Superintendent

DR. DEMARIO A. STRICKLAND

Dr. Demario A. Strickland, an accomplished educational leader of more than 20 years, is the leader of the Mount Vernon City School District, where he aims to immerse himself in the students’ experience to meet their needs and foster greater achievement while practicing fiscal responsibility.

Dr. Strickland, who comes to Mount Vernon after serving as interim superintendent for the Rochester City School District, holds a doctorate of Educational Leadership from D’Youville University, and two master’s degrees from Fordham University in Administration & Supervision as well as Curriculum & Teaching.

Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in School District Leadership from Canisius University – where he earned his bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Teaching – and a certificate in School Business and Human Resource Management from the University at Buffalo. 

Dr. Strickland began his career teaching in New York City and earned the position of dean of students five years later, in 2011, as he embarked on a path as an administrator. He considers himself “the teaching and learning superintendent” because of his focus on classroom learning, especially in his leadership roles. 

He served as assistant principal and principal in the Buffalo City School District from 2012 to 2021 before being named Chief of Schools in Rochester. 

In March 2023, he began his stint as Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the district before being named interim superintendent in July 2024. As interim superintendent, he conducted a successful reconfiguration that closed 11 schools, overseeing the transfers of approximately 11,000 students.

Dr. Strickland brings a wealth of administrative and financial management experience from Rochester, where he worked with a state monitor and has built strong relationships with the New York State Education Department. Dr. Strickland aims to develop spending plans that maximize student opportunities and programs while limiting expenses. 

He plans to listen to all stakeholders of the District; analyze student data to inform decision-making; identify priorities that align with District goals; and implement strategies that lead to measurable, sustainable improvements in student achievement.

Dr. Strickland leads by supporting teachers and staff so that they can be successful in improving the outcomes for students. He has also emphasized his commitment to transparency to allow the community to stay informed and engaged in the educational process.