the school times for the 2025-26 school year. Several departments and leadership from the district collaborated on the times. Meetings were held to discuss different options for the Transportation Department, what other districts are doing, and Mt. Vernon's times when the Intermediate School was open. Overall, what was best for the students was the priority. Flexible time was incorporated for routes to be completed safely. With the parking lot shared between MVIS and MVHS, it made the most sense to have them on the same schedule. The proposed schedule is as follows:

SCHOOL              Start of School Day             End of School Day                        Length of School Day                           Teacher Work Day
FES/MES/MCE            7:35 AM                              2:05 PM                                             6h 30m                                                7:15 AM - 2:45 PM
MVIS                            8:35 AM                              3:30 PM                                             6h 55m                                                8:15 AM - 3:45 PM
MVMS                          8:45 AM                              3:45 PM                                             7h 00m                                                8:25 AM - 3:55 PM
MVHS                          8:35 AM                              3:30 PM                                              6h 55m                                               8:15 AM - 3:45 PM

Mrs. Freeman asked about students on the bus with different age groups. Mr. Martin stated that bus drivers will have guidelines to assign seats for the different age groups. Drivers will adhere to the guidelines given to them. Administration will regularly review videos to ensure these guidelines are followed."

Mrs. Brooke Tharp presented the 2026-2027 school schedule. Mt. Vernon High School has been on a block 4 schedule since 1997. After extensive review and the formation of a committee comprising parents, students, and staff members, the current block 4 schedule has been modified to allow for AP and dual credit classes with flexibility. A block 8 schedule is being proposed, which will allow for more opportunities, flexibility, improved comprehension, fewer gaps between classes, and more time for students to manage homework and schedules. After reviewing research, the committee unanimously agreed with the recommendation of a block 8 schedule. A sample schedule was shared with the board. Mrs. Britt commented on how she appreciated that students, teachers, and parents were all included in the research. Mrs. Freeman appreciated all the effort put into this extensive research and process to improve outcomes for our students.

CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

• Kayley Brazil, MES Temporary 2nd Grade Teacher
• Christa Higgins, MCE Temporary 2nd Grade Teacher

 CERTIFIED RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENT

• Ron Baker, MVHS Teacher 
• Anita Benoodt, MCE Teacher (Retirement)
• Shana Wolfenberger, MCE Teacher (Retirement)

CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

• Allen Dunn, MCE Custodian
• Kaitlyn Zelepugus, Life Center Instructional Assistant
• Julie Andrews, MVMS Portables Security Instructional Assistant
• Diana Miller, MVMS Food Prep/Dishwasher
• Melisa Dubon, MCE Custodian
• Kerry Hammett, Transportation Sub Driver
• Kamillia Williams, FES Temporary High Intensity IA

CLASSIFIED RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS

• Brian Hunt, MVMS Custodian
• Daniel Dotson, MVHS Custodian
• Alexandra Emkow, MVCSC RBT
• Connie Johnson, FES Food Service Sub

CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

• Ernesto Leon, MVHS Custodian to MVMS Custodian
• Sharika Fowler, Transportation Sub Driver to Full Time Driver
• Wyatt Parker, FES Head Custodian to “New” FES Head Custodian
• Katara Lasley, MVMS Food Service to MVMS Food Service Sub
• Christy Bovard, Transportation Full Time to Transportation Sub

ECA RECOMMENDATIONS

• Kirk Webber, MVMS Girls Tennis Coach
• Brett Kennell, MVHS Volunteer Track Coach
• Joe Schaeffer, MVHS Baseball Assistant (JV Head Coach)
• Max Hayes, MVHS Assistant Wrestling Coach
• Jeff Brandes, MVHS Varsity Girls Head Tennis Coach
• Scott Blanchard, MVHS Volunteer Varsity Baseball Coach

ECA RESIGNATIONS

• Steve Hiner, MVHS Assistant Wrestling Coach
• Scott Blanchard, MVHS JR Varsity Baseball Coach
• Shane Douglas, MVHS Freshman Baseball Coach

ECA CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

• Elissa Page, MVHS Assistant Swim Coach (Split Stipend) to MVHS Volunteer Swim Coach
• Brooke Haflich, MVHS Assistant Swim Coach Split Stipend to Full Stipend
• Brett Johnson, MVHS Volunteer Baseball Coach to MVHS Freshman Baseball Coach

LEAVES

• Christa Williams, MCE (March 5, 2025 - April 16, 2025)
• Stephane Thorla, FES (February 24, 2025 - March 14, 2025)

Dr. Shipley presented the Curriculum Adoption from the last board meeting. He shared that the curriculum was set out in the administration building for review. Dr. Shipley requested approval to proceed with the purchase of the presented curriculum. The Science Curriculum for Elementary and Intermediate schools will be Generation Genius, the Middle School will use McGraw-Hill, and the High School will use Pearson along with McGraw-Hill. The MLL curriculum will be English 3D by HMH. Four new novels will be added to the novel list for 3rd-6th grade. Dr. Shipley expressed his appreciation for the parents who reviewed the textbooks and the feedback he received. He also thanked the committee that worked diligently to review these books. Mrs. Freeman shared her reviews of the novels she read and asked about the process by which they were chosen. Dr. Shipley reviewed the process and how novels are selected. Mr. Gray asked if novels are regularly removed from the list. Dr. Shipley shared that the process of reviewing the list is underway with the committee and that they are looking to redefine the list soon. Mrs. Freeman made a motion to approve the presented curriculum. Mr. Gray seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

Dr. Parker introduced Mrs. Tharp to share updates on the Indiana Diploma Changes and course updates. Mrs. Tharp reported that the Department of Education (DOE) has released new diploma requirements. After reviewing the updates, their staff reviewed the course handbook to reflect the changes. This will allow courses to be adjusted to prepare students for graduation. The DOE has not yet released the Honors Seal diploma updates; the courses for this diploma will be reviewed at that time. Mrs. Tharp shared the new courses and requirements with the board. She asked the board to review and approve the handbook updates for the 2025-2026 school year.  Mr. Gray made a motion to approve the course handbook for approval.  Mrs. Freeman seconded the motion.  Motion passed 5-0.

Mr. Greg Elkins presented the Common School Fund loan. He explained that this is the same type of loan which was taken last fall. The loan is an advancement on state tuition support for technology. It extends the payback period with a low-interest rate. Mr. Hamilton plans to apply for the loan to cover the cost of replacing the wireless network across the district, along with classroom refresh and replacing administration hard drives with laptops. Mr. Elkins explained that the debt service fund will be used for repayment. Mr. Elkins requested approval to apply for the Common School Fund loan. Mrs. Freeman made a motion to approve the Common School Fund loan. Mrs. Nielsen seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.