Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees Meeting

Dr. Parker recognized the MV Technology Team for the receiving the Indiana CTO Council Avant Blue Award (state-level, annual recognition to one K-12 team). He praised Mr Hamilton and his team as what they have accomplished and congratulated them. Mr Hamilton recognized his team for their support and called them a "Rock Star Team".  The board celebrated the team’s collaboration, innovation, and impact in areas like transformative change, cybersecurity, and digital equity.                 

Dr. Parker introduced Hayden McLaughlin and Mackenzie Moore, seniors at Mt Vernon High School.  He enjoyed attending the DayofAI in Boston with them along 98 students from 50 states that gathered to create the framework for AI use in high schools.  These students presented on their participation in the 2026 Day of AI Student Senate, an initiative created by MIT RAISE to promote AI literacy, ethics, critical thinking, and responsible AI use among students. Mt. Vernon was selected to represent Indiana through a partnership involving Day of AI, the American Association of School Administrators, and the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents.

The three-day Student Senate brought together 98 high school students from all 50 states in Boston to discuss the future of AI in education and develop a framework for responsible AI use in schools. Students worked in groups, debated proposed ideas, and developed the Student First Act, which passed by a vote of 83–15.
The students shared that the Act could serve as a starting point for Mt. Vernon’s continued conversations and policy development related to AI. They emphasized the importance of student input, AI literacy, and preparing both students and staff to use AI responsibly and effectively.  The Act was shared with board and staff to read.   Hayden and Mackenzie shared their experience and appreciation for this opportunity.   The board expressed how proud they were for them to represent Mt Vernon at this event. 

Mrs. Bond shared the good news report. 

School Accolades & Notable Activities
MVCSC welcomed 23 new teachers to the district this school year. We are excited to have these talented educators join the MV family and bring their experience, enthusiasm, and commitment to serving our students. The League of Women Voters of Hancock County recently recognized three MVHS students in its 250 Essay Contest. Mackenzie Gaul earned first place and a $500 award, while Anthony Crosby and Addyson Noesges tied for second place, each receiving $200.
Eleven MVHS student-athletes attended the IHSAA Student Leadership Conference at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, connecting with student-athletes from across Indiana while developing skills in leadership, perseverance, and overcoming adversity.
The MVHS Boys Basketball 4A State Champions were celebrated again as they received their championship rings last week.
MVHS student Eli Lemmon captured the individual regional championship in boys golf and advanced to the state championship. The MVHS boys golf team also finished sixth overall at regionals.
MVHS Best Buddies student leaders represented Indiana at the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference, where they developed their leadership and advocacy skills while learning more about building inclusive communities.
MVHS alumni Russell Weaver and Joe Wilson were named Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic All-Conference honorees. This recognition is reserved for varsity athletes who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Congratulations to MVHS alumna Ava Stephenson, who was crowned the 2026 Miss Hancock County 4-H Fair Queen.
MVCSC School Board Scholars and Wall of Fame recipients were recognized and celebrated at the July School Board meeting.

Community Connections
The MVHS Athletic Boosters held their annual Booster Blast on Saturday, raising an impressive $39,000 in gross proceeds to support MVHS student-athletes and athletic programs.
Our partners at Vernon Township and Buck Creek Township fire departments helped promote student safety on the first day of school by displaying “Slow Down” banners and positioning fire apparatus near MVCSC schools.  
Community members gathered at McCordsville Elementary School to celebrate the life and service of School Board member and veteran Tony May.
MVCSC hosted two 65+ Club Alumni Reunion and Enrollment events. District residents age 65 and older can join the club and receive complimentary admission to most MVMS and MVHS athletic and fine arts events.
Superintendent Dr. Parker participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Hancock County Career Center.

