Mount Vernon to celebrate inclusion at districtwide Autism Acceptance Day
![Mount Vernon Autism Acceptance Day flyer]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776100064/mtvernoncsdorg/pbtiujkccdipj5nymkhj/AutismAcceptanceDay.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776100064/mtvernoncsdorg/pbtiujkccdipj5nymkhj/AutismAcceptanceDay.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776100064/mtvernoncsdorg/pbtiujkccdipj5nymkhj/AutismAcceptanceDay.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1776100064/mtvernoncsdorg/pbtiujkccdipj5nymkhj/AutismAcceptanceDay.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776100064/mtvernoncsdorg/pbtiujkccdipj5nymkhj/AutismAcceptanceDay.jpg","width":1206}])
Mount Vernon to celebrate inclusion at districtwide Autism Acceptance Day
The Mount Vernon City School District invites families, staff and community members to come together for a celebration of inclusion, understanding and support at its Districtwide Autism Acceptance Day on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
The event will take place from 3:15 to 6 p.m. at Graham School, 421 E. Fifth Street, and is free and open to all. Designed to be welcoming and engaging for students of all abilities, the afternoon will feature a wide range of activities, including interactive sensory stations, games, a bouncy house, music from a DJ and family-friendly favorites like cotton candy, popcorn and pizza.
In addition to the festivities, families will have access to valuable parent resources, while contests, activities and lessons will also be available on Schoology to extend learning beyond the event.
Attendees are encouraged to wear their Autism Acceptance shirts and join in an afternoon that highlights the district’s commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where every student is valued and celebrated.
![Graphic for budget information for career and technical education.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778516049/mtvernoncsdorg/dxsuvdwslockja3hnwql/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic6.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778516049/mtvernoncsdorg/dxsuvdwslockja3hnwql/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic6.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778516049/mtvernoncsdorg/dxsuvdwslockja3hnwql/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic6.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778516049/mtvernoncsdorg/dxsuvdwslockja3hnwql/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic6.png","width":870}])
The Mount Vernon City School District is committed to delivering rigorous, robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, with multiple career pathways available for students after graduation. The 2026-27 budget ensures that students have a breadth of opportunities to get a head start on their professional journeys in eight state-approved CTE graduation pathways.
![Mount Vernon's Jewel Box]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":1920}])
The Mount Vernon City School District’s 2026-27 budget returns Gifted & Talented and enrichment opportunities to scholars, which were highlighted as a priority by the Mount Vernon community. These programs help reinforce students’ learning, provide them with tools to succeed academically, and prepare them to reach their postsecondary goals.
You can learn more about programs funded in the Mount Vernon City School District’s budget by clicking here to view the budget book and clicking here to view the budget newsletter, which provide a comprehensive overview of the 2026-27 budget. The budget vote will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.
![2026-2027 budget Vote & School Board Election Tuesday May 19, 2026 7:00 am to 9:00 PM Small Investment. Lifelong Return! Investing in Our Facilities]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778262533/mtvernoncsdorg/qwuuhvcfyfd0ix3mycq8/MVCSDBudget-InvestinginFacilities.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778262533/mtvernoncsdorg/qwuuhvcfyfd0ix3mycq8/MVCSDBudget-InvestinginFacilities.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778262533/mtvernoncsdorg/qwuuhvcfyfd0ix3mycq8/MVCSDBudget-InvestinginFacilities.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778262533/mtvernoncsdorg/qwuuhvcfyfd0ix3mycq8/MVCSDBudget-InvestinginFacilities.png","width":870}])
The 2026-2027 Mount Vernon City School District budget begins to address the over $400 million in facility repairs identified in the most recent building condition survey. Facilities spending will increase by 5.8%, with the department working to ensure safety and security, support flexibility, promote effective classroom design, maximize resource efficiency, and sustain long-range planning.
You can read more about facilities expenses by reviewing the budget book and budget newsletter, which provide a comprehensive overview of the 2026-27 budget. The budget vote will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.
