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AP Biology students at DWSA present energy research at EmPowered Schools Summit

Four young women stand on a stage in front of a red curtain, presenting with a laptop and microphone.
AP Biology students at DWSA present energy research at EmPowered Schools Summit

Two groups of AP Biology students at Denzel Washington School of the Arts presented their research on energy conservation at the EmPowered Schools Summit, hosted at DWSA on Thursday. The summit, hosted in partnership with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the Alliance to Save Energy, empowered students from around the state to come up with innovative solutions for cleaner energy and environmental justice.

Students in Stacie Deyglio’s AP Biology class were invited to present in the summit because their class utilized NYPA and the Alliance to Save Energy’s Empowered Schools lesson to support learning for the AP exam.

The first group – juniors Heilys Infante, Ranielle Martin, Jayla Wilson and Kayla Grant – presented their experiment on insulation and heat loss. They tested different insulators to find which was most effective for conserving energy. The students are lead members of the City of Mount Vernon’s Youth Empowerment Advisory Council and have a newly installed billboard on 100 East First Street, Mount Vernon, NY 10550, across from the Department of Social Services building. Both groups will be presenting their projects at the June 9 board meeting.

The second group – consisting of juniors Doris Taylor, Samarah Lovelace-White, Sarae Green, Sanaii Turner, Michelle Galloso, and senior Michelle Ihedioha – gave a presentation titled “Phantom Energy - Vampire Power Study.” This study discussed power wasted due to phantom energy and ways to combat it. They also generated an Unplug and Save campaign they intend to bring to DWSA as well as the district.

Prior to the summit, students were highlighted for their stellar work with climate, green careers, energy basics, energy audits and specifically environmental justice.  

In her invitation to DWSA, Sophie Tan, education project leader for the Alliance to Save Energy, wrote, "As NYPA and our team reflect on this year’s EmPowered Schools efforts, the work happening at Denzel Washington School of the Arts truly stands out.”

Students from other schools around the state then followed with their own presentations, bringing students from across New York together to think about viable solutions for cleaner energy. 

A presentation screen displays "INSULATION & HEAT LOSS EXPERIMENT" in large text, with a dark background featuring abstract circular patterns and a red curtain visible in the foreground.
A presentation slide titled "PHANTOM ENERGY VAMPIRE POWER STUDY" with a background of purple splatters and red roses is projected onto a screen in front of a dark red curtain.
Four individuals stand on a stage in front of a red curtain, with a banner reading "Environmental Justice" behind them.
A group of young people stand on a stage in front of a red curtain, with one person speaking at a podium.
Four young women stand on a stage in front of a red curtain, presenting with a laptop and microphone.
A group of students stands on a stage in front of a presentation screen, while an audience sits in the dark auditorium.
Four young women stand on a stage in front of a red curtain, holding up items and a laptop, with a banner reading "Environmental Justice" behind them.
Four young women stand at a podium with a laptop in front of a red curtain and a banner that reads "Environmental Justice."
Four students stand on a stage in front of a large screen displaying a presentation about a project, with red curtains forming the background.
Six young people stand on a stage in front of a red curtain, with a banner reading "Environmental Justice" behind them.
A woman stands at a podium on a stage in front of a red curtain and a banner that reads "Environmental Justice."
A woman speaks at a podium on a stage with a red curtain backdrop and a banner about environmental justice.


 

In the foreground, students are gathered around a table, while the background features a large kitchen appliance and other people, all overlaid with a community question about school district savings.
Community Financial Question: Did the City of Mount Vernon complete its payment of the back taxes agreement for the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years?​

Yes. The City of Mount Vernon fully paid its obligations for the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 school years. 

The repayment was governed by two legally binding agreements that together resolved the full amount owed. A Stipulation of Partial Settlement dated September 26, 2023, established a base tax liability of $11,734,627, and a Stipulation of Settlement as to Interest dated April 30, 2024, established interest of $2,112,233. 

In the foreground, students are gathered around a table, while the background features a large kitchen appliance and other people, all overlaid with a community question about school district savings.
Community Financial Question: Did the school district save $17 million from the closures of three school buildings?

No, the District did not realize $17 million in actual, recurring savings from closing the three school buildings. 

The $17 million figure reflected the total cost of operating those schools prior to closure, including all staffing and operating expenses. However, when a school closes, those costs do not simply disappear. Students are reassigned to other buildings, and most instructional staff move with them. As a result, a large portion of those costs remains in the system. 

Using 2024–2025 budget data, the District completed a detailed analysis to estimate what costs could realistically be reduced. This analysis shows that approximately $6.8 million in annual savings is a reasonable and supportable estimate, not $17 million. 

Sydney Whitaker Shining on to Graduation
Shining on to Graduation: DWSA senior Sydney Whitaker plans to mix creativity and business after graduation

In this week’s Shining on to Graduation, Denzel Washington School of the Arts senior Sydney Whitaker discusses the impact the DWSA has had on her development as an artist and preparation for college. Though her roots are in visual arts, Sydney plans to major in business and marketing, blending creativity with strategy. She envisions designing marketing campaigns and shaping brand aesthetics. #mtvernonshines

Mount Vernon's Jewel Box
Mount Vernon's Jewel Box - Superintendent's Advisory Council

In the Jewel Box this week, we are recognizing all of our students who were a part of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council this year. Our students’ voices matter, and this initiative allows students to share input on school improvements and needs directly with the superintendent throughout the year.  You can also view Mount Vernon’s Jewel Box on our Facebook, website or YouTube! #MtVernonShines

Graphic for 2026-27 budget revote on June 16
What's at Stake - Contingency Budget Cuts

If the Mount Vernon City School District’s 2026-27 budget is voted down a second time on June 16, the Board of Education would be required by state law to adopt a contingency budget. School districts must adhere to strict state statutory regulations under a contingency budget. Contingency budgets enforce strict caps on spending on only essential, legally mandated expenses such as salaries and benefits, legal and contractual obligations, health and safety, and mandated operations. They also prevent any purchases of non-essential equipment and do not allow community use of buildings that require paying staff or additional utility costs. 

Children use laptops in a classroom in the foreground, while the background displays a graphic with six investment categories for families.
Mount Vernon City School District 2026-27 budget revote: State Aid Update

Following the announcement of final state aid numbers, the revised budget for the Mount Vernon City School District’s 2026-27 school year includes an additional $136,862 in state aid over the initial proposed budget that was voted down on May 19. The initial budget included a conservative estimate for state aid, which was not finalized until after the budget vote. Foundation Aid will include a 2% increase, which is higher than expected. This increase allowed the district to further lower the tax levy after making cuts.  

The revised 2026-27 school year budget will go to voters on Tuesday, June 16, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit our budget webpage for more information: https://www.mtvernoncsd.org/budget 

Children use laptops in a classroom in the foreground, while the background displays a graphic with six investment categories for families.
Mount Vernon City School District 2026-27 budget revote: Investments families will see

The revised 2026-27 budget for the Mount Vernon City School District makes investments to improve priority areas such as technology, school safety and wellness supports. It also makes improvements to academic areas with enhanced bilingual support, continued CTE pathways and additional math support specialists. The spending plan provides expanded opportunities for students, ensuring continued academic improvement.

The revised 2026-27 school year budget will go to voters on Tuesday, June 16, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit our budget webpage for more information at https://www.mtvernoncsd.org/budget