The Mount Vernon School Board convened Monday, July 15, to discuss ongoing projects, budget considerations, and important policy updates ahead of the 2025-26 school year.
Superintendent Matthew Leeman opened with an update on the traffic study project and the middle school facade improvement plan. The district received approval from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) for assistance through the Traffic Engineer Assistance Program (TEAP), significantly reducing the district’s costs by approximately $20,000 in consultation fees.
“This opens us up to potential future grants, particularly around pedestrian safety and emergency access, which are two categories we might be strongly considered for,” said Leeman.
The board approved a professional services agreement with architectural firm Shive-Hattery, amounting to $22,000. This agreement will allow Shive-Hattery to analyze and develop 3 potential design options for updating the Middle School facade. The project’s next steps will include further discussions on design choices and cost estimations.
Additionally, Leeman highlighted that nearly all of the LED lighting installations are complete at the middle and elementary schools, creating significantly brighter and more energy-efficient environments.
High school Advanced Placement (AP) test results were shared, showcasing strong academic performance. Mount Vernon students scored significantly above national averages, with more than 90% achieving scores considered proficient in several AP subjects.
“This just speaks to the work that the kids are doing, but more so to our instructors. Our teachers are doing a wonderful job preparing our students,” said Leeman.
The board also welcomed Barb Hunt as Interim Special Education Director. Hunt, a former special education director for Clear Creek-Amana, agreed to assist the district temporarily while long-term staffing solutions are explored.
Board secretary and treasurer Michael Marshall reviewed the recently completed audit, indicating no major concerns. General fund expenditures showed an increase of 1.6%, totaling about $17.8 million for the year. The board approved insurance renewals through Mount Vernon Insurance/EMC, with premiums increasing by nearly $79,000 from the previous year due to industry-wide rising costs.
The board also reviewed and approved several policy updates required by recent Iowa legislative changes, including new mandatory training for board members regarding open meetings, revised reporting procedures for child abuse allegations, and updated student nutrition policies to manage negative balances. All district handbooks for elementary, middle school, high school, and both certified and classified staff were approved, reflecting these legislative updates.
Finally, the board approved Anderson Erickson Dairy as the milk vendor, Bimbo Bakery as the bread vendor, and Linn Co-op as the fuel vendor for the 2025-26 school year. The next scheduled board meeting will include a public hearing on transferring $100,000 from the teacher leadership carryover balance into the general fund, aiming to address district financial flexibility.
Upcoming Meetings:
• School Board Work Session: Wednesday, July 23, at 6 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
• School Board Meeting: Monday, Aug. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Library
• School Board Meeting: Monday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Library