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Board of Education approves new contract for Mount Vernon Federation of Teachers

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Board of Education approves new contract for Mount Vernon Federation of Teachers

Mount Vernon City School District Federation of Teachers voted to ratify a new contract for teachers, teaching assistants and security monitors. After voting, there was a count of 353-148 for the teacher’s unit, a 139-40 vote for the teacher’s assist unit, and a 58-8 vote for security monitors. The contract was approved by the Board of Education at a special meeting on Tuesday, May 12.

“This is a tremendous win for the district and, more importantly, a win for our children,” Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland said. “I want to thank the ever-changing negotiations team for their steadfast commitment and dedication to getting this across the finish line. Your perseverance made this possible.”

"This contract ratification will ensure important percentage raises for our unit members in these uncertain fiscal budget times,” said Keith McCall, President of the Mount Vernon School District Federation of Teachers. “I wish to thank our negotiations team and most importantly our members, who have been more than patient during this process."

“As a retired educator in this district, I appreciate the hard work and sacrifices that our teachers, teaching assistants, and security staff make each and every day for our students to achieve their highest potential,” said Board of Education President Dr. Donna Marable. “While we are happy that this process is concluded, we realize we must do more to remain competitive with our surrounding communities in Westchester County. We are committed to retaining our great teachers and staff, that is why this budget vote is a representation of an investment in our children and their future. We hope that the community will continue to partner with us as we keep moving forward.”

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