Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation
School Board Minutes
June 15, 2015
The Board of School Trustees of the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation
held a regular meeting on June 15, 2015 at 7:02 p.m. in the Mt. Vernon High School
Auditorium. The following Board Members were present: Tony May, Mike McCarty, Kellie
Freeman, Jason Shelton and Shannon Walls. Also present were Superintendent William Riggs,
Assistant Superintendent Mike Horton, Business Manager Brian Tomamichel, and Attorney Milo
Gray.
President May called the meeting to order and reviewed the emergency evacuation
procedures for the facility.
Mr. McCarty made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 18, 2015 meeting and to
certify that Executive Sessions were held on May 18, 2015 and June 8, 2015, and no matters
were discussed in the Executive Session other than the specified subject matter in the public
notices; and, claims #637-795 for a total of $6,178,762.75 ($1,701,510.44 in claims and
$4,477,252.31 in sweep transactions). Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
The Board recognized the following retirees and commended them for their dedication
and loyalty to Mt. Vernon CSC students: Dr. William Riggs (21/44) – Superintendent; Milo
Gray (34) – School Attorney; Fred Granger (16/18) – MVHS Social Studies Teacher; Ruth Mills
(9/12) – MES 1st Grade Teacher; Rebecca Schneidt (32/32) – MCE 1st Grade Teacher; Ron
Schoeff (38/40) – FES 5th Grade Teacher; Tina Wiseman (36/37) – FES 3rd Grade Teacher;
Cyndi True (11) – MES Library Assistant; Terre Strough (27) – Bus Driver; Patty Chalmers (24)
– Bus Driver; Loretta Neal (27) – MCE Instructional Assistant. Mr. May presented Dr. Riggs
with a clock and thanked him for his 21 years of dedicated service to Mt. Vernon. He stated
when he first met Dr. Riggs he realized his focus was on student achievement and making Mt.
Vernon the best place to send kids. Mr. May expressed his admiration for Dr. Riggs fulfilling
this focus. Mr. May presented Mr. Gray with a clock and thanked him for his 34 years of service
and all his helpful advice given to the Board.
The 2014-2015 School Board Scholars were recognized at a reception prior to the board
meeting in celebration of their accomplishment of earning all A’s or A+’s in every class. Mrs.
Freeman made a motion to enter the names of the 2014-2015 School Board Scholars into the
official minutes. Mr. Shelton seconded, and the motion carried 5-0. The 2014-2015 School
Board Scholars are: Fortville Elementary: Gabriel Bell (1) Carly Wilkerson (2); Joseph
Wilson (1) . McCordsville Elementary: Olivia Lugo (1). Mt. Comfort Elementary: Mandy
Bechman (2); Riley Britt (2); Julie Nicklin (1). Mt. Vernon Middle: Allyson Beattie (3);
Abigail Corbly (2); Tessa Freeman (4); Katherine Gawrys (3); Sydney Godwin (4); Riley
Hasseld (1); Cole Hess (3); Hannah Heydon (3;) Samuel Mackall (2); Andi Manship (4);
Shiloh McFarland (3); Joseph Moore (3); Seth Morrison (3); Sofie Mott (3); Madalyn Owen
(4); Campbell Shaffer (4); Madison Stanley (2); Tyler Strantz (3); Hailey Watson (3); Olivia
Yeley (3). 8th Grade Academy: Paige Boxberger (4); Keian Gatewood (5); Elise Klinestiver
(3); Joan Lee (3); Emme Longman (5); Charis Lott (3); Cleo Mills (3); Madalyn Mull (5);
Ryan Strantz (5). Mt. Vernon High: Emily Annakin (2); Cassandra Bridges (5); Ian Carson
(4); Shaelyn Duff (3); Addison Eads (8); Lily Erlewein (8); Mary Grace Ertel (3;) Kyle
Forsythe (6); Emily Frost (3;) Samantha Gawrys (8); Nathan Grandstaff (6;) Bryce Gray (3);
Matthew Hays (3); Morgan Hayse (2); Zoe Jenkins (1); Sara Kious (4); Caitlin Lindman (8);
Erica Lohman (7); Daniel Majors (3); Brendan O’Bryhim (6); Megan Parke (7); Alyssa
Powell (6); Kallan Ratekin (7); Matthew Rollo (6); Aaron Rush (6); Madison Smith (3); Taran
Sombke (1;) Olivia Spicer (5); Gavin Stamper (7); Chelsea Theobald (8); Lydia Tierney (6);
Saleem Tucker (4); Hannah Watson (6); Daniel Werner (2); Hannah Whitaker (5); Grant
Williams (7); Sophia Williams (1;) Sabrina Woods (6); Cassandra York (8). ( ) Years as a
Scholar.
