February superintendent's report presented to BOE

Dr. Demario Strickland, Superintendent of Schools, presented his monthly report to the Board of Education Thursday evening, highlighting the work being done throughout the district, as well as recognizing teachers who were awarded this month and school counselors in honor of National School Counseling Week.

He started his presentation by wishing the audience a Happy Black History Month and recognizing the importance of students learning about all aspects of history. He highlighted how students are learning about the influential individuals who contributed to Black history through classroom lessons and projects.

Dr. Strickland also encouraged the community to attend Denzel Washington’s School of the Arts Black History Month Production on Thursday, March 5 at 12:30pm and 6:30pm. For tickets, please click here. 

Dr. Strickland then reviewed his visit to Albany last month, where he provided testimony at the Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the 2026 New York State Executive Budget. He advocated for legislation to support the District, including Foundation Aid funding reform and support of Assembly Bill A6827, which “relates to the establishment of multi-year cost allowances for the Mount Vernon (City) School District.” To read more about Dr. Strickland’s visit to Albany, click here. 

“Our children deserve these resources, and I asked the Assembly to adopt Assembly Bill A6827, to provide us with the means to meet our needs,” Dr. Strickland said. “Additional funds would help us address vital areas of need, including building repairs, expanding special education support and services and expanding Universal Pre-K. The funds are essential for the success of our scholars, and I want to be sure that we are securing the maximum possible resources for them.”

The Superintendent discussed the two community forums held this month to discuss priorities for the 2026-27 budget. In December, a survey was presented to the community to share their thoughts and precedence for the budget. The feedback from the survey is helping to shape priorities for the budget.  To read more about community feedback and priorities on the budget, click here. 

The next steps in the budget process include delivering a balanced budget, using the community’s feedback. This preliminary spending plan will be presented to State Monitor Dr. Kimberley Young Wilkins for her budget presentation, which will be at the Board of Education on March 10. Dr. Strickland also plans to host additional community forums after the budget is finalized, to gather additional feedback and concerns from the community. 

Moving forward, Dr. Strickland informed the Board of Education that high school choice night has been rescheduled until further notice. This event allows students entering high school the opportunity to learn more about what each of the three high schools offer. He also highlighted that Denzel Washington School of the Arts will be having auditions and an open house 10 am to 2pm on Saturday, March 7. To submit an application, click here.

The next part of the presentation showcased Dr. Strickland’s monthly celebrations, recognizing the various individuals who help shape Mount Vernon schools. Earlier this month, 79 teachers and teaching assistants were honored for their outstanding commitment to students’ education. The next celebration will honor students for Black History Month.

Dr. Strickland also recognized the hard work and important role school counselors play in schools, as the first week of February was National School Counseling Week. 

“We began the month celebrating Nation School Counseling Week, and I just want to reiterate now just how important our school counselors are for our children,” he said. “They provide so much support on a daily basis and are so important to the success of our students. Thank you counselors!​”

Earlier this month, the District hosted their annual Parent Involvement Day, inviting families to their children’s school to get a glimpse into their daily educational journeys. This year’s theme was “Opening the Jewel Box,” emphasizing the importance of parent involvement in a child’s education.

Pre-K3 registration opens next week, from March 1 to June 27, Pre-K4 registration starts on March 2 to June 27. Lottery winners will be announced on July 10. To register for preschool, follow the link here. 

Dr. Strickland discussed his presentation at the most recent Work Session, where he went over the District mission, vision, core values and goals. He emphasized the importance of community input, and aligning the District’s work with New York State’s Portrait of a Graduate. 

​Closing out his presentation, Dr. Strickland touched upon how students are getting active and learning about healthy choices for Heart Health Awareness month. He acknowledged the hard work Director of Health Lisa Mayzun and physical health teachers have put into teaching students CPR to help in an emergency. Finally, he reminded community members that spring sports registration is now open, with the season starting March 9.