Dr. Batenhorst is in his sixth year as superintendent in the Mount Vernon Community School District, and in his thirty-seventh year in service to youth. During his career Dr. Batenhorst has also served as a teacher, coach, adolescent mental health therapist, school counselor, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and adjunct college professor. He has served in schools and districts both large and small, public and private, and has served in small communities and large cities. Dr. Batenhorst continues to live and lead by the mantra of being “all in for all kids all the time.”
Dr. Batenhorst has been married for thirty-five years to his wife, Mary Lou. Mary Lou is a lifetime educator as well, having taught for thirty-seven years at the high school, college, and middle school level. She is currently teaching English at both Cornell College and Kirkwood Community College.
The Batenhorst household is completely focused on and run by a ten-pound miniature dachshund named Sadie, who also has the honor of being the cutest puppy in Mount Vernon.
Recent Superintendent’s Blog Posts
- School Board Election Update2023 is an election year for school boards across and Iowa, and thus the Mount Vernon Community School District will conduct its school board election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. If you are interested in running for a …
- School Board News Brief – July 10, 2023The regular monthly meeting of the Mount Vernon Community School District School was held on July 10, 2023. The following topics were addressed during the meeting: Approval of Agenda: The meeting agenda was approved as written with no …
- School Board News Brief – June 12, 2023The regular monthly meeting of the Mount Vernon Community School District School was held on June 12, 2023. The following topics were addressed during the meeting: Approval of Agenda: The meeting agenda was approved as written with no …