The regular monthly meeting of the Mount Vernon Community School District School Board was held on May 9, 2022. The following topics were addressed during the meetings:
Public Hearing for the proposed Mustang Activities Complex: A public hearing was held regarding the plans for the proposed Mustang Activities Complex. Dr. Batenhorst provided an overview of the project, and how it fits into the District’s twenty Year Facilities Vision. Loren Hoffman from Hall and Hall Engineering provided more details on the project, and both Dr. Batenhorst and Mr. Hoffman answered questions from the Board and members of the public. One patron expressed concerns about the location of the press box and home bleachers on the west side of the proposed complex, and also shared some concerns about increased traffic in the neighborhood and the safety for children in the neighborhood.
Approval: The meeting agenda was approved as written with no changes proposed.
Superintendent Report: Dr. Batenhorst recognized the members of the Board for their service, as May is School Board Recognition Month.
Public Comments: No further public comments were offered.
Program Division
Marching Mustangs Invitation to March in the Washington, D.C., Memorial Day Parade in 2023: On behalf of Mr. Scott Weber, Band Director, Dr. Batenhorst provided information regarding this honor bestowed on the Marching Mustangs. Dr. Batenhorst encouraged the Board to support this endeavor, as it is a great honor for the band and the district. Two members of the band were present to support the trip which was approved by the Board.
Update on School Improvement Goals: The principals at all three schools provided an update to the Board on their progress toward the achievement of their academic, behavioral, and cultural goals.
Personnel Division: The Board approved the hiring of a half-time music teacher, with a portion of the salary for the next two years to be covered by the Mount Vernon Fine Arts Association and an anonymous parent. The Board is grateful to the Mount Vernon Fine Arts Association and the parent for the very generous support for this position. It is anticipated that this will become a full-time position paid for exclusively by the District beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. The Board also approved the hiring of a series of certified and support staff members and coaches for the 2022-2023 school year.
Facilities Division: No other items were addressed after the earlier public hearing related to the proposed Mustang Activities Complex.
Administrative Division
Policies: The Board approved the Second Reading of Policies 206.1 and 405.3, that will allow the District to use electronic signatures to process contracts and checks in a more timely manner.
Reports: No reports were offered in the meeting.
Unfinished Business: No Unfinished Business was offered during the meeting.
Consent Agenda: All items in the Consent Agenda were approved as presented.
Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the School Board will take place on Monday, June 13, 2022. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.