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Superintendent's Advisory Council meets for second time and completes SWOT analysis of District

The image shows a group of people gathered in what appears to be a classroom or meeting space, with a man in a suit standing and gesturing while others sit at tables in the foreground.
Superintendent's Advisory Council meets for second time and completes SWOT analysis of District

Students in the Superintendent’s Advisory Council met for the second time of the school year to provide feedback to Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland about their schools and how they can be improved. 

Students started by eating lunch and completing a survey about food services in the District. After some teambuilding activities, they completed a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of the District. Dr. Strickland plans to use the information he gained from the students to inform his strategic plan.

A group of people, including a man in a gray suit, are gathered in a classroom-like setting, with a presentation screen visible in the background.
The image shows a group of young people standing around a table in what appears to be a school or educational setting, with various items on the table and a bulletin board visible in the background.
A man in a gray suit stands in the foreground of a classroom setting, with students seated at desks in the background.
A group of students, some with raised hands, are seated at a table in a classroom setting, with various educational materials and decorations visible in the background.


 

A group of people are gathered outdoors at tables, with lush green trees forming the background.
Superintendent meets with community members to address budget questions and clarify financial information

Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland met with community members Wednesday evening, discussing the revised 2026-27 budget and dispelling rumors regarding District finances.  

To find answers to frequently asked community questions, you can visit our FAQ at https://www.mtvernoncsd.org/departments/business-finance/frequently-asked-questions  

The revote for the budget will be held on Tuesday, June 16, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find your polling place at https://lh.findmypollplace.com/MtVernonCSD/  

In the foreground, a group of young people are gathered around a table, while the background shows a kitchen setting with the text "COMMUNITY QUESTION" and "What happens when the 2nd budget vote results in a 'No' vote?".
Community Financial Question: What happens if the 2nd budget vote results in a “No” vote?

If the budget is voted down a second time, the Board of Education must adopt a contingency budget for the next school year. 

Under a contingency budget: 

  • The district’s tax levy is very limited, typically staying at or below last year’s level, with no increase allowed for things like inflation or other adjustments. 

  • The district must make additional cuts to balance the budget. 

  • Some non-essential spending is restricted, such as certain equipment purchases.

In the foreground, a group of young people are gathered around a table, while the background shows a kitchen setting with ovens and other students.
Community Financial Question: Why is there a 2nd vote on the budget?

A second vote is required when the proposed school budget is not approved by voters on the first vote. 

By law, the Board of Education has two options after a failed vote: 

  • Present the same budget again, or 

  • Revise the budget and present an updated proposal 

The district chose to hold a second vote to give the community another opportunity to consider a budget that reflects feedback and adjustments made after the first vote. 

If the budget is not approved on the second vote, the district must adopt a contingency budget, and the budget cannot go back to voters again.