001Call this meeting of the Mount Vernon Independent School District to order. Let the record show that a quorum of board members is present, that this meeting has been duly called, and that the notice of this meeting has been posted in accordance with the Texas Opens Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551. Uh, do I have a motion to certify the agenda? >> Motion made by Donnie, seconded by Linda. All four 70. >> All right. Uh, let's bow our heads in a word of prayer. Dear gracious heavenly father, thank you for allowing us all to gather here tonight, Lord. And I just ask that you uh be with the board and making decisions tonight. May uh we act in wisdom and in accordance to your will. Uh thank you for the safety over our school um
002especially during the ice. Lord, thank you for allowing us to be back in this beautiful weather. Uh keep your hand over our district and your favor upon us, Lord. In your precious name we pray. Amen. We'll stand for our pledges. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Honor the flag. I aliance to thee Texas. One state under God. one and indivisible. >> This is always a special month for us. It's our CT month where the FFA officers come and they get to uh kind of show off and show everyone what they do. So, we're going to take a minute and let them show us how they start their meeting.
003>> Jones. >> Well, good afternoon or good evening. Um I'm pleased to present our officers for you to open this meeting. I've got Katie Tvar our chapter president Steve our vice president serving as secretary self um reporter Peyton Gunza excuse me my voice is all right and then standing in for two students with sickness and other events about Riley Robertson as Sentinel and then Kaylee Dehart as our treasurer. These two students are freshman and we're super proud of them getting our down wearing the official dress for the first time in front of all the lovely people. >> Very good. Thank you. Thank you all for being here today. >> The meeting room will come to order. We are now holding the meeting of the Mount Vernon FFA chapter. Madame Vice President, are all officers at
004their stations? >> I shall call the role of officers, determine if they're at their stations, and report back to you. Madam President, the Sentinel >> position by the door. Your duties there. >> Through this door, pass many friends at the FFA. It is my duty to see that the door is open to our friends at all times and that they are welcome. I keep the meeting room and paraphernalia. I strive to keep the room comfortable and assist the president in maintaining order. >> The reporter is stationed by the flag. >> Light by the flag. As the flag covers United States of America, so I strive to inform the people that order that every man, woman, and child may know that the FFA is a national organization that reaches from the state of Alaska to the
005Virgin Islands and from the state of Maine to Hawaii. >> The treasures stationed at the end of Washington. >> Your duties there? I keep a record of receipts and dispersements just as Washington kept his farm accounts carefully and accurately. I encourage thrift among the members and strive to build up our financial standing through savings and investments. George Washington was better able to serve his country because he was financially independent. >> The secretary station by the ear of corn. Your duties there. >> I keep an accurate record of all meetings and correspond with other secretaries wherever corn is grown and FFA members meet. The adviser >> here by the owl. >> Why by the owl? >> The owl is a timehonored emblem of knowledge and wisdom. Being older than the rest of you, I am asked
006to advise you from time to time as me rises. I hope that my advice will always be based on true knowledge and ripened with wisdom. Madame vice president, why do you keep a plow at your station? The plow is a symbol of labor and tillage of the soil. Without labor, neither knowledge nor wisdom can accomplish much. My duties require me to assist at all times in maintaining the work of our organization. I preside over meetings in the absence of our president whose place is beneath the rising sun. Why is the president so stationed? >> The rising sun is a token of a new era in our culture. If we follow the leadership of our president, uh we shall be led out of the darkness of dis uh selfishness and into the glorious sunlight of brotherhood
007and cooperation. Madame President, all officers are at their stations. Thank you, Madam Vice President. The secretary will call the role of members. There are approximately 50 members and guests present. Madam President, >> thank you. FFA members, why are we here? >> To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities, and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess. May we accomplish our purposes. I now declare this meeting of the Mount Vernon FFA chapter duly open for the transaction of business or attention to any matters which may properly be presented. >> That is very impressive. >> Very impressive. Now I'm going to read my paper to take some notes. Um, we are going to move on to agenda. Agenda item number three, our special recognition. >> It is my honor each month to be
008able to come and honor staff members of the month that have been selected from our campuses and our departments. I would like to start uh this evening with our Mount Vernon Elementary teacher of the month, Miss Anelis Rodriguez. Come right up here. Yes. Read what it says about Miss Rodriguez. Says, "When she chose to return to education, thankfully she chose Mount Vernon Elementary. She has created such a sweet, loving space for her third graders. She teaches bilingual and general education, reading, and writing, and does a beautiful job. When you enter her classroom, you are greeted by each student with a personal greeting and a how are you doing today?" She has taught her students to truly care about each other and those around them. When a student speaks in her classroom, that student stands to
009speak and classmates listen. Students are not only caring, but they are confident learners. Miss Rodriguez cares not only about her students, but all students at Mount Vernon Elementary. She has recently teamed with Miss Sodto to open the doors to the elementary school on Fridays in order to allow our emergent bilingual students extra practice to help them succeed on our upcoming tail pause test. She possesses a true heart to serve others. She is willing to do whatever it is asked of her. And her students describe her as she is a really good teacher. She is nice to us. When we are sad, she does so many things to make us happy. She is fun and funny. She makes the voices of characters when she reads to us. We love her. She is kind. She respects us
010in the social contract. She is kind and helpful. When something is a little complicated for us, she helps a little bit but doesn't give us the answers. When we are stuck, she helps us come up with the answer. She makes us work hard. We are becoming more confident in our English. The student summed up Miss Rodriguez beautifully. We are proud to recognize her as our February spotlight teacher, Miss Anelis Rodriguez. >> Very good. >> You want to say anything? Um, it's an honor and I'm humbled and at the end of the day as um I'm here for the kids and I'll do whatever to help them succeed and it was amazing to see my former student here. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right. Next, our middle school teacher of the
011month um had an emergency and could not be here. Uh, but that is Miss Alicia Butler who is our eighth grade math algebra one and we're going to save hers and try to honor her in March if she can come back in March. Okay, we'll have two in March. All right, so next is our high school teacher of the month and she has already sitting here close and has already stood up once, Miss Jordan JONES SAYS. Miss Jones has been an outstanding member of the Mount Vernon High School agricultural department. She teaches her CTE plant science courses which includes principles of a floral design, greenhouse operations in a practicum. Even with multiple preps, Jordan arrives each day prepared to engage students in meaningful, relevant learning and consistently demonstrates how agricultural concepts apply to students lives.
