Board of Education Meeting, April 16, 2026
The Mt. Vernon R-V School District Board of Education met in regular session on April 16, 2026
Celebrations & Student Spotlights
- MV-MVP Recognition: The board recognized the MVP for April, Mr. Eric Ireland. Congratulations to Mr. Ireland, and thank you for the positive difference you make every day!
Eric advocates for his students and empowers them to excel. He shows compassion and helps the kids through hard times and helps them believe in themselves.
Eric brings positivity into his class and keeps his cool in challenging situations. Kids who have graduated still talk of how he changed their lives for the better.
Eric collaborates with all the teachers, finding the best ways to help the kids in his classes be successful. He is very knowledgeable and uses that knowledge to enhance his teaching.
We are sad he is retiring again! Eric has mentored many teachers and has grown his program well. He brings his expertise to the table and has helped so many. We will sure miss him!
New Term for Board Members
- Justin Bellis, John Cowherd, and Jeremy Pendleton took the Oath of Office for a new term. Their three year term will conclude in 2029. We thank them for their service to our school community.
- Board Elections: New Board officers were elected.
- President: Danny Bowling
- Vice President: Nathan Schoen
- Secretary: Brian Parrish
- Treasurer: Jeremy Pendleton
- Assistant Treasurer: Stacie Scrivner
- MSBA Delegate: Stacie Scrivner
- Alternate MSB Delegate: Justin Bellis
Superintendent’s Report
- Attendance Update: March attendance stood at 93.23%. The seated daily attendance was 1287.28. This is a decrease of 54.03. The decreasing trend is concerning due to the fact that it will decrease funding in the next few years if enrollment continues to decline.
Updates
- PAC Update: Mrs. West presented a slide show to update the progress on the PAC. HVAC ductwork is started, as well as the brick work. Stud framing throughout the jobsite is in process and there is continued mechanical and electrical work.
- Elementary Student Centered Projects: Mrs. Ashley Wilson was here to present on projects within the Elementary School that are provided for students. Among the activities are 3D printing, Stuffie Sleepovers, Flashlight Fridays, Morning MT’NEER News, Book Buddies, STEAM projects, Enrichment, Passive Projects, and Story Walks. There are many opportunities for students to be engaged in activities and find the love of reading!
- Career Ladder Plans: The 2026-27 Career Ladder plans were approved by the Board. The plans must be sent in to DESE by April 30 to participate in next year.
- Approval of Contracts and Services: The Board voted to continue to renew membership of MSBA (Missouri School Board Association for FY 2026-2027. A renewal to the MRLC (Monett Regional Behavior Support Center for the 2026-2027 academic year was also approved.
In Closed Session:
Resignations:
- Curtis Halbrook resigned his position as Assistant Band Director. Mr. Halbrook has been with the district this past year. He has accepted a position with a school close to the St. Louis area.
- Alex Weinzierl resigned his position as the Head Band Director. Mr. Weinzierl has been with the District since 2023. He has accepted a position with Hickman High School close to Columbia.
- Mr. Halbrook and Mr. Weinzierl have been instrumental (no pun intended) in building a successful band program during their time here at Mt. Vernon.
- Stephen Martino has resigned his position as a 4th grade teacher. He has accepted a position teaching 6th grade Math in Clever. Mr. Martino has been with the District since 2022.
- Heather Cole has resigned her position as 5th grade Science teacher. She joined the district in 2022. She accepted a position with Ash Grove Schools and will be able to be closer to family.
- Jennifer Dunklin resigned her position as a Middle School custodian effective April 17. She joined the District in December 2022.
We want to thank everyone for your service to Mt. Vernon Schools and wish you the very best in your new opportunities.
New Hires and New Assignments:
- 7th Grade Science: Tamara Violett is returning to Mt. Vernon to teach 7th grade Science. Mrs. Violett previously taught in Mt. Vernon at our Intermediate School and has spent the last five years as a Principal at Greenfield.
- Intermediate Special Education: Randi Cornell has accepted a position to teach Special Education at MVIS for the upcoming school year. Mrs. Cornell has been a para within the district since 2015.
- Middle School AD: Matt Schubert will be taking over as the Middle School AD. This is to replace Ashton Botts who will be moving to the High School as Assistant Principal. Mr. Schubert teaches High School Science and is the Head Softball Coach. He also coaches Middle School football and has had experience coaching several other sports within the district.
Other Information:
- The Board approved the support staff for the 2026-2027 school year.
- The Board also approved a preliminary list of Coaches and Sponsors for the upcoming year.
- Substitutes were also approved.
The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:00 in the Mt. Vernon R-V Boardroom.