Mr. Stan Wilkison presented an update on the Hancock County Career Center (HC3) and thanked Dr. Parker, the Board, and district staff for their support in the development of the program. He reviewed the HC3 facility, growth in programming, and progress made since the program’s inception. HC3 enrollment has exceeded its goal of 400 students, beginning the 2026–2027 school year with more than 450 students. Mt. Vernon has the largest enrollment, with participation growing from 119 students to more than 220 students. Mr. Wilkison highlighted HC3’s impact on student graduation pathways and accountability measures, including work-based learning, dual credit, industry certifications, and career pathway completion. Mt. Vernon students have benefited from approximately 20,000 work-based learning hours, 2,790 dual credits, and 335 certifications. He also shared photos of the new classrooms and labs and discussed the excitement surrounding the opening of the facility. Board discussion included student discipline procedures, opportunities for students to transition out of programs, future program capacity and student selection, and partnerships with local businesses. Mr. Wilkison shared that each program has business partners who will provide students with connections to career opportunities. Board members and Dr. Parker expressed appreciation for Mr. Wilkisons leadership and excitement about the opportunities HC3 provides for students.

Mr. Greg Elkins presented the annual 2027 Budget Preview and reviewed the budget process, projected revenues and expenditures, historical tax rates, and the impact of recent state legislation. He explained that the district will advertise the budget higher than anticipated, as DLGF will make adjustments before final approval. Mr. Elkins reviewed the district’s operating referendum, debt service, education and operations funds, and comparisons with neighboring school districts. He noted that Mt. Vernon continues to operate efficiently, with projected per-student spending slightly below the state average, and emphasized the significant impact the operating referendum has on funding available to students. He also discussed the upcoming payoff of pension debt and the future financial impact of the Local Income Tax (LIT) expiration. The public budget hearing will be held in September, with the final 2027 Budget presented for Board approval on October 19, 2026. The Board authorized administration to proceed with the budget process.

Dr. Parker presented an annual updated on the Districts Strategic Plan.  The three strategic goals: Sense of Belonging, Staff Recruitment and Retention, and Student Learning/College and Career Readiness. Updates included plans for student belonging and staff culture surveys, continued professional development and mentoring, strong staff retention rates, and ongoing recruitment efforts. Student learning highlights included growth in dual-credit participation and trade certifications, additional teachers pursuing dual-credit credentials, and gains in ELA, math, and IREAD performance. The district will continue these initiatives throughout the 2026–2027 school year and provide additional data and updates to the Board as available. The Board was thankful for the updated and appreciative of how staff is working hard to achieve these successes. 

CERTIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
Jessica Daugherty, MVHS FACS & Education Professions Teacher
Brad Lawler, MVHS Biology Teacher
MVHS 1.25 FTE Recommendations
MES MLL Services Stipend

CERTIFIED RESIGNATIONS
Grace Twyford, MES 2nd Grade Teacher

HC3 RECOMMENDATIONS
Darrell Thompson, HVAC Instructor
Criminal Justice Instructor 1.25 FTE 

HC3 RESIGNATIONS
Jarrod Leal, HVAC Instructor

CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS
Ciara Komlanc, FES Instructional Assistant
Lilly Cole, FES MLL Instructional Assistant
Kenna Miller, MMP Instructional Assistant
Lauren Chastain, MMP Instructional Assistant
Holly Klemz, MVIS Cafeteria Worker
Jean-Marie Hamilton, Employee Wellness Stipend
Melissa Stevenson, MMP Instructional Assistant
Ashlea Nelson, Transportation Secretary
Pamela Earlywine, MVCSC Food Service Sub
Amanda Coffey, MVIS Administrative Assistant
Hannah Dishman, MVIS High Intensity IA
2026-27 Registered Teacher Pre-Apprenticeship Program Participants
Janet Sauer, MVMS Part Time Perm Sub
Julie Payne, MVHS IA (Study Hall/ISS/Credit Recovery)
Megan Jones, MES High Intensity IA
Jasmine Fleming, MVCSC Sub Driver
Brian Evans, MVCSC Registered Behavior Tech
Preschool Coordinator Salary Recommendation
Stacia Owens, MMP Beginnings Instructional Assistant 
Sadie Owens, MMP Beginnings Instructional Assistant
Nicole Adams, MCE MLL Instructional Asst
Claire Lacy, MCE High Intensity IA
Margorie Crenshaw, MVIS Instructional Assistant

