Meeting Details
May 12, 2025
7:00pm - 8:30pm
1 hr 30 min
Mt. Vernon Administrative Service Center
Purpose
N/A
Minutes
Mrs. Shannon Walls led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes
Mrs. Shannon Walls called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Minutes
Mrs. Freeman made a motion to accept the agenda as presented. Mrs. Britt seconded. Motion carried 5-0..
Please Reference Policies
H225 (Public Comments and Concerns) and
B225 (Meetings) for guidance on providing public input on an agenda item.
Board policies can be found at www.mvcsc.k12.in.us
Public comments at school board meetings are appreciated. Per Board Policy H225, public comments must be related to an agenda item. At times, it may be necessary to allow those who reside within the Corporation boundaries, who are parents/guardians of MVCSC students, and/or employees of MVCSC to speak before others.
Comments and concerns related to curriculum, methods of instruction, instructional materials, or Corporation employees shall also be submitted in writing to the principal of the school and the Superintendent.
Those who wish to provide public comment on an agenda item shall sign in prior to the board meeting start time and provide their name, the organization represented (if any), and identify the agenda item to be addressed.
Time for public comments at school board meetings is limited to sixty (60) total minutes and three (3) minutes per individual.
Minutes
No one was signed in to speak.
Minutes
Mrs. Maria Bond gave the Good News Report
School Accolades & Notable Activities
Community Connections
Minutes
Dr. Parker introduced the new Ripple Award to honor individuals who go above and beyond to inspire, influence and lead within the school district. Dr. Parker presented Mr. Kern with the first "Ripple Award". Mr. Kern received this special recognition for his exceptional efforts in establishing and enhancing the new ESports program at the middle school, significantly enriching the student experience. He received grants from the Mt. Vernon Foundation and Ninestar. Mr Kern highlighted the success of the two teams that were formed and competed. Both team won the statewide club level tournament. Teams will advance to the varsity level next year. He shared how the program has fostered teamwork, competition and personal growth of the students involved.
Minutes
Ms.Walls shard the Consent Agenda. Mrs. Freeman made a motion to pass the consent agenda. Mr Gray seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0
Minutes
CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
CERTIFIED RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENT
CERTIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
CLASSIFIED RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS
ECA RECOMMENDATIONS
ECA RESIGNATIONS
LEAVES
Jack Laurie Group - New Fortville Elementary (2)
Delaware Glass Inc. - New Fortville Elementary
Minutes
Thank you to the Mt Vernon Athletic Boosters and Blaze 88 Foundation Inc. for their donation.
Minutes
Mr. Smedley introduced Krista Weber and Kacie Grimm to present two important proposals aimed at enhancing student safety and well-being. The first proposal focuses on the district’s QPR program, which provides state-referred suicide prevention training and includes implementing the QPR for Youth module at the high school level. This initiative will begin with select student groups next year, with plans to potentially expand to middle schools based on feedback and effectiveness. The second proposal involves a partnership with Zoe’s Place, a child advocacy center specializing in forensic interviews for children who may have experienced abuse or neglect. Katie, the director of Zoe’s Place, was present to answer questions. This collaboration will offer developmentally appropriate body safety presentations for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, meeting state requirements. For secondary students, customized video content tailored specifically to Mount Vernon will be developed with input from local administrators, school resource officers, and counselors. The initiative aims to create a continuum of care by connecting body safety education with Zoe’s Place’s support services.
Mrs. Nielsen made a motion to approve both proposals. Mrs. Britt seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Minutes
Mr. Smedley introduced Mr. Edwards from McCordsville Elementary to share the Elementary Handbook changes. The Elementary Handbook was updated with several key changes: the pre-arranged absences section was removed, and attendance language was revised to reflect the new policy allowing 10 parent-verified absences. Food guidelines were updated by replacing “baked goods” with “food and treats” and consolidating candy and gum rules under a single heading. Health and safety policies were revised to remove outdated school hours and introduce new attendance notification procedures, with the first letter now sent after four absences. References to “dentist and doctor appointments” were broadened to “medical appointments.” Textbook rental fees were eliminated, clarifying fees only apply if materials are lost or damaged. Student insurance procedures were clarified, stating non-payment is considered opting out. Language about charging for extra lunch items was removed since students can purchase extras at all schools. New sections were added outlining field trip chaperone responsibilities, teacher/coach chaperone duties, and general guidelines for artificial intelligence use. Finally, the head covering policy was updated to require approval from a principal or staff member, with exceptions for religious reasons..
