Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees

Dr. Parker introduced Maria Bond, Communication Director to give the Good News Report. 

School Accolades, Notable Activities & Great News:

• Congratulations to all of our building-level Teacher and Staff of the Year recipients. A special recognition goes to our District Teacher of the Year, Yi-Fan Lin from Mt. Vernon High School, and our District Staff of the Year, Melissa Montague, representing the Administration/Technology Department.
• Many thanks to the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation for hosting an outstanding Gala. The event successfully raised funds to provide 1,000 books to MVIS, along with additional educational grants.
• MVHS student Ahmed Saleh earned 2nd place in the 3200-meter run at the indoor state championship, setting a new indoor school record with a time of 9:09.49.
• In collaboration with NineStar Connect, the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation proudly celebrated the launch of the Esports program at MVMS, supported by a collective grant of $28,000. The program is off to a phenomenal start, with both MVMS teams currently ranked #1 and #2 out of 25 middle school teams and 89 players statewide.
• Several MVHS FCCLA students participated in the Indiana State Leadership Conference, earning top honors: Gold in the Lesson Planning event, and Silver in both the Food Marketing and Early Childhood Healthy Snack events.
• MVMS proudly hosted its 50th annual Talent Show, showcasing an array of student talent in categories such as vocal performance, instrumental music, piano, dance, variety acts, and group numbers.
• Mt. Vernon Theatre brought the magical tale of Cinderella to life on stage, delighting audiences with a heartfelt performance, stunning sets, and a gifted cast that captured the essence of this timeless story.
• The MVHS Gold Intensity Dance Team continued its legacy of excellence by winning State in the Varsity Pom Division AA for the fourth consecutive year. A recent publication praised the team for their "precision and creativity," noting that their performance "captivated judges and spectators alike" and demonstrated both technical excellence and deep passion for dance.

Sports Highlights:

• MVHS Boys Basketball made an impressive run to Semi-State, ultimately facing off against Jeffersonville, who went on to win the state championship.
• Luke Ertel, a 6’3” junior point guard, was selected as one of 18 players named to the IndyStar Indiana Boys’ Junior All-Stars for 2025, a notable honor.
• MVHS student Ahmed Saleh earned 2nd place in the 3200-meter run at the indoor state championship, setting a new indoor school record with a time of 9:09.49.

Community Connections

• We proudly recognize the fourth cohort of MV Ambassadors on their graduation. This group of 21 engaged community members participated in eight in-depth sessions throughout the year to gain insight into Mt. Vernon’s operations and programming. As informed advocates, these ambassadors serve as knowledgeable resources within the community.
• In January, Superintendent Dr. Jack Parker and Assistant Superintendent Mr. Chris Smedley visited Zoey’s Place Child Advocacy Center to deepen their understanding of the critical services provided to children throughout Hancock County, including many of our own students. Moved by the center’s mission and impact, they returned inspired to take action and rally support for the organization. We are proud to share that collectively, MVCSC staff rallied to raise $1,500 in donations in support of Zoey’s Place.
• Dr. Parker also hosted another session of Traveling Talks at Times Bakery, fostering community dialogue and building stronger connections through open conversations over coffee and donuts.

Donations - Donors in Attendance:

• The Fortville branch of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) recently contributed $1,000 to the MVCSC Angel Fund, which supports students with overdue lunch account balances. This donation was accepted in the consent agenda at the March board meeting. We are honored to welcome Thomas Bunnell, who is here representing the VFW.
• The Fortville American Legion Post #391 has generously donated $1,000 to the MVCSC Angel Fund as well. This donation is included in the consent agenda, which will follow the conclusion of the four reports being shared this evening. Should the board vote to approve the consent agenda, this generous gift will be formally accepted. This marks the American Legion’s fourth donation this year, totaling $4,500 in contributions. We extend our sincere appreciation to the American Legion for their ongoing support. In attendance this evening are: Niki Cook- Ladies Auxiliary President, Brenda ZeisLadies Auxiliary Treasurer, Jay Zeis- Men's Auxiliary President, Stephen Daniel- Commander

The HS Gold Intensity Dance team was recognized by the board for their State Pom Championship.  The board and Dr.parker complimented and congratulated them.  Dr Parker recognized Ellen Jones Coach for her choreography and excellence.   

Dr. Shipley introduced Ashtan Bennett, Vernon Township Library Director.  She  presented the library's achievements, including a 25% increase in library card holders, new partnerships, and outreach programs. The library focuses on expanding services beyond its walls. Mrs Walls thanked her for her presentation and is excited to see the neat things that are happening.  

Dr. Shipley introduced Dave Gray, Hancock County Public Library Director and Tom Seng, Board Member.  The Hancock County Public Library is funded through a property tax replacement system, receiving about 60% of its budget from the county economic development income tax. The library serves all of Hancock County, with a focus on student engagement and digital resources.  In 2024, the library issued over 3,000 new cards and had nearly 500,000 visitors. Circulation was just under a million, ranking 12th in the state. The library offers resources like Libby, Hoopla, and newspapers.com, and has a partnership with the Imagination Library.  Recent updates include replacing the chiller and boilers, RFID technology, and parking lot maintenance. In 2025, projects include a parking lot redesign and website update, along with installing remote lockers at Eastern Hancock schools

Dr. Parker introduced Ms. Ashley Gustin, Mt Vernon Intermediate Principal.  Ms. Gustin  discussed updates at Mt Vernon Intermediate, including building renovations, staffing, and programming. The school is preparing for its opening with a focus on student needs and a new bell schedule.  The school is organizing staffing from elementary and middle schools, conducting interviews for specialists, and planning related arts and extracurricular activities. A house system will be implemented to build relationships.  The school is developing behavioral expectations using the acronym CHARGE. They are aligning with middle and high schools and focusing on mental health and response to intervention strategies. Mrs Walls asked if there will be a community open house for students and families.  Ms Gustine stated there will a Meet and Greet on May 7 and a back to school night in the fall   The Board thanked her for her time and planning throughout the school year. 

