The Mount Vernon R-V Board of Education held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, January 16. Below are some items of interest:
The Board was proud to recognize MVMS Business Teacher Krista Swillum as the MV-MVP for January. Below is a part of the nomination submitted for Mrs. Swillum:
Mrs. Swillum has been at MVMS since 2007 and has made a difference in countless lives. She not only equips her students with lifelong skills involving technology in an ever-changing world, but also with the skills that are needed to be good people. She is the ultimate model for our kids in kindness, grace, and patience.
Mrs. Swillum is a ray of sunshine to everyone she meets. She is always smiling, always encouraging, and SO strong in her faith and love for others. Kids may not always love learning to type, but they LOVE her. She is kind, sweet, genuine, fair, and treats everyone with such respect. She shows up at students' events with a smile and a hug, and they know that they are loved. Our building is a better place because of her positive and encouraging words.
Mrs. Swillum is always pitching in to help our building--covering duty when needed, designing and printing flyers, setting up for Snacks on the Stage, and anything else where there is a need. She has welcomed all of our new teachers and offered advice, warmth, and of course, the BEST smile. We love Mrs. Swillum!!!
Congratulations to Krista Swillum and thank you for making it a Great Day to be a Mt’Neer!
The District’s Average Daily Seated Attendance for December was 1,323.85, down 18.67 students from this time last year.
- However, this number was more in line with ADA from December 2022.
- The District ADA was diminished to close the first semester as November ADA was 1,337.67.
The filing deadline for the April 8th Board Election expired on December 31st.
- Only our two incumbents signed up to participate in the election process.
- Kerry Hodgson and Nathan Schoen will begin new three-year terms this spring.
- Mr. Hodgson will begin his third term since joining the Board in 2019.
- Mr. Schoen will begin his fifth term since joining the Board in 2013.
Rebecca Merriman from Monett Schools provided the Board with a report on the Greater Ozarks Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (GOCAPS) Program and was joined by several students from MVHS who are participating in the program this year.
- See the attached report for additional information on this innovative program helping our students find their career pathways.
- A lengthier report is also available at this link (GOCAPS Presentation)
Mr. Johnston provided a report on the inaugural class of the Mount Vernon Mountaineer Hall of Fame.
- Many individuals have been influential in the Mount Vernon tradition of excellence and have had exemplary accomplishments in education, athletics, and activities.
- The mission of the Mountaineer Hall of Fame is to honor the contributions and accomplishments of individuals who are worthy of recognition as examples for others to emulate.
- Selected from nominations made throughout the fall, the Class of 2025 includes 5 individuals:
- L.M Carson; Coach
- Ron Epps; Student of the Class of 1963
- Paul Mullins; Student of the Class of 1949
- Don Tillman; Staff Member
- Jeanne Jones; Teacher
- Please see the attached presentation for more information about the inductees.
- The District will hold an Induction Banquet on Sunday, March 30 at 4 PM in the MVHS Gymnasium
- Tickets are $12 and are available for purchase online (HOF Banquet Tickets)
The Board approved revisions to 20 Board Policies and 4 Board Procedures as recommended by MSBA.
In Closed Executive Session:
The following information was provided which did not require Board Action:
Janey Hood has submitted a letter of retirement from her position as a K-4 Art Teacher effective at the end of the academic year.
- Mrs. Hood taught in Mount Vernon from 1994 to 1996 and rejoined the District in 2002 spending 25 years as a Mountaineer.
Susanna Burgess has submitted a letter of resignation from her position as a Third Grade Teacher effective at the end of the academic year.
- Mrs. Burgess joined the District this year in June from Springfield School District.
Courtnie Jones will be moving into a vacant Fourth Grade Teaching Position.
- Mrs. Jones is currently teaching Kindergarten at MVES.
- This is to replace Marci Ullrich who is moving into a Kindergarten position next year.
Haley Kleine will be moving into a vacant Kindergarten position.
- Mrs. Kleine is finishing her first year in the District after two years in Monett.
- This is to replace Kim Casey who is retiring at the end of this academic year.
Rachel Zerby will be moving into a vacant English Language Arts Position at the High School.
- Mrs. Zerby is currently teaching Seventh Grade English Language Arts at MVMS.
- This is to replace KayLynn Pennell who has been serving in a critical shortage role this school year.
The Board approved the following staff recommendations:
Jene Barker to fill a vacant Fourth Grade Position beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.
- Mrs. Barker is a student at Western Governors University
- Mrs. Barker has been an outstanding substitute teacher for the District for many years including several long-term assignments.
- This is to replace Sarah (Childress) Mayne who will be moving into the position of Intermediate School Counselor.
MacKenzie Lutz to fill a vacant Third Grade Position beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.
- Mrs. Lutz is a student at Missouri Southern and is currently student-teaching in Madison Gurley’s Third Grade classroom at MVIS.
- This is to replace Susanna Burgess who is resigning.
Sarah Smith to fill a vacant First Grade Position beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.
- Mrs. Smith has been teaching First Grade in Monett for the past seven years and also has experience in Greenfield.
- This is to replace Haley Kleine who is moving into a vacant Kindergarten Position.
The next scheduled meeting of the Mount Vernon R-V Board of Education is Thursday, February 20 at 7 PM in the District Administration Office Board Room.