One Mount Vernon Digital Newsletter - June 13, 2025

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.

The 2026-27 Mount Vernon City School District budget will be decided on by Mount Vernon voters on Tuesday, May 19. Check out this video message from Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland, explaining just how important it is to come out to vote. Visit our website, where you can find the budget book with detailed spending information, to learn more about the budget! You can also find your polling place and other important voting information on the budget page of our site. You can read more about the expenses in the budget by reviewing the budget book (tinyurl.com/mrysvt9k) and the budget newsletter (tinyurl.com/yphzefp8), which provide a comprehensive overview of the spending plan.

Mother’s Day was in full bloom at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, as mothers and motherly figures gathered to celebrate the joyous day with loved ones. Families had the opportunity to participate in a flowerpot painting activity and planted flowers to take home.

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. 

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.

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.