PERSONNEL REPORT

CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

• Sierra Hoffman, MVMS Temporary 6th Grade Teacher         

CERTIFIED RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENT

• Jennifer Roland, MVHS Social Studies Teacher
• Cristina Vasquez, MVHS ENL Teacher
• Delinda Deckard, FES Reading Specialist (Retirement)
• Kristi Norton, McCordsville STEM Teacher (Retirement)
• Kristen Erwin, FES Temporary SPED Teacher
• Dean Falkenberg, MVMS Social Studies Teacher (Retirement)

CERTIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

• Stan Wilkison, MVHS Assistant Principal to HC3 Director 
• Megan Devries, MES SPED Teacher to FES SPED Teacher
• Madeline Murphy, MCE SPED Teacher to FES SPED Teacher
• Melissa Breidenbach, MVMS SPED Teacher to MVMS Math Specialist  

BUILDING TRANSFERS

• MVCSC employee transfers to MVIS

CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

• Lana Elliott, MVHS Food Service Prep/Cashier
• Noella Knotts, FES ICE Student
• Miranda Jones, FES ICE Student
• Alaina Nugent, 2025 Finance Summer Internship
• Dashanna Cook, Transportation Sub Driver
• James Franklin, Transportation Sub Driver
• Savannah Prewett, MVCSC RBT
• Marianny Vargas, MVMS Custodian
• Zoe Berry, MVMS Food Service Cashier/Prep
• 2025 Fiscal Year Classified Salary Schedule 
• Colby Johnson, MVCSC RBT

CLASSIFIED RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS

• April Kirby, MVMS Food Service
• Mike Maley, MVCSC Maintenance
• Theresa Thomas, MVCSC Transportation Aide
• Mary Jean Denk, MCE Building Tech
• Ian Hanssen, MVCSC Custodian
• Angela Burkholder, FES Media Assistant

CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

• Monica Nichols, MVHS Food Service to MVHS Custodian
• Tommy Warner, MVMS Custodian to FES Custodian
• Erika Monroy, MVHS Food Service to FES Food Service
• Stephanie Goff, MVMS High Intensity IA to MVIS High Intensity IA
• Michael Williams, MVHS Custodian to MVIS Head Custodian
• Katara Lasley, MVCSC Transportation Sub Driver to Full Time Driver

ECA RECOMMENDATIONS

• Sara Keljo, FES Tech Integration Specialist

ECA RESIGNATIONS

• Denise Floyd, MVMS Cheer Coach

LEAVES

• Brian Evans, MVCSC Maintenance Medical Leave (March 11, 2025 to TBD)
• Alexiss Hickman, MVMS 6th Grade Teacher, Maternity Leave (April 28, 2025 to May 30, 2025)
• Jean Feltman, FES 4th Grade Teacher,  Medical Leave (March 31, 2025 to May 30, 2025)
• Toshio Mills, MVHS IA, Medical Leave (April 15, 2025 to May 29, 2025)
• Melissa Montague, MVCSC Data Asst., Medical Leave (April 21, 2025 to May 12, 2025)
• Dylan Freeman, MVMS 8 Grade Teacher, Paternity Leave (@ September 7, 2025 to November 30, 2025)

Thank you to all our donors this month. 

• Fortville American Legion Post #39
• Baldwin Excavating 
• Equitable
• Midwest Mole 
• Tyler Truss
• Psi Iota Xi Sorority

Mr. Elkins shared the proposal from the summer moving company.  Guardian Relocation was selected as the moving service provider for an amount not to exceed $71,000, which is under budget.  Mr Gray motioned to approve the bid from Guardian Relocation Services. Mrs Britt seconded the motion.   Mrs. Freeman commented on the detail instructions for the teacher and appreciated the documents they provided.   Motion carried 5-0

Mr Smedley shared in preparation for the onboarding of the intermediate school included he reviewed school times for elementary, intermediate, and high schools. The schedules were presented for approval. Mrs. Nielsen motioned to approve the new school times.  Mrs. Britt seconded the motion.  Mrs. Walls shared she was impressed with the amount of time and work involved to consider these new times. Motion carried 5-0.

Dr. Parker introduced Mrs Brooke Tharp to share the 2026-27 schedule proposal.  She shared the high school evaluated different scheduling options and recommended the Block 8 schedule to eliminate learning gaps and align CTE opportunities.  She asked for approval to adopt a block 8 schedule.  Mrs. Freeman motioned to approve a high school block 8 schedule starting in 2026-27.   Mr Gray seconded the motion. Mrs Freeman shared her appreciation for the all the work Mrs. Tharp and the high school team have done.  Mrs Britt stated she is happy students and staff were able to be part of this process and are in support of the new schedule.  Motion carried 5-0.

Dr.Parker shared a memorandum of understanding with the Mount Vernon Education Foundation was proposed to pay $35,000.04 annually for grant writing services.  Mrs. Britt made a motion to approve the memorandum.   Mrs. Nielsen seconded the motion. Mrs. Britt thanked Mrs. Oldham for her vision for our schools and is excited about the expertise Mrs. Oldham has and appreciates all she does for the schools. The board recognized her for all her hard work. Motion carried 5-0.