The Board recognized the Inductees to the Academic Wall of Fame for the 2014-2015
school year. They are:
FORTVILLE ELEMENTARY:
Spelling Bee Champion:
Geography Bee Champion:
Addition T-Race Champion:
Joseph Wilson
Gavin Privett
Joseph Wilson
Multiplication T-Race Champion:
Gabriel Bell
MT. COMFORT ELEMENTARY:
Spelling Bee Champion:
Geography Champion:
Addition T-Race Champion:
Multiplication T-Race Champion
MCCORDSVILLE ELEMENTARY:
Spelling Bee Champion:
Geography Bee Champion:
Addition T-Race Champion:
Multiplication T-Race Champion
Riley Britt
Logan Hufty
Krystiana White
Mandy Bechman
Jocelyn Hall
NA
Luke Hiner
Nicole Burris
MT. VERNON MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Spelling Bee Champion:
Geography Bee Champion:
Seth Morrison
Tyler Strantz
MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL:
Valedictorian:
Caitlin Lindman
Salutatorian:
Samantha Gawrys
State Champion Academic Team Fine Arts:
Jennifer Sherbak, Coach; Cassandra
Bridges, Tess Barnett; Alyssa Meyer; Gavin Stamper.
School Board Scholar Five Times or More:
Mark Alvarado (5)
Kyle Forsythe (6)
Braxton Ratekin (5)
Mia Amundson (7)
Samantha Gawrys (8)
Hannah Whitaker (5)
Allison Campbell (6)
Caitlin Lindman (8)
Grant Williams (7)
Addison Eads (8)
Kylie Lyons (6)
Emmy Zhang (7)
( ) years as a scholar
The Board recognized the 2014-2015 Marauders of the Year. They are: Boys SoccerMatthew Powell; Girls Soccer-Claudia Brown; Volleyball-Jaclyn Bulmahn; Girls Golf-Molly
Yee; Football-Lucas Rice; Girls Cross Country-Morgan Hayse; Boys Cross Country-Christian
Noble and Aaron Rush; Boys Tennis-Brendon Ware/Mark Alvarado; Wrestling-Peyton Wuerch;
Girls Swimming-Samantha Gawrys; Boys Swimming-Cole Case; Boys Basketball-Michael
Ertel; Girls Basketball-Sydney Shelton- Cheer-Meg Schleter; Girls Tennis-Cassie York;
Softball-Sadie Baugh; Baseball-Zach Spears; Boys Golf-Oliver Mast; Girls Track-Aubri
Benbow; Boys Track-Kyle Forsythe. The 2014-2015 HHC All Academic Team Selections are:
Football-Mitch McCarthy; Girls Soccer-Jordan Lilly; Boys Soccer-Braxton Ratekin; Boys Cross
Country-Aaron Rush; Girls Cross Country-Samantha Gawrys; Volleyball-Mary Grace Ertel;
Girls Golf-Molly Yee; Boys Tennis-Grant Williams; Boys Swimming-Bryce Gray; Girls
Swimming-Samantha Gawrys; Wrestling-Drake Tackett; Boys Basketball-Matthew Hays; Girls
Basketball-Megan Gawrys; Cheer-Lily Erlewein; Girls Track-Meg Schleter; Softball-Caitlin
Lindman; Softball-Kylie Lyons; Tennis-Addison Eads; Tennis-Cassie York; Boys Track-Aaron
Rush; Boys Track-Brian Bozymski; Boys Track-Braxton Ratekin.
