Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees

Mrs. Bond gave the Good News Report. 

School Accolades & Notable Activities

• MVCSC is proud to announce that MVHS student, Tate Cougill, has qualified as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, a distinction earned by less than 1% of graduating seniors in the U.S. The program begins with over 1.3 million students taking the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, narrowing to 16,000 Semifinalists based on top scores and academic achievement. Tate now advances in the competition for finalist status and the opportunity to earn prestigious scholarships.
• MVCSC’s Homecoming was a spirited week across all schools, each hosting its own themed spirit days leading up to the festivities. MVHS highlights included a pep rally, games, powder puff football, pickleball and knock-out tournaments, as well as spirit competitions. The celebration culminated under the Friday night lights with Marauder football, performances by the band, choir, Gold Intensity dance team, and cheerleaders. In addition, Sierra Holverson and Brady Webber were crowned Homecoming Queen and King, and the Marauder’s Athletic Club donated $25,000 to Mt. Vernon Athletics.
• MVCSC received $92,500 from the State’s Secured School Safety Grant Program, which supports the salaries and benefits of the SROs in our district.
• MVHS VOICE students, a club focused on promoting healthy choices and preventing tobacco and vaping use, recently visited MVMS 7th-grade PE classes to encourage smart decision-making and invite students to join the club.
• MVHS hosted its third annual Club Rush Week and a College and Career Fair, giving students the chance to explore a variety of clubs and connect with nearly 40 colleges, universities, businesses, and organizations. These events provided valuable opportunities for students to discover interests, build connections, and prepare for their futures.
• Dr. Kathryn Spangler, Mt. Vernon’s Director of Bands, was recently recognized in person at the CMA Foundation’s national Music Teachers of Excellence event. This prestigious honor celebrates her exceptional impact on music education and highlights Mt. Vernon’s commitment to excellence.
• MVHS girls golf finished 5th in regionals, shooting 350. Freshman Ressie Lemmon achieved All-State honors and placed 10th at the state girls’ golf tournament — the highest individual finish in Mt. Vernon history. MES reached their Pirate Fun Run fundraising goal, which meant Principal Miller and Assistant Principal Edwards both had to kiss a pig.
• MCE also met their Fun Run fundraising goal, which allowed Principal Turner and Assistant Principal Woods, along with 15 other teachers, to be turned into human sundaes by several students.
• It’s highly recommended to follow each school’s social media; the administrators are doing a great job showcasing some of the engaging hands-on learning activities happening in their classrooms, such as Apple Day with a student-run apple farm stand, Tuttles field trips, 4th grade and kindergarten students teamed up as book buddies, Grandparents Day, and even elementary door decorating contests for College GO!

Community Connections

• MVCSC showcased powerful visual storytelling, featuring numerous photos of students demonstrating academic excellence, to highlight how the district prepares students for success beyond graduation at the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce luncheon that featured Governor Braun. During the event, Dr. Parker presented on the district’s growth and shared several key celebrations. The event welcomed more than 100 community members.
• MVEF and MVCSC are partnering to host the 1st Annual Mt. Vernon Turkey Trot: Miles for Meals 5K on November 22 at Landmark Park in Fortville. This fun run/walk will raise funds for the MVEF Angel Fund, which helps cover student meal debt and supports local families in need.
• Mt. Comfort Elementary’s Family Fun Night brought families together for an evening of community and engagement, featuring visits from Indy Eleven’s mascot and players, a giant book fair, and games. We appreciate the Mt. Comfort Elementary PTO for supporting this successful event.
• The Vernon Township Fire Department had a busy week connecting with our schools and community. An FES student and parent enjoyed a special ride to school in a fire engine, including a tour of the fire station. Station 432 also joined MES’s 4th graders for their annual egg drop project, assisting with testing and celebrating the students’ creativity.

Noteworthy Media

• MVCSC was featured in the National Association for School-University Partnerships (NASUP Association) website for the partnership of 36 Ball State teaching students working alongside our teachers in two elementary schools. https://nasup.org/racing-into-partnership-from-zero-to-36-in-eighteen-months.

