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Community Financial Question: Does the District have a $14.8 million net positive position? 

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Community Financial Question: Does the District have a $14.8 million net positive position? 

No, the District does not have a $14.8 million net positive position. 

As of April 30, 2026, the appropriations report shows a Current Budget of $273.25 million, with $191.74 million in Paid Invoices, $66.70 million in Planned Spend, and $13.56 million in Available Budget. The $14.8 million figure is incorrect because the report does not include Requested Spend, which represents funds already committed through purchase requests but not yet reflected in Planned Spend. These commitments reduce what is truly available. To improve clarity, the District will include Requested Spend in future appropriations reports.  

Chart showing district finances

The April appropriations report is a point in time snapshot, not a measure of year end results. The $13.56 million Available Budget will continue to decline as remaining payroll, benefits, and other costs are incurred in May and June. When considering Planned Spend, Requested Spend, and remaining obligations, the District’s financial position is largely committed. For example, the recent Mount Vernon City School District Federation of Teachers contract agreement will have an impact on this year’s budget. This is why neither $14.8 million nor $13.56 million represents a true net positive position for the year. 

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A colorful spinning wheel is projected onto a large screen in a room with tables and chairs in the foreground and people seated in the background.
Lottery for UPK-3 hosted at Board of Education

For the sixth year, the Mount Vernon City School District is offering prekindergarten for three-year-olds (UPK-3). A lottery was held on Thursday afternoon for the upcoming 2026-27 school year to occupy the 60 spots available.

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An end of the year message from Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland

My first year as superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District has been unforgettable, thanks to the support and dedication of our families, students, faculty, and staff. It has been my honor to serve this community and work toward building a brighter future for all of us. This was a successful year, and I want you to know that every bit of it was felt and heard. We faced real challenges and grew stronger because of them, and the progress we made together touched me deeply. It belonged to every family, student, teacher, and staff member who showed up and gave this district their best. 

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PTA Council awards $1,000 Edith Kaplan Scholarships to 16 students

Sixteen students from the Class of 2026 were awarded with $1,000 Edith Kaplan Scholarships from the Mount Vernon PTA Council at the Board of Education meeting this Tuesday. The scholarships, raised through the Edith Kaplan Scholarship Dinner Dance, will help support the students' college goals, which were highlighted as they received the scholarships. 

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3rd annual Gentleman's Brunch hosted at Pennington School

Young Scholars in grades sixth through eighth, along with their fathers and fatherly figures, congregated in the auditorium at Pennington School for the third annual Gentlemen’s Brunch. Esteemed professionals from across the City of Mount Vernon visited to discuss what it means to be a leader and how to overcome hardships.