012In addition to her classroom work, Jordan coaches and mentors competition teams and is deeply involved in our Mount Vernon FFA chapter. She consistently invests countless hours outside of school each week to prepare students for success. She takes great pride in her students and their accomplishments and is always quick to share and celebrate their achievements. A quick visit to the greenhouse highlights how meticulous, thoughtful, and productive she she and her students are. She is a tireless worker who continually seeks new and innovative ways to improve her programs for the benefit of students. And outside the classroom, she reliably manages all her professional responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner. We greatly appreciate all that Miss Jones brings to Mount Vernon High School. She is highly deserving a February teacher of the month honor. Congratulations. >> Thank
013you. >> Very good. Any words? >> This has been an honor for this month. I'm glad to have some of my students here and some of my eighth graders here, too. It's been it's been lovely teaching here at M. >> Very good. We're glad you're here. Thank you. >> All right. Next, we are going to move back to the middle school and we are going to honor, let me find that. There it is. Our campus support of the month, Miss Annie Partridge. Come right down. It says, "Miss Annie is a beam of positivity that starts first thing in the morning. Miss Annie greets every student and colleague with a genuine warmth that says you belong here. She brings a present tense energy that makes people feel seen and valued." Her positivity is not naive. It's
014resilient. It's grounded in hard one experience and a clear understanding that enthusiasm when channeled with intention becomes a tool for growth. In the classroom, she creates an atmosphere where curiosity feels safe and participation feels possible. She uses enthusiastic but genuine praise, not manufactured cheerfulness to recognize effort, progress, and collaboration. She leans into humor at the right moments, listening, lightening tense moments, and helping students recalibrate when challenges arise. Her energy is not loud for its own sake. It is attentive, responsive, and inclusive. She listens with intention, reflects back what she hears, then offers encouragement that meets each learner where they are. And if you ever drop off in the middle school drop off, you see her every day exuming ex just excitement and happiness that kids are here. And I've been I've had the honor of
015getting to see that and experience that with her. And um she is she's the right person out there greeting kids as far as I'm concerned in the morning time with her um uh wands. >> A little bit light sticks. Yes, my lightsaber >> shows great energy. So anyway, Miss Annie Partridge, congratulations. >> Thank you, >> George. >> Thank y'all. I am so very honored for this and really thank you because all my enth enthusiasm, excuse me, I learned from you. >> Watching you in the morning. It's my first year here. >> Thank you. >> And thank y'all so much for giving me the chance to learn and grow with y'all. >> Thank you. We're glad you're here, Miss. Thank you very much. >> Okay, let's see here. >> Next, we are going to recognize our
016two custodial staff members of the month. If I could have Miss Maria Flores and Mr. Bruce Parr. Is Mr. Bruce here tonight with us? Is Miss Flores here? Miss Maria, Miss Maria Flores is not here either. I am going to read what it says about them and we'll get these tokens to them. It says um both of them, Miss Flores and Mr. Parr are being recognized for their exceptional service as a custodial employee in our district. A clean and well-maintained school is essential to student learning, health, and pride, and they consistently go above and beyond to make that happen. Their dedication, reliability, and care for our facilities creates an environment where students and staff can focus on success. Often working early mornings, late evenings, or behind the scenes, Maria and Bruce exemplify professionalism and quiet
017leadership. On behalf of the board administration, our school community, thank you for the important role you play every single day. We'll make sure that Miss Flores and Mr. Parr get these and we'll recognize them. All right. And our bus driver is probably driving the bus right now, so he might not be here either, but that is going to be Mr. Steven Warley. Says, "One of our outstanding school bus drivers." Stephen goes above and beyond every day to ensure our students arrive at school safely and feel welcomed on their bus. His professionalism, kindness, and commitment reflect the very best of our district. We are grateful for the vital role he plays in supporting student safety and success. So, Mr. Steven Warley is our bus driver of the month as well. And next, we would like to
018recognize our two cafeteria support staff of the month. And I'm going to ask if they will come together. Miss Nikesha Robertson and Miss Lauren Johnson. Or maybe we won't ask them to come down together. So, let me read what it says about them. They are being honored by Miss Heather Cree. says, "They both consistently demonstrate dedication, teamwork, and excellence in service while creating a positive dining experience for all of our students at the junior high in the high school community." So, Miss Nikesha Robertson and Lauren Johnson are our cafeteria members of the month. >> Okay, Mr. President, what I have >> wait a picture. >> Okay, if I can have the employees of the month come up, we'll get one picture with the board. Yep. Get a big picture with everybody in here. Anyway, >>
019no, you're good. They're gonna make someone move because they're gonna say they can't be seen. Try not to be seen. Very good. Thank you all very much. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> All right. and we have >> Yes, ma'am. We do. >> So, tonight we would also like to take the opportunity to recognize um our middle school one act play. Uh they had their uh performance back before Christmas, I believe. Uh their district performance and uh so if I could have Miss Hunt, Mr. McGonagle come forward to recognize them and talk about him just a minute. >> Uh Sure. >> You know this I I've done it a long time and I've had a lot of great groups. Uh but all 18 of the kids that participated in white play for middle school. All 18