Ms Gustin reported a strong start to the school year following the reopening of the intermediate building. While the process has presented challenges, overall operations have gone smoothly. School improvement goals have been established with a focus on steady, sustainable growth. Targets include increasing 5th and 6th grade English/Language Arts passing rates to 45% (a 3% gain from last year) and mathematics proficiency to 58% for 5th grade and 48% for 6th grade. To monitor progress, teachers are using data tracking tools aligned with the district’s strategic plan, emphasizing the use of interim data prior to common assessments. Teacher teams have implemented color-coded tracking systems and intervention documentation to identify and support students in need before assessments.

On ongoing efforts to strengthen school culture, climate, and staff retention. Over the summer, staff participated in a retreat focused on defining the traits of a well-run intermediate school, resulting in five shared core values: Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, Accountability, and Community. Initiatives to support and retain staff include a new teacher mentorship program, regular leadership team meetings, and professional learning community alignment across buildings. The administration also provides mini professional development sessions before school and hosts monthly “Biscuits with the Boss” gatherings to promote open communication and community. Additionally, a highly active PTO and teacher-led morale events contribute to a positive and supportive work environment. The building reports a strong start to the school year with continued focus on collaboration and staff well-being.

CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Craig Teschendorf, MVCSC Transportation Trainee/Substitute Driver
2. Breannen Perry, MCE High Intensity IA
3. Emily Griffin, MCE Food Service Worker
4. Augusto Acosta-Quintero, MVCSC Transportation Substitute
5. Dan Savka, MVCSC Food Service Substitute
6. Kari Traylor, MVCSC Permanent Bus Substitute
7. Permanent Flex Route Driver Position, MVCSC Transportation
8. Kimberly Smith, MVCSC Food Service Substitute

CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
1. Olivia Hamilton, MVHS Job Coach to High Intensity IA
2. Erin Straight, MVMS HI IA to MVHS Job Coach

CLASSIFIED RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS
1. Jeanne Cool, MCE Food Service Worker
2. Karla Maynard, MVHS IA
3. Miranda Rehfus, FES, Teacher Apprentice Program
4. Brookelyn Stanley, MVHS High Intensity IA
5. Gavin McDonald, MV Admin Building Custodian
6. Katelin Nading, MVHS Adjunct Teacher
7. Danielle Clouser, MMP Instructional Assistant

ECA RECOMMENDATIONS
1. John Seward, MVIS 6th Grade Boys Basketball Head Coach
2. Andy Williams, MVMS 8th Grade Boys Basketball Head Coach
3. Cameron Stump, MVMS 8th Grade Boys Basketball Assistant Coach
4. Cash Moore, MVMS 8th Grade Boys Basketball Volunteer Asst. Coach
5. Thomas Davis, MVMS 7th Grade Boys Assistant Basketball Coach
6. Ben Mueller, MVMS Assistant Wrestling Volunteer Coach
7. Shiloh McFarland, MVMS Geography Bee
8. Chris Sanford, MVMS Team Leader (Split Stipend)
9. Max Hayes, MVHS Wrestling Assistant Coach (Correction)
10. Halle Strege, MVHS Girls Assistant Swimming Coach

ECA RESIGNATIONS LEAVES
1. Madeline Murphy, FES Resource Teacher (March 8, 2026 - May 29, 2026)
2. Madeline Seghers, FES Music Teacher (February 17, 2026 - May 29, 2026)
3. Melissa Bagienski, MCE Nurse (October 10, 2025 - November 7, 2025)
4. Teri Limbach, MVCSC Transportation Driver (October 30, 2025 - January 30, 2026)
5. Megan Devries, FES Resource Teacher (February 17, 2026 - May 29, 2026)
6. Lori Dellinger, MVHS Food Service (September 18, 2025 - October 10, 2025)

OTHER
1. Position Titles for Staff Directory

Thank you to all our donors this month.

