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NYS Commissioner of Education Dr. Betty A. Rosa visits MVCSD

State commissioner walking the hallway of MVHS with students and staff.
NYS Commissioner of Education Dr. Betty A. Rosa visits MVCSD

Dr. Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner of Education & President of the University of the State of New York, visited Mount Vernon High School and Mount Vernon STEAM Academy on Friday, October 17. Here, she got a glimpse into the schools and their programs, such as Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Dr. Rosa was joined by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Demario Strickland and New York State Monitor Dr. Kimberly Young Wilkins. The purpose of this visit was for Dr. Rosa to meet new administration and board leaders. 

The morning started off with a visit to MVHS, where Dr. Rosa was greeted by students and staff welcoming her with warm smiles. Senior Sophya Calixto and junior Shanelle Mclntosh, alongside Principal Dr. Pauline Pearce and CTE Director Brian Simmons, gave Dr. Rosa a tour of the high school.

While walking the hallways, Dr. Rosa asked the students questions about their post-secondary goals and how they are adjusting to the school year. She also informed the students about exciting STEAM initiatives in New York State, inviting them to join. 

The group's first stop was the CTE wing; stopping in the automotive class, where they got a glimpse into what students are currently learning about. The group visited additional CTE classes, such as hospitality and cosmetology. Their last classroom visit was to an art class, where Dr. Rosa asked students about what projects they were working on.

Heading over to STEAM Academy, Principal Christopher Pearce led the group to Eric Chambers’ art class, where they were working on their graffiti projects. To read more about this initiative, click here. 

The second and final stop the group made at STEAM was to attend an AP United States History class, where the group was learning about varying laws and regulations throughout states in the 1800s. 

Dr. Rosa will be visiting again later this year, where she will visit additional schools to gain further insight into the District. 

State commissioner with student looking at what he is working on.
State commissioner with superintendent Dr. Strickland.


 

A group of people are gathered outdoors at tables, with lush green trees forming the background.
Superintendent meets with community members to address budget questions and clarify financial information

Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland met with community members Wednesday evening, discussing the revised 2026-27 budget and dispelling rumors regarding District finances.  

To find answers to frequently asked community questions, you can visit our FAQ at https://www.mtvernoncsd.org/departments/business-finance/frequently-asked-questions  

The revote for the budget will be held on Tuesday, June 16, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find your polling place at https://lh.findmypollplace.com/MtVernonCSD/  

In the foreground, a group of young people are gathered around a table, while the background shows a kitchen setting with the text "COMMUNITY QUESTION" and "What happens when the 2nd budget vote results in a 'No' vote?".
Community Financial Question: What happens if the 2nd budget vote results in a “No” vote?

If the budget is voted down a second time, the Board of Education must adopt a contingency budget for the next school year. 

Under a contingency budget: 

  • The district’s tax levy is very limited, typically staying at or below last year’s level, with no increase allowed for things like inflation or other adjustments. 

  • The district must make additional cuts to balance the budget. 

  • Some non-essential spending is restricted, such as certain equipment purchases.

In the foreground, a group of young people are gathered around a table, while the background shows a kitchen setting with ovens and other students.
Community Financial Question: Why is there a 2nd vote on the budget?

A second vote is required when the proposed school budget is not approved by voters on the first vote. 

By law, the Board of Education has two options after a failed vote: 

  • Present the same budget again, or 

  • Revise the budget and present an updated proposal 

The district chose to hold a second vote to give the community another opportunity to consider a budget that reflects feedback and adjustments made after the first vote. 

If the budget is not approved on the second vote, the district must adopt a contingency budget, and the budget cannot go back to voters again.