020received the medal and that's pretty unusual. Uh we had the outstanding uh crew uh and then we had the best performer in the district and we had an honorable mention cast member and then all the girls were allstar cast. >> Wow. And so it was a it was a great honor. They won first place in the district. >> Faith also got all-star cast as her character. She was separate than the other ones. So >> So it was a they had a great year. And u >> and Decker Decker was not one of the girls. Decker is one of the ensemble. The ensemble is the all-star. He's not Decker's also in the ensemble. >> So is there a name you want to say? >> Great group of kids. >> It's a great group of kids. And
021as you all know, uh, I contribute to this man right here, the legacy that is Mount Vernon Theater, Mount Wak Mount Vernon Wak play. And, um, we're not naive to the fact that, um, I try and continue what he started. And I'm just super excited that he's here with us and that these kids get the opportunity to learn from him. And, um, so, thank you all for for that. And thank you, Terry, for teaching them. Um, when when they found out I was going to be their teacher, they were a little sad, but they realized real quick that he's just as cool as I am. Uh I'm super proud of them and I think that uh the future of Mount Vernon Theater is even brighter. Um this is a first for me to have every
022kid recognized. Um and so ever and all the plays I've done and probably not a first for Terry, but uh I'm really excited and proud of all of them and I know the future is really bright with all of them. So it's going to be great. So thank you all for that and thanks Coach Mack for coming back. >> Would y'all do us the favor of introducing your students to us? I mean put you on the spot. Would you introduce and let us know? You said had all-star cast and um would let us know what they won. Just have them stand or >> I did tell them they may have to say their own name. >> I like it. >> They didn't really like that idea, but they're prepared. >> So So if y'all will
023have them Yeah. Have >> So how about y'all start like in the front row and then say your name and then come walk this way and make a line. >> Yeah, that'd be great. >> Name, first name, last name, and what um the award and stand say your name so we can see you. Yes, he did. >> Yeah. >> Very good. >> She's the one that really got >> She plays the character of the hairy man and ensemble. >> My name's Evelyn Williamar. She's also me My name is >> And he's going to play basketball here in a minute. So, he did not wear his shirt. She she won outstanding technician for Mount Vernon. Um she also that day broke her foot and so we found the boot in the back for her. So she
024did all of her duties that she had to do with a fractured foot, right? Fractured foot and uh hobbled along and made magic happen. So we had we had two thought it was break leg, but it was close. also best. >> So they so Finley won best tech they won best tech crew and so and now UIL recognizes tech a tech crew for contests and so in black clay you can have five, seven, however many tech and how like you get up to 20. So you can divide that however you want. This year we had 16 and two. So we only had two technicians for our entire show. So they were chosen as the best tech crew for the entire contest, not just for um like Mount Vernon. So they were represented out of all
025however many kids and crews there were. >> My name is Jeremia and I got allar as a dog. Is that Are you What's your >> He was an annoying little boy. I'm not sure what he was, but I want TO GO AS FAR as Okay. Excellent. >> that is awesome. >> And Maline Goodman, who played the role of Mammy, she there play we have quite a few basketball girls out right now. She um received honorable mention allstar cast for her role of Mammy. So again, we're super proud of them and excited for the future. >> Very good. Congratulations. >> Now y'all will come right in here. Come right in here. Got to get where you take a picture. We're going to get a picture. >> People in the front, guys. >> Get out of here.
026That's good. You've grown, so you can stay in the front. >> Well, actually, you might be like second. >> So, definitely Drew, you're like >> Yeah, Drew. Yeah, you have to be in the front with your right. >> Hold up. There's like a whole gap. >> Smash, come over here. >> Wait, you go to that side even? >> Okay. Okay. We're just >> Okay, it's fine. It's fine. >> They're probably coach. Listen, I get so many things. >> THAT'S WHAT I LIKE. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? YEAH, >> you want to give the board a quick report on what you on Mr. Silvas stuff. >> Oh, yeah. >> Did you you talked to him today, right? >> Yeah, I figured that. So, um so while the students are stepping out, I asked Miss Hunt um Mr.
027Silvis I'm share with share with the board about Mr. Silvis's group, please. >> Oh, yeah. So, um, as you may know, Mr. Silvis is our is our, um, MBA and film teacher, director. Um, he he's wonderful, so good and so talented, and I know we love him at the high school. Um, so a few years ago, UIL started a new addition to the UIL and it's called UIL film. And so, it's added under the umbrella of academics and theater. So, it's connected with all of that. It's kind of under the umbrella. It's academics theater film. And so, um, last year he made submitted one narrative film to be submitted to UI. There's six categories. There's six. There's there's a lot. So, I know there's narrative, there's documentary, there's animation, there's digital animation, and then there's
028some there's another one. A lot of things that I don't plan. If you use a narrator, I got it. But, um, so we submitted four films this year. We did animation which I believe was done strictly by freshmen which is really exciting. Um they did not make it to the the through the first round but their film was very good and I'm excited for the future of that and I love that he's getting them young. And then we had three films advance to the semi-finals. Our narrative made it to the semi-finals. That was written and directed by um Zay Dearco, Jose Cavilio. Um, a lot of we got to collaborate with my play students. I got to act in it. Um, Satie Burns got the Burn and Hurley and all the really dramatic kids. They
