Mt. Vernon School District reaches fund balance goal, construction moving rapidly as schools to open

Mt. Vernon school board members reviewed finances, construction, and staffing needs during their board meeting on Aug. 20. 
Superintendent Christina West prompted muted cheers from school board members when she announced that, at the conclusion of the annual audit, the district had raised its fund balance for the end of the 2025-26 school year to 24 percent, up from 16 percent. 
West reported, “The district continues to take a proactive approach toward long-term fiscal stability, achieving a reserve goal of 20 percent 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.”
The board adopted its annual tax levy for the coming school year, maintaining the same tax rate. Board President Danny Bowling observed the operating levy of $2.75, the state minimum, has not changed since the 1990s. With a reduced debt service rate of 92 cents on every $100 of assessed property, the annual tax levy totaled $3.67 per $100 of property. The district will benefit from $13.8 million in new construction and personal property additions, boosting total assessed valuation up by $15.3 million. That should raise property tax revenues, if the district received the total amount taxed, by $37,762. 
West elaborated on the district’s financial condition by looking at attendance, which impacts state funding. She noted the district’s average daily attendance numbers have been up for the last two years. That nonetheless butts against lower enrollment counts. Those lower tallies again showed up in Summer School numbers, which dropped by 70 students this year. That count will go into the figures submitted to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the funding formula. 
 
Construction update
Looking at progress, the board heard from David Grey, the project manager for Veregy, overseeing construction of the new high school performing arts center. Grey said the new commons and entrance area, along with the band room, would be ready for the first day of classes on Aug. 26. Bane Welton, Grey’s assistant project manager, reported the back half of the foundations had been finished, enabling construction crews to move into finishing work, including the electrical and mechanical components. Grey added all the exterior was finished other than the sidewalks and the sod. 
Trophy cases were installed the day of the board meeting. Bathroom fixtures were expected to be installed over the weekend. The auditorium would be ready for painting at the beginning of the week. “Lots of mudding” had been underway to finish drywall installation. Grey reviewed how the audio-visual platform had been raised at the board’s request to provide a clearer sense of the room’s sound. Installing all the electrical components remained. The auditorium is due for completion by mid-September. Grey said that could take until late September or early October. 
Board members approved the official bus routes for the year, noting no changes. Core documents, such as the district’s mission statement, philosophy, goals, and the plan of the Professional Development Committee all received approval. 
 
Academics strategy plans
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Garrett Prevo presented a review of the district’s Continuous School Improvement Plan. He focused on the Anchor 1 goals and action steps. In working toward the goal of having 80 percent of students scoring at basic to advanced on Missouri Achievement Program tests, Prevo saw gains but shortcomings in third grade reading and fourth grade English language arts. High school students all hit their marks. With the district reaching its goals in 13 of 19 areas, Prevo thought the district was moving in the right direction. He spoke about revisions in the comprehensive literacy plan, particularly at lower grade levels, and updating the literacy plan. The review committee planned to look at what the district currently does, what the state wants, and spend the year finalizing a new plan that Prevo can present next fall. 
In addition, Prevo noted efforts to expand real-world learning opportunities for graduates had brought new additions as school opens. High school science teacher Khelon Hayes had installed three new hydroponics cabinets in his classroom for students to use to grow crops. The principles of bio-sciences class, under science teacher Amelia Ballock, was also starting. Both programs were approved by the board in March. 
 
Attendance gains
Prevo noted district attendance at 87.5 percent was approaching the state goal of 90 percent of students attending classes 90 percent of the time. High school remained the softest spot at 84.7 percent, while the intermediate school was strongest at 89.1 percent. Prevo saw improvement in three of four buildings last year. The fourth has the largest number of students. He felt the district’s system was having a positive impact, particularly giving high school students additional incentives like exemptions from final exams. He conceded the district did not have a system in place to inform students about their attendance status, like reaching the needed percentage to qualify for A+ benefits. Only students having frequent absences receive a notice. 
West reviewed the Portrait of a Mountaineer program, a community-driven framework developed by staff, parents, local business owners, and students to define what characteristics every Mt. Vernon graduate should have. She displayed a circular graphic showing these characteristics that will be seen through the year. West noted key features include upholding integrity, compassion, and accountability. 
“Academics is a key piece,” West said. “We want [graduates] also to be in the workforce and to be good humans.” 
 
New Good Dads program
Details about the new Good Dads program for the elementary and intermediate schools were unveiled. A partnership with the Lawrence County Good Dads Board, the effort encourages father encouragement and adds activities such as coming in for breakfasts in three sessions from 7 to 7:30 a.m. There will also be character-building lessons, prizes, and interactive activities for dads and their children. 
Natalie Woodbury, the new elementary principal, said her son had benefited from a similar program in Springfield last year and saw it as a positive addition in the building. 
In personnel action, the board hired two paraprofessionals for the intermediate school. 
Custodian Nicole Hembree resigned but will continue until a replacement is hired. 
The board will next meet at 7 p.m. on Sept. 17.