Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees

School Accolades & Notable Activities   

• MVHS led the county in 2025 with the highest graduation rate at 97.3% while also graduating the largest cohort of 360 students.
• Kathy Reed, our district Data Steward, has been named a Skyward Leader in Excellence, a national award that recognizes innovation and effective use of Skyward. She will be honored at the Skyward iCon conference in Tampa this February.
• Tate Cougill was one of two seniors awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which provides full tuition and fees for four years at any accredited four-year college or university in Indiana.
• MVHS Senior Charlie Cole made the Indy Star’s 2025 Central Indiana Super Team for soccer.
• MVHS Sophomore Zoey Wood was honored by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) as the player of the week, and Senior Luke Ertel has been selected twice (Dec. 8-13, Dec. 22-27). 
• Senior Dominika Zarate finished first for her wrestling weight class at sectionals, second at the IHSAA regional, and advanced to the girls’ wrestling state finals.
• Derek Shelton, MVCSC Director of Operations, is being inducted into the athletic hall of fame for basketball and football, along with both Brian Gilpin and Jimmie Howell for basketball.
• MVCSC welcomed back Mike Kirschner as head football coach, who previously led the Marauders from 2018–2020, compiling a 30–8 record with two sectional titles and a regional championship while bringing leadership, experience, and a strong connection to the program.
• We are saddened by the passing of Doug Peacock, former Mt. Vernon head football coach for 17 years, Hall of Fame inductee, and longtime educator, whose leadership and impact on Marauder athletics and students spanned nearly two decades.
• MVIS students hosted a pizza chef during lunch to celebrate a student-favorite meal, Big Daddy’s Pizza, with the chef and Big Daddy tossing pizza dough back and forth for a fun, interactive experience.
• MVMS’s Dr. Katz spread holiday cheer before winter break by dressing as an Elf on the Shelf, delighting students with candy tosses, rooftop greetings, and other festive shenanigans throughout the building. In addition, MCE’s rooftop squad—including Principal Turner—welcomed students from above with smiles and waves before winter break, creating a fun and memorable start to the day. 
• MVMS hosted its annual “Walk on Water” science experiment, giving eighth-grade students an engaging, hands-on opportunity to explore scientific principles through a memorable and interactive experience.
• January is Board Appreciation Month -We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated School Board of Trustees, who always keep what matters most—our students, and our staff—at the heart of every decision.
• Forty-three HC3 Criminal Justice students successfully completed the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) 40-hour Jail Officer Certification Course!
• FES students shared a meaningful cultural exchange with MVHS students through food and fellowship, thanks to Multilingual Teacher Brittany Braun.
• MCE 4th-grade students shined during the Wax Museum, impressing families and staff with their confidence, creativity, and knowledge at a well-attended and inspiring event.
• Other fun winter activities themed around the Grinch, barista bootcamp, holiday music performances, and more can be found on our schools’ social media accounts.

Community Connections 

• The district celebrated the end of the first semester with its annual holiday staff open house at the Administrative Building, welcoming the greater Mt. Vernon community for a festive gathering. We want to send a special thank you to our many vendors who donated door prizes to help our staff kick off the holiday season.
• The Transportation Department hosted a successful “Take the Wheel” Bus Driver Experience Day recently for individuals interested in becoming a district bus driver and will offer a second experience day this Thursday.

Noteworthy Media

• The new Hancock County Career Center was featured in a  WRTV segment highlighting Dr. Parker, Mr. Wilkison, and MVHS nursing student Avery Koon.
• MVCSC’s Bob Martin was interviewed about our bus system, Routefinder PLUS, in the School Bus Ride, the publication for the National Association of Pupil Transportation.
• We recently learned that MVCSC’s 2021 Instructional Assistant Video, in partnership with CIESC,  was a Telly Award Bronze Award winner.

CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

• Jennifer Pizarro, MVHS MLL Teacher
• Kelsey Renbarger, MVIS Temporary 5th Grade Teacher
• Tatum Fitzgerald, MVIS Essential Skills Teacher
• Anita Benoodt, MCE Temporary Kindergarten Teacher
• Michelle Dunahee, MVHS Essential Skills Teacher- 1.25 FTE 2nd Semester 2025-26

CERTIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

• Scott DeArmond, MVMS SPED Teacher to PCC Teacher
• Brittany Stewart, Part Time Early Childhood SPED Teacher 

CERTIFIED RESIGNATIONS

• Suzanne Digby, MVHS Essential Skills Teacher
• Tara Elson, MVMS PCC Teacher (Termination)
• Brandon Ecker, MVHS Athletic Director

CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

• Jusin Law, MES High Intensity IA
• Edward Childress, MVMS High Intensity IA
• Jessica Wilson, Part Time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Gwen Scrogham, Temporary Business Office Assistant
• Brayden Stamm, MVMS Part Time Permanent Building Substitute
• Arthur Francois, MVMS Career Exploration Student (2nd Semester Only)
• Shatuana Campbell, MVCSC Substitute Non-CDL Driver
• Alie Shields, MCE SPED IA 
• Katherine Blackwell, Career Exploration - MMP IA
• Tyler Carrie, FES Permanent Building Substitute
• Tessa Globerger, MES P/T IA
• Verenice Flores, MCE Essential Skills IA
• Nicole Day, Mini Marauder Beginnings Lead Instructor
• Rebecca Johnson, Mini Marauder Beginnings IA
• Erin Hunt, MVCSC RBT
• Classified Salary Schedule Roster
• Mike Kirschner, MVHS Weight Room Assistant
• Transportation Extra Duties Compensation

CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

• Makenzie Ralston, MVIS IA to FES Title 1 IA
• Harjinder Kaur, MES IA to MES High Intensity IA
• Erin Costerison, MVCSC Behavior Tech to Registered Behavior Tech
• Robert Pillow, MVCSC Transportation Driver to Substitute Driver
• Craig Teschendorf, MVCSC Transportation Substitute Driver to Permanent Substitute
• Robby Cox, MVCSC Substitute Driver to Permanent Route Bus Driver

CLASSIFIED RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS

• Charles Stallworth, MVIS Behavior Tech
• Kimberly Smith, MVCSC Food Service Substitute
• Waunita Unatoa, MVIS Administrative Assistant (Termination)
• John Russell, MVIS Permanent Building Sub (Termination)
• Jessica Jones, MVIS Permanent Building Sub 

ECA RECOMMENDATIONS

• Mike Kirschner, MVHS Head Football Coach
• Erik Morrison, MVHS Volunteer Assistant Baseball Coach
• MVHS Athletic ECA’s (Track & Field)
• Justin Davis, MVHS Girls Tennis Head Coach

ECA RESIGNATIONS

• Sarah Weaver, MVHS Senior Class Sponsor

LEAVES

• Jordan Sell, MVIS 5th Grade Teacher (May 13, 2026 - December 18, 2026)
• Lori Barnett, MCE IA (Extension from January 19, 2026 to February 13, 2026)

Thank you to all our donors.

Mr. Elkins reviewed the Resolution 2026-03 Additional Appropriation and asked for approval. Declaration declares once proceeds are receive the funds from the bond sale will pay for the project approved from 2023.  Mrs. Freeman made a motion to approve the Resolution 2026-03 as presented.   Mr. Gray seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0. 

Mr Elkins reviewed the Refunding of bond series 2016B.  Mrs Britt made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-04.  Mrs. Freeman seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.  

Mr Elkins reviewed the contract bid to complete the surface paving between the High School and Intermediate School.   The bid was awarded to Power & Sons.  Mrs. Freeman made a motion to accept the bid as presented.   Mrs. Briss seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0 

Mr Elkins reviewed the Resolutions for the annual credit line, encumbrances  and fund transfers.  Mrs. Britt made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-05, Resolution 2026-06, and Resolution 2026-07.  Mr Gray seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.  

Mr Hamilton reviewed the copier contract details. The awarded 5 year copier agreement was awarded to  Van Ausdall & Farrar. Mr. Jon Cross from Van Ausdall & Farrar was in attendance.  They have visited the district and are happy about the future relationship.

Mr. Gray made a motion to approve the copier contract.  Mrs.Freeman seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0. 

Mr Smedley presented the MVHS Course Description Handbook.  Mrs. Tharp reviewed the updates and shared they are highlighted in the document for review.  Important changes were  made to the block 8 elective courses provided and then new career center being added next year.  

Mr Gray made a motion to approve the 26-27 Course handbook.  Mrs. Freeman seconded the motion.Mrs. Freeman thanked Mrs Tharp for her time

Motion carried 4-0