A few weeks ago we listed our annual accomplishment of goals for the communities and projects tackled in 2023. Here are some of the goals/accomplishments we’re looking to see completed in 2024.
New superintendent
hired at Mount VernonThe Mount Vernon School Board has narrowed down their initial field of applicants from a search firm and, within the next several weeks, there will probably be interviews with the top candidates for the new superintendent position at the schools. We know the candidate selected will have big shoes to fill, from worrying about the district’s budget and maintaining the quality education in this community, to working with leaders at the City of Mount Vernon and Cornell College on continued discussions on early childcare in the area. We know the search committee brought forward excellent candidates, it’s now time for school board members and the community to determine who is the right fit to fill Dr. Batenhorst’s shoes.
Uptown streetscape
study completionWe know this one, like the pool aquatic study, is important for the city to look at and consider, especially with infrastructure that has not been updated in several years under our city streets. The council has determined a group who is willing to complete the study, and uptown businesses and property owners will have time to talk about the potential impacts of such a task as it will impact them most for the time it is ongoing. Much like the pool study, however, the council having all of the information only helps, not hinders, this project moving forward.
Lisbon baseball diamonds and other projects at activity complexWe know the grass is getting firmly established at the sports activity complex in Lisbon, and the city has switched to a new contractor to see that completed before parks and recreation activities move to the new facility. The pavilion got finished this fall. The next portion of phase one which hasn’t been completed yet is establishing the few baseball diamonds that are part of this phase at the new park. Bids are supposed to come in soon for the project and be reviewed by the council, but it’s one of the ongoing projects the city has said is important to them.
Lisbon schools construction
projects finishedWe’re anxiously looking forward to the new weight room and career and technical education wings and new classrooms at Lisbon High School that will be completed by fall 2024. Especially as that CTE wing gives industrial technology students a devoted space and a program that continues excelling and flourishing for the school. With Lisbon, INC and it’s many business related classes and enterprises students learn from (their own newspaper now, a coffee shop, video creation team), there are a lot of career and technical education classes students can take in house and get a feel for if this is a career they want to pursue after graduation. The CTE wing only increases those opportunities for more students.