Mount Vernon Community School District School Board News Brief
June 2021
The regular monthly meeting of the Mount Vernon Community School District School was held on June 14, 2021, with the following issues discussed:
Superintendent Report:
Dr. Batenhorst discussed the power of teaching and learning in his report, emphasizing the importance of discussions and dialogue in the classroom setting that allow students to debate and learn about the big issues impacting today’s society. Dr. Batenhorst shared that this dialogue in the classroom setting is crucial in preparing students to be the next great leaders in the world.
Public Comments:
No public comments were offered during the meeting.
COVID-19 Update:
Dr. Batenhorst shared an overview of the District’s Return to Learn plan, and how the plan needs to be updated in order for the District to receive its next round of COVID-19 funding from the federal government. The updated plan will be shared with the Board in its August meeting.
Personnel Update:
The School Board approved the contracts for a variety of extra duty positions for the 2021-2022 school year. The District also approved the hire of a new art teacher for Washington Elementary.
Facilities Update:
Dr. Batenhorst provided a brief overview on the progress with the new softball complex, the Washington Elementary parking lot, and the secured entrances to the elementary and high schools. Dr. Batenhorst also shared that tours of the schools will be available for people during Heritage Days on July 9th and 10th. Tours will highlight additions and improvements to the campus over the past five years.
Update on Iowa Association of School Boards Legislative Priorities:
The School Board identified five areas for consideration by the IASB that will be forwarded to them before the IASB identifies the four to five priority areas that will be shared with the Iowa Legislature. The District chose to focus its priorities in the areas of mental health, school finance, local control, and teacher recruitment and retention.
Update on Upcoming Board Election:
School Business Official Matt Burke shared guidelines for the upcoming School Board election to be held in November 2021. Three current Board members who are up for re-election this year are considering whether to run for another term. Any community members interested in running for a seat on the School Board are encouraged to contact the District Office for more details.
Reports:
No Board reports were offered during the meeting.
Unfinished Business:
No unfinished business was addressed during the meeting.
Closed Session for Review of the District’s Emergency Operations Plan:
The School Board reviewed in closed session the District’s Emergency Response Plan that must be approved on a yearly basis. The Board approved the plan for 2021-2022 after exiting closed session.
Consent Agenda:
All items in the Consent Agenda were approved as presented.
School Board Work Session:
After adjournment of the regular meeting, the School Board engaged in a work session to discuss Board protocols and goals. The Board discussed modifications to the Board calendar, reviewed the basic roles of Board members, discussed the new superintendent evaluation process, and discussed possible modifications to its current Board goals.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the School Board is rescheduled from Monday, July 12, 2021, to Thursday, July 15, 2021.