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Mount Vernon Board of Education approves new school building reconfiguration and closure of three schools

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Mount Vernon Board of Education approves new school building reconfiguration and closure of three schools

 The Mount Vernon Board of Education approved a new school building configuration at a special meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The District has been exploring a building reconfiguration due to statewide declining enrollment – which contributed to higher costs in the K-8 model – expensive building repairs and a designation of significant fiscal distress by New York State.

A modified K-8 model was chosen. This model was selected because it allows the District to operate affordable K-8 neighborhood schools in four locations, while also moving students in reorganized schools to nearby buildings. Three school buildings – Cecil H. Parker School, Mount Vernon Honor Academy and Mount Vernon Leadership Academy – would close in this model.

“This school building model gives an opportunity for the District to recover from its fiscal distress, while also upholding the high academic standards throughout our schools,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith. “Our financial situation is unfortunate, but we are establishing a sustainable path forward that utilizes resources effectively and keeps our students in a close vicinity to their current schools. Thank you to everyone in the community who provided input and helped guide our decision.”

This model provides the opportunity for the District to consolidate its resources in a more sustainable building model. With declining enrollment across New York, it has become increasingly challenging financially for the District to operate middle schools at 13 locations. 

“This change, while difficult, is a necessary one for the future of the Mount Vernon City School District,” said Board President Adriane Saunders. “A reconfiguration allows us to continue to offer a wide range of programs and ensure a financially healthy school district for years to come. We recognize the challenge for students and their families, especially at schools slated for closure, and the Board does not take those challenges lightly. We will continue working to support our students and their families as we navigate the next steps towards a bright future for the District.”  

If approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), the new model would take effect to start the 2025-2026 school year.

The District will submit a petition for the reconfiguration to NYSED by March 1. 

Overview of the reconfiguration:

  • Three school buildings would close
  • Four K-8 schools
  • Six K-6 schools
  • Three 7-12 schools

You can read more about the reconfiguration at https://www.mtvernoncsd.org/our-district/building-reorganization-info

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