MVCSD addresses faculty and staff questions from first 2025 State of the District Address

During the first monthly State of the District Address on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Mount Vernon City School District employees were encouraged to submit their questions about the school building reconfiguration via email. On Tuesday, March 18, employees received their responses from Acting Superintendent Dr. K Veronica Smith.

Questions submitted are below with responses: 

Q1: When will we find out our placements for next year, and how are placements decided?

A: The District will notify employees of their placement by the contracted date, June 1. All reassignments are based on seniority and vacancies. Grade level placements may be subject to change. In the unfortunate event that a staff member will be excessed, they will be notified by the end of March.

Q2: Has the state approved the reorganization plan? What is the plan if the state does not approve it? If the state does approve the plan, when will we find out what school we will be placed in and what grade we will be teaching?  

A: The District is working closely with state officials to address any concerns regarding the plan and is optimistic that there will be no issues moving forward with the plan and the state’s approval. This will prevent the District from needing to address an additional $12 million shortfall that would be incurred if the reconfiguration did not move forward.

Q3: Will each building still have at least two reading teachers per building? Will there be a list of what reading teacher positions are available by grade (K-3 or 4-6) for us to choose from?

A: Yes, buildings will have at least two reading teachers. Staff members will be placed in assignments by Human Resources and the Mount Vernon Federation of Teachers. There will be no positions to choose from. The District will review student data and building needs to determine the amount of service providers per building.

Q4: Recognizing that building closings are a reality. What will be done to maintain the integrity of the specialized schools: Denzel Washington School of the Arts and Mount Vernon STEAM Academy. Both offer programs that enhance the quality of education to our students. They expose them to knowledge and experience which motivate them academically, artistically and professionally.  Both require some testing or auditions in their specialties, how will the District maintain that? 

A: There will be no changes to the programs at DWSA and STEAM. Entrance requirements will be maintained at STEAM and DWSA for grades 9-12.

Q5: How are you ensuring that teachers and staff are supported during this time of transition, particularly with potential budget cuts or changes to federal programs? What is being done to retain high-quality educators despite these challenges? Are there plans to invest in professional development or to address teacher burnout? 

A: It is the District’s goal to address contracts with bargaining units to retain staff and increase morale. The District will not impose any new initiatives or requirements on staff during the 2025-2026 school year, considering the restructuring undertaking. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is also available for staff support. 

Q6: Are there any new initiatives or resources being introduced to support students who may face increased challenges as a result of these changes, such as those experiencing food insecurity, housing instability, or learning difficulties? How does the District plan to maintain or expand access to high-quality educational experiences for all students despite the closures and financial challenges?

A: The current plan takes into consideration the transition for staff, students and families. The team plans various transition activities that will happen virtually and in person for families. At this time, the District’s focus is ensuring that they are supported through this transition. Preparations have also been made with Family Services of Westchester to help students with the transition to new buildings.

Q7: If federal funding cuts are imminent, what steps is the District taking to mitigate the loss of federal grants, especially for Title I programs, special education, and other crucial federal supports? Will the District be exploring alternative funding sources, such as partnerships with local businesses or grants, to offset potential shortfalls in federal funding?

A: The District has carefully reviewed all funding sources – local, state and federal – when making decisions for this current configuration. This process has required careful itemization of initiatives and resources. The Curriculum and Instruction Department is also consistently searching and applying for grant funding to support the needs of students.

Q8: Are there plans to repurpose the closed buildings or sell them? How will that impact the community, especially those who rely on these spaces for other services?

A: The District’s top priority at this time is to manage the closing of Mount Vernon Honor Academy, Mount Vernon Leadership Academy and Cecil H. Parker School. Currently, the District is focusing on ensuring that all students, staff and families are supported during the reconfiguration.

Q9: How will scheduling work out between Rebecca Turner Academy and Benjamin Turner Academy and the playground use? As a teacher of Unique Learners, I know that sometimes my students are already overwhelmed and have difficulties negotiating the numbers of students using the playground at recess. Now adding on another school of pre-K to 6 students will require scheduling and perhaps looking into making the yard a safer option for students. Also, what will happen with the playground equipment of the closing schools? Is there a way to move any of it to expand the outdoor facilities at RTA and BTA?

A: The District understands the importance of its students with disabilities. Scheduling of yard space will be done with the 2025-2026 building principals. District administration will meet with the Buildings and Grounds Department to discuss and review the conditions of playground equipment and whether it will be safe and possible to move.