Skip To Main Content

Mount Vernon community approves $275,542,563 budget for 2026-27 school year

A ballot is being cast into a box in the foreground, while the background displays text announcing "2026 2027 BUDGET PASSED THANK YOU MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY!" with a school crest.
Mount Vernon community approves $275,542,563 budget for 2026-27 school year

Voters approved a $275,542,563 revised budget for the Mount Vernon City School District 2026-2027 school year by an official vote total of 1,161-1,075. The Mount Vernon community came out to vote on the budget in greater numbers than even in the initial vote. 

The budget reflects a 1.50% increase to the tax levy and is funded through property taxes, state and federal aid, and local revenue sources. Voters rejected the initial proposed budget in May, which included a 1.99% increase in the tax levy. The budget was reduced after the initial vote to avoid cutting any student services, and its passage ensures that the Board of Education will not need to adopt a contingency budget, which would include harsher cuts.

“Thank you to the Mount Vernon community for supporting a budget that will support all our scholars and help advance their opportunities,” Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland said. “I would like to assure the community that this budget is a responsible and purposeful plan, shaped by the realities of a lean fund balance and guided by an unwavering commitment to our students, families, and community.”

A colorful spinning wheel is projected onto a large screen in a room with tables and chairs in the foreground and people seated in the background.
Lottery for UPK-3 hosted at Board of Education

For the sixth year, the Mount Vernon City School District is offering prekindergarten for three-year-olds (UPK-3). A lottery was held on Thursday afternoon for the upcoming 2026-27 school year to occupy the 60 spots available.

Logo for news post
An end of the year message from Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland

My first year as superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District has been unforgettable, thanks to the support and dedication of our families, students, faculty, and staff. It has been my honor to serve this community and work toward building a brighter future for all of us. This was a successful year, and I want you to know that every bit of it was felt and heard. We faced real challenges and grew stronger because of them, and the progress we made together touched me deeply. It belonged to every family, student, teacher, and staff member who showed up and gave this district their best. 

A group of people stand on a stage holding certificates in front of a white screen, while an audience sits in a dark auditorium in the foreground.
PTA Council awards $1,000 Edith Kaplan Scholarships to 16 students

Sixteen students from the Class of 2026 were awarded with $1,000 Edith Kaplan Scholarships from the Mount Vernon PTA Council at the Board of Education meeting this Tuesday. The scholarships, raised through the Edith Kaplan Scholarship Dinner Dance, will help support the students' college goals, which were highlighted as they received the scholarships. 

A young boy and an adult man sit in the foreground with tables of snacks and people in colorful clothing in the background.
3rd annual Gentleman's Brunch hosted at Pennington School

Young Scholars in grades sixth through eighth, along with their fathers and fatherly figures, congregated in the auditorium at Pennington School for the third annual Gentlemen’s Brunch. Esteemed professionals from across the City of Mount Vernon visited to discuss what it means to be a leader and how to overcome hardships.