029got to be a part of that as well. And so they kind of collaborated with that. They did not make it to state, but they did make the semi-final, which is the top 12 in the state of Texas, one through 3A. So one through 3A is one big thing. Um, and then both of our documentaries this year did make it to state. So it's really awesome. And that was written and directed um by so Vernon Pennington was the director for one of them and I believe Zane DeMarco was the director for the other one um and so just really cool stuff that he's doing as the opportunity a filmmaker um something from the arts you know I didn't even know those things existed when I was when I was that age so it's really awesome
030that what he's doing so we will head to state with I think 10 students who kind of helped produce that on we believe the 24th and they will Um they they set it up kind of like theater and things. They make a big film debut. There's a red carpet. There's we dress up. There's awards. There's lots of films. There's lots of schools. So it's a really neat experience for them. Last year was really cool because a lot of our students had never left Mount Vernon. Um that was so very interesting for me. And they're like, "What's that?" I'm like, "That's a like a stop light that like you know that flashes for you to like not walk across the street." So that was really neat. like. So, um it's a really cool experience. So, thank
031you all for allowing us to do that as well. And so, I love it. It's so great. He's killing it. And thank you. >> Excellent. Thank you for sharing that up. Thank you. >> Fantastic. >> Now, we'll move on to our information items. Um do you have enrollment total? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Our enrollment uh number for at February 3rd was 1521. And of course that is down from last year and holding pretty steady where we've been this year down just a couple. >> And then our campus department updates. the middle school. Holy cow. >> Holy cow. >> Just wait till spring. Anyways, okay. So, tonight is our final game for the girls basketball team. They are ending tonight um in Reigns and then our boys are playing right now. Um they're playing Reigns and
032then they are going to um wrap up their season this weekend at the Reigns District tournament. Um it's just they I know they do like a seating and go from there to determine how who wins, which is weird to me. I think whoever has the most wins for the district should win the district, but whatever. Things have changed. Um, so that's kind of what's going on in basketball. That's wrapping up. And then track starts on I think the week of the 24th is our first track. So it's it's >> yeah, it's right around the corner. And we've got five track meets um for the year. We have spinal screenings taking place this week for our fifth and seventh grade girls. And then the eighth grade boys, they're doing theirs um March 5th. Um Tailpass testing
033is coming up. We've had Miss Rodriguez, our bilingual aid, has been pulling kids to make sure they're familiar with Tailpass testing process and all that stuff and getting getting that ready. That comes up. That starts next week. I think Monday, maybe. I don't know. I think that's right. Monday is when that starts. Um, and then of course you guys know benchmark testing is coming. Uh, we have RLA on the 17th, science on the 24th, social studies on the 26th, and then math is March 3rd. Um, that's kind of what's going on in the academic academic world of middle school. Like I said, love is in the air. So, there's a lot of different things going on as far as that goes. Um, I kind of gave y'all the little things. Um, I just want y'all
034to know, anyone that's worked at the middle school or in middle school setting knows that we're just surviving in February. So, treats galore. We did pizza today for our staff because it's National Pizza Day. Um, so we did that. It's little things for them for sure. Um, I wanted to give y'all this newsletter. This is something that I send out every Sunday to staff. They get one every week. Um, it's an update and I just wanted y'all to see that we are we are doing our best to make sure everybody's in the loop. Um, recognizing our staff. We do staff in the spotlight every week. Um, te test stuff, extracurricular events, whatnot. So, um, just kind of just for y'all to have in your hands for that. Um, like I said, those go out every
035Sunday. um along with a peak of the week that we post on social media and parent square for parents. So any questions and I will brag on Miss Stones too. She is our eighth grade A and she is amazing. We love her at We'd have her full time if we could. So >> and don't let those one act play kids fool you. I don't know why they were acting shocked. Maybe Finley Wilkins is the only one that stopped the rest. No. Hello everybody. >> Okay, so as Miss Bates mentioned, testing season is here. Ready or not, here it comes. So, we're getting ready for a tail pass that starts for us in a couple of weeks. And as you heard in Miss Rodriguez's ride up, she and Mrs. Sodto have worked together along with Mrs.
036Hatley and they've opened up our school on Fridays for students who can come just to make sure that they get that extra practice so they're ready for testing. Um with the accountability is changing a little bit. So Telpos is really weighing in there a little bit more all of our emergent bilingual students. So we want to make sure that we're giving those kids the the prep and the if you're not familiar with the platform it's really hard to be successful um on the testing. So um we're very thankful for them and can't wait for our kids to shine on that. That's a very, very difficult test, especially for our second graders doing it online. Our daddy daughter dance is this Thursday. We'll see how that turns out. Hopefully, we'll have lots of dads out there
037having fun with their little girls. We Miss Hunts bringing sending over a couple of students to be our DJs and the cheerleaders are coming to help also to keep the dancing going. Um, our kids heart challenge, which is our American Heart Association fundraiser. Um, last year we were the top school that raised the most funds in all of East Texas. So, that's pretty exciting. Maybe we can continue to raise money for American Heart Association. We had an opportunity last Thursday to um host a region 8 networking for all administrators in the region. I think we had 11 administrators come over. We got to show off some of our classrooms and our teachers, our kids work samples, and just really network. We talked about master scheduling and how we meet our kids' needs on our campus.