Mr. McCarty made a motion to enter the names of the 2014-2015 Marauders of the Year
and 2014-2015 HHC All Academic Team Selections into the official minutes. Mrs. Freeman
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
There was no correspondence.
Mr. Campbell gave a presentation on Mt. Vernon High School Student Assessment, per
the attached. Tests used to assess are NWEA, End of Course Assessments, PSAT, USA Test
Prep, SAT and College Board AP.
Communications Director Maria Bond presented Mt. Vernon Mainstream publicizing all
the good things happening at Mt. Vernon and press releases in the local newspapers. Good news
includes receiving a $500 check from the athletic website, Varsity News Network. The high
page view numbers allows Mt. Vernon to receive a larger percentage of sponsorship dollars. Out
of 900 sites, Mt. Vernon ranked seventh in athletic webpage views during April. Other good
news includes Relay for Life raised over $32,000 for the American Cancer Society and MES had
a fun “Kindy 500” where kindergartners changed boxes into race cars and raced each other. Mt.
Vernon Middle School rewarded 80 6th and 7th graders who read one million words this year with
an exciting obstacle course.
Mr. Shelton reported that the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation will hold the 2015 Joel
Young Memorial Chip in Fore Kids Golf Outing on June 19th. Since 2008, the foundation has
given over $175,000 in grant monies. Duke Energy has been very supportive with several grants
for MCE. The Annual 5K Fun Run will be held September 26, 2015. Mr. McCarty reported that
he was unable to attend the Hancock County RDC meeting, but will get an update for the next
board meeting. Mr. May reported that the Fortville RDC has added a fourth person to the
commission and will now be able move forward. Mrs. Freeman had nothing to report for the
Cumberland RDC. Mrs. Walls was unable to attend the McCordsville RDC meeting, but stated
the commission was working on the matching grant program to be used to beautify the older
buildings in McCordsville.
Dr. Riggs reported that the Corporation Improvement Council held their last meeting for
the school year. They began with a reception honoring Dr. Riggs. Dr. Shane Robbins was
introduced to the group. Forest Gaston was elected co-chair for the 2015-2016 school year.
Council members considered meeting dates and topics they wished to discuss for the next school
year. Certificates of appreciation were presented to outgoing members.
Mr. McCarty made a motion to accept the policy, per the attached, regarding allowing
EpiPens in each building. Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Mrs. Walls made a motion to approve the Mt. Vernon FFA’s request to go to Kings
Island July 8, 2015. Mr. McCarty seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Shelton made a motion to approve the amendment to the lease agreement with
Hancock Madison Shelby Educational Services, per the attached. The amendment changes the
payoff to Greenfield Central from five to two years. Mr. McCarty seconded, and the motion
carried 5-0.
Dr. Riggs and Mr. Rollo reported that 70 people watched Mt. Vernon’s graduation on the
live video stream. The stream out to our YouTube channel went very well with no major issues.
Dr. Riggs presented the Fourth Quarter Bullying Report and a 2014-2015 School Year
Summary, per the attached. The Fourth Quarter (March 30, 2015-May 28, 2015) Report showed
37 incidents reported with 18 confirmed as bullying. The School Year Summary showed a total
of 185 incidents reported with 59 confirmed as bullying. The majority of corrective actions
taken were verbal warnings and parent notification.