Mr. Clarkson, Mt Vernon Middle school shared the updates for the Middle School and new handbook for the Intermediate School. The Middle School Handbook underwent several updates, including the removal of sixth grade from the MS program and the introduction of a new behavior incentive system themed “Willy Wonka Gold,” featuring raffles and a golden marauder party for students with zero discipline issues. The behavior management table was clarified with an added column detailing discipline interventions for the current year. Field trip information was revised to provide general guidelines instead of specific itineraries, allowing for greater flexibility. Attendance policies and interventions were aligned with updated state laws and district practices to ensure consistency across schools. Dismissal times and transportation guidelines were standardized to match high school practices, including new rules prohibiting items in bus aisles. Technology use policies were enhanced based on stakeholder feedback and aligned across grade levels. Cafeteria policies were updated to ensure students without lunch money can still receive meals. Finally, athletic offerings were adjusted to limit boys’ and girls’ soccer to seventh and eighth grades, and extracurricular activity tables were updated to reflect current offerings.
Mrs. Tharp, High school principal shared the updates for the high school handbook. The High School Handbook was updated to clarify the technology acceptable use policy, including opt-out procedures, device repair responsibilities for those without protection plans, and policy timelines. Field trip guidelines were expanded to detail chaperone and teacher-coach responsibilities, especially for overnight trips. Food service policies and counseling department procedures were revised, with updated course handbook references. Changes were made to policies on class rank for the class of 2029, early graduation, and athletic eligibility, including new rules for online course additions requiring timely enrollment and completion benchmarks. Language was added specifying that Form 16 students are ineligible for extracurricular activities, and coaches may exclude students violating the drug and alcohol policy for the rest of the year. General guidelines for artificial intelligence use were also included.
Mrs. Nielsen made a motion to accept the handbooks updates. Mrs. Freeman seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Minutes
Mrs. Tharp shared the Course Handbook amendments that introduced a new dual credit English course, "Introduction to Literature," and a “Preparing for College and Careers” course for the class of 2029 to meet state requirements. Virtual program guidelines were updated to allow students to switch between virtual and in-person learning at term start, requiring justification except for medical or case conference reasons. It was also clarified that the virtual student handbook incorporates the regular student handbook, but virtual students cannot participate in athletics or extracurricular activities, with the regular handbook serving as a reference for applicable policies.
Mr. Gray made a motion to accept the course MVHS handbook amendments. Mrs. Britt seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Fortville RDC - Mrs. Stacy Nielsen
Cumberland RDC - Mrs. Kellie Freeman
Hancock Co. RDC - Mr. Chad Gray
McCordsville RDC - Mrs. Shannon Walls
MVEF - Mrs. Meghan Britt
Minutes
Fortville RDC - Mrs. Stacy Nielsen shared an executive session this month.
Cumberland RDC - Mrs. Kellie Freeman stated there was no meeting
Hancock Co. RDC - Mr. Chad Gray was unable to attend last week.
McCordsville RDC - Mrs. Shannon Walls shared an update on the patch development project at 500 North in McCordsville, which is advancing to the town council for the final vote and is expected to be approved.
MVEF - Mrs. Meghan Britt share the meeting will take place next month.
Minutes
Dr. Parker announced that the Fortville Elementary School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is scheduled for May 15, with a staff open house starting from 3-5 p.m. and a community open house from 5-7 p.m. The last day of school will be May 29, followed by graduation on May 30. The next board meeting is set for June 16 and will include the Board Scholar Program at 5:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium, followed by the regular board meeting at 7 p.m. Mrs. Walls gave a special recognition to Jackson Guthrie, a young elementary student who regularly watches board meetings online and is an avid fan of Dr. Parker.
Minutes
Mrs.Britt made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Freeman seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Adjourned at 7:42pm