Mr. Elkins reviewed the information on the 2026 budget.  He asked for questions and approval of the budget.  Mrs. Freeman asked for approval of Resolution 2025-18 Adoption of the Budget.   Mrs. Britt seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0. 

Mr Elkins presented the final bond resolution (2025-19) for consideration to provide authorization for potential 2026 general obligation (GO) bonds. The resolution does not obligate the district to issue bonds but grants the authority to do so if and when market conditions are favorable.  Mr Elkins explained that taking this step now ensures compliance with IRS and Indiana statutory requirements and maintains flexibility ahead of the SEA-1 legislation taking effect on January 1. If the district later proceeds with a bond sale, a public hearing for an additional appropriation would be required. At this time approval was requested to get paperwork started if is needed.  Mrs. Freeman made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-19. Mrs. Nielsen seconded the motion.   Motion carried 4-0. 

Mr. Smedley introduced the principals to share their School Improvement Plans.  This process is no longer required to the DOE but felt is was still important for them to be shared  and board approved. 

Mr Turner, Mt Comfort Elementary Principal, shared that this year’s academic goals mirror last year’s due to positive results. The NWEA growth goal remains for 65% of students to meet or exceed projected RIT scores from fall to spring. Last year, two of three grade levels met this target in both ELA and math, with the others narrowly below goal. The ILEARN goal continues to aim for a 5% increase in ELA proficiency, which was achieved across all grades last year. The school will pursue another 5% gain this year, focusing on continued growth in 3rd–5th grades.

Mrs. Miller, McCordsville Elementary Principal, reported continued progress in student behavior and English Learner (EL) support, noting that behavioral growth is now a leading indicator of success rather than a lagging one. Initiatives such as the SAIL program and student reward system—where students earn coins to exchange for books—have been highly effective, with over 120 books distributed to date. Academically, the school has set a new goal for 55% of 3rd and 4th grade students to achieve proficiency on the ILEARN ELA assessment. Staff are focusing on reteaching cycles, EL alignment, and ongoing data monitoring through rotating data meetings. The school will also continue instructional rounds to promote collaboration and instructional improvement.

Dr. Edwards, Fortville Elementary Principal, reported two schoolwide goals focused on academic growth. The ELA goal targets a median NWEA growth percentile of 56, up from 53 last year, with scheduling and instructional adjustments to reduce testing fatigue. The math goal focuses on Number Sense Essential Learnings, aiming for 90% student proficiency, continuing last year’s progress from 83% to 88%. All grade levels are actively tracking data and aligning instruction to support these goals.

Ms. Gustin, Mt Vernon Intermediate School Principal, shared the primary focus for the first year is establishing systems and ensuring smooth operations. Academic goals include a 3% increase in ILEARN achievement for both ELA and mathematics.

Dr. Katz, Mt Vernon Middle School Principal, outlined two goals for the year: 100% staff participation in instructional rounds, with one round focused on improving nurture group implementation, and a mastery goal for all PLC teams to ensure 100% of students achieve 75% proficiency on essential learnings. A literacy committee was also formed to build capacity in adolescent literacy in preparation for adding a reading goal next year.

Mrs. Tharp, Mt. Vernon High School Principal, reported that the 2025–2026 school improvement plan was developed with staff input and aligned to district strategic goals. Focus areas include strengthening PLC processes and instructional rounds. Academic targets aim to increase SAT math and English scores by 5%, and to expand dual credit opportunities by adding two new courses and one additional credentialed teacher before the 2026–2027 school year.

The board was complimentary to all the principals in the time it took to put these together and present them. 

Mrs. Nielsen made a motion to approve the School Improvement Plans presented.  Mrs Britt seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

Mr. Hamilton presented presented the annual technology surplus list for disposal. The surplus includes a large number of Chromebooks, many of which have exceeded their typical four-year lifespan, with some reaching seven to eight years of use and no longer functional.he list of technology to be sent to salvage.   Mrs. Nielsen made a motion to approve the technology salvage.   Mrs. Freeman seconded the motion.   Motion carried 4-0.