Mr. Shelton made a motion to approve the appointment of Thomas Seng to the Hancock
County Public Library. Mrs. Freeman seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Mrs. Freeman made a motion to approve the request from the MVHS Gold Intensity
Dance Team to travel to camp at BSU July 16-19, 2015 and the following MVMS trips: 6th
Grade Cincinnati Trip April 15, 2016; 7th Grade Chicago Trip May 13, 2016; 8th Grade
Washington D.C. Trip May 4-7, 2016 and 8th Grade Kings Island Trip June 1, 2016. Mrs. Walls
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Mrs. Freeman made a motion to approve the following personnel: Resignations: Katie
Bieda-Music Teacher (October 3, 2015); Stacy Bailey-MVHS/MVMS Business Teacher; Tara
Vogt-MVMS Language Arts Teacher & High Ability Coordinator; Tina Wiseman-FES Student
Council Sponsor, High Ability Coordinator and Choir Director; Deann Simmons – MVHS
Auditorium Director. Hirings: Bob Robinson-School Resource Officer; High School Summer
School Staff; Brianna Withrow-7th Grade Language Arts Teacher; Amanda Ruble-MVHS Social
Studies Teacher; Benjamin Batman-Temporary Contract (July 28-October 2, 2015) and a
Regular Contract (October 3, 2015); Kelsey Williams- MCE 2nd Grade Teacher; Brooke
Wininger-MCE Kindergarten Teacher; Lynn Hartley-MES 4th Grade Teacher; Jordan KendallConditional Contract-FES Social Worker; Amy Hoeppner- FES 3rd Grade Teacher; Latosha
Gillium- FES Kindergarten Teacher; Courtney Cooper- FES Teacher; Sharon Cole-FES 5th
Grade Teacher; Tessa Hansen – MES 3rd Grade Teacher; Kelly Plank – MVMS 7th Grade
Language Arts Teacher; Dr. Jeff Bond – MVCSC Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator; Kara
Parker – MVMS Special Education Teacher; Sarah Pachmayer – MVMS 6th Grade Teacher;
Trina Conover – MES 2nd Grade Teacher; Katie Romoser – MES Teacher; Shelly Watt- MVHS
Guidance Secretary; Lynette Huth- MVMS Science Teacher. Extra-Curriculars: Fortville
Elementary Extra-Curricular Assignments; Cecily Terhune – Assistant Concert Band, Assistant
Marching Band, and Assistant Summer Band Director (2014-2015); Candy Duzan – MVMS
Event Sponsor; Dean Falkenberg – MVMS Event Sponsor; Julie Cole- MVMS Event Sponsor;
Mt. Vernon High School Extra-Curricular Assignments; Mt.Vernon Middle School ExtraCurricular Assignments; Mt. Comfort Elementary Extra-Curricular Assignments. Leaves:
Katherine Christoffersen – Maternity Leave (9/12/15-1/4/16). Mrs. Walls seconded, and the
motion carried 5-0.
Mr. McCarty made a motion to cancel the teaching contract of Amanda McGee. Mr.
Shelton seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Mrs. Freeman made a motion to extend the Administrator/Supervisor Contracts, per the
attached. Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Director of Technology Greg Rollo gave an update on the 1:1 Computer Technology.
The goal is for every student to have their own device at the start of the 2015-2016 school year to
be used to access the Internet, digital course materials and digital textbooks. IPads will be
purchased for students and teachers in grades K-5 and Dell Chromebooks for middle and high
school students and teachers. Every device will be in a protective case. Other purchases include
85 IPad charging carts for every elementary classroom; 3 sync carts with the ability to sync 30
IPads; and 5 Dell charging carts (2 for the middle school and 3 for the high school). Every
classroom will have a wireless access point. “CleanAir” Technology will be used to adapt to
interference and keep high performance. Twenty PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches will be
used to provide power to these access points making it unnecessary to run power or add electrical
outlets to power the devices. We currently have a three year old internet filter server that will be
upgraded to two Lightspeed Rocket servers capable of running 1GB each. When students take
devices home, they have to run through the MVCSC filter. The firewall system will be upgraded
to two Cisco firewall systems with one on site and one located at Ninestar Connect, our Internet
provider. Mrs. Freeman asked if there was a plan in place if devices were broken or stolen while
at home with students. Mr. Tomamichel responded that he was in the process of talking to
several insurance companies to obtain insurance on the devices so every device is covered on our
end with a $50 deductible. Parents would have the option of obtaining insurance on their child’s
device. In the case a device is broken or stolen, parents with insurance would pay the $50
deductible only, while those parents who opted not to obtain the insurance would be responsible
for full replacement cost of the device. Mr. Tomamichel estimated that the one-time fee for
insurance for IPads would be approximately $38 and $19 for the Chrome Books. .
