We are exceptionally proud of our great students and staff in Mt. Vernon. Programs, both in and out of the classroom, are providing for amazing developmental experiences that will undoubtedly impact the trajectory of our students.
With the growth in our community, we have the ability to maintain construction related to our Future Growth Plan without raising the debt service rate. Additionally, our Education Fund that finds 100% of its revenue coming from the state, is very healthy as well. Our third main fund, the Operations Fund, will decrease dramatically to unsustainable levels in the next couple of years if we don’t do something differently. The Operations Fund provides for many of our classified staff including custodians, bus drivers, and maintenance workers. While 54% of our Operations Fund goes to pay people, the remaining 46% pays for transportation, cleaning, and upkeep of our facilities which includes about 20% ($2M) for utilities.
We have made many cuts and savings to hedge the loss of our 10-year $3.4M increment funds and the tax cap loss that is peaking at $3.8M annually. A referendum on the May 3rd ballot will ask the community to support a $0.17 school tax. This rate is low compared to other school referenda in central Indiana and we are only asking for what we need, recognizing that a referendum tax shouldn't do all of our work for us. If the referendum were to pass, the average homeowner in the MV district would have an increase in their property tax by $14.02 per month. One of the main reasons we can make the ask as low as we are is that many new businesses that have taxes redirected away from schools would also have to pay their proportional share should the referendum pass. For once, all of the business growth in our community will actually help our schools.
I invite you to visit our website to learn more about our proposed referendum question on the ballot and to also use the tax investment calculator there to see how a $0.17 tax will impact your property tax. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at jackparkertcb@gmail.com or call me any time at 317.716.2457.
Black History Month
Virtual "Traveling Talks"
Dr. Parker invites the community to join him for an open-forum discussion in Virtual Traveling Talks meetings. The Virtual Traveling Talks are a mutually beneficial opportunity for the community to connect with the school district, and for school leadership to get to know more members of the community. Dr. Parker will share referendum facts and an update on the district. Community members can engage directly with Dr. Parker to share their hopes, questions, and/or concerns about Mt. Vernon schools. Sign up to attend a Virtual "Traveling Talks" through the links below or on our website. Registrants will receive an email with the Zoom meeting link on the day of the meeting.
MVHS Student Selected for Indiana All State Band
The Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation is pleased to share that Mt. Vernon High School band member, Jebediah Lottes (Jeb), has been selected for the 2022 Indiana All-State High School Band sponsored by the Indiana Bandmasters Association. The Mt. Vernon Band of Marauders is directed by Ms. Jackie Nason. Jeb and the other All-State Band members will play at a free grand finale concert that will be presented to the public on Sunday, March 13 at 2:30 p.m. in the Elliott Hall of Music on the Purdue University West Lafayette campus.
Calendar Reminders
March 14-25 is Spring Break
MVHS VOICE is Being Heard
Recently, young advocates from Hancock County Voice, including five students from Mt. Vernon High School, visited and shared a presentation with their State Representatives Bob Cherry and Representative Chris Jeter at the Indiana Statehouse. They presented their concerns surrounding the tobacco and vaping epidemic among youth and what their legislators can do to help work alongside them to help raise awareness and save lives. A special thank you to their MVHS group sponsor, Mrs. Megan Addison, for her leadership.
These young people are part of Voice, Indiana’s statewide youth-led empowerment brand and program, whose initiative is to engage, educate, and empower teens to promote and celebrate tobacco-free lifestyles. Way to go students! #WeRMV
Staff Appreciation Cards
Want to express your appreciation towards any Mt. Vernon staff member? Now the community can share a kind message and the staff member being recognized will receive a postcard (for free) with your personalized message! Fill out this simple form and they will receive their postcard within three weeks of submission.
Are You SURE You're Registered to Vote?
Know someone who needs an absentee ballot? If you have kids in college or working during the election timeframe and want to request an absentee ballot, be sure to visit www.indianavoters.in.gov. The deadline to receive the application is April 21.
Did you know over 700,000 voters were removed from the state’s 2017 voter database? Scan the QR code or to go to www.indianavoters.in.gov to verify your voter registration.
We're Hiring!
Join our Marauder team! MVCSC has a great need to fill custodians, food service positions, as well as bus drivers and instructional assistants. Please visit mvcsc.k12.in.us/employment and consider making some great memories as you work with students, helping to provide a wonderful educational experience!
Sincerely,
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MVCSC, 1806 W. State Road 234, Fortville, IN 46040 ~ (317) 485-3100