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Mount Vernon pays tribute to four retiring school leaders

Three women lined up for photo
Mount Vernon pays tribute to four retiring school leaders

Four retiring Mount Vernon City School District principals were honored Monday evening during a special recognition ceremony at City Hall celebrating their years of dedication, leadership and service to students and their families.

Hosted by City Councilmember Cynthia Turnquest-Jones, the event recognized Rebecca Jones of Lincoln School, Danielle Davis-Marrow of Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School, Dr. Natasha Hunter-McGregor of Graham School and Carol Quinones-Dixon of Traphagen School. Dr. Hunter-McGregor was unable to attend.

Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland joined colleagues, family members and community supporters in honoring the retirees and their lasting impact on the District.

Ms. Jones, who began her career as an English teacher, was recognized for her longstanding commitment to academic excellence; Ms. Davis-Marrow, a proud Mount Vernon graduate who attended Traphagen and Mount Vernon High, was celebrated for decades of visionary leadership; Dr. Hunter-McGregor, a veteran leader with more than three decades in education, was honored for her steadfast focus on student success during her 19 years leading Graham School; and Ms. Quinones-Dixon was recognized for her steadfast dedication to the Traphagen community.

The evening served as a heartfelt tribute to four educators whose work has helped shape the lives of countless Mount Vernon children and whose legacies will continue to inspire the community for years to come.

​ ​Man stands next to three women holding certificates
Three women holding certificates
Three women holding certificates pose with several men and women

 

 


 

In the foreground, students are gathered around a table, while the background features a large kitchen appliance and other people, all overlaid with a community question about school district savings.
Community Financial Question: Did the City of Mount Vernon complete its payment of the back taxes agreement for the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years?​

Yes. The City of Mount Vernon fully paid its obligations for the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 school years. 

The repayment was governed by two legally binding agreements that together resolved the full amount owed. A Stipulation of Partial Settlement dated September 26, 2023, established a base tax liability of $11,734,627, and a Stipulation of Settlement as to Interest dated April 30, 2024, established interest of $2,112,233. 

In the foreground, students are gathered around a table, while the background features a large kitchen appliance and other people, all overlaid with a community question about school district savings.
Community Financial Question: Did the school district save $17 million from the closures of three school buildings?

No, the District did not realize $17 million in actual, recurring savings from closing the three school buildings. 

The $17 million figure reflected the total cost of operating those schools prior to closure, including all staffing and operating expenses. However, when a school closes, those costs do not simply disappear. Students are reassigned to other buildings, and most instructional staff move with them. As a result, a large portion of those costs remains in the system. 

Using 2024–2025 budget data, the District completed a detailed analysis to estimate what costs could realistically be reduced. This analysis shows that approximately $6.8 million in annual savings is a reasonable and supportable estimate, not $17 million. 

Sydney Whitaker Shining on to Graduation
Shining on to Graduation: DWSA senior Sydney Whitaker plans to mix creativity and business after graduation

In this week’s Shining on to Graduation, Denzel Washington School of the Arts senior Sydney Whitaker discusses the impact the DWSA has had on her development as an artist and preparation for college. Though her roots are in visual arts, Sydney plans to major in business and marketing, blending creativity with strategy. She envisions designing marketing campaigns and shaping brand aesthetics. #mtvernonshines

Mount Vernon's Jewel Box
Mount Vernon's Jewel Box - Superintendent's Advisory Council

In the Jewel Box this week, we are recognizing all of our students who were a part of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council this year. Our students’ voices matter, and this initiative allows students to share input on school improvements and needs directly with the superintendent throughout the year.  You can also view Mount Vernon’s Jewel Box on our Facebook, website or YouTube! #MtVernonShines

Graphic for 2026-27 budget revote on June 16
What's at Stake - Contingency Budget Cuts

If the Mount Vernon City School District’s 2026-27 budget is voted down a second time on June 16, the Board of Education would be required by state law to adopt a contingency budget. School districts must adhere to strict state statutory regulations under a contingency budget. Contingency budgets enforce strict caps on spending on only essential, legally mandated expenses such as salaries and benefits, legal and contractual obligations, health and safety, and mandated operations. They also prevent any purchases of non-essential equipment and do not allow community use of buildings that require paying staff or additional utility costs. 

Children use laptops in a classroom in the foreground, while the background displays a graphic with six investment categories for families.
Mount Vernon City School District 2026-27 budget revote: State Aid Update

Following the announcement of final state aid numbers, the revised budget for the Mount Vernon City School District’s 2026-27 school year includes an additional $136,862 in state aid over the initial proposed budget that was voted down on May 19. The initial budget included a conservative estimate for state aid, which was not finalized until after the budget vote. Foundation Aid will include a 2% increase, which is higher than expected. This increase allowed the district to further lower the tax levy after making cuts.  

The revised 2026-27 school year budget will go to voters on Tuesday, June 16, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit our budget webpage for more information: https://www.mtvernoncsd.org/budget 

Children use laptops in a classroom in the foreground, while the background displays a graphic with six investment categories for families.
Mount Vernon City School District 2026-27 budget revote: Investments families will see

The revised 2026-27 budget for the Mount Vernon City School District makes investments to improve priority areas such as technology, school safety and wellness supports. It also makes improvements to academic areas with enhanced bilingual support, continued CTE pathways and additional math support specialists. The spending plan provides expanded opportunities for students, ensuring continued academic improvement.

The revised 2026-27 school year budget will go to voters on Tuesday, June 16, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit our budget webpage for more information at https://www.mtvernoncsd.org/budget