On Monday, December 13, 2021, after considerable public input, the locally-elected Mt. Vernon School Board approved a resolution to place an operating referendum on the ballot in May of 2022. This is a necessary step in securing adequate funding to support our students and to contribute to the vitality of our community's future.
Despite every effort to reduce the costs of our operations, including refinancing our debt, reducing healthcare costs and other innovative ideas totaling over $2 million dollars, we still faced an insurmountable "Operations Fund Cliff." Quite frankly, the limits placed on our ability to generate the revenue to support our 4,500 students has been a looming concern since I came to MVCSC 36 months ago. As I have shared many times, we have been making great progress to resolve this issue and build upon our best for the future, but our choices are severely limited.
As many of you know, our state-approved Increment that supports approximately one-third of our Operations Fund ends in December 2022. That limits our choices to seeking your support for additional investments in our school community or the other option of making major cuts to programs, losing outstanding staff to other school districts due to pay and putting our students into overcrowded classrooms.
We are asking for your support of an investment of just 17 cents ($14.02 per month to the average household). Please note that this investment will also be a proportional tax to businesses that are located in TIF districts and currently do not pay taxes to support our students.
If approved by you and other voters in our school community, we will generate approximately $3,200,000 per year for eight (8) years. That investment will be used to support our overall operations, and will ensure fair and adequate compensation for our teachers and classified staff, many who worked five years without any pay increases. Additionally, a positive result in our Operating Referendum would provide for at least one School Resource Officer in ALL of our schools and two at the high school. That will make our students safer each day.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 317-716-2457. Take a moment to view the referendum presentation at the December MVCSC School Board of Trustees meeting. Additional information on our Future Growth Plan can be found at www.mvcsc.k12.in.us/FGP.
Thank you once again for investing in our community and for making our Mt. Vernon Schools your educational choice. #WeRMV
MVHS Small Smiles Club
Small Smiles is a club at Mt. Vernon High School that works to uplift students and staff. This student-led group has created several projects, but the most recent one has been a “Gratitude Wall.” The wall showcases what students and staff are thankful for, which includes “friends,” “school” and “bacon.”
The club was started at the end of the 2019-2020 school year in an effort to lift people up during stressful times. The members have then continued to produce a service project each month in hopes of making people just a little bit happier, hence the name “Small Smiles.” Each month they start with an idea and create an uplifting project with the help of all of the members.
The club has shown that with an idea and a bit of effort, students can make a difference in their community. The members have managed to help staff feel appreciated, spread the feeling of gratitude, and brighten the days of many students as well... even if it is just by a small smile!
Register for a Virtual "Traveling Talk"
Superintendent Dr. Parker has scheduled Virtual “Traveling Talks” in an effort to keep the community connected with the school. These Virtual “Traveling Talks” are an opportunity for community members to communicate directly with Dr. Parker and share their questions, hopes and/or concerns about Mt. Vernon schools. Register to attend a session at mvcsc.k12.in.us.
FES Students use STEAM Skills to Create a Gingerbread Replica of Fortville
Fortville Elementary School (FES) fourth grade students utilized a number of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) applications to create a gingerbread replica of the Town of Fortville. Students were placed into small groups and assigned a business to research, prepare a report and create a visual using gingerbread and other sweet edibles. All buildings were then connected to create a delicious replica of Main Street along with Mt. Vernon High School, Mt. Vernon Middle School, Fortville Elementary and Memorial Park.
To kick off their research, students took a field trip to Main Street and interacted with many local business owners such as Panda Chinese, Maduro, Foxgardin, ATA Blackbelt Academy, Seals Funeral Home and Sunrise Bakery. Students had the opportunity to ask the owners about their businesses and the Fortville community.
These engaging project-based learning programs help students gain knowledge about the communities they call home. Special thanks to the Fortville business owners who met with the fourth grade FES students and visited to see their gingerbread creations. Read more about the program HERE.
Are You SURE You're Registered to Vote?
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 food service positions, as well as custodians, 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,
Follow us!
Facebook.com/MtVernonSchoolDistrict
MVCSC, 1806 W. State Road 234, Fortville, IN 46040 ~ (317) 485-3100