Mt. Vernon Board of Education approves positive audit for KPM CPA’s

After 29 years with district, Johnston retiring as administrator
 
The Mt. Vernon school board approved its annual audit, adopted legislative priorities for the coming General Assembly session, and took major personnel action at its Dec. 18 meeting.
Superintendent Christina West reported the audit, conducted by KPM CPAs and Advisors of Springfield, gave a positive report. The only concern was the regular mention about segregating duties with a small staff. West noted the district’s financial reserves were reported at 16.7 percent of the budget, a total she hopes to raise to 17 percent by the end of the school year and, in time, raise to 20 percent.
The district’s financial position appears steady for the current year. West noted the expected reduction of $170,000 to $200,000 in federal funds should hit the following year. Most of that will come out of funds for Title 1 programs, which presently totals around $520,000.
Board members approved property and liability insurance for the coming year through the Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC). West observed the premium increase of $40,244 was up 12.2 percent, better than the 24 percent hike last year. The rise was partly based on property values and payroll. MUSIC also had many claims in the past year, she added.
The board agreed to back the legislative priorities developed by the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence for the coming legislative session. Top on the list was recruitment and retention of teachers and support staff, as well as prioritizing funding for public education, as well as opposition to privatizing education. Safety and mental health, reforming assessments and accountability systems, and preserving retirement systems were also cited.

Personnel action
Several retirement letters came before the board for acceptance.
Chris Johnston, who has been high school assistant principal for the past 11 years and athletic director for 10 years, will retire at the end of the school year. Johnston has been with the district for 29 years, including service as a teacher and coach. West noted both Johnston and his wife. Trish Johnston, are retiring together. Mrs. Johnston has also been with the district for 29 of her 30 years in education, serving as a classroom teacher and the high school librarian.
West issued the statement: “The District extends sincere appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Johnston for their many years of service and lasting impact on students, staff, and the community. We wish them the very best in this next chapter.”
Arthur Barrett is retiring Dec. 31, having been with the district since 1999. He served as custodian, maintenance staffer, and bus driver.
In addition, Anna Barehead resigned as an elementary school special education teacher, effective at the end of the school year. She joined the district as a paraprofessional in 2023 and transitioned into a teaching role that October.
Lexie Brashers resigned as a special education paraprofessional, effective at the end of the current semester. She started with the district at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year and plans to pursue additional college studies full-time.
Wyatt Cordray was hired to succeed Brasher as a special education paraprofessional. A Mt. Vernon High School graduate, Cordray is working on a master’s degree in physical education.
Board members agreed to hire Leslie Keithley as the new elementary school secretary. She brings eight years of bookkeeping experience to the job. Keithley also served as a substitute teacher for the Clever school district.
Stacie Kultgen and April Hansen were approved to help the Show Choir this season.

Board action
In other action, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with Powerback Pediatrics for specific therapy services for one student with specific needs, a cost generally covered by insurance.
The board approved holding summer school in 2026, providing funding is available. Dates will be set later.
The district’s special education compliance plan was approved. Usually, the plan is approved earlier in the year but delayed due to changes, West said. A Young Child with a Developmental Delay (YCDD) adjustment will allow one student to continue receiving assistance beyond the first grade.
The show choir received authorization to participate in a competition at Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, Kansas.
West noted attendance in November was 94.04 percent overall. The student count of 1,302 students continues to reflect a decrease of 35 students compared to last year.
The next board meeting was slated for Jan. 22.