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Second State of the District Address given to MVCSD staff

Second State of the District Address given to MVCSD staff

Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith presented the second State of the District Address to staff at their monthly staff meeting on Wednesday. She provided updates to employees about the developments in the school reconfiguration process and what they can expect in the next few months.

Dr. Smith thanked staff for their commitment to education before reviewing the proposed budget timeline. 

“District administration has been working on developing a budget that addresses our fiscal needs, while also limiting reductions to staffing where possible,” said Dr. Smith.

The Board of Education received the proposed budget at the Special Meeting on Wednesday, and the budget will be presented at the Board meeting on Tuesday, April 22. The Board will also vote on adopting the budget at the meeting. The property tax report card will be submitted on April 23, and there will be a public budget hearing on Tuesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. The community will vote on the budget on Tuesday, May 20.

Dr. Smith then reviewed staff information, which included a timeline for employee reassignments, areas of additional need for the District (special education teachers, psychologists and speech pathologists), and a timeline for school visits by parents and students. 

Staff were also informed that school zoning will be finalized and announced after spring recess and that parents and students would be notified of their school placements by the second week of June. Dr. Smith also provided information about the process for moving furniture and educational assets from each school that is closing or reconfiguring. 

Staff were encouraged to send any additional questions regarding the reorganization via email. There will be two more monthly State of the District Addresses.
 

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.