The Mount Vernon Board of Education held its regular meeting for August at the Energy Fieldhouse on Monday, August 18, 2025. The meeting commenced at 5:00 p.m., led by Mrs. Goetzman. All board members were present, including Dr. Bennett, Ms. Rugola-Dye, Mr. Ward, and Mr. Workman.
The board approved the minutes from the July 21, 2025 meeting unanimously. During the session, Safety and Maintenance Director Rick Shaffer presented a slideshow highlighting facility and safety improvements made over the summer break.
Bruce Kiracofe from Gambier addressed the board regarding a real estate matter related to his property next to Wiggin Street Elementary.
Superintendent Mr. Seder provided an update on back-to-school information and announced that the September board meeting would be moved to September 29, 2025.
Dr. Bennett shared a Student Achievement Liaison Report and moved to approve the July 2025 Financial Report along with several donations received from various sources including $833 from Anonymous donors and supplies from Gay Street United Methodist Church.
Ms. Rugola-Dye presented a Legislative Liaison Report and moved to approve facility use requests for Girl Scout Troop 7502's bi-weekly meetings at Wiggin Street.
The board authorized a $5,000 settlement payment to Knox ESC related to a legal matter resolution.
Mr. Ward proposed approving contracts with Independence LLC for transportation services and AKtivate LLC for school psychologist services for the upcoming school year.
Personnel matters included salary changes for certificated staff effective in the new school year and new teacher contracts were approved for Chloe Mae Ferguson as a third-grade teacher at Dan Emmett Elementary among others.
Supplemental contracts were awarded across various roles including music program directors and advisors for activities like robotics and safety patrols.
Employment decisions were made regarding classified staff positions such as food service delivery drivers and cooks across different schools within the district.
The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion by Mr. Ward at 6:22 p.m., which was passed unanimously by all members present.
Mount Vernon City Schools certified having sufficient funds to meet contractual obligations for this fiscal year and beyond according to their treasurer's report.
Information from this article can be found here.