038So that was it was I felt like a proud mama getting to show our campus off and with our teachers and our student work. And then um we continue to host our monthly lunchons just to let our staff have some um just some time to fellowship and eat together. And then we had Angela Chadwick from the region over a couple of weeks ago. She helps us with our leadership implementation of Blue Bonnet and did some walkthroughs and she just really was impressed with our implementation and how far we are at not being a grant school just being with the co-op. She said we're a lot further in our implementation that a lot of the campuses that do or are part of the the grant. So again, I feel like a proud mom. I'm proud of
039our teachers. Always want to tell you how proud I am of the work we're doing down there. So we're making progress. So thank y'all. And hello everybody. Um since it is CTE month um I was volunte um give the high school campus update in the form of um our CTE updates. And so um it is no surprise that the students sitting around you are are proud CTE students. Um, we have great programs here and we have been investigating the effects of adding another program if I could. That was supposed to time up like really well with the It's not. You said it was called board meeting. >> Yeah. >> Mirror this window. There we go. Okay. Um so part of my um duties as being CTE director is um every year we have to apply
040for Perkins um grant and every other year we have to do what's called a local needs assessment. And so that is where we have um an advisory committee meeting. We have one of those every year because feedback from the community is great. Um and so I'm not going to go through this entire slideshow today. It was created for um with a surplus of information for that advisory committee meeting. Um if anybody would like to attend that, it's February 24th right here in the lecture hall. Um and so the purpose of the advisory committee meeting is to get feedback on what's currently happening and and the direction that we're planning on taking CTE. And that's from teachers, that's from administrators, that's from community members, that's from students, that's from anybody who wants to show up. And
041so in thinking through what um writing our our local needs assessment this year, um I kept thinking about that current a building in the back that's new but will be empty when we get into our real new A building that we're so excited about and what are we going to put there? Um usually when you're adding your your district is talking about adding a pathway or adding classes, facilities is the hurdle. We don't have that hurdle. let now is the time to take advantage of having that building. And so it's set up as um a shop, a large workspace anyway. Um and so we sent out surveys to students and community. Um and what you are seeing that looks blue and it's not supposed there we go. What you're seeing up here on the screen
042behind you is the the results from our student surveys. Um, so I just asked them, "Do you plan to work in one of these careers?" And you'll see this is all student responses. Um, there were 459 responses, which I thought was wonderful. The biggest one was business. We have a great business program. What worried me is that, well, not worried me, but what caught my attention is that there are a lot of students planning on going into careers that we don't currently have classes for. So, we have a hole, right? Um, and so I even got more in-depth in the student survey. If we were to offer this program of study, would you be interested? Would you be interested in completing? And so you'll see the numbers there. 154 students said they would be interested
043in construction management. Um 116 said electrical trades, 131 automotive. Um, we had slightly smaller numbers, plumbing and pipe fitting and HVAC. So those were your your big your top five. We don't offer these. would you be interested? That's how students responded. Um, if we look at the IBC, so graduating with a certificate that you can use to get a job, 154 students said, "Yes, I would like to do that," which is great. Um, and so then we sent a survey, a different survey out to the community. What would you like to see us offering? The top five programs that were mentioned, we do not offer. So now we have, okay, our community sees a need. We see a need. Our students are eager to fill that need and we have the building. It's kind of
044like the puzzle pieces are falling into place. Okay. Um workforce need. Let's talk about workforce need. So every year um a um study is put out. It's in various places. I got the one from Texas Workforce. So that's where this information is coming from. And I know it's really hard to see. Um but your occup occupations that are expected to add the most jobs by 2032. Construction laborers are number two in that list. Um, general and operations managers are number three in that list. And then if you've got your fastest growing down there at the bottom, fastest growing occupations from 2022 to 2032. Um, nurse practitioners are number one and we do have a healthy health science program. Um, and then we've got crane tower operators expected to increase by 38% in the next 10
045years. um mobile heavy equipment mechanics, operating engineers, construction equipment. They're all in this top list. So now what we've got, and I have to read it because I can't remember it, but it was so good. Student demand, we've got workforce need, we have an opportunity, a great opportunity. And so really the key to adding this program um we we looked at how things are um organized in CTE and without getting too far down the rabbit hole you have this architecture and construction what they call career cluster. It it by itself has three possible pathways. Carpentry construction management and electrical construction. And so that's what we're looking at adding. And so I'm sure you're going, "Okay, which one are you going to add?" Because we can't add all three, right? Um I'm sure that it is
046it is no surprise that teachers um coming from the workforce into the school with no teaching experience, there are very few people with that kind of skilled trade that will stop being electrician, that will stop being a construction manager and come in and teach. They're very difficult to find. And so we have thrown around an office and I I'm feel pretty strongly that this is the best course of action is to list a position as architecture and construction career cluster. If you can teach any of these things, come talk to us. And then depending on who we who we get who can actually do the program justice. If we get somebody who can really teach electrical trades and tr it like it's supposed to be taught, we'll go with electrical trades. If we go with
047um carpentry, there's there's subtle differences in between the three, and I can get more in detail to that, but I won't tonight. I'll save you all of that. Um your construction management is your broad overview of all of them. So, your that's the that's really the the one I'm looking for. Um because it gives kids um not depth, but breadth in HVAC and plumbing and pack fitting, and it has all of them. to find someone who can do that is going to be difficult. And so, um, we we've got to get that posted right away. We've got to find the right person. And that's with really any the success of any CTE program depends on the teacher in the room and their skills. Miss Jones's students wouldn't be near as successful as they are. If
048she wasn't as skilled as she is. So, um, do you have any questions? >> I do have, um, information about funding. I've been in talk in touch with obviously region 8. I've been in touch with um teachers that have taught in all of those pathways. They're retired. They they have connections. Um one of them Tim Davis from Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant really helped me um with some questions that I had about certifications and and the differences and he's amazing. And so um I have financial impact. Um the the bottom line is we need to get it posted. We got to find the right person. I I um Mr. Glover and I have had multiple conversations of I don't want to hire somebody just to hire somebody. It it's got to be the right person. And