CLASSIFIED CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
Gwen Camp, MVCSC Food Service Perm Sub to MVIS Cafeteria Worker
DeAnn Harmon, MVIS Cafeteria Worker to MVCSC Food Service Sub
Brenda Whitecotton, MMP IA to MMP Beginnings Part Time IA
Michael Beattie, MVCSC Driver Trainee to Sub Driver
Johnazia Hill, MVCSC Bus Aide to Sub Bus Aide
Andrea Stewart, MVCSC Sub Bus Aide to Bus Aide
Matt Kidd, MVCSC Sub Bus Driver to Bus Driver
Craig Teschendorf, MVCSC Permanent Sub Driver to Bus Driver
Walter Meredith, MVCSC Bus Driver to Sub Driver
Janet Nicholson-Murray, MVCSC Sub Aide to Permanent Sub Driver
Sherrie Landrum, MVCSC Driver Sub to Permanent Sub Driver
Storme Torrence, MVCSC Driver Sub to Driver

CLASSIFIED RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS

Tiffany Hall, MVCSC Registered Behavior Tech
Harjinder Kaur, MES High Intensity IA 
Michelle Nix, MVCSC Transportation Sub
Makayla Starkey, MVIS Instructional Assistant
Lauren Spencer, MVIS Administrative Assistant
Linda Vodney, MCE Part Time MLL IA
Justin Green, MV Administration Building Tech
Samantha Innie, MCE High Intensity IA
Anita Benoodt, MCE Instructional Assistant
Jacqueline Moore, FES Instructional Assistant
Karalyn Fisher, MES Nurse
Adalyn Jackson, MVCSC Registered Behavior Tech

ECA RECOMMENDATIONS
Grace Dean, MVHS Volunteer Girls Cross Country Assistant Coach
Matt Isger, MVHS Volunteer Girls Soccer Assistant Coach
FES 2026-27 Academic ECA’s
Luke Schmidt, MVHS Varsity Girls Volleyball Assistant Coach
Austin Crouch, MVHS Varsity Wrestling Coach
MES 2026-27 Academic ECA’s
Christopher Barber, MVMS Dance Coach
2026-27 High School Athletics
MCE 2026-27 Academic ECA’s
MVHS 2026-27 Academic ECA’s

ECA RESIGNATIONS
Brad Grieshop, MVHS Boys & Girls Varsity Swim Coach
Jackie Merica, MVIS Team Lead
Keagan LaBelle, MVHS Freshman Football Coach

LEAVES
Ann Shirley, MVCSC Accounts Payable Clerk, (August 19, 2026 - September 2, 2026)
Leah Perry, MVHS Science Teacher (August 3, 2026 - August 21, 2026)
Catherine Huffman, MCE Essential Skills Teacher (September 10, 2026 - December 18, 2026)
Angela Rafert, MCE IA (August 6, 2026 - August 13, 2026)
Abigayle Vest, MES 1st Grade Teacher (October 6, 2026 - March 5, 2026)

Mr Elkins asked for approval on budget action items.   Mrs. Freeman made a motion to approve the Resolutions for the Budget.   Mr Gray seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0. 

Mr Elkins  shared the information on Resolution 2026-22 on Extra Curricular accounts and credit cards.  Mrs.Nielsen made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-22.  Mrs. Freeman  seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

Mr Smedley reviewed the updates for the Transportation Handbook.  He asked for the board approval of the 2026-27 Transportation Handbook.  Mr. Gray made a motion to accept the Transportation Handbook.  Mrs. Nielsen seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

Dr. Parker presented the K-8 Virtual handbook that will be utilized on an occasional basis when necessary. Mrs. Nielsen made a motion to approve the K-8 Virtual Handbook.  Mrs. Freeman seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0

Mr. Smedley presented Resolution 2026-23 for limited use of imitation firearms at the career centers for the criminal justice program. Mrs. Freeman made a motion to accept Resolution 2026-23.  Mrs. Nielsen seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.