Mt. Vernon school board retains officers, staff turnover includes both band directors

The Mt. Vernon school board reorganized at its April 16 meeting, took personnel action and approved contracts for the coming school year. 

Running unopposed in the April 7 election were three-term incumbent John Cowherd and two-term incumbents Justin Bellis and Jeremy Pendleton. Voting on officers, board members returned Danny Bowling to the job of board president, a post he has held since April 2017. Nathan Schoen was renamed vice president. Stacie Scrivner was tapped to serve as delegate to the Missouri School Board Association, and Justin Bellis will be the alternate. Returned to their duties were Brian Parrish as board secretary and Jeremy Pendleton as treasurer.

Personnel action

Several personnel challenges emerged for staffing the school in the fall. 

Both high school band directors resigned. Head director Alex Weinzierl, who has led the program since 2023, took a position with Hickman High School in Columbia. Assistant director Curtis Halbrook, in Mt. Vernon for one year, took a post close to the St. Louis area. 

“Mr. Halbrook and Mr. Weinzierl have been instrumental – no pun intended – in building a successful band program during their time here at Mt. Vernon,” Superintendent Christina West commented. She noted students respected both men and performed exceptionally well under their direction. 

Additional resignations included:

- Steve Martino as a fourth grade teacher. He has been with the district since 2022. He took a sixth grade math job with the Clever School District. 

- Heather Cole as a fifth grade science teacher. She also came to Mt. Vernon in 2022. She took a post with the Ash Grove district to be closer to her family. 

- Jennifer Dunklin also resigned as middle school custodian, a job she had for more than three years. 

- The board hired Tamara Violett to teach seventh grade science. She served as principal in Greenfield for the past five years after previously teaching at Mt. Vernon’s intermediate school. 

- Randi Cornell will teach special education at the intermediate school. She has been a paraprofessional in the district since 2015. 

- Ashton Botts will take over assistant principal duties at the high school. Taking Botts’ post as athletic director at the middle school will be Matt Schubert, who also teaches high school science and serves as head softball and middle school football coach. 

Board action

Board members approved the Career Ladder plan for the coming year, sending it to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for authorization. West noted 81 teachers signed up for Career Ladder reimbursement for additional work outside regular classroom duties during the current school year. 

The board renewed its contract with the Monett School District for services through the Monett Regional Learning Center for students with autism or behavior issues. West noted Mt. Vernon did not use the MRLC this current year, but can access its resources by renewing the contract. 

Board members approved a preliminary list of coaches and sponsors for the coming school year. West said there were no changes in the major positions. She is still looking to fill several middle school coaching slots. The preliminary list of support staff for next year also received approval.

Reports

Construction on the new performing arts center has continued steadily. West noted contractors plan to concentrate on finishing the roof in the coming two weeks. She presented slides showing installation of ductwork for the heating and cooling system had begun, as well as laying bricks. Stud framing throughout the job site continued, along with placing mechanical and electrical work. 

Attendance good, but enrollment down 54

West reported attendance districtwide stood at 93.23 percent, holding above the state’s target of 90 percent. Enrollment budged very little since 2026 began. Numbers were down 54 students from a year ago, a loss of about 10 more since the school year started. West warned the decline would reduce state funding in the coming year. 

Elementary librarian Ashley Wilson presented details on services she administered. The library provides activities such as 3D printing, Stuffie Sleepovers, Flashlight Fridays, Morning Mountaineer news, Book Buddies, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) projects, as well as enrichment, passive projects, and story walks. Wilson stressed these offerings help engage students and stimulate a love of reading. 

The next board meeting will be held May 21. 

MVP photo

High school special education teacher Eric Ireland was named the Mt. Vernon school district’s Most Valuable Player for April at the school board meeting. Ireland’s nomination praised his positivity, his calm leadership, collaboration skills with other teachers, and finding ways to help students succeed. Danny Bowling, board president at left, congratulates Ireland on the achievement. (Contributed photo)