049so that that's where the need comes in. But um we're we're excited about the opportunity to add um um this pathway for our students. I know that they're excited about it. All the survey information, everybody, not everybody, 154 students, um which is quite a bit. We're interested in in those classes. So anybody have any questions? >> Good job. >> All right. That's awesome. >> Thank you, M. >> Wilkins. >> Yes, sir. >> Thanks for the hard work. >> Very good. Thank you. >> And that concludes our campus updates. So, do you have any construction? >> Lou's not here, but I I'll give a quick update on the construction part. Um, as you know, we are completely finished now with Helis. We've signed a completion paperwork. Uh, so now it's on to warranty period. Anything that
050happens there, we'll get with them on that. Uh, in regard to Jackson and Prop A, uh, they are finishing up punch list items from the walkthrough last week on the administration building. Uh, we should be in the administration building um, within the next two weeks by March 1st. I think uh there's just minor things that they're finishing up there and we'll move there. When we move in there, they're going to move their fence to where those four handicap parking spaces right in front of the admin will be available. uh they will still have a fence so it's not going to be be able to for people to drive through because they're still going to be working on this end. But we will be able to access the front of of admin at that time instead
051of having to come through the middle school. So that should be around March 1st. Uh as I was going to say you've seen but you probably didn't because you didn't come this way. They are uh finishing bricking around the cafeteria. Uh they're doing painting inside and tile work inside the fine arts. Uh they're getting bricking done outside the uh a facility as well as finished they finished putting up the metal trusses there. Uh so they're working on roofing and um finish work there. Their time is their timeline they're giving us is they still plan to turn over all three buildings to us uh by mid late June for sure by July 1 to give us uh some time to get moved in before school starts. Um once they do that then they'll come back and
052really work on the high school front entrance and um as soon as so we graduate on that Friday and so that Saturday if not that Saturday for sure that following Monday they will start u demoing the um cafeteria and the offices spent all summer doing the demo and really work to try to have the library media arts center because there's not a after demo there's not a lot of change they're doing to that but to get that done hoping to have the library media arts center finished by the start of school in August where all they'll be doing is finishing the front in the renovation for the offices once school starts and um so they're still on schedule to finish according to contract timeline uh by mid late December and u we're still on track
053to be able to do so >> all right and I don't believe we have anyone signed up for open comment? >> No, ma'am. >> So, we'll move to um the approval of our consent agenda. And do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented? >> Motion made. >> Motion moved by Kyle. Do I have a second? Seconded by Donnie. All four. >> 7. Okay. >> And we'll move now to our action items. Our first one being to approve a waiver request for miss school days January 28th for January 28th, 2026. >> Mr. Watson is going to share that information with you. >> Yes. Um so as you know got a little clarifying information last year during the waiver process. Um we we do not have to have both two bad weather days
054and extra minutes built into our school calendar. It has to be one or the other. Okay. So the waiver process says if you have used the equivalent of two days of extra minutes that you already had built into your calendar, which we did on the 26th and 27th, then you can apply for a waiver for days beyond that. So what we're doing is we're applying for a waiver for the 28th because we used our built-in minutes on the 26th and 27th. Now, Elementary's time is a little bit less than everybody else's. So, we had the late the late start on the Thursday. We've adjusted Elementary start time by five minutes starting this week so that their time will be made up without having to use a bad weather day. So, all this is is for
055you to approve as all other waiverss to approve the waiver. We submit it up to TEA. So, we will be good and not have to use a bad weather day assuming we don't miss another day. Don't even say that. >> Yes. >> Are there any questions? >> Great. Do I have a motion to approve the waiver request as presented? >> Motion made by Cathy, seconded by Donnie. All four have no. >> All right. And now we have next item is the 2026 2027 academic calendar. >> Okay. So, uh, we we put out before our district improvement committee, uh, two calendars, option A and option B with the caveat that with a couple caveats that we don't have less than 150 instructional days because we went forward a week. That's that's pretty much the bottom of
056it. And as we all talked before in the past, we we don't want to start teachers in July and we don't want to go into June. Okay. So, with all that being said, we're pretty locked in on when our start date and end date is to get 150 in. So, we put out an option A and B. Uh, and really the only difference in the two was where the professional development and the teacher work days were. Uh, really that was the main difference. And then we had come back some feedback as we put those out before our district improvement committee meeting. We had some feedback from campus and said, "Hey, we would like to potentially see uh half day at the end of each semester." So, we worked it all out in our district improvement
057committee meeting. I actually did one forum before we got to the meeting. But what you see before us is is the work of the committee. Uh it's got 150 uh school days, 164 staff days. Now, what you don't see the differences in in in calendars from the past is you don't see two bad weather days built in. For the reasons I just stated, we've made an adjustment in this calendar to the elementary start time to 7:40 instead of 7:45, which it is this year. Okay? And I'll tell you the reason behind it. And we changed the high school end time from 419 to 4:20. Okay? So now both all campuses have the exact same amount of operating minutes from the start moving forward. Um and that's based on the from the time you start your
058instruction till the time you end your instruction. So anything that happens moving forward will all be on a playing even playing field as far as minutes and what have we missed and whatever. What this does in essence our we had 2 point we had like 1.7 something extra days eight something extra minutes built in last year because it was based on the elementary calendar which had fewer minutes just by moving them up and being equivalent to the high school. We'll still have an 150 instructional days but we'll have like 3.2 two extra total days worth of minutes built in for any bad weather catastrophes or whatever. And so that's our calendar for you. Any questions on on the wares or wise or Oh, the other thing that I was failed to mention is is on
059a ninewe grading period. We talked about that at our last DI DEIC meeting prior to this presented to committee and they were in approval for that two two DEIC meetings ago. So that's why this our counter options were based on nine week this time. >> Can you just tell a little bit about who is on the site base like what's who's that? >> Well, it is a majority teachers and then our policy calls for what percentage are teachers. Uh and then so you have to have a certain percentage of teachers which a bulk of ours are campus teachers. Then you have to have um district level administration, community members, parents, and business leaders, two from each of those groups. And so we've had good good attendance and representation and that good discussions. >> Any questions?
