Community Message: Welcome Address from Dr. Demario A. Strickland, Superintendent of Schools
![Dr.DemarioStricklandSuperintendent]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747263649/mtvernoncsdorg/o3thkoqmmjekhfvrndqe/DrDemarioStricklandSuperintendent.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747263649/mtvernoncsdorg/o3thkoqmmjekhfvrndqe/DrDemarioStricklandSuperintendent.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747263649/mtvernoncsdorg/o3thkoqmmjekhfvrndqe/DrDemarioStricklandSuperintendent.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1747263649/mtvernoncsdorg/o3thkoqmmjekhfvrndqe/DrDemarioStricklandSuperintendent.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1747263649/mtvernoncsdorg/o3thkoqmmjekhfvrndqe/DrDemarioStricklandSuperintendent.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1747263649/mtvernoncsdorg/o3thkoqmmjekhfvrndqe/DrDemarioStricklandSuperintendent.jpg","width":2200}])
Community Message: Welcome Address from Dr. Demario A. Strickland, Superintendent of Schools
Greetings Mount Vernon,
Thank you for entrusting your children’s education to me as Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Vernon City School District. Over the past few weeks, I have spent time getting to know the community of Mount Vernon, and I am impressed with the pride that fills the city. I am looking forward to making sure that residents are filled with that same pride for the schools that their children attend. I am excited to step in and get right to the important work of improving our District and achieving our shared vision of success.
I call myself “the teaching and learning superintendent” because I am intensely focused on making sure that the education happening in our classrooms is rigorous and beneficial to our students. My goal is to make sure that all students are learning at a high level. Whether it is in general education, English as a New Language or special education, the success of our students is my number one priority.
To improve student outcomes, I have already begun work on my 90-day plan, which will be shared on our website. This transformative plan will begin the work of setting our District up for short-term and long-term success in the coming years. We will provide continuous updates, so stakeholders can keep track of our progress on the plan and hold us accountable. We have also begun the process of developing a strategic plan that will take us through the 2029-2030 school year. This plan will guide our decision making and ensure alignment throughout the District as we work towards our goals.
I also want to make sure that I am acknowledging the great news throughout the Mount Vernon City School District as I move through this transition. While we have a lot of work to do to improve our schools, there is still so much to celebrate!
Our first benchmarks will be making sure that schools are ready to open on September 3 and that the building reconfiguration is conducted as smoothly as possible, with all affected parties receiving the support that they need to have a successful school year. We will analyze repairs, upgrades and compliance needs to ensure that students are learning in a safe environment that is conducive to learning. When our teachers return, I will also work to align our administrators and our schools, so that teachers and staff are supported and we are all working towards the same goals.
Thank you again for your trust, and I look forward to collaborating with the entire community for a school district that works for everyone, with students at the forefront. My next community forum, Let’s Talk: Conversations with Dr. Strickland, will be at Denzel Washington School of the Arts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12. I encourage everyone to attend and learn more about me, my vision for the District, and how I plan to achieve that vision.
Sincerely,
Dr. Demario A. Strickland
Superintendent of Schools
![Chart showing ELL enrollment in MVCSD]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778760779/mtvernoncsdorg/ggbwgainrskyy0uqs5z2/ELLStudentsinMVCSD.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778760779/mtvernoncsdorg/ggbwgainrskyy0uqs5z2/ELLStudentsinMVCSD.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778760779/mtvernoncsdorg/ggbwgainrskyy0uqs5z2/ELLStudentsinMVCSD.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778760779/mtvernoncsdorg/ggbwgainrskyy0uqs5z2/ELLStudentsinMVCSD.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778760779/mtvernoncsdorg/ggbwgainrskyy0uqs5z2/ELLStudentsinMVCSD.jpg","width":1307}])
The Mount Vernon City School District’s 2026-27 budget includes increased investments in world languages and bilingual education. It funds a new Director of Bilingual Education and World Languages to strengthen services for more than 600 English language learners (ELL) and to support growing dual-language programming.
You can read more about investments in Bilingual Education and World Languages by reviewing the budget book and the budget newsletter, which provide a comprehensive overview of the spending plan. The budget vote will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.
![Logo for news post]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1676045645/mtvernoncsdorg/mxqb393gnn11kr3i3ng4/Logofornewspost1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1676045645/mtvernoncsdorg/mxqb393gnn11kr3i3ng4/Logofornewspost1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1676045645/mtvernoncsdorg/mxqb393gnn11kr3i3ng4/Logofornewspost1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1676045645/mtvernoncsdorg/mxqb393gnn11kr3i3ng4/Logofornewspost1.png","width":940}])
Mount Vernon City School District Federation of Teachers voted to ratify a new contract for teachers, teaching assistants and security monitors. After voting, there was a count of 353-148 for the teacher’s unit, a 139-40 vote for the teacher’s assist unit, and a 58-8 vote for security monitors. The contract was approved by the Board of Education at a special meeting on Tuesday, May 12.
