MOUNT VERNON — Student and staff milestones were highlighted Monday at the Mount Vernon Board of Education meeting. The board recognized several scholar athletes, commended spring athletes and their coaches and honored 13 retirees who together have 354 years of service to district.
“There’s no way to thank them sufficiently for their service and dedication,” Superintendent Steve Short told the News on Tuesday. “We are losing people with a lot of experience who have impacted a lot of kids. Everyone will be sorely missed, and we wish them the best.”
Personnel matters comprised the bulk of the meeting. The board ratified a one-year contract with the Mount Vernon Education Association, with no step increases and an increase in the amount employees pay for health and dental insurance. The board also approved a reduction in force for high school art teacher Christina Biggerstaff due to reduced enrollment in art classes at the high school.
Also with regard to personnel, the board granted the retirement request of district literacy coordinator Kay Gunderson, effective June 30. Gunderson has served the district for 10 years. The board accepted letters of resignation from middle school principal Matthew Cox, effective June 29, from Dan Emmett Elementary second-grade teacher Lynsey Patrick, retroactively effective May 31, and from custodian Richard Jessup, retroactive to June 4.
