The regular monthly meeting of the Mount Vernon Community School District School was held on April 8, 2024. The following topics were addressed during the meetings:
Approval Agenda: The Board approved the agenda as presented.
Public Comments: One staff member made comments related to the management of staff members, and the need for all staff members to be held to the same level of accountability in completing their work.
Superintendent Report: Dr. Batenohrst provided an overview of the financial priorities of the District moving forward, and outlined his vision for the evening’s discussion regarding the District’s financial reality.
Program Division
Discussion of Options of Savings Related to the District’s Current Financial Reality: The Board discussed a variety of non-staff reductions for 2024-2025 to meet its financial goals, and ultimately approved on a 6-1 vote a series of non-staff reductions totaling $640,000. The Board then charged the District administration with identifying another $60,000 in reductions to align with the financial goals for the upcoming year.
Discussion of Additional Financial Matters Related to Staff Compensation: The Board put forth an idea to use any savings from insurance enrollment by the staff to give back to the staff to help compensate for the move away from the cash benefit option that had been afforded to staff members in the past.
Personnel Division: The Board approved two coaching stipend contracts for middle school girls track for this season, as the program has large numbers the season.
Facility Division: No items discussed.
Administrative Division: No items discussed.
Board Report: Activities Director, Matt Thede, provided a report from the Booster Club by highlighting the Booster Club’s support of upgrades to the middle school gym floor.
Consent Agenda: All the items for the Consent Agenda were approved as presented.
School Board Calendar: A special meeting of the Board will take place on Wednesday, April 17th to discuss the District’s current financial reality, and make final decisions on additional reductions to the budget for the upcoming school year. The District’s second public hearing related to next year’s property tax rate will take place on the same evening. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.