![Green bars representing student enrollment numbers for each school year from 2018 to 2026 are displayed against a white background, with the Mount Vernon City School District logo and the title "STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES" in the foreground.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778258458/mtvernoncsdorg/osp3tg9bu6bxyelqnzqj/Budget-Enrollment-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778258458/mtvernoncsdorg/osp3tg9bu6bxyelqnzqj/Budget-Enrollment-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778258458/mtvernoncsdorg/osp3tg9bu6bxyelqnzqj/Budget-Enrollment-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778258458/mtvernoncsdorg/osp3tg9bu6bxyelqnzqj/Budget-Enrollment-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778258458/mtvernoncsdorg/osp3tg9bu6bxyelqnzqj/Budget-Enrollment-2.jpg","width":1307}])
The 2026-27 Mount Vernon City School District budget includes a 25% increase in special education spending for a total of approximately $40 million. Twenty-one percent of students in the District have disabilities, and 10 percent are English language learners – who also require additional services.
You can read more about the special education spending by reviewing the budget book and budget newsletter, which provide a comprehensive overview of the 2026-27 budget. The budget vote will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.
![MVCSD Staff Totals Chart]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778260316/mtvernoncsdorg/k3f4eur5mpkknfnuzdv7/MVCSDStaffTotals.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778260316/mtvernoncsdorg/k3f4eur5mpkknfnuzdv7/MVCSDStaffTotals.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778260316/mtvernoncsdorg/k3f4eur5mpkknfnuzdv7/MVCSDStaffTotals.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778260316/mtvernoncsdorg/k3f4eur5mpkknfnuzdv7/MVCSDStaffTotals.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778260316/mtvernoncsdorg/k3f4eur5mpkknfnuzdv7/MVCSDStaffTotals.jpg","width":1271}])
The Mount Vernon City School District is working to align staffing numbers with declining enrollment trends, and staffing has decreased from a high of 1,984 staff members in 2018-19 to 1,522 in 2025-26. District administrators will continue to look for efficiencies to ensure staffing levels are in accordance with student needs.
You can read more about the budget by reviewing the budget book and budget newsletter, which provide a comprehensive overview of the spending plan. The budget vote will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.
![A bar graph in the foreground displays declining total student enrollment from 2018-2019 to 2025-2026, with a Mount Vernon City School District logo in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778258735/mtvernoncsdorg/ctqymprkjyrcc9wggkte/Copyof2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778258735/mtvernoncsdorg/ctqymprkjyrcc9wggkte/Copyof2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778258735/mtvernoncsdorg/ctqymprkjyrcc9wggkte/Copyof2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778258735/mtvernoncsdorg/ctqymprkjyrcc9wggkte/Copyof2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic1.png","width":870}])
While the Mount Vernon City School District is affected by declining enrollment – which is impacting school districts across the state – it is facing higher expenses due to special education costs that continue to grow with student need and charter school tuition obligations driven by enrollment. Approximately $17.5 million is budgeted for charter school tuition, and those students are not included in enrollment numbers.
You can read more about the budget by reviewing the budget book and budget newsletter, which provide a comprehensive overview of the spending plan. The budget vote will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.
![Jewel Collection]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759780905/mtvernoncsdorg/m9nm2d4ckexq0xshpqwg/JewelCollection.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759780905/mtvernoncsdorg/m9nm2d4ckexq0xshpqwg/JewelCollection.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759780905/mtvernoncsdorg/m9nm2d4ckexq0xshpqwg/JewelCollection.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759780905/mtvernoncsdorg/m9nm2d4ckexq0xshpqwg/JewelCollection.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759780905/mtvernoncsdorg/m9nm2d4ckexq0xshpqwg/JewelCollection.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759780905/mtvernoncsdorg/m9nm2d4ckexq0xshpqwg/JewelCollection.jpg","width":1920}])
![A graphic for Dr. Strickland's Budget Newsletter message to community.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778261372/mtvernoncsdorg/ihvwiqkdwxjn0emjvlmp/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic5.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778261372/mtvernoncsdorg/ihvwiqkdwxjn0emjvlmp/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic5.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778261372/mtvernoncsdorg/ihvwiqkdwxjn0emjvlmp/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic5.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778261372/mtvernoncsdorg/ihvwiqkdwxjn0emjvlmp/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic5.png","width":870}])
It is my honor to present the proposed 2026 to 2027 budget for the Mount Vernon City School District. This budget totals $276,241,856, reflecting a 1.50 percent increase over the prior year budget of $272,206,615. The $276.2 million dollar budget reflects a 1.99% increase to the tax levy. It 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.