Mount Vernon Schools

At their meeting on Wednesday, the School Board approved our recommendation to hire Tim Papendorf as technology supervisor (replacing Pete Vander Meulen, who resigned over the summer).   An MVHS alumni, Tim has worked for the district in technology for 14 years and has repeatedly proven himself a capable leader, a skilled technician, and an excellent problem solver.  We’re happy to welcome him to our management team!

The Board also approved resolutions setting the dollar amounts for our Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy and Replacement Technology Levy, paving the way for both issues to be placed on the February 14 ballot.  The amount requested under the Educational Programs and Operations Levy will equal 28% of total state and federal revenues, minus levy equalization funds—the maximum amount allowed by law.  The Replacement Technology Levy issue will request voter approval for $1.25 million in funding each year for two years.  (This is equivalent to the amount approved by voters in 2008.)

Congratulations to Mount Baker Middle School science teacher Jody Dylan, who has been named Science Teacher of the Year by the Washington Science Teachers Association!  Those of you who know Jody know that this recognition is very well deserved.

For the sixth consecutive year, our Special Education Department has achieved a 100% completion rate on evaluations and IEPs for the November 1 count, which drives federal special education funding.  While never easy, this year was particularly challenging given the high number of transfer students arriving in our district either with outdated evaluations and IEP’s and/or exceptional needs.  A big “Thank you” to our special education teachers, itinerants, and support staff for their hard work!

In an effort to present a more professional and welcoming image, the reception area in the District Office has been modernized. A large volume of students, staff, families, and other community members visit the District office daily. The reception area lacked the warmth and convenience that we want to convey to all District Office guests. We also wanted to maximize the available space for improved traffic flow and customer service.  The larger reception area will allow visitors to wait away from the counter so that confidential student and staff matters can be discussed more privately.

Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to learn more about these developments.

Carl Bruner, Superintendent