060>> Okay. >> Do I have um is there a motion to approve the district uh district plan for Oh, no. I'm looking at the wrong time. the district calendar for the 2026 2027 school year. Motion by Cathy. A second. Second by Kyle. All four. That's seven. All right. Action item C. Consider and improve the district plan for meeting teacher certification requirements by the 2029 2030 school year. >> I need to give y'all something. take take one of these pass this is just for an update. >> So in typical post legislative TEA fashion um 445 I got final clarification on a on a question that I submitted to TEA was on the phone with him about this application. Um the the original, let me just back up. What this is, House Bill Two dealt with teacher
061certification. Up until this school year and including in this school year, we've been able to use our district of of innovation plan to hire teachers who were not certified in any area because we've had a struggle to find certified teachers. that includes even in core content areas or what we call foundational areas. Um, and in that same vein, we've had teachers who were certified but maybe not in the area they were in. So, we've had two classes of teachers. Those that had no certification and those that were certified but teaching an area that they had not passed a test yet for. House Bill Two, to sum it up, basically phases all of that out. Starting next year, you can't use DOI for foundation courses K through five. Starting the year after that, it's all foundation
062courses cannot be included under DOI. By the start of the 2930 school year, all your teachers have to be certified. Now, we know that is that is a glorious plan. Okay, I'll just say that >> in in the bill itself, they said th this is the these are the rules and you must be certified by 2930. This is how we're going to phase it in, but you're going to be able to submit an application for the delay of this certification until 29:30. So, what you have before you in your hand is the statewide application that we basically have to go through. And >> goodness, >> did it not make it around to you? >> No, I'm saying we have nothing because Go ahead. >> Okay, >> I'm sorry. >> It's okay. >> So, it if
063you look on the the page with the the reason I printed that out for you, the original as sent up application to board book had different numbers of teachers on it based on guidance that had been given to me and it changed at 4:45 on the phone with TEA today. So, I updated one and printed you off. Okay. So all what you're doing is you're you you're saying that you approve the district's plan and attempt to get all of these teachers certified by 2930. Okay? And the action steps are included in the plan on the back after the numbers that are listed. >> So that means >> so if you can't find them, they'll still approve. I have to approve them. You can't. >> So, so what? >> So, here's here's the caveat about all
064this, which is kind of >> stupid. >> There's going to be another legislative session before 29:30 even hits. So, we're we're doing what they're telling us to do right now. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And you might have said this, but So, this is for teachers we have now. >> Yes. These are the so each each district in the state has to report basically the TEA how many teachers they currently have employed that are uncertified or they're teaching in an area that's out of their certification. So that those numbers there for per grade level and subject are what we have now. >> How does it impact hiring though? Like can you and is that what Linda was alluding can you still hire non-certified and then work towards certification? Yes, because they've told us and again information
065comes slowly post legislative because this is going to be a rolling application. So the original one is due by March 2nd has to be approved by the board. But like next year if those numbers changed, we could submit another one with different numbers and and we don't even submit names. It's just they my feeling is they just want to get an idea across the state of how many there actually are >> right now. Gota. >> So this one once on approval will need two signatures too before I submit it too. It's on the back of that. >> Any any other questions about that process in general? >> Any other questions? >> And and and I will tell you this. I have a I have reached out. I did a survey with every teacher that's accounted
066for in here on where they are in the process. And we're going to have an individual plan that is going to be signed off for each teacher in regards to the steps they need to take to become certified. >> Any other questions? >> Okay. Do I have a motion to approve the district plan for meeting teacher certification requirements by 202930? Motion made by Kathy, seconded by Donnie. All four. 7. Action item D, consider and adopt order for the May 2nd, 2026 general election. >> Yes, ma'am. So, this is for the uh board election. Uh it is a uh order to call the election for May 2nd of 2026 to elect three school trustee positions for a three-year term. Uh, early voting would be from Monday, May 20th, 2026 through Tuesday, May 28th. >> I'm sorry,
067April. I said May. Sorry. Thank >> Yeah. 4 is April, not May. Thank you very much. Appreciate that. Thank you, Josh, for catching that for me. Um, actually the 21st is the legal holiday, Sanenta Day. Uh, so that will be closed. Uh but outside of that, uh April 20th through April 28th, 8 to 5 p 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm at the uh Franklin County Elections Office. Um so that would be the order for the general school board trustee election. >> Uh do I have a motion to approve the adopted order for the May 2nd general election? >> Motion made by Kyle, seconded by Donnie. call for that's 7 O action item E consider and approve possible action um the resolution designating non-b businessiness days under the Texas public information act >> okay so um
068what we have to do for the 2627 school year calendar is to designate for the purpose of public information act request uh what we are allowed to designate 10 nonworking days what would be considered school holidays or days that we're not in school would be non- workinging days that we that would not apply to the 10 days we have to uh reply to one of those requests. Um if you look at the calendar you just approved um pretty much everything there's not really days in there other than Christmas break uh that because Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day don't count toward that those are considered holidays. So the days that we are asking you to uh approve in the resolution uh for non-work days would be December 21st through the 23rd, December 28th
069through the 31st and then we just chose uh with spring break being dur during March would be the first three days of spring break which would be March 15th through the 17th. All the rest of the non like the week of Thanksgiving that Monday due Wednesday uh we would be would be considered part of the 10 dates Thanksgiving would not. >> Okay. >> Is there any questions on that? >> Okay. Uh is there a motion to approve the resolution designating non- business days under the Texas Public Information Act? >> Motion made by Kathy, seconded by Linda. All four. 70. >> Thank you. >> All right. Action item F. Consider possible vote on whether to adopt a policy requiring every campus of Mount Vernon ISD to provide a period of prayer and reading of the Bible
070or other religious texts as provided by section 25.0823 education code. >> Okay. Uh out of this last legislative session, there was Senate Bill 11 that requires this board to take a roll call vote uh in regard to um what was just read by Miss Leanne in regard to um designating a place and a time on each campus for a period of prayer or reading of the Bible or other religious text. Um, I I'm just going to tell you my recommendation on this resolution for us as a district. Uh, I I want to start with I think you know my heart and where where I stand in regard to um prayer in a person's belief. I think as a board I think we show that. I think you show that because we start each meeting with
071a prayer. Uh but I believe for us as a district uh my recommendation would be for us to not pass um to not pass this resolution. Uh I believe that we currently allow our students and encourage our students to pray uh at any time in anywhere that they want to. Uh, I think that if we were to designate a certain time in a certain place, which would have to be outside of um instructional time um I I believe has the opportunity I personally believe uh to be a little bit of overreach. Again, as I said, you know my heart, you know my belief. Uh I hope that every student that we have has the opportunity and and purposefully reads their Bible and and prays and has relationship with the Lord. And um but I believe
