All five schools in the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation have again earned a Highly Effective Schools Accreditation from Solution Tree. This accreditation is a significant achievement that reflects the commitment of all five schools to reaching and maintaining the highest levels of educational quality. Mt. Vernon High School, Mt. Vernon Middle School, Fortville Elementary School, McCordsville Elementary School, and Mt. Comfort Elementary School have permanent, positive, and significant impacts on student achievements. These areas align directly with the Professional Learning Communities at Work® (PLC) process and the High Reliability Schools™ (HRS) framework. This will be the district's fourth year in a row to earn this achievement.

Superintendent Dr. Jack Parker shared, “The staff at all five Mt. Vernon schools have shown incredible dedication and tireless effort in creating a high-quality educational environment where every student can flourish. This accreditation is a testament to the commitment of our educators and school leaders in fulfilling their mission to guide our students toward success, both in and out of the classroom. We take immense pride in the ongoing efforts of our staff to cultivate a positive academic experience that inspires a lifelong passion for learning in our students.”

Through PLCs, Mt. Vernon schools have mastered how to improve learning for all students and educators. The three big ideas of the PLC at Work process call upon educators to: (1) focus on learning, (2) build a collaborative culture, and (3) create a results orientation. The complementary HRS framework serves as a long-term strategic planning tool that guides school improvement in five key areas:

1. Safe, Supportive, and Collaborative Culture

2. Effective Teaching in Every Classroom

3. Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum

4. Standards-Referenced Reporting

5. Competency-Based Education

Cameron L. Rains, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Solution Tree, stated that ““To receive Highly Effective Schools Accreditation, schools must put a laser-like focus on the things that really matter and make a difference for students. We commend all five Mt. Vernon Community schools for achieving this designation and for going the extra mile for the learners they serve.”

Congratulations once again to all five schools for earning this recognition, showcasing their dedication and hard work in pursuing educational excellence.