Mr. Tomamichel reported that approximately $2.5 million dollars would be needed to
implement the 1:1 Computing. After contacting six banks to inquire about obtaining a loan and
receiving feedback from three, Mr. Tomamichel informed the board that Greenfield Banking had
the best interest rate of 1.4% for a 36 month loan. Since Apple and Dell accept American
Express as payment for the needed equipment and MVCSC receives rebates from American
Express, MVCSC is in line to receive a rebate check from American Express for approximately
1.4% which will cover most of the cost of the interest incurred by the loan for the first year. To
repay the loan, one payment each year will be made from the CPF Fund and the other payment
from textbook rental. Each payment is estimated to be approximately $466,000.
Textbook rental will be a flat rental fee of $135.00 which covers the cost of the device, case and
software. Mr. McCarty asked how next year’s book rental cost compares to the past year’s cost.
Mr. Tomamichel stated last year’s K-5 book rental costs were between $117 and $140, so the
$135.00 flat fee would be in-line with previous book rental. Book rental for 6-12 would be the
flat $135.00 fee plus any additional charges depending on which classes student took. Since fee
prices are lower for next year, he felt textbook rental would be in-line with the previous year.
Mr. McCarty felt it was important to know this information when communicating with parents
about the $135.00 flat fee.
Mr. Shelton made a motion to approve Tony May, Board President, and Brian
Tomamichel, Business Manager, to act as signers on the $2.5 million dollar loan from Greenfield
Banking at a rate of 1.4% over a 36 month term. The purpose of this loan is to purchase
Chromebooks, IPads, and infrastructure for the district’s One-to-One Initiative. Payments will
be made semi-annually to Greenfield Banking Company with the first payment due December
15, 2015. Mr. McCarty seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Shelton made a motion to approve Resolution 2015-5 supplementing and amending a
resolution adopted February 27, 2006 as previously amended by a resolution adopted on May 15,
2006, all for the purpose of authorizing the waiver or modification of certain contractual rights,
the execution and delivery of its amended taxable general obligation pension bonds of 2006 and
regarding certain related matters. Mrs. Freeman seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Shelton made a motion to approve the requests from the building treasurers at Mt.
Comfort Elementary, McCordsville Elementary, Fortville Elementary and Mt. Vernon Middle
School to establish change boxes for the 2015-2016 school year, per the attached. Mr. McCarty
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Dr. Riggs informed the Board that the lease agreement with Hancock Madison Shelby
Educational Services for a portion of Mt. Vernon Elementary expires on June 30, 2015. He
requests that the Board extend the lease for an additional year, expiring June 30, 2016, under the
same terms as the previous lease. Mrs. Freeman made a motion to extend the lease for another
year. Mrs. Walls seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Mr. McCarty made a motion to approve Prairie Farms Dairy as the dairy supplier and
Aunt Millie’s Bakeries as the bread supplier for the 2015-2016 school year. Mr. Shelton
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Tomamichel informed the board that due to the paid lunch equity requirements
mandated by the Federal Government, Mrs. Johnson is requesting an increase in school lunch
pricing for the 2015-2016 school year. Proposed lunch prices would be $2.70 for MVHS and
MVMS; $2.65 for MCE, MES and FES; and $3.20 for adults. Breakfast prices will remain the
same. Mrs. Freeman made a motion to approve Mrs. Johnson’s request. Mrs. Walls seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0.
As previously discussed, Mr. Tomamichel proposes a flat $135.00 book rental fee for
Grades K-5 and a flat book rental fee of $135.00 for Grades 6-12 plus any additional fees
incurred depending on which courses they take. Mrs. Freeman made a motion to accept the fees
as presented. Mr. McCarty seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Tomamichel presented copies of the SA-5 reports from each of the building
treasurers for the 2014-2015 school year. He reported that all buildings were in good shape and
commended the treasurers for all of their hard work. The reports will be included in the next
audit by the State Board of Accounts. Mr. Shelton made a motion to accept the SA-5 reports.
Mrs. Freeman seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Under Additional Items, Dr. Riggs thanked the Board for the opportunity to work at Mt.
Vernon for the past twenty-one years. He stated it has been the best gig of his life. He stated he
appreciated working with a remarkable group of people. Mr. Gray stated he felt the same.
Board members thanked Dr. Riggs and Mr. Gray for their dedicated years of service.
Mrs. Walls made a motion to adjourn at 9:04 p.m. There was no Executive Session. Mr.
Shelton seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.