HANCOCK COUNTY – From bacon to burritos, Supt. Jack Parker had a busy day of noshing while networking Wednesday for the Mt. Vernon Community Schools.
Parker started out at a breakfast in the school’s administrative service center, engaging with Realtors and builders as he shared the district’s enrollment and future growth plans. Guests also enjoyed student entertainment and toured one of the schools.
At noon, Parker made his way to Ranchera Restaurant near I-70 and Mt. Comfort Road, where he met with a handful of parents to discuss whatever was on their minds regarding the schools.
As part of Parker’s “Traveling Talks” series, the public was invited to engaged in a casual conversation where they could share their hopes, questions and concerns about the Mt. Vernon schools.
“I really like that the superintendent is available to the community if anyone has a concern,” said Joyelle Cox, who took a break from her freelance graphic design work to take part in the open lunch invite.
With a son in the 3rd grade and a daughter starting 1st grade next year, after finishing up kindergarten at the private school where she attended preschool, Cox feels at ease knowing parents are invited to the table to hear more about their children’s schools.
“It’s a community school system, so I love that we can all have input and talk about things, to try to make things better if need be,” she said.
On Wednesday, Parker discussed a variety of topics, from bussing to ILEARN testing, and shared the vision outlined in the district’s Future Growth Plan.
Jenny Corbett came to the lunch in part to learn more about the district’s new Fortville Intermediate School, which will welcome students in grades 5-6 next fall when the district moves to a four-tier system.
With her 10-year-old daughter headed to the intermediate school next year, she welcomed the opportunity to learn more straight from the superintendent.
While Corbett took part in a virtual Zoom call for Mt. Vernon parents during the COVID pandemic, she said she appreciated the chance to engage with the lead school official as well as other parents face to face.
“This has been nice to be in person and hear what other people have to say and what questions they have,” she said.
