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Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Vernon City School District officially sworn in with three new board members

Superintendent at BOE meeting
Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Vernon City School District officially sworn in with three new board members

At the most recent Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night, Dr. Demario A. Strickland was officially sworn in as Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Vernon City School District. Three new board trustees joined the Board of Education as well as a new student trustee. 

Sakai Brown, Erica Peterson and Randolf Scott will serve on the Board for three years, with their terms ending on June 30, 2028. The student trustee’s term will conclude at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. 

“First and foremost, I just want to thank this board and the community stakeholders for your extremely warm welcome. I'm excited to begin my tenure into the district,” said Dr. Strickland. “I want to thank all of those individuals that have come out to our “Let's Talk" sessions, they have been well attended.” The last session will be held at Denzel Washington School of the Arts on July 12. 

During his remarks, Dr. Strickland discussed the incredible amount of responses from the climate surveys, with over 1,400 responses. He also discussed how he would like to come to each meeting with a visual presentation to highlight all the wonderful things happening within the District.

Dr. Strickland, three new board members and student ambassador Leonard Oduro were sworn into the cabinet for the 2025 - 2026 school year. 

Each official stood before the audience, raised their right hand to take their oath of office, and were sworn in by District Clerk Rita James. They vowed to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York, as they faithfully discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.

 Additionally, Dr. Donna Marable was voted as Board President and Warren Mitchell was sworn in as Vice President. The two brought loved ones and educators who have impacted their lives to the stage to rejoice in the monumental moment. 

Two new board trustees clapping.
BOE president taking oath.


 

 

Happy Social Worker Month
Happy National Social Worker Month!

March is National Social Worker Month! Thank you to all the social workers who support, uplift and advocate for our students. The Mount Vernon City School District appreciates you!

DWSA pricnipal with parent and student.
Eighth graders learn about educational options during High School Choice Night

Eighth graders across the Mount Vernon City School District got a glimpse into their options for high school on Wednesday evening during the High School Showcase. This annual event allows families to further understand what each of the three high schools have to offer. These include Mount Vernon High School, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy and Denzel Washington School of the Arts.

Mount Vernon's Jewel Box
Mount Vernon's Jewel Box - Black History Month Awards Ceremony

In honor of Black History Month in February, in this week's Jewel Box we are recognizing our incredible scholars who go above and beyond to achieve excellence in every way – academically, socially and even culturally. Our students are dedicated to their success and growing as individuals each and every day. #MtVernonShines

Three men in formal attire stand in front of a backdrop with the text "My Brother's Keeper" displayed.
Student Trustee Leonard Oduro participates in New York State Legislative Conference through My Brother's Keeper

The My Brother’s Keeper program helps to open doors for students, and Student Trustee Leonard Oduro, a senior at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, recently had the opportunity to attend a legislative conference in Albany through the program. At the conference — held by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators — he met with influential leaders and participated in meaningful discussions on student leadership and community impact.  

 
 
Mount Vernon's Jewel Box
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In this week’s Jewel Box, we are highlighting our prekindergarten program, with registration open now! Pre-K is a vital time for a student’s growth, and we urge all parents to register their child now. Learning the basics of reading, writing and speaking in pre-K lays a solid foundation that our students can carry with them through their entire educational journey.  Pre-K 4 Early Registration and the Pre-K 3 lottery will be open until June 19, 2026. Visit our registration page for more information. You can also view Mount Vernon’s Jewel Box on our Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube! #MtVernonShines

Children reading.
MVCSD participates in Read Across America Week

The Mount Vernon City School District is thrilled to announce our participation in Read Across America Week!

Throughout the week, our schools will come alive with engaging, joyful, and meaningful literacy experiences designed to celebrate the power of reading. Students across the district will participate in themed activities, special events, and creative classroom experiences that inspire a lifelong love of books.