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Graham School welcomes a new principal with over 20 years of experience in education

Headshot of Donald Peters.
Graham School welcomes a new principal with over 20 years of experience in education

Donald D. Peters is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in public education, specializing in instructional leadership, school improvement, special education, and student success. He currently serves as the Principal of Graham School, bringing a proven record of strengthening school communities, improving student outcomes, and cultivating a culture of high expectations and collaboration. 

Prior to joining Graham, Mr. Peters served as Principal of Peekskill Middle School after advancing through the roles of Assistant Principal and Interim Principal within the Peekskill City School District. Earlier in his career, he served as Assistant Principal at South Bronx Academy for Applied Media in NYC and spent nearly a decade as a special education teacher, dean of discipline, and athletic coach at the Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics. 

Mr. Peters holds a Master of Science in School Building Leadership from The City College of New York, a Master of Science in Education from Mercy College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from The George Washington University.

Throughout his career, Mr. Peters has been recognized for his commitment to academic excellence, student-centered leadership, and meaningful community engagement. He has successfully led initiatives focused on curriculum and instructional improvement, professional development, school safety, restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and family partnerships while overseeing school operations, budgeting, staffing, and strategic planning. His leadership has earned recognition at the local, county, state, and federal levels. 

In 2025, he was honored as a City of Peekskill Black History Month Honoree, received a Proclamation for Exemplary Service from the New York State Senate, the Changemaker Award from the United States House of Representatives, and a Proclamation Recognition from the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Mr. Peters holds New York State professional certifications in School Building Leadership, Students with Disabilities (Grades 5–9), and Middle Childhood Education and remains dedicated to creating equitable learning environments where every student can thrive.

 

Derrick Dunlap's headshot.
MVCSD welcomes Derrick Dunlap to the District as Traphagen's newest principal

Derrick Dunlap, a veteran educator with two decades of experience leading schools, improving student achievement and building strong school communities has been appointed principal of Traphagen Elementary School. Mr. Dunlap brings a diverse background in elementary and secondary education to the Mount Vernon City School District, having served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in Washington, D.C., Maryland and New York. 

Headshot of Donald Peters.
Graham School welcomes a new principal with over 20 years of experience in education

Donald D. Peters is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in public education, specializing in instructional leadership, school improvement, special education, and student success. He currently serves as the Principal of Graham School, bringing a proven record of strengthening school communities, improving student outcomes, and cultivating a culture of high expectations and collaboration.

Principal Anjannette Brown Headshot
Longtime MVCSD educator Anjanette Brown appointed as principal of Denzel Washington School of the Arts

Denzel Washington School of the Arts’ new principal, Anjanette Brown, is a dedicated educational leader with 20 years of service in the Mount Vernon City School District, committed to creating schools where students are empowered, supported, and prepared to achieve their highest potential. Throughout her career, she has remained steadfast in her belief that education must nurture the whole child.

MV PTA members outside a building for their conference
Mount Vernon PTA Leaders and Parent Liaisons attend the NYS PTA Summer Leadership Conference

Leaders from the Mount Vernon Parent Teacher Association (PTA), parent liaisons, and school board trustees participated in the New York State PTA Summer Leadership Conference held on July 18-19 in Albany, NY. This annual event provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage in workshops designed to enhance their skills and collaboration efforts to better support students and families in the Mount Vernon City School District.