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Public Statement regarding grant investigation

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Public Statement regarding grant investigation

As you are aware, in February of 2023, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York began an investigation regarding the alleged mismanagement of Grant Funding by the District. All substantive aspects of the District’s Grant Funding Program which are the subject of the above referenced inquiry were facilitated under the leadership of the Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Vernon City School District, Dr. Waveline Bennett-Conroy. It is our understanding that their ongoing investigation has not been completed at this time.

Prior to the commencement of the above-referenced investigation, the District engaged Cerini and Associates, LLP to conduct a comprehensive audit to discern whether the District followed its Purchasing and Payment Policies as well as applicable Federal and State regulations for the Selection and Monitoring of services provided by vendors. A redacted version of the report was previously made available to the community. In short, the Cerini Report raised significant concerns of impropriety.

In keeping with our fiduciary responsibilities, please be assured that we have diligently pursued Cerini’s findings and intend to bring you answers and an ultimate resolution.

To that end, the District has retained outside counsel, Aiello & Cannick, who has been charged with commencing its own investigation on behalf of the Board and thereafter making appropriate recommendations to hold those responsible for any improprieties accountable for their actions.

We will continue to keep the community apprised of this matter to the extent necessary and legally appropriate.

Teacher helping students with stock market game.
Districtwide stock market game competition begins as result of CTE financial literacy initiative

Students in Career and Financial Management (CFM) classes throughout the Mount Vernon City School District are getting started on an ongoing trading competition designed to help them understand the stock market. Students will work in groups to manage a virtual $100,000 portfolio, competing against classes in schools across the District. Students began the competition on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. 

STEAM senior finds achievement inside and outside of school
STEAM senior finds achievement inside and outside of school

Ashley Guzman is one of Mount Vernon STEAM Academy’s highest-achieving seniors and has displayed extreme hard work and dedication to her education. Over the past four years, Ashley has polished herself into a well-rounded and highly achieved scholar by maintaining a high GPA, participating in activities, and pushing herself to be the greatest she can be.

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Mount Vernon City School District to Host Public Hearing on Proposed Charter School Revision

The Mount Vernon City School District has been notified that the New York State Department of Education is in receipt of an application for a charter school revision to increase its grade span, to add kindergarten through Grade 4 to its current Grade 5 through Grade 8 configuration; and to make a corresponding increase to its authorized enrollment from 355 students to 554 students, within the Mount Vernon City School District. The proposed revision is for “Amani Public Charter School”.

As part of the approval process, the Mount Vernon City School District is required to host a public hearing and collect comments related to the application. The hearing will take place from 5pm-5:45pm on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in the Board Room at the Education Center, 165 N. Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York, 10553.

Standout senior looks back on memories as captain of DWSA Band
Standout senior looks back on memories as captain of DWSA Band

Davion Pryce is a standout senior from Denzel Washington School of the Arts whose artistry and musical talent have dazzled many members of the Mount Vernon Community. As the current captain of the DWSA student-led band, he looks back at his time as both a musician and scholar with pride.

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Mount Vernon Board of Education approves new school building reconfiguration and closure of three schools

 The Mount Vernon Board of Education approved a new school building configuration at a special meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The District has been exploring a building reconfiguration due to statewide declining enrollment – which contributed to higher costs in the K-8 model – expensive building repairs and a designation of significant fiscal distress by New York State.