The Mt. Vernon R-V School District Board of Education met in regular session on December 18, 2025.
Attendance Update
For the month of November, the District’s attendance rate was 94.04%, with an Average Daily In-Person Attendance of 1,302.40 students. This reflects a decrease of 35.27 students compared to the same time last year.
Superintendent Updates
- School Board Elections: Three community members have filed to run for the vacant Board of Education positions in the upcoming spring election.
New Business
2024–2025 District Audit
The Board reviewed and approved the District’s 2024–2025 audit. A copy of the audit was included in the Board packet, and Mrs. West provided a summary of the auditor’s findings and recommendations. The audit results were positive, with only one recommendation noted related to segregation of duties, which is common in school districts the size of Mt. Vernon, as many employees cover multiple duties.
The Board also approved continuing with KPM, Certified Public Accountants and Advisors, to conduct the 2025–2026 audit.
Insurance Coverage Renewal
The Board approved continuing with Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC) for property, liability, and workers’ compensation coverage for 2026. There was an overall increase of 12.2%. This represents an increase of $40,244 from last year.
Legislative Priorities
The Board adopted a Legislative Priorities and Platform Document for the upcoming spring legislative session. This document was developed by the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence in collaboration with its member districts. These priorities include:
- Recruitment and Retention of Teachers and Support Staff
- Prioritizing Funding for Public Education
- Public Education Quality and Opposition to Privatization
- Tax and Revenue Considerations
- Property Assessment and Taxpayer Protections
- Safety and Mental Health
- Reforming Assessment and Accountability Systems
- Retirement Systems
- Economic Development and Bonding
- Advocacy for Our Local Schools Districts
Special Education Compliance
The Board approved the Special Education Local Compliance Plan for the 2025–2026 school year. This plan must be re-approved whenever updates are made at the state level.
Memorandum of Understanding
The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Powerback Pediatrics for specific therapy services.
Summer School 2026
The Board approved establishing a Summer School term for 2026, pending available funding. Specific dates will be presented at a future meeting.
Show Choir Travel
The Board approved a request for the Show Choir to travel out of state to participate in an event at Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, Kansas.
Closed Session
Personnel Updates
The Board accepted the following resignations and retirements:
- Anna Barehead, Special Education Teacher at the Elementary School, submitted her resignation effective at the end of the 2025–2026 school year. Ms. Barehead joined the District in 2023 as a paraprofessional and transitioned into a teaching role in October 2023.
- Lexie Brashers, Special Education Paraprofessional, submitted her resignation effective at the end of the current semester. Ms. Brashers has been with the District since Fall 2024 and will be pursuing full-time college studies.
- Arthur Barrett submitted his retirement effective December 31, 2025. Mr. Barrett has served the District since 1999 in roles including custodian, maintenance, and bus driver. The District thanks him for 26 years of dedicated service.
- Chris Johnston submitted his retirement effective July 1, 2026. Mr. Johnston has served the District for 29 years as a teacher, coach, High School Assistant Principal for the past 11 years, and Athletic Director for 10 years.
- Trish Johnston submitted her retirement effective July 1, 2026. Mrs. Johnston has served the District for 29 years, including time as a classroom teacher and High School Librarian. She has been in education for a total of 30 years.
The District extends sincere appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Johnston for their many years of service and lasting impact on students, staff, and the community. We wish them the very best in this next chapter.
The Board approved the following personnel recommendations:
- Leslie Keithley for the Elementary School Secretary position. Ms. Keithley brings eight years of experience as a bookkeeper and secretary and has also served as a substitute teacher in the Clever School District.
- Wyatt Cordray for a Special Education Paraprofessional position, replacing a vacancy at the end of December. Mr. Cordray is an MV High School graduate, holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from Purdue University, has experience as a Summit worker, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Physical Education.
- Approval of Stacie Kultgen and April Hansen as Show Choir volunteers for the season.
The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2025 at the Mt. Vernon R-V Boardroom at 7:00 PM.