Mount Vernon Community School District School Board News Brief
September 2021
The regular monthly meeting of the Mount Vernon Community School District School was held on October 11, 2021, with the following issues discussed:
Superintendent Report:
Dr. Batenhorst discussed the development of the new Learning Commons space where the Board meeting was being held, and then shared thoughts about Homecoming and how former students continue to remain engaged with the District in numerous ways after graduation.
Public Comments:
No public comments were made during the meeting.
Programs Division
Grant Wood AEA Presentation:
Representatives from the Grant Wood Area Education Association provided the Board an update on its services and current partnerships it is a part of with the Mount Vernon Community School District.
COVID-19:
Dr. Batenhorst reviewed the metrics chart that has been created to track cases during the pandemic. These metrics will be regularly reviewed by a team that will provide guidance to the Board regarding the current PK-6 mask mandate that is currently in place. The metrics team is meeting this Wednesday, October 13th, to review the updated metrics. A copy of the updated metrics is included in the email along with this brief.
School Improvement Advisory Committee Update:
Dr. Batenhorst provided an overview of the Community SIAC meeting that will be held on October 25, 2021. Board members were asked to take part in discussion groups on that evening, and were encouraged to speak to community members about attending the meeting on the 25th.
Personnel Division:
Hiring Update:
The Board approved the hiring of, and adjustments to several associate and support staff positions, and approved the increase in compensation for several more teachers who have moved across the salary schedule due to their completion of graduate course work in areas that support their teaching.
Staffing Needs for 2022-2023:
Dr. Batenhorst provided an initial overview of possible staffing needs for 2022-23, including possible additions to the special education and gifted education teaching staff. Additionally, Dr. Batenhorst shared that discussions were taking place regarding the future of the Director of Student Support position at Mount Vernon High School.
Teacher Early Retirement Incentive:
The Board discussed the possibility of offering a Teacher Early Retirement option this year for teachers who meet the criteria established by the Board. The Board discussed the possibility of offering one year of salary to teachers who are at least 55 years of age, have served in the District for at least ten years, and are interested in retiring at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. The Board supported moving forward with possibly offering this incentive for those who are eligible. The District will work with its legal counsel to develop all aspects of the incentive, and will bring it to the Board for its review and possible approval during the November School Board meeting.
Facilities Division:
Dr. Batenhorst provided a brief overview on the progress with the new softball complex, and shared that a broader overview of projects will be provided in the January 2022 meeting when the yearly facilities update is provided.
Administrative Division:
The Board approved the Second Reading of a series of policy recommendations provided by the Iowa Association of School Boards policy division. Dr. Batenhorst also shared that the Policy Committee has completed its review of the Series 300 and 400 policies.
Reports:
No reports were offered by Board members during the meeting.
Unfinished Business:
No unfinished business was addressed in the meeting.
Consent Agenda:
All items in the Consent Agenda were approved as presented.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the School Board is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16, 2021. The next election for the Mount Vernon Community School District School Board will take place on November 2, 2021.