School Board News Brief
Mount Vernon Community School District School Board News Brief
February 2024
The regular monthly meeting of the Mount Vernon Community School District School was held on February 12, 2024. The following topics were addressed during the meetings:
Approval Agenda: The Board approved an amended version of the agenda to include discussions of a vacancy on the Board.
Superintendent Report: Dr. Batenhorst made comments regarding the superintendent search, and congratulated Matthew Leeman for being chosen as the District’s next superintendent. Dr. Batenhorst also applauded the Board for its excellent work in the search process.
Public Comments: No public comments were made during the meeting.
Program Division
School Spotlight – Mount Vernon Middle School: Principal Bob Haugse highlighted the MVMS J-Term program, and the recent middle school ski trip.
Booster Club Fundraiser Proposal: Activities Director Matt Thede and PE/Health Teacher Preston Pedersen discussed a potential fundraising idea related to reserving seats at the Martha Parsons and Family Activities Complex. This item was for discussion only, and the Board took no action on it.
Legislative Update: Dr. Batenhorst provided an update on the current legislative session, including discussion around the proposed AEA bill that has drawn a lot of attention. Dr. Batenhorst also highlighted a few other bills that could impact public education.
Personnel Division
Approval of Contracts: Contracts were approved for the new superintendent, and for a middle school track coach.
Facilities Division
No items were discussed during this portion of the meeting.
Administrative Division
Policy Update: The Board approved the First Reading of a series of policy recommendations from the Iowa Association of School Boards with some minor amendments.
Resignation of Board Member: The Board discussed the procedure for filling the open seat on the Board created with the resignation of Board member, Bill Thomsen. Board member Jeremy Kunz was selected to serve as Vice-President to fill Mr. Thomsen’s spot.
Reports
A report was offered regarding the MVMS PTO group who is seeking new officers for the 2024-2025 school year.
Unfinished Business
Consent Agenda: All items in the Consent Agenda were approved as presented.
School Board Calendar: The Board adjusted the March meeting date to March 7th at 5:00 p.m. A required budget hearing and work session to set Board goals will be scheduled for Wednesday, March 27th at 6:00 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the School Board is scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024. The meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m.