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New York State Education Department visits MVCSD

New York State Education Department visits MVCSD

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Demario Strickland, met with several individuals from the New York State Education Department to present the District’s strengths and challenges Thursday morning. 

The purpose of this meeting was to strengthen working relationships between State Education Department area leaders and their district counterparts, while establishing next steps to assist the District out of academic and fiscal distress.

The morning started off with introductions, where individuals formally presented themselves to the group before Dr. Jeffrey Matteson, NYSED's Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy, gave his opening remarks.

“The goal here is to recreate the foundation so that we can use the talents around this table to build an outstanding school district,” said Dr. Matteson. “We’re hopeful about that.” 

Dr. Strickland proceeded to present a summary of the highlights and lowlights within the District. District achievements the Superintendent noted were that academics have consistently improved despite fiscal challenges and that graduation rates have improved over the years.

He shared additional accomplishments within the District, such as establishing communication protocols, improvement with transparency and an assembled executive leadership team.

Moving forward with challenged areas, Dr. Strickland emphasized the significant fiscal distress, statewide declining enrollment, and lack of standardized operating procedures.

After the presentation, individuals broke into small groups to discuss school improvement and academic plans, as well as special education, facilities, transportation, staffing processes and budgeting / fiscal management. 

Dr. Strickland presenting at the board of education.


 

Derrick Dunlap's headshot.

Derrick Dunlap, a veteran educator with two decades of experience leading schools, improving student achievement and building strong school communities has been appointed principal of Traphagen Elementary School. Mr. Dunlap brings a diverse background in elementary and secondary education to the Mount Vernon City School District, having served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in Washington, D.C., Maryland and New York. 

Headshot of Donald Peters.

Donald D. Peters is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in public education, specializing in instructional leadership, school improvement, special education, and student success. He currently serves as the Principal of Graham School, bringing a proven record of strengthening school communities, improving student outcomes, and cultivating a culture of high expectations and collaboration.

Principal Anjannette Brown Headshot

Denzel Washington School of the Arts’ new principal, Anjanette Brown, is a dedicated educational leader with 20 years of service in the Mount Vernon City School District, committed to creating schools where students are empowered, supported, and prepared to achieve their highest potential. Throughout her career, she has remained steadfast in her belief that education must nurture the whole child.

MV PTA members outside a building for their conference

Leaders from the Mount Vernon Parent Teacher Association (PTA), parent liaisons, and school board trustees participated in the New York State PTA Summer Leadership Conference held on July 18-19 in Albany, NY. This annual event provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage in workshops designed to enhance their skills and collaboration efforts to better support students and families in the Mount Vernon City School District.