The Mount Vernon R-V Board of Education held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Below are some items of information from the meeting:
School Board Meeting Summary – July 17, 2025
The Mt. Vernon R-V School Board met on July 17, 2025, to review and take action on several important items as we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year. Highlights from the meeting include:
Average Daily Attendance Report
The Board reviewed the final report for student attendance for the 2024–2025 school year.
Transportation Facility Lease Update
Lucas Terando from First Student presented a revised proposal for leasing a shared transportation facility. Mt. Vernon’s portion will be 37% of the total lease cost, as this facility will also house other buses from districts that First Student serves.
Next Board Meeting & Levy Hearing
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 21, with the Annual Tax Levy Hearing at 7:00 p.m. prior to the meeting.
Meal Price Changes
In compliance with federal guidelines, school meal prices will increase slightly for the 2025–2026 school year:
- Student Breakfast: $2.10
- Student Lunch (K–5): $2.55
- Student Lunch (6–12): $2.75
- Adult Meals: Breakfast – $3.34 | Lunch – $4.05
- In compliance with findings from a DESE audit, the price of adult meals has increased by $0.70.
Sports Pass Pricing
Admission prices for school sports events remain unchanged for the 15th straight year. Season passes offer great savings for families attending multiple games.
PAC Auditorium Seating Approved
The Board approved the purchase of auditorium seating for the new Performing Arts Center. The district will secure 615 chairs, locking in pricing and a place in the manufacturing schedule.
Handbook Updates – Cell Phone Policy
Handbook changes aligned with Missouri Senate Bill 68 were presented. These updates clarify expectations regarding student cell phone use during school hours. More information will be communicated out to parents regarding this mandated change.
Summer Maintenance Update
The Director of Maintenance shared updates on summer facility improvements and maintenance and custodial staff were recognized for their outstanding work. We appreciate all of the hard work they do throughout the summer months, as well as during our school year!
In Executive Closed Session:
The Mt. Vernon R-V School Board approved several staffing changes during its July meeting. We are excited to welcome new team members to our district and extend our sincere thanks to those who are moving on to new opportunities.
New Staff Hires:
- Jeanna Engler will be teaching 3rd grade at Mt. Vernon Intermediate. She currently serves as a paraprofessional and is pursuing her education degree.
- Jade Fouts has been hired as a paraprofessional in the Compass Point program at MVIS. She brings two years of experience from a school in Kansas.
- Susie Gasser will join the district part-time as a Process Coordinator. She is a retired administrator from Monett with extensive experience in special education, elementary education, and administration.
- Lindsay Cornell will serve as the new JAG instructor at the Middle and High School. She previously worked in Mt. Vernon as a school nurse and has teaching experience in Verona.
- KayLynn Pennell returns to Mt. Vernon Middle School as an English Language Arts teacher. She previously taught at MVMS and most recently filled a critical shortage role at the high school.
- Amanda Bradshaw will serve as a long-term substitute in first grade starting in September.
- Leslie Jones was approved for a Middle School volleyball coaching position.
Staff Resignations:
- Lauren Fisher (3rd Grade Teacher) is leaving to become a Preschool Director. She has served in the district for many years since 2004.
- Chance Cornell (JAG Instructor) is leaving to join the Missouri JAG organization. He has been with the district since 2021.
- Megan Calvert, Tara Hubert, Shelley Mosley, Angel Wright, and Marnita Neill have resigned their positions as paraprofessionals in the district.
We thank all departing staff for their dedication and welcome our new team members to the Mt. Vernon School District community!
The next scheduled meeting of the Mount Vernon R-V Board of Education will be Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the District Administration Office Board Room.