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State monitor public hearing held at Education Center

State monitor giving presentation.
State monitor public hearing held at Education Center

The Mount Vernon City School District held a public hearing on Tuesday night at the Education Center to outline the roles and responsibilities of the state monitor for academic and financial plans. Dr. Kimberly Young Wilkins, State Monitor for the MVCSD, stood in front of the podium to address the audience about her duties and relevant laws.

The second hearing, which will be held on July 29 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. will take public comment on the academic performance of the District followed by a third hearing on the fiscal performance of the District. Those who did not submit a request to speak prior to hearings can submit comments to kyoungwilkins@mtvernoncsd.org.

Alongside Harold Coles, district superintendent for Southern Westchester BOCES and moderator, Ms. Young-Wilkins started the presentation by reviewing the obligations of her position before discussing the state laws and regulations regarding school district governance and intervention. Click here to view the full presentation from the first hearing. 

“I have more than three decades of experience in educational leadership and I have served as principal, superintendent, deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner at State Ed,” said Dr. Young Wilkins. “I’m very familiar with the academic and fiscal challenges facing districts such as Mount Vernon.” 

Dr. Young Wilkins also discussed the requirements for the public hearings, with three required during the first 60 days of the monitor’s appointment. The first hearing’s purpose was to take public comment on the existing statutory and regulatory authority of the Commissioner of Education, New York State Education Department and the Board of Regents regarding school district governance and intervention.

A second public hearing was held Tuesday night regarding the device policy that will be effective for the 2025 - 2026 school year. Community members had the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns on the matter. Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland addressed community questions and outlined his plans for sharing information with the community. For those who weren’t able to attend but would like to submit comments, questions or concerns may contact MVPF@mtvernoncsd.org.

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