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Graham School exterior street view of main entrance
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Graham School side view exterior; playground in foreground
Students singing
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The Billboard - What You Need to Know

No Place
For HAte

Graham School has been designated as a No Place for Hate School. 

No Place for Hate an ADL Education Program

 

MVCSD SEPTA Meeting on Wed., May 20, 2026 at 5:30pm at Graham School.
MVCSD SEPTA Meeting at Graham School - 5:30 p.m. on Wed., May 20

The Mount Vernon City School District Special Education PTA will host a meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at Graham School. Join to discuss important topics, share ideas, and help guide the future of SEPTA for the benefit of all students and families. Your voice makes a difference! SEPTA is also seeking nominations for board members for the upcoming school year.

Read More about MVCSD SEPTA Meeting at Graham School - 5:30 p.m. on Wed., May 20
Graphic for community forum at Hamilton on April 14.
Budget Presentation - Hamilton School (6-8p.m. on Thursday, May 14)

The Mount Vernon City School District’s draft proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year will be presented from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, at Hamilton School, by Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland. Please attend to learn more about how the District plans to invest in its schools in the upcoming year, provide feedback, and ask questions about the budget. The presentation will also be livestreamed on our Facebook and website. The annual budget vote and school board election will be held on Tuesday, May 19

Read More about Budget Presentation - Hamilton School (6-8p.m. on Thursday, May 14)
In-person half day - Friday, May 22
Schools Open for Half Day - Friday, May 22, 2026

Please take notice that all schools in the Mount Vernon City School District will be open for a half day of in-person instruction on Friday, May 22, 2026. The date was reinstated as a school day due to closings from inclement weather in order to help the District satisfy New York State Education Law requirements for minimum days of school. Please adjust your calendars accordingly. 

Read More about Schools Open for Half Day - Friday, May 22, 2026
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Notice of the District-wide Budget Hearing and Annual School Board/Budget Vote Election - Tue., May 19, 2026

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the Annual School Board/Budget Vote Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; for the purpose of electing three (3) members of the Board of Education of the City School District of the City of Mount Vernon, New York, to serve for a full term of three (3) years, beginning the first day of July, 2026, and expiring on the thirtieth day of June, 2029.

Read More about Notice of the District-wide Budget Hearing and Annual School Board/Budget Vote Election - Tue., May 19, 2026
Mount Vernon City School District Summer Programs July 6 to July 30: Enrichment Camp (Grades K-6 and Grades 7-8) July 6 to August 14: Extended School Year (ESY) August 3 to August 13: Bridge Programs (Grade 9) July 6 to August 13: High School Credit Recovery & Regents Prep August 18 to August 19: New York State Regents Exams
Save the Date: MVCSD Summer Programs

The Mount Vernon City School District is pleased to announce that this summer, we will be hosting a Summer Enrichment Camp from July 6 -July 30 for our students in grades K-8. Your input is important to helping us plan the summer program.  Please answer the survey here and spread the word to other parents.  The survey will be available until the end of the day on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Read More about Save the Date: MVCSD Summer Programs
UPKRegistrationLottery20263 (PDF)
Pre-K 4 Early Registration and Pre-K 3 Lottery to open now!

Pre-K 4 early registration and the Pre-K 3 lottery application for the 2026-2027 school year are open now! Pre-K 4 Early Registration will be open from March 2 to June 19, 2026. The Pre-K 3 lottery will be open March 1 to June 19, 2026. 

The online registration page can be found here. To schedule an appointment, click here. For more information, call 914-665-5077.

Read More about Pre-K 4 Early Registration and Pre-K 3 Lottery to open now!

see The PRC

The Parent Resource Center is a place for parents, students and families to receive support. Click the link below for more information!  

Parent Resource Center

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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
Mount Vernon City School District 2026-27 Budget: Investing in Our Facilities

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.

Green bars representing student enrollment numbers for each school year from 2