State of the District Address - March 12, 2025

Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith presented the first 2025 State of the District Address via Zoom to Mount Vernon City School District faculty and staff on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Dr. Smith gave updates about the upcoming building reconfiguration, how it affects employees, and where the District stands in the process of closing schools.

“Thank you for your hard work in making this school year a successful one, despite the status of uncertainty within the District with school closures,” said Dr. Smith to start the address. “I know the prospect of reorganization can be particularly difficult for staff at the three closing schools, but I also understand that this affects employees at all of our schools. I commend you for your professionalism and commitment to our students throughout this process.”

The Board-approved grade level configurations for each school, including pre-K, were then outlined for employees:

● Four K-8 schools: Lincoln, Graham, Benjamin Turner Academy, Pennington

● Six K-6 schools: Edward Williams, Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer, Traphagen, Rebecca Turner Academy, Hamilton, Grimes

● Two 7-12 schools: Denzel Washington School of the Arts, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy

● One 9-12 school: Mount Vernon High School

● Six schools with pre-K classrooms: Graham, Pennington, Williams, Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer, Traphagen and Rebecca Turner Academy

Dr. Smith reviewed pertinent information for staff next, including preliminary budgetary numbers, projected reductions in force and the process taken to determine the District’s next steps. This process involved meeting with unions, reviewing staff at each building and reviewing the needs of each school and its students.

Staff were informed that they will be notified if they are being laid off by the end of the month. The Department of Labor’s Rapid Response Unit has communicated with the Human Resources Department and will be available to provide support to laid off employees in the form of employment counselors and job search services.

Updates about the District’s operations were then discussed. All paperwork for school closures has been submitted, and the District is awaiting the New York State Education Department’s final approval. The process for redistribution of technology, instructional materials and furniture is also being organized to ensure that schools are properly equipped for next school year.

District employees were also encouraged to submit questions regarding the reconfiguration via email by Friday, March 14. Dr. Smith will personally respond to questions by Tuesday, March 18. The next State of the District will be presented to employees at the next staff meeting in April.