Mt. Vernon High School Hall of Fame inductees announced

Mt. Vernon Board of Education hears construction, food service updates at January meeting
 
Details on the 2026 Hall of Fame induction and progress on construction provided main topics for the Mt. Vernon Board of Education’s meeting on Jan. 15.
High school activities director Chris Johnston announced tickets were on sale on the district’s website for the second annual Hall of Fame induction banquet at the high school at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. Registration deadline is March 8. The cost is $15. Inductees this year will be longtime principal Ed Spencer, teacher Cindi Cox, athlete Zach Kleine, outstanding student Dick Mason, and the 1978 state championship football team.
The banquet meal will be catered by the Opaa food service, which has donated $750 to support the program.
Construction update
David Grey, project manager for Veregy, provided photos with his update on construction of the performing arts center. All the footings have been poured, plumbing placed for the bathrooms and the electric to the control booth for the stage. Stem walls were poured in January and work begun on the vestibule. The old cafeteria brick wall was removed. Weather permitting, Grey hoped to pour the rest of the concrete before the end of the month. In the coming weeks, the insulated concrete forms (ICF) block walls will go in place, followed by the structural steel, then the band room and storm shelter roof would be completed.
As for a timeline, Grey felt confident the building would be completed by the Aug. 1 deadline.
Board members reviewed final quotes for the district-wide audio-visual upgrades, including high-resolution LED screens and camera cabling. Superintendent Christina West said she was still getting bids on LED lighting as part of the audio-visual contract, opting for a less expensive choice. Funds for covering cabling would come through the federal E-Rate program. She expected to stay within the $700,000 budget. She praised the architects at Paragon for their helpfulness in working through the process.
Food service update
Greg Powell, food service director for the past eight years with Opaa, reviewed the growth plan offered this year to encourage more participation. He described new products, like ice caps – a cup of milk with a splash of coffee – that have been very popular. The second-chance breakfast has grown in popularity. A survey of students by email helped identify favorite menu items, such as cheeseburgers, walking tacos, and daily pizza at the high school. Combo cravings have been added this year.
Around 63 percent of students were taking part in the lunch program. Powell described the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) that provides snacks from the components of lunches to make a full meal for students staying at school later in the day. He saw room for growing that effort. The district serves breakfast to 40 percent of students, above the state average of 35 percent.
As for changing federal regulations guiding school meals, Powell said he expected changes would be coming, but likely not until next school year. He noted West wants to see more protein at breakfast. Fresh fruits and vegetables are already an Opaa priority, he added.
Other reports
Superintendent West noted enrollment totals were down 41 students from last year. However, she observed the third-to-fifth grade level continued to add students, and the high school is up 10 from a year ago. Attendance is running over 90 percent at every grade level.
Board members approved the final piece of the annual audit. West reported a delay in receiving a federal portion had slowed the presentation, included in the board packet.
No election will be needed in April for school board. Three-term incumbent Justin Bellis and five-term incumbents John Cowherd and Jeremy Pendleton were the only persons to file.
Lindsay Cornell, who oversees the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program, and two of her students updated the board on activities this year, including a field trip to the Convoy of Hope facility in Springfield, where they witnessed packaging of first aid kits. Students made posters to promote the animal shelter they visited. JAG’s new middle school program has begun competitions this year.
Board members approved covering costs for JAG students to attend national competition in Salt Lake City if they advance to that level.
Five people were named to a scholarship committee.
Personnel action
The board accepted the resignation of Susie Gasser, a former Monett Elementary School principal, who had been serving as process coordinator. The position will be covered internally by existing staff for the rest of the school year.
With the retirement of Trish Johnston as high school media specialist, Rachel Zerby was tapped to transition into that post for the coming year. Zerby will leave a high school English position that will need to be filled for next school year.
Bree Wilson will leave her second grade position and transition to an eighth grade English language arts teacher. The eighth grade post is currently being filled by a critical shortage teacher. West noted the second grade position will not be filled as “this was funded by a class size reduction grant that will not have funding available next year.”
Board members approved Sadie Musick and Josh Low as coaches for the middle school softball staff.
The next board meeting was slated for 7 p.m. on Feb. 19.