The regular monthly meeting of the Mount Vernon Community School District School was held on December 11, 2023. The Board also held its required Annual School Finance Meeting, and its Organizational Meeting after the recent School Board election. The following topics were addressed during the meetings:
Annual Meeting: During the Annual Meeting, the Board reviewed the yearly financial summary provided by School Business Officer, Michael Marshall. Overall, the District’s finances remain sound, but the lack of sufficient funding from the state means the District must keep a close eye on its General Fund, Unspent Balance, and Spending Authority when making financial decisions.
Organization Meeting: During the Organization Meeting, Rick Elliott was elected as Board President and Bill Thomsen was elected as Board Vice-President.
Prior to the Regular Meeting, Dr. Batenhorst recognised Board members who were leaving the Board after serving many years as exemplary Board members. The group included Denise Brannaman, Sherry Grunder, Nannette Gunn, and Lori Merlak. The District is grateful to these four for their passionate service for the better part of the last decade.
Regular Monthly Meeting
Approval Agenda: The meeting agenda was approved as written with no changes proposed.
Superintendent Report: Dr. Batenhorst again acknowledged those members leaving the Board after years of service, and welcomed the new Board members to the team. New Board members include Jason Clark, Suzette Kragenbrink, and Kristi Meyer.
Public Comments: No public comments were made during the meeting.
Program Division
Superintendent Search Update: President Rick Elliott provided an update to the superintendent search. As of last week fourteen potential candidates had completed the application process, while another twenty one potential candidates had begun the process. The deadline for applicants is January 5, 2024.
Reflections from the Iowa Association of School Board Convention: Individual members shared their takeaways with one another from the recent convention held in November in Des Moines.
Personnel Division: The Board approved the hiring of a new support staff member for the 2023-2024 school year.
Facilities Division: Dr. Batenhorst asked Board members to provide him with any questions they have, or any areas they would like him to address, when he provides the yearly facilities update in the January of 2024 meeting. Dr. Batenhorst will use their feedback to plan the presentation for January.
Administrative Division:
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 Monday, January 8, 2024.