Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees

Mrs. Bond gave the good news report. 

School Accolades & Notable Activities

• Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation (MVCSC) is proud to be one of only 76 recipients of the Indiana Department of Education’s Digital Learning Grant, supporting the integration of artificial intelligence platforms to enhance literacy, student engagement, and interaction within blended learning environments through innovative technology.
•  MVCSC was selected as one of a limited number of schools to receive a Behavior Grant from the Indiana Department of Education. This funding provides critical resources aimed at supporting positive student behavior and enhancing school climate initiatives.
• The Marauder Baseball Club 11U team, a Triple-A Division travel team within the U.S. Specialty Sports Association, was elevated to the Major Division—the highest level of competition. In their first season at this level, they made history by capturing the state championship title.

Community Connections

•  FES Librarian Jennifer Leavell received a grant from Forum Credit Union for forward-facing book displays in the library.
•  “Why We Love Mt. Vernon Schools: Voices From Our Team” video has made nearly 1,000 impressions through YouTube, 6,700 views on Facebook and 56 interactions with 288 link clicks to view the video.
•  MVHS Athletics has launched a Mt. Vernon Athletics App and their revised website will be live in the near future.

A video was shared to promote employment at MV. 

Mr. Elkins reported on the a potential easement for constructing a cell phone tower at McCordsville Elementary School is under consideration, with a company expected to proceed after three years of prior interest. The proposed site, located behind the baseball field with construction access from the north, is the only viable location due to federal and setback regulations and is not anticipated to interfere with future classroom expansion. A public hearing is scheduled next month, as required for land or easement transactions by governmental entities, and any proposals will follow a public bidding process. While the school corporation initiates the bid, the Town of McCordsville will oversee construction, zoning, and payments, with the school only responsible for attorney fees—incurring no construction or management costs. The estimated revenue is approximately $1,500 per month, with potential for growth if additional carriers join. Although public perception is a consideration, the project is seen as a strategic opportunity to strengthen school-town collaboration and support local branding, while also meeting the growing community's need for improved cell coverage.

 

 

Dr. Parker gave an update on the Strategic Plan Report launched in July of 2024.  The Strategic Plan focuses on three core goals: fostering a sense of belonging, improving staff recruitment and retention, and enhancing student learning, particularly in college and career readiness. Under Goal 1, schools implemented "belonging plans" that included programs like advisory time, mentoring, counselor meetings, Multi-tiered system of support data use, and recognition systems such as SAIL at McCordsveill and Bucks Awards at Mt. Comfort. The district hosted its first Parent-Teacher Connection Day and promoted Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). For Goal 2, retention rates were strong—95.25% for classified and 96.13% for certified staff, placing the district in the upper 25th percentile for comparable schools. Stay interviews and mentorship programs supported staff engagement, and initiatives like open interviews, a recruitment fair, and teacher apprenticeship efforts boosted hiring success. In Goal 3, student learning initiatives included increasing dual credit teachers through a grant, growing dual credit completions and trade certifications, and aligning curriculum to new state standards. Assessment scores showed modest gains, with the IREAD pass rate rising and SAT averages higher than the state average. Comprehensive Learning Plans and personal student trackers are being rolled out to support individual progress. The district is reviewing its four-year progress metrics and reaffirming that building positive relationships with students—including from non-teaching staff—is central to success. Recognition of staff who promote these relationships, including those practicing TBRI, is a highlighted goal, though tracking non-teacher interactions remains a challenge. Further data discussions are available through ongoing administrative channels.

 

Mr Elkins introduced Mr Barry Gardner, Director of School Services from Policy Analytics, he joined via Zoom.  Barry Gardner provided an overview of Senate Enrolled Act 1, the most significant property tax reform in recent history, noting its substantial implications for school districts, including Mt. Vernon. SEA 1 modifies the fundamental property tax structure by reducing the Net Assessed Value (NAV) through phased homeowner and property class deductions, a new homeowner tax credit, and changes to business personal property thresholds. These shifts are projected to drive down NAV over the next six years, resulting in increased tax rates to generate necessary revenues. A key concern includes the debt service rate threshold, now lowered to $0.70 (from $0.80), increasing the likelihood of required capital referenda for future projects.

