Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees

School Accolades & Notable Activities

• Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation proudly welcomed 34 outstanding new teachers this year. To help them thrive in their new roles, they will participate in our “New Teacher Academy,” designed to provide ongoing support throughout their MV journey.
• On the first day of school, Dr. Parker joined the Fortville Elementary School bus route to personally greet students—and some parents—as they arrived. At each school, the morning was filled with high-fives, smiles, hugs, and contagious energy. The joy, pride, and sense of community that make MV so special were on full display.

Community Connections

• The Marauders Athletic Club hosted the annual Booster Blast at MVHS last Saturday, bringing together athletes, families, and supporters for a spirited community event. The event’s silent auction, dunk tank, inflatables, and other activities generated several thousand dollars, all while providing plenty of fun for attendees.
• Thanks to the support of the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation as well as sponsors and donors in the Mt. Vernon community, the MVIS staff lounge has been refreshed to provide a relaxing and beautiful space for staff members.
• MVHS Athletics has launched their new and improved website at maraudersathletics.com, as well as their app, offering an updated and user-friendly experience for fans and families.
• Back-to-School Nights drew packed crowds in many schools, fostering numerous positive connections among staff, students, and parents.

Noteworthy Media

• Just days before the school year began, Dr. Jack Parker joined the WISH-TV morning news for a special back-to-school feature. He highlighted the district’s growth and the spirit of community collaboration surrounding the opening of the new elementary school and the reopening of MVIS. Dr. Parker also shared a few of our exciting hands-on learning initiatives and expanded project-based opportunities for Mt. Vernon students.

Mr Wilkison, HC3 Career Center Director provided an update on the Hancock County Career Center.  Construction of the new career center is progressing, with key milestones including groundbreaking on November 15 and beam signing on July 16. Enrollment has increased by 44% from last year, with 295 students currently and a goal of 400+ students for the 2026-2027 school year. Four new programs are being added, and a Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment is underway.

Board was excited and appreciates the updates. 

Dr. Shipley introduced Troy Guthrie MVHS Social Teacher.   Mr. Guthrie made a presented a proposal for a student overseas trip in summer 2027, focusing on Dublin, Belfast, and Edinburgh, with a goal to keep costs below $5,000 per student. Previous trips included five countries in 12 days with 21 students. He loves the allowing students to get involved in the culture they are studying. Dr. Parker appreciated the advanced notice to review and allow for families to sign up and get educated on the trip. 

Mr. Elkins presented the 2026 budget preview, noting that the budget is reviewed annually in late summer and early fall. He explained the various funds and their revenue sources, and provided both historical comparisons and projections for 2026, including referendum growth income. The public hearing for the budget will be held at the September board meeting, with final adoption scheduled for October 6, 2025.

Tentative Timeline for FY 2026 Budget
August 11, 2025: Permission to Advertise
August 28, 2025: First Legal Advertisement – DLGF Gateway
August 28, 2025: Upload all budget materials to Gateway
September 8, 2025: Public Hearing (Regular Board Meeting)
October 6, 2025: Budget Adoption (Regular Board Meeting)

The board thanked Mr. Elkins for his time and thorough explanation.

CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

Laura Parker, MVHS ENL/MLL Teacher

Kim Distel, MVIS 6th Grade Teacher

Cristina Kreigh, MVHS Life Skills Teacher

Redawna Warner, MVIS 5th Grade Teacher

Dean Falkenberg, MVMS Temporary Social Studies Teacher

Trudy Cole, MVHS Resource Teacher

Jaclyn Carrao, MVHS Biology Teacher

Krista Brynes, MVCSC Assistant Director of Special Education

Kye Barrett, MVHS Strength & Conditioning Teacher

Kristen Shaw, MMP Special Education Teacher

Brayden Stamm, MVMS Temporary PE Teacher

MVHS 1.25 FTE Assignments 2025-26

MVHS .75 FTE Assignment, 1st Semester

Makenzie Pinkerton, MVIS 5th Grade Teacher

Susan Thomas, FES 1st Grade Teacher

Cameron Baker, MVHS Resource Teacher

Dean Macbeth, MVIS 5th Grade Teacher

 

CERTIFIED RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENT

Tessa Denen, MVIS 5th Grade Teacher

Derek Grubbs, MVHS Special Education Resource Teacher

Brydgett Manship, MVHS Essential Skills Teacher

Dave Merica, MVIS 6th Grade Teacher

Sharon Peterson, MVHS ASL Teacher (Retirement December 31, 2025)

Megan Holbrook, MVIS 5th Grade Teacher

 

CERTIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

Suzanne Digby, MMP SPED Teacher to MVHS Essential Skills Teacher

Elissa Page, MVMS Resource Teacher to Behavior Resource Teacher

 

CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

Leah Everett, MVHS Treasurer

Mitzi Stephens, MVCSC Part Time Physical Therapist

Food Service/Certified Cook Pay Scale

ServSafe Certified Food Service Staff Pay Adjustment

Mary Kwasny, MV Administration Building Custodian

Amber Fischer, MVMS MAP Supervisor/IA

Alexia Couch, MVIS High Intensity IA

Betty Welbore, MVIS High Intensity IA

Julia Lowe, MVHS Attendance Secretary

Marilyn Eckel, MVCSC Food Service Sub

Nancy Lopez, MV Administration Building Custodian

Nancy Montague, MVMS Food Service Worker/Cashier

Charles Stallworth, MVIS Behavior Tech

Alivia Morgan, FES ICE Instructional Assistant

Catherine Kernodle, MVHS Food Service Worker/Cashier

Christine Lynch, MES Food Service Cook/Cashier

Gay Trout, MES Cafeteria Manager

Johnazia Hill, MVCSC Bus Assistant

Destiny McQueary, MMP Instructional Assistant

Angela Burkholder, MVHS Library Instructional Assistant

Jack Guerre, MVHS ICE Student- Office Assistant

Sebastian Sprague, MVHS ICE Student- Office Assistant

Bryndan Wylie, MVHS ICE Student- Athletics

Luke Ertel, MVMS ICE Student- Athletics

Christina Walker, MVMS ICE Student- SPED IA

Josiah Williams, MVHS Color Guard Instructor

 

CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

Alexis Rafert, MES to MVIS Cashier/Cafeteria Worker

Tatum Fitzgerald, MMP IA to ADMIN Registered Behavior Tech 

Sherry Christensen, Cafeteria Sub to MVIS Cafeteria Worker

Sara Ross, Cafeteria Sub to MVIS Cafeteria Worker

Katherine Spain, FES Food Service Worker to  Cashier/Worker

Sarah Cruz, MVHS Library IA to MVHS Permanent Building Sub

Kacey Long, MVCSC Transportation Sub to Transportation Driver

Walter Meredith, MVCSC Transportation Sub to Transportation Driver

DeShanna Cook, MVCSC Transportation Sub to Transportation Driver

Tonya Bridgewater, MVCSC Transportation Sub to Transportation Driver

Tiffany Shirley, MVCSC Transportation Sub to Transportation Driver

Harrison Lumpkins, MVCSC Transportation Sub to Transportation Driver

 

CLASSIFIED RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS

Shelia Lee, Transportation Bus Driver

Dianne Bennett, Transportation Bus Driver  

Trudy Cole, MES Behavior Tech

Melissa Shonk, MES Food Service Cashier

Miranda Jones, FES ICE Student

Ellen Heidorn, MVHS IA

Hillary Hawkins, MES Cafeteria Manager

Tabitha Hernandez, MVCSC Registered Behavior Tech 

Brandy James, MV Early Childhood Learning Coordinator

Kamillia Williams, MVIS Essential Skills IA

Holly Jenkins, FES Custodian

 

ECA RECOMMENDATIONS

George Fassitt, MVMS Volunteer 7th Grade Football Assistant

Chris Jackson, MVMS Assistant Wrestling Coach

Drew Mueller, MVMS Head Wrestling Coach

Heath Luther, MVMS Assistant Wrestling Coach

MVMS ECA’s 2025-26

Olivia Morales, 6th Grade Girls Basketball Assistant Coach

Jeff, Brandes, MVMS Boys Tennis Coach

MVHS 2025-26 Athletic ECA’s 

MVIS 2025-26 ECA’s 

MVHS 2025-26 ECA’s

 

ECA RESIGNATIONS

Shana Agner, MVMS Boys Tennis Coach

Joana Goff, 6th Grade Boys Basketball Coach

Olivia Morales, 6th Grade Boys Basketball Assistant Coach

John Seward, 6th Grade Girls Basketball Assistant Coach

Kelly Sampson, MVMS Volunteer Tennis Coach

Danielle Morrison, MVMS Swim Coach

 

LEAVES

Kelly Brown, MCE Reading Specialist Teacher (August 1, 2025 - @ August 28, 2025)

Jared Newton, MVIS 5th Grade Teacher (November 25, 2025 - January 26, 2026)

Thank you to our donors this month. 

Updates to the Human Growth and Development curriculum from Health Ed Pros were presented by Dr. Shipley to ensure compliance with Indiana Code changes effective July 1, which require all instructional resources to be continuously available on the district website. Adjustments include minor revisions to parent permission forms to indicate instructor gender and class format (coed or separate), while the notification process remains unchanged with notices sent 31 days and 10 days prior, and implied consent if no response is received. Resources for grades 4–6 and high school health are now accessible online, and more than 100 parents attended or viewed the 2025 parent overview. 

Mrs. Freeman motioned to approve the Human Growth and Development curriculum.  Mr. Gray seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0 

Mr. Elkins reviewed the annual budget resolutions for 2026 and asked for them to be approved as a single item.

Mr Gray made a motion to approve the Resolutions as listed in agenda. 

Mrs. Britt seconded motion. Motion carried 5-0 

Dr. Parker reviewed the second reading of the new policies and asked for the board to approve them.  He shared his appreciation of the review of the new policies.  

Mrs. Nielsen made a motion to approve the policies.  Mr. Gray seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

Dr. Parker discussed with the board elementary school enrollment growth and the need for redistricting, noting that Fortville Elementary is experiencing faster growth than other schools. With current capacity across the three elementaries at 2,300 students and enrollment at 1,897, the district anticipates an additional 250–275 total students this year. To balance enrollment, two new housing developments, Vintners Park and Tatum Rockport, will be reassigned to McCordsville Elementary, though they currently have only seven students, none at the elementary level. 

Mrs. Freeman made a motion to allow approve updating the two subdivisions to McCordsville Elementary.  Mr. Gray seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. 

The board appreciated being proactive and getting ahead of a possible redistricting