072that us setting a time and a place is not necessary for that to happen. Another part of that is is is the demographics of our state is changing and um not every student or staff member is going to have the um same religion that that you or I do and I think could cause the possibility of other issues in that time and at that place. uh when you have different students uh praying um to different entities at different times or at the same time. Uh and so also if we were to do it, we would have to require each parent to sign a uh basically approval for their student to be able to do so, which could be changed uh which could cause other issues if our campus administration who would be responsible for keeping
073up with that would be able to do so. Now, I say all that and I'll be glad to answer any questions if you have some. But I think that's also why we put a different resolution following this this action item here because as a board I know that you I don't well I I think that you feel the same way I do and that is is that you do want our students to feel that they have and which they already do the opportunity and the freedom to pray and to read when and where they want to. And so that resolution would follow this and we can discuss that when we get there. But it would be my recommendation that at this time that we would um not set aside a certain place in a certain
074time. >> And just to clarify if a student because I know this we allow this currently and this will not change if they are reading a Bible in a classroom or in a lunchroom that still that freedom is still there. >> They have the freedom to do so. Correct. >> Just clarifying that. So, um, how this will go is I will read it and if you would like the motion to pass, then we'll vote. Correct. It's not voting. >> So, we So, we will have to vote. You'll have to have a roll call vote in regard to that, >> right? >> So, we'll have to basically you'll have to go through and >> Okay. Yes. >> That's what I I just wanted to clarify. Okay. >> So, um >> the four is to adopt the
075policy requiring it. >> Yes. >> Correct. So, and this is mandate. So, how I read it is mandated by the state. >> So, I'll ask if there is a motion for it >> and then >> the motion is not made against it. >> Okay. >> If if you'd like. So, just so everyone understands how this is being done. Um, okay. Is there a motion to approve the action of or sorry, is there a motion to adopt a policy requiring every campus at Mount Vernon ISD to provide a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious texts as provided by sections section 25.0823 education code? Okay. Is there a motion for >> to to adopt that what I just read? >> Okay. Against. >> So I think we have to do a real
076call. So let's do this right here. So we're going to say I think how we're supposed to do this is Kyle Clayton. Are you for or against? >> Against. >> Keith Robinson for or against? >> Red Floyd. against >> Leanne Ramsey >> against >> Josh Jordan. >> Linda Beard >> against >> Tony Richards >> against seven against and 04. >> Sorry, I didn't see it was >> That's right. That's right. That's okay. That's right. >> Thank you. >> Now, following that, we are going to go to action item uh G, which is consider possible vote to approve resolation resolution affirming student expression of faith. Would you like for me to read that resolution, Madam President? >> Yes, please. >> So, this resolution again follows what I just said. Uh, I believe I'll say a little
077comment before I read it to you. Again, as a district, I believe that we do uh affirm students having that opportunity. As you're going to see in the resolution, we currently follow the state guideline in regard to a moment of silence that allows each one of our staff and students throughout the day uh to pray during that time if they choose to do so. as Miss Ramsey asked, our students also have that opportunity during the day that if they want to take their Bible uh to the lunchroom and spend some time reading it while they're there, uh they are free to do so. If while they have free time, uh whether it be in um in between one of their instructional classes or for middle school, elementary, or the playground, if they want to take
078their Bible out to the playground and read it, they're they are free to do so. We and we are say we support that. But so here would be here's what the resolution is. Whereas Texas Education Code 25.901 guarantees students an absolute right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt the instructional or other activities of the school. And whereas Texas Education Code 2582 requires school district to observe a moment of silence during which students may reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity that is not likely to interfere with or distract another student. And whereas the board of trustees finds that Mount Vernon Independent School District has historically honored the rights of students to express their sincere held religious beliefs and to exercise their
079rights as identified in the Texas Education Code. And whereas the board of trustees finds that honoring these rights of students one benefits students personal growth and two ensures compliance with Texas law. And whereas the board of trustees finds that affirming the continued practice of honoring these rights of students is in the best interest of Mount Vernon Independent School Districts. Now therefore, it is resolved by the board of trustees of Mount Vernon Independent School District as follows. The board of trustees adopts the foregoing recital as finding a fact. The board of trustees affirms the commitment of Mount Vernon Independent School District to guarantee students an absolute right to pray individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt the instructional or other activities of school. And the board of
080trustees affirms the commitment of Mount Vernon Independent School District to observe a moment of silence during which students may reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity that is not likely to interfere with or distract another student. So, I'd recommend this resolution to the board. >> And does this have to be roll call? >> Does not. >> Okay. >> So, I'm going to make a motion to approve the resolution affirming student expression of faith. Do I have a second for that motion? >> Seconded by Donnie. All four 70. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. >> Before we go into session, >> yes, close. Madam Secretary, do you have a record of any unfinished business which should now be transacted? >> I have none, Madam President. >> Does any member know of
081any new or unfinished business which should properly come before this meeting? We are about to adjourn this meeting of the Mount Vernon FFA chapter. As we mingle with others, let us be diligent in labor, just in our dealings, courteous to others, and above all, honest and fair in the game of life. Mount Vernon FFA relinquishes the chair. >> Wait, no, no, no. I've got to close our board. Sorry, real quick. It is 6:23. We will now go into close session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to Texas Government Code sections 551.074 and to address legal concerns, implications, and questions regarding the posted agenda items pursuant to Texas Government Code sections 551.071 >> and team of eight training. >> Excellent. >> Thank you. >> 58 p.m. We are reconvening into open session. Do you have a personnel
082report for us, Dr. McCulla? >> Yes, ma'am. I would like to make the follow I would like to make the recommendation for extension of contracts for the following administrative personnel. Uh Craig Watson, Taran Dunan, Craig Craraver, Stacy Peterson, uh Travis Mlan, Jason Glover, Ashley Bates, Angie George, uh Michael Hammonds, Courtney Wilkins, Butler, Carrie Patrick, Tony Williams, and Dean of Students, Thomas Kaye. >> Are there any questions? All right, I'll um make the motion to approve the professional contracts as recommended by Dr. McColl. Do I have a second? Seconded by Donnie. All four. >> That is 70. Thanks. Thank you very much for that. >> It hang sorry. I know you're ready to be out of here. We do have two resignations. Uh Melanie Pope effective July 30th as HR payroll benefits coordinator as you've seen
083that is has been posted >> June or July. >> June hers June 30th. and Brad Ingram. Um, we were able to hang on to him for one more year and he is officially for sure retiring uh June 30th of 2026 as well. >> So, we need to post that. Y'all will >> Yes, ma'am. It is 8:59 p.m. this morning and my dogs ready to go to the house.