One Mount Vernon Digital Newsletter - May 9, 2025

In the Jewel Box this week, we are recognizing Mount Vernon High School Class of 2026, and their exceptional success. Graduation is right around the corner, and I couldn’t be more proud of all the amazing things our students have accomplished. #MtVernonShines

In this week’s Shining on to Graduation, Mount Vernon High School senior Dashon Brown discusses his college plans, where he will study film, and explains the importance of supporting his community long after graduation. You can read more about Dashon and his journey to college on our website by clicking here.

Click here to view the Shining on to Graduation video!

Mount Vernon City School District nurses and secretaries were recognized for their stellar service to their schools at the April Superintendent’s Awards Celebration yesterday. The work of nurses and secretaries is vital to the smooth operation of any school, and they were selected for these awards as a show of appreciation for all that they do. 

Click here to view the presentation highlighting the nurses and secretaries!

Click here to view the full photo gallery from the celebration!

The proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year, which Mount Vernon voters will consider on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, includes $40 million in special education spending, an increase of 25% from the current school year. 

Click here to view the budget book and read more about goals and spending details in special education. The budget vote will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.

This Tuesday, families in the Prekindergarten Department partnered with Feeding Westchester and the MVHS Culinary Program for “Pre-K Kitchen.” MVHS Culinary students prepared a dinner of crispy smashed potatoes and chicken fingers, and students learned all about nutrition during the engaging lesson. Finally, families worked together to make healthy pizzas and parfaits. This program is geared toward bringing healthy eating and fun family time together into an amazing and educational evening. 

Click here to view the full photo gallery. 

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.

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.

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.