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Mt Vernon board approves lease allowing City Switch to pursue tower, adopts policies and new birth-to-3 tuition
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Summary
The Mt Vernon Community School Corp Board unanimously approved a lease/easement to allow City Switch to seek town permits for a proposed tower, adopted 10 policies at second reading, and approved tuition rates for a new birth-to-3 'Mini Marauders' program. The board also heard staff recognitions and a Mount Comfort Elementary presentation.
The Mt Vernon Community School Corp Board of Trustees voted unanimously to allow a telecommunications company to pursue a tower on district property, approved 10 policies on second reading and set tuition rates for a new birth-to-3 early‑childhood program at its meeting Monday evening.
At a public hearing the board heard a presentation from Chief Financial Officer Mister Elkins about a single proposal the district received from City Switch. "The school received 1 response regarding a possible tower construction," Elkins said, describing an arrangement in which the district would grant an easement in exchange for an annual lease payment while City Switch seeks permitting from the town of Lordsville. He emphasized the district "is not the constructor and cannot get final approval of this proposed project." The board voted 5‑0 to approve consideration of the lease agreement and allow for any amendments that may be required by the town or permitting process.
The board also approved on a unanimous vote a set of 10 policies that had been introduced at a prior meeting. Dr. Parker asked trustees to adopt the policies on second reading; Chad moved and Megan seconded the motion, which carried 5‑0.
Trustees approved tuition rates for "Mini Marauders Beginnings," the district's new birth‑to‑3 program aimed at providing early‑childhood care and wraparound services. Director of Special Education (transcript spells the name as both "Doctor Dureg" and "Doctor Durek") explained the district will start the program small, staff to required ratios, and intends to offer reduced tuition for employees when feasible. Board members pressed for a sustainability plan if the program is not immediately self‑sustaining; the director said the district will open available slots to the community and scale staffing so the program can operate at appropriate capacity. The tuition proposal passed 5‑0.
Before the business items, Maria Bond, director of community relations, shared a series of district "good news" items including student honors, community partnerships and fundraisers. Bond told trustees the district's turkey trot, held with the Mount Vernon Education Foundation and local partners, "raised more than 12,000 to help reduce students' overdue meal balances." The board also heard a spotlight presentation from Mount Comfort Elementary principal Donnie Turner about the school's "B U C S" values (Bright, Understanding, Courteous, Successful) and a 20‑day onboarding program for new students. A recorded welcome video told families: "As a new buccaneer, you're not just enrolling in a school, you're joining a crew."
Votes at a glance - Agenda accepted as presented — mover: Kelly; second: Megan; outcome: approved, 5‑0. - Consent agenda (minutes, personnel changes, claims, transfers, field trip, eight community donations) — mover: Stacy; second: Chad; outcome: approved, 5‑0. - Lease/easement consideration with City Switch (allow company to pursue permitting; district to grant easement in exchange for annual lease) — mover: Kelly; second: Chad; outcome: approved, 5‑0. City Switch must obtain town permits; district noted it would not reduce the agreed lease amount if the town requires changes. - Adoption of 10 policies (second reading) — mover: Chad; second: Megan; outcome: approved, 5‑0. - Tuition rates for Mini Marauders Beginnings (birth‑to‑3 program) — mover: Stacy; second: Kelly; outcome: approved, 5‑0.
What happens next City Switch will pursue permitting with the town of Lordsville; Mr. Elkins said the company may return to the board only if amendments are required by the town. The district's early‑childhood program will begin with limited enrollment and staffing aligned to state ratios, with plans to expand to community slots if necessary. The board adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
The foregoing account is based on the board meeting transcript and items the board put on its agenda. The district noted the town permitting and final project approvals are outside the school board's authority.
