Community Message: Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith's Farewell Message
Dr. K. Veronica Smith, Acting Superintendent of Schools:
Good evening, esteemed colleagues, community members, and friends,
It has been the singular honor of my professional life to serve as Acting Superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District over the past two and a half years. I offer my deepest gratitude to the Mount Vernon community for your trust, your collaboration, and your steadfast commitment to our shared mission: the success of every scholar.
Together, we have navigated a period of extraordinary challenge—and achieved remarkable progress. I am proud to highlight a few of the transformative milestones we have reached during this tenure.
Last year, our district recorded its highest graduation rate in decades—excluding the anomalous period of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which state requirements were temporarily adjusted. This achievement reflects the unshakable dedication of our educators, staff, and school leaders who work tirelessly to uplift student outcomes. Notably, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy was ranked in the top six percent of public high schools statewide, according to the 2024–2025 Public School Review. This distinction speaks volumes about the quality of instruction and the intentional preparation of our students for both college and career.
Even in the face of fiscal constraints, we remained resolute in our commitment to growth. We expanded our Career and Technical Education offerings, most recently introducing a new pathway in Hospitality Management. We also strengthened strategic partnerships with local government, higher education institutions, trade organizations, and private industry—broadening the array of opportunities available to our students across all schools.
On the financial front, we executed a bold and necessary reorganization into a more efficient, state-approved 13-school configuration. This realignment is projected to yield $16.9 million in savings—resources that can now be redirected toward instruction and innovation. Moreover, the community’s approval of a budget inclusive of a modest 3.3% increase to the tax levy marks a pivotal step toward sustainable financial health. I extend sincere appreciation to the voters of Mount Vernon for investing in our children’s futures.
While some may have viewed my appointment during a turbulent period as a burden, I saw it as an opportunity—a call to lead with purpose and integrity. I am proud that we did not merely manage crisis; we catalyzed change. We charted a new course for this district—one rooted in equity, excellence, and fiscal responsibility. The foundation we have laid is strong, and I am confident that it will support a trajectory of continued progress.
As I prepare to conclude this chapter, I offer my full support to Dr. Strickland, our incoming Superintendent, and to the dedicated educators and staff who will carry this important work forward. The road ahead will not be without its challenges, but I am certain that our students, families, and community will rise to meet them—because they deserve nothing less than our very best.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you. It has been both a profound responsibility and a true joy. I leave you with the words of the great educator and civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune: “Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough.” Let us continue to invest in every scholar, every classroom, and every dream—for therein lies the future of Mount Vernon.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Demario Strickland was named June 26 as the inaugural recipient of Canisius University Alumni Association’s Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes accomplishments of alumni 40 years and younger.
At the most recent Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night, Dr. Demario A. Strickland was officially sworn in as Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Vernon City School District. Three new board trustees joined the Board of Education as well as a new student trustee.
Greetings Mount Vernon,
Thank you for entrusting your children’s education to me as Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Vernon City School District. Over the past few weeks, I have spent time getting to know the community of Mount Vernon, and I am impressed with the pride that fills the city. I am looking forward to making sure that residents are filled with that same pride for the schools that their children attend. I am excited to step in and get right to the important work of improving our District and achieving our shared vision of success.
The Mount Vernon City School District inducted former State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thomspon, Congressman George Latimer and the late Elise Finch-Henriques into the Mount Vernon High School Hall of Fame Saturday morning. Families, loved ones, administrators, educators, colleagues and community members gathered at Mount Vernon High School to celebrate this prestigious induction.
Dr. K. Veronica Smith, Acting Superintendent:
As their terms as trustees of the Mount Vernon City School District come to an end, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Trustee Adriane Saunders, Trustee Lorna Kirwan, and Trustee Helene Thompson-Njenga for all they have done for our District during their time in office. They served as champions for education, always making decisions to better serve the children of Mount Vernon. Our District will wear the mark of the work they have done for years to come, and I am so appreciative of everything we were able to accomplish together for our scholars.
Graduates from Mount Vernon High School and Rebecca Turner Academy walked the stage at Memorial Field on Wednesday evening, as 274 from the Class of 2025 received their diplomas. Students waved and smiled to their families and friends in the packed stadium as they took their places at the front of the ceremony, accompanied by percussion from the Ice Cold Performing Arts, a group made up of Mount Vernon students.