August 21 Board Meeting

The Mount Vernon R-V Board of Education held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025.  Below are some items of information from the meeting:

School Board Meeting Summary – August 21, 2025

The Mt. Vernon R-V School Board met on August 21, 2025 with the Annual Tax Rate Hearing prior to the regularly scheduled Board Meeting.  

Annual Tax Rate Hearing

  • The Board held its annual Tax Rate Hearing at 7:00 p.m., providing an opportunity for public input before certifying the FY26 tax levy, as required by Missouri statute. The Mt. Vernon School District’s operating tax levy remains at 2.75—the lowest rate allowed by the state. While the district’s debt service levy could be set as high as 1.15, the Board voted to roll it back to 0.92, which is sufficient to cover the district’s debt obligations.

Superintendent’s Report

  • An update was provided on Summer School ADA (Average Daily Attendance). Summer School attendance is calculated differently than during the regular school year but is added to the District’s overall ADA for state funding purposes.  Our enrollment was down some, but attendance for Summer School improved by 2.9%.

New Business

  • PAC Project: Veregy shared an update on progress at the Performing Arts Center.  The project as of now is making great progress and is on schedule.
  • Athletics: Head coaches from fall sports presented updates on their upcoming seasons.
    • Football, Volleyball, Girls’ Golf, Coquettes, and Tennis
  • Bus Routes: Routes for the 2025-2026 school year were reviewed and approved.

  • District Mission & Goals: The Board approved the District’s Mission Statement, Philosophy, and Goals for the 2025-2026 school year.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Mount Vernon R-V School District is educating and equipping each student for a meaningful future. 

VISION STATEMENT

The Mount Vernon R-V School District will produce graduates with an enduring passion for the pursuit of knowledge by promoting diverse, challenging, relevant, and innovative learning experiences while embracing community values.

DISTRICT VALUES

In pursuit of an excellent educational experience for all students, the Mount Vernon R-V School District believes we can only be at our best when we value:

  • Character -
    • Imparting to students the importance of personal attributes distinguished by high moral standards and a decision-making process driven by integrity which fosters trust between the District and its stakeholders.
  • Compassion -
    • Acknowledging that all individuals come from diverse backgrounds with unique circumstances and connecting with all stakeholders in caring and respectful relationships.
  • Community -
    • A relationship of support between the school district and the community driven by mutual pride in the successes of students and alumni.
  • Determination -
    • Fostering a spirit of resolve to continue the pursuit of success in the face of adversity.
  • Preparedness -
    • Providing the skills vital for students to achieve both present and future success by assuring that staff have the proficiency and resources necessary to impart challenging learning experiences.
  • Wellness -
    • Nurturing an environment that prioritizes physical safety along with the mental and emotional health of all stakeholders.

 

  • Professional Development Plan: The Board approved the district’s Professional Development Committee Plan for 2025-2026.

  • LifeSavers Presentation: The Board received a presentation from LifeSavers, a program that provides free educational resources on organ donation as outlined in state statute. After discussion, the Board tabled the request for future consideration.

 

  • Handbook Update: Updates were made to students’ personal devices to align with new state legislation on student cell phone/device use during the school day.  This was to address the needs of students needing to complete college level classes during school hours.

  • Surplus Items: The Board reviewed and approved the sale or disposal of items no longer needed by the district.  

Personnel

  • Resignation: Tiffany Lopez resigned from her position as Middle School Special Education paraprofessional.

  • Hires & Recommendations:

    • High School Nurse: Larissa Mahan (RN with prior nursing experience and a substitute nurse in the district).

    • Paraprofessionals:

      • Lainey Smith (Intermediate School)

      • Laura Anderson (Elementary School)

      • Tim Hardyman (Middle School, Special Education)

    • Volunteer Coaches:

      • Steve Wendler – Girls’ Golf

      • Janey Hood – Girls’ Tennis