![Three women lined up for photo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778604711/mtvernoncsdorg/e8vnvppfnwoybt5yjgqm/PrincipalsRetire-5.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778604711/mtvernoncsdorg/e8vnvppfnwoybt5yjgqm/PrincipalsRetire-5.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778604711/mtvernoncsdorg/e8vnvppfnwoybt5yjgqm/PrincipalsRetire-5.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778604711/mtvernoncsdorg/e8vnvppfnwoybt5yjgqm/PrincipalsRetire-5.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1778604711/mtvernoncsdorg/e8vnvppfnwoybt5yjgqm/PrincipalsRetire-5.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1778604711/mtvernoncsdorg/e8vnvppfnwoybt5yjgqm/PrincipalsRetire-5.jpg","width":2200}])
Four retiring Mount Vernon City School District principals were honored Monday evening during a special recognition ceremony at City Hall celebrating their years of dedication, leadership and service to students and their families. Hosted by City Councilmember Cynthia Turnquest-Jones, the event recognized Rebecca Jones of Lincoln School, Danielle Davis-Marrow of Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School, Dr. Natasha Hunter-McGregor of Graham School and Carol Quinones-Dixon of Traphagen School.
![Graphic for budget information message from Superintendent Dr. Strickland.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778606568/mtvernoncsdorg/pxby1m7ekph5so0x2oof/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic7.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778606568/mtvernoncsdorg/pxby1m7ekph5so0x2oof/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic7.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778606568/mtvernoncsdorg/pxby1m7ekph5so0x2oof/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic7.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778606568/mtvernoncsdorg/pxby1m7ekph5so0x2oof/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic7.png","width":870}])
The 2026-27 Mount Vernon City School District budget will be decided on by Mount Vernon voters on Tuesday, May 19. Check out this video message from Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland, explaining just how important it is to come out to vote. Visit our website, where you can find the budget book with detailed spending information, to learn more about the budget! You can also find your polling place and other important voting information on the budget page of our site. You can read more about the expenses in the budget by reviewing the budget book (tinyurl.com/mrysvt9k) and the budget newsletter (tinyurl.com/yphzefp8), which provide a comprehensive overview of the spending plan.
![Mother and daughter painting flowerpots together.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778596523/mtvernoncsdorg/jydiwsnhz1rnaxln85ad/mothersday2026-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778596523/mtvernoncsdorg/jydiwsnhz1rnaxln85ad/mothersday2026-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778596523/mtvernoncsdorg/jydiwsnhz1rnaxln85ad/mothersday2026-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778596523/mtvernoncsdorg/jydiwsnhz1rnaxln85ad/mothersday2026-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1778596523/mtvernoncsdorg/jydiwsnhz1rnaxln85ad/mothersday2026-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1778596523/mtvernoncsdorg/jydiwsnhz1rnaxln85ad/mothersday2026-4.jpg","width":2200}])
Mother’s Day was in full bloom at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, as mothers and motherly figures gathered to celebrate the joyous day with loved ones. Families had the opportunity to participate in a flowerpot painting activity and planted flowers to take home.
![Graphic for budget information for career and technical education.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778516049/mtvernoncsdorg/dxsuvdwslockja3hnwql/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic6.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778516049/mtvernoncsdorg/dxsuvdwslockja3hnwql/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic6.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778516049/mtvernoncsdorg/dxsuvdwslockja3hnwql/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic6.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778516049/mtvernoncsdorg/dxsuvdwslockja3hnwql/2026-27BudgetVoteandSchoolBoardElectionGraphic6.png","width":870}])
The Mount Vernon City School District is committed to delivering rigorous, robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, with multiple career pathways available for students after graduation. The 2026-27 budget ensures that students have a breadth of opportunities to get a head start on their professional journeys in eight state-approved CTE graduation pathways.
![Mount Vernon's Jewel Box]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":1920}])
The Mount Vernon City School District’s 2026-27 budget returns Gifted & Talented and enrichment opportunities to scholars, which were highlighted as a priority by the Mount Vernon community. These programs help reinforce students’ learning, provide them with tools to succeed academically, and prepare them to reach their postsecondary goals.
You can learn more about programs funded in the Mount Vernon City School District’s budget by clicking here to view the budget book and clicking here to view the budget newsletter, which provide a comprehensive overview of the 2026-27 budget. The budget vote will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.
![2026-2027 budget Vote & School Board Election Tuesday May 19, 2026 7:00 am to 9:00 PM Small Investment. Lifelong Return! Investing in Our Facilities]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778262533/mtvernoncsdorg/qwuuhvcfyfd0ix3mycq8/MVCSDBudget-InvestinginFacilities.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778262533/mtvernoncsdorg/qwuuhvcfyfd0ix3mycq8/MVCSDBudget-InvestinginFacilities.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778262533/mtvernoncsdorg/qwuuhvcfyfd0ix3mycq8/MVCSDBudget-InvestinginFacilities.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778262533/mtvernoncsdorg/qwuuhvcfyfd0ix3mycq8/MVCSDBudget-InvestinginFacilities.png","width":870}])
The 2026-2027 Mount Vernon City School District budget begins to address the over $400 million in facility repairs identified in the most recent building condition survey. Facilities spending will increase by 5.8%, with the department working to ensure safety and security, support flexibility, promote effective classroom design, maximize resource efficiency, and sustain long-range planning.
You can read more about facilities expenses by reviewing the budget book and budget newsletter, which provide a comprehensive overview of the 2026-27 budget. The budget vote will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.