August 20, 2026 Board Meeting

Board of Education Meeting, August 20, 2026

In Open Session:

Tax Rate Hearing: The Board held a mandatory public tax rate hearing to gather patron input before finalizing and certifying the FY27 tax levy. The operating levy is 2.68 (voted at that rate in 1999) but is mandated to roll up per state law to the Missouri state minimum of 2.75. The operating levy of 2.75 has been that for the past 27 years. Debt service was rolled back to $0.92.

Financial Reports: Mrs. West provided updates on the annual school district financial report (ASBR) fund balance. The district continues to take a proactive approach toward long-term fiscal stability, achieving a reserve goal of 20% or above. The district was able to hit that goal this year in preparation for the uncertain funding in education in the years ahead. This strategic foundation helps ensure we can continue prioritizing staff compensation and sustainable operations in the years ahead. A review was also given in the formula used to calculate Summer School Average Daily Attendance (ADA) for state funding. Summer School numbers did decrease this year by 70 students.

PAC and Facility Updates: David Grey from Veregy shared progress updates on the Performing Arts Center (PAC). The new commons/entrance area, along with the Band room is scheduled to be open for the first day of class next Wednesday. The auditorium area is still scheduled to be completed by mid September.

Bus Routes: The Board approved the official bus routes for the 2025–2026 school year.

Staffing Support: A new Special Education paraprofessional position was approved at MVIS to provide additional support.

Fall Athletics: Head coaches previewed the upcoming fall sports seasons. Football, Cheer, Coquettes, Girls’ Golf, Tennis, Cross Country, and Volleyball programs were represented. Coaches and players gave an update on their upcoming season, the team goals, and number of participants in the program.

Annual Approvals: The Board reviewed and approved core documents for the 2025–2026 school year, including the district mission statement, philosophy, goals, and the 2026–2027 Professional Development Committee Plan.

CSIP Updates: Dr. Prevo presented progress on Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) Anchor 1 goals. 2026 MAP/EOC data revealed improvement in 13/19 assessed areas. Attendance data also showed continuous improvement over the last several years.

Portrait of a MT'NEER: The district highlighted this community-driven framework, developed by staff, parents, local business owners, and students to define core values and characteristics for every Mount Vernon graduate. This visual will be distributed to all stakeholders in the upcoming months. This is connected to the CSIP plan for the district, and will be an anchor for the district’s building improvement plans.

Good Dads Program: A new elementary program is launching in partnership with the Lawrence County Good Dads Board to encourage father engagement. There will be three morning sessions (7:00–7:30 AM) that will be scheduled this fall at the Elementary School, offering breakfast, character-building lessons, prizes, and interactive activities for dads and kids. More information will be sent out as time approaches.

In Closed Session:

Resignations

Nicole Hembree has submitted her resignation as Elementary Custodian, effective upon the hiring of her replacement.

New Staff & Coaching Appointments

Emily Trimble has been approved as the new Cross Country Head Coach. Former coach Mr. Kultgen will continue to assist the team and will also drive the bus for the team.
Michelle Richardson has been approved for an open Paraprofessional position at the Intermediate School. She brings eight years of early childhood education experience to the team.
Andrea Watson has been approved for the newly approved Paraprofessional position at the Intermediate School. She brings previous experience as a substitute teacher in neighboring districts.

The following volunteer coaching positions were also approved.

The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 7:00 in the Mt. Vernon R-V Boardroom.