Mount Vernon Community School District School Board News Brief
The regular monthly meeting of the Mount Vernon Community School District School was held on March 7, 2024. The following topics were addressed during the meetings:
Approval Agenda: The agenda was approved as presented.
Approval of New Board Member: The Board approved the appointment of Tim Keegan to fill the open seat created with the resignation of former Board member, Bill Thomsen. Mr. Keegan was given the oath of office after being approved as the new Board member.
Public Comments: One staff member provided comments related to the current financial reality of the District, and its potential impact on the financial well-being of employees.
Superintendent Report: Dr. Batenhorst provided highlights from the third quarter of the school, and praised the staff and community for its work with, and support of, the students and programs of the district. Dr. Batenhorst then made comments regarding the District’s current financial reality, and provided a financial overview to the Board and community that was provided to the Mount Vernon staff last week.
Program Division
Discussion of District’s Financial Reality: The Board members discussed possible options related to the District’s current financial reality that will require the District to identify savings and efficiencies to improve its solvency rate and unspent balance. The Board took no action, and will continue to review data and meet before making any final recommendations in the next few months.
Personnel Division
Approval of Contracts: Two coaching contracts were approved for the 2023-2024 school year.
Facilities Division
No items were discussed during this portion of the meeting.
Administrative Division
Policy Update: The Board approved the Second Reading of a series of policy recommendations from the Iowa Association of School Boards.
Reports: No reports were offered during the meeting.
Unfinished Business: No unfinished business was offered during the meeting.
Consent Agenda: All items in the Consent Agenda were approved as presented.
School Board Calendar: The Board added a regular Board meeting to the calendar on March 27, 2024, beginning at 6:15 p.m. The Board will hear from school finance expert, Larry Sigel, prior to continuing its discussions on the District’s current financial reality. This meeting will follow the required budget hearing scheduled for Wednesday, March 27th at 6:00 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the School Board is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, 2024. The meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m., after the required budget hearing scheduled for 6:00 p.m.