Mr. Gardner presented projections showing a declining NAV composition in Mt. Vernon (2025–2031), especially in residential and business personal property categories, while industrial valuations are expected to grow. These trends, alongside the expiration of certified Local Income Tax (LIT) shares in 2028 and the elimination of the Property Tax Replacement Credit (PTRC), represent a cumulative $5.5 million negative impact to projected non-debt revenues over six years. SEA 1’s homeowner credit (10%, up to $300) is expected to create $300,000 in uncollected revenue from the operations fund and up to $1 million from the debt service fund. Legislators may shield the debt fund, potentially shifting the entire impact to operations.

Additionally, Mr. Gardner highlighted the challenge of rising expenses (e.g., salaries, benefits, utilities) outpacing stagnating revenues, placing further strain on operations and referendum funding. He emphasized the importance of ongoing debt modeling with Stiefel, reviewing updated NAV data in fall 2025, and crafting public messaging strategies to explain the resulting tax rate increases. Legislative advocacy around LIT policy changes will also be considered to mitigate long-term revenue loss.

Mr Elkins thanked Mr. Gardner for his time and presenting the information. 

 

 

CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

Catherine Huffman, MCE Essential Skills Teacher

Kristin Cavolick, HS Spanish Teacher

Justin Davis, HS Business Teacher

Josh Welch, MES PE Teacher

          

CERTIFIED RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENT

Michelle Lowe, MES Teacher 

Cliff Bailey, Assistant Director of SPED

Kayla Woerdeman,  HS Life Skills Teacher

 

CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

Melanie Murdick, HS Administrative Assistant

Stacey Malani-Peterson, MES IA

Myran Dunahee, MS High Intensity IA

Holly Jenkins, FES Custodian

Declan O’Daniel, HS Custodian

Tessa O’Daniel, HS Custodian

2025-26 Classified Pay Scale - Revised

 

CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

Dorea Reedus, MV Transportation Sub to Bus Aide

Amanda Lehr, HS Food Service to HS Custodian

Diane Johnson, FES Food Service Cashier to HS Food Service Cashier

Lisa Stone, MCE Food Service Sub to MCE Food Service Full-Time

 

CLASSIFIED RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS

Ernesto Leon, MS Custodian

Lisa Tappy, HS Treasurer (Retirement)

Treasure Coonce, HS Attendance Secretary (Retirement)

Veronica Gaskin, MCE High Intensity IA

MaLinda Rose, MS Marauder Achievement Program Supervisor

 

ECA RECOMMENDATIONS

Justin Davis, HS Head Boys Tennis Coach

Chris Hanson, HS Head Boys Cross Country Coach

MVMS/MVIS, 2025-26 Athletics - Revised

FES 2025-26 Recommendations

 

ECA RESIGNATIONS

Tambra Bauchert, HS FCCLA 

Timothy Gordon, MS Head Boys Track Coach

 

LEAVES

Shawna Hubbs, FES Cafeteria Manager, (August 8, 2025 - October 8, 2025)

Mr Elkins asked for approval of the Resolutions for Bus Replacement and Capital Projects.   Mr Gray motioned Mrs Britt seconded.   Motion carried 5-0

Mr. Elkins provided an update on the proposed increase in athletic transportation fees,even with the adjustment, Mt. Vernon’s fees remain lower than those of surrounding districts. The revised fees will be $75 for high school athletes and $40 for middle school athletes. He expressed his appreciation to the athletic directors for their collaboration and support throughout the review and recommendation process.

Mr Gray made a motion to approve the new Athletic Trip Fees.   Mrs Nielsen seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0 

Dr. Parker presented the updates for the 16 policies and 1 recommended deletion. No action tonight a second reading to approve will be held in August and September meetings.