First session of Let’s Talk: Conversations with Dr. Strickland hosted at MVHA

Community members learned more about Incoming Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland’s background, qualifications, goals and plans during the first edition of Let’s Talk: Conversations with Dr. Strickland, which took place in the Mount Vernon Honor Academy auditorium on Monday evening. Dr. Strickland steps into his new role starting July 1.

Additional Let’s Talk sessions will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18 at Graham School and 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12 at Denzel Washington School of the Arts.

Click here to view the presentation from the first session of Let’s Talk: Conversations with Dr. Strickland.

Dr. Strickland started his presentation by talking about his prior experience teaching in schools and working in school districts, starting off as a teacher in New York City and working his way up to interim superintendent in Rochester City School District. To read more about his career, click here.

He also talked about some characteristics that make him a great leader, such as being a listener who values input, and being a believer in collaboration. 

Additionally, he discussed his beliefs and desires for the district, which include building trust with the community and creating meaningful outcomes for students. He went into detail about his philosophy of making choices on behalf of the child and what is best for them. 

“I can honestly tell you that every decision that I made this year and continue to make, is on behalf of children,” said Dr. Strickland. 

He talked about his beliefs in education, including transparency and supporting faculty and staff so that the children can thrive academically. 

“You have to feed the teachers, so they don’t eat the students,” said Dr. Strickland, meaning that it is necessary to give faculty and staff the support and resources they need in order for the children to receive the best education possible. 

“When you are a principal, your main responsibility is not necessarily the child, it’s actually those that report under you. So then, they take care of those that they serve. However, when you make decisions, you are supposed to make decisions in the eyes of the child.”

He continued to discuss traits that he will bring to this District to benefit the children including data-driven decision making, open communication and student-centered leadership.

His initial priority is to get to know the school community, including students, parents, staff, other stakeholders in Mount Vernon. 

Dr. Strickland will strive to continue to spread good news within the District and build a brand for Mount Veron. His top priority is to ensure that all schools are ready to open in September.

“What is the direction we want to take for our students in the District?” asked Dr. Strickland. “I love building the brand… what are we doing out there in the streets that will make people say, ‘Mount Vernon is the place we need to be.’”

Dr. Strickland discussed some of his ideas to continue moving the District forward by striving for improvement and creating effective classrooms.

Before diving into the Q & A session, Dr. Strickland shared his promises for the District, and his needs from the community to succeed. These consist of needing patience as relationships build, honest feedback and trust. Dr. Strickland promises to listen to others, follow through on commitments and always put the children first.