Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees Meeting

Dr. Parker introduced Tyler Ralston a junior at the high school he has accepted the nomination to campaign for the Indiana Student Visionary of the Year.   He has recruited a team to help raise awareness and funds for blood cancers.  His campaign is a seven-week fundraising initiative supporting Blood Cancer United. Tyler shared his personal experience of being diagnosed with leukemia in third grade, including undergoing a life-saving bone marrow transplant made possible through research-funded treatments. In recognition of the impact research had on his life, he is now leading a fundraising team, “Team Ty,” with a goal of raising $20,000 to support blood cancer research. He highlighted several recent campaign efforts, including securing sponsorships, participating in fundraising events, and raising over $2,000 at a Mt. Vernon basketball game. The campaign concludes March 6. Tyler is also a candidate for the program’s Mission Pillar Award, with a focus on research. The Board thanked Tyler for sharing his story and commended his leadership and commitment to supporting others affected by blood cancer.  Dr., Parker shared his admiration for his leadership and what he is doing to help fund this research. 

School Accolades & Notable Activities

Each year, MVEF and MVCSC partner to recognize a Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year from each building, based on peer nominations and criteria including teamwork, commitment to learning, innovation, and student focus. MVEF will reveal the District Winner for Teacher and Staff of the Year at the MVEF's “Doubling Down on Tomorrow” Gala on April 11.

Congratulations to our building winners!     Building Teacher of the Year Staff of the Year

• Admin Katie Thompson Lacey Groce
• Fortville Elementary Courtney Munsell Natalie Johnson
• Mt. Comfort Elementary Kristin Hahn Laura Lyons
• McCordsville Elementary Amber Andres Kristina Englehart
• Mt. Vernon Intermediate School Lindsey Knight Kiley Shaw
• Mt. Vernon Middle School Elissa Page Krista Turpin
• Mt. Vernon High School Karen Riesterer Zach Ratliff

MVHS junior and cancer survivor Tyler Ralston is running to be the Indianapolis Student Visionary of the Year for Blood Cancer United, formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

MVHS seniors and choir members Joey Kagwanja and Eleanora Wilcox performed at the 2026 Indiana All-State Choir performance on Saturday, January 17th, in Fort Wayne. These students were chosen to perform with the 250-voice group of high school singers from all around the state of Indiana, and Joey was selected to sing a solo with the choir at the performance.

Four MVIS robotics teams and two teams from FES competed in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition at the end of January. Three MVIS teams and one FES team made it to the finals, and the MVIS CHIPs team qualified for the state competition at Lucas Oil Stadium March 14.

Congrats to Luke Ertel on being named to the Naismith Player of the Year Midseason Team. Only 25 players from across the nation were selected, with Luke being the only representative from Indiana! He also broke the MVHS boys basketball scoring record (1390) set by Tim Miller in 1998.

Olivia Beck won the 100 Meter Backstroke at sectionals and advanced to the state finals for swimming.

Eli Broady was the 132 lbs. sectional wrestling champion, and Ty Barnhart was the 120 lbs. sectional champion.

MVHS English teacher Heidi Kensinger has been awarded the Lilly Teacher Creativity Grant, an 18-month renewal opportunity designed to support creativity and enriching educational experiences. Her project includes a trip to the United Kingdom and Ireland to visit iconic Harry Potter locations.

The district experienced a smooth and well-coordinated transition from eLearning to Virtual Learning. Teachers and parents shared positive feedback regarding communication, instructional continuity, and student engagement.

Two students from MVMS, Riley Higgins and Emry Graham, participated in the Precious Miss program, which is an eight-week program designed to help students in grades 6-8 build positive relationships and leadership skills.

Mt. Comfort Elementary School recently celebrated Global School Play Day. Staff spent time with students, while students learned and built friendships through creating, inventing, and learning brand-new games.

Several schools across the district celebrated the 100th day of school with activities highlighting student growth and learning. At MCE, students participated in cross-grade activities, goal-setting, and a kindergarten fashion show, while Mini-Marauder Preschool celebrated the milestone by learning how large the number 100 is.

As part of MVCSC’s strategic plan focused on staff retention and appreciation efforts, MVCSC leadership held a coffee bar at each school building and delivered staff’s custom coffee to their classrooms.

Community Connections

Mt. Vernon Education Foundation hosted a Parent University event with numerous speakers and attendees, titled “Hands-On Futures.” The well-attended event helped families explore real career pathways and real opportunities — including trades, healthcare, logistics, construction, manufacturing, public safety, technology, and more.

MCE collected 461 pairs of shoes to support the No Cold Feet Challenge with Recycle Hancock County. The collected (gently used) shoes will support the Changing Footprints organization.

Dr. Parker spoke at the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce “State of Education” meeting and highlighted our growth, the financial challenges of SEA 1, our high staff retention rate, and the importance of community collaboration, among other updates.

MVCSC held a successful “Take the Wheel – Drive & Decide” bus driver recruitment event, drawing approximately 13 attendees and resulting in multiple candidates entering the hiring process

Dr. Edwards presented the Spotlight on School Fortville Elementary report. 

Fortville Elementary continues to prioritize belonging, relationships, and student support through intentional systems and practices. TBRI serves as the school’s relational lens to empower, connect, and correct students, while Second Step is implemented daily during community time to strengthen social-emotional skills. Classroom practices such as jobs, calming corners, celebrations, and family-style projects foster connection, while building-wide efforts include new student lunches, mentoring with related arts teachers, after-school clubs, and a six-house system that promotes leadership and cross-grade relationships. Student success is celebrated weekly through the “success slide,” Student of the Month recognitions, and schoolwide kindness and expectation-setting initiatives. MTSS structures support both behavioral and academic growth. Two behavior technicians lead behavioral interventions, while academic supports are provided by a math specialist, reading specialist, multilingual teacher, and high ability teacher through daily services beyond core instruction. The school is currently on track to exceed its increased K–4 NWEA reading growth goal after narrowly missing it last year. In math, grade levels focus on number sense essential learnings through reassessment and instructional adjustments and anticipate meeting their proficiency goal. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning at all grade levels. Kindergarten uses collective trackers for foundational skills, while older students monitor NWEA growth goals and essential learning proficiency. Fourth graders, in particular, track their progress across standards and demonstrate a strong growth mindset through reflection and multiple attempts, reinforcing the school’s commitment to both achievement and belonging. Dr.Parker and the board thanked him for his report and shared their appreciation for all the great things they are doing for students.  

Dr. Shipley shared the updated list for adoption.  A committee was established then a report is shared with the board for an updated.   Resources are available to preview the information in the district office the next month before board approval.  The committee is made up of teachers, administration and parents.  At K–4, teachers are not recommending a new purchase and will continue using current resources. Grades 5 and 7 recommend Savvas Learning ,My World. Grades 6 and 8 will maintain existing materials. At the high school, Savvas is recommended for several social studies courses, and BFW Publishing is recommended for AP Psychology. In FACS, due to a new IDOE course replacing “Relationships and Emotions,” the department recommends Counseling and Mental Health Services to align with the update. Additionally, 60 outdated novels were removed from approved lists, with no new titles added this year. The board and Dr. Parker thanked Dr. Shipley for working with this committee to provide these materials for our students. 

CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

Wynter Hosier, FES Temporary Music Teacher
Sophia Mullins-Zia, MVIS Temporary 5th Grade Teacher

CERTIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

Kelsey Lloyd (Renbarger), MVIS Temporary Teacher to 5th Grade Teacher

CERTIFIED RESIGNATIONS

Thomas Shaver, MVHS Industrial Technology Teacher (Retirement)
Amy Reeves, MVHS English Teacher
Dean Macbeth, MVIS 5th Grade Teacher

CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS

Kaitlyn Burton, MVIS Behavior Tech
Devin Lester, MVHS Permanent Building Substitute
Gwendolyn Camp, MVCSC Food Service Permanent Substitute
DeAnn Harmon, MVCSC Food Service Substitute
Abby Anderson, MVIS Food Service Worker
Kelly Keene, MVCSC Food Service Substitute

CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

Krista Turpin, MVMS Administrative Assistant to MVIS Administrative Assistant
Larry Powell, MVIS 6th Grade Long Term Substitute to Permanent Building Substitute
Erika Monroy, FES Food Service Worker to MVHS Food Service Worker
Janice Zenor, MVHS Food Service Worker to FES Food Service Worker

CLASSIFIED RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS

Hillary Harriman-Arness, MMP Permanent Substitute
Kathleen Oberneder, MVIS Custodian
Declan O’Daniel, MVHS Custodian
April Kirby, MVIS Food Service Worker
Emily Griffin, MCE Food Service Worker

ECA RECOMMENDATIONS

Rebecca Rhodes, MVMS 8th Grade Softball Head Coach
Michelle Shepherd, MVIS Student Council 
MVHS 2025 - 2026 Flex Clubs
MVHS Boys & Girls Wrestling Reassignments

LEAVES

Florence Tunstill, MVCSC Bus Driver (November 18, 2025 - TBD)
Hayley Leuze, MVMS Resource Teacher (January 22, 2026 - @ February 4, 2026)
Jennifer Sherbak, MVHS English Teacher (Intermittent Leave 2026)
Donna Huth, MVHS Science Teacher (March 13, 2026 - @ April 3, 2026)

Thank you to all our donors.

Dr. Parker requested the June 15 board meeting be moved to June 8 due to a training conflict.  The school board scholar ceremony be held during the July 13 board meeting. Mr Gray made a motion to approve the changes as presented.  Mrs. Nielsen second the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

Dr. Parker asked for technical corrections to D100 and C525 policies.  Policy D100 added the Intermediate school to the organization chart.  C525 added grade levels 9-12 with written parent permission to bring home medication as the health services handbook states.  Mrs Freeman made a motion to approve these technical changes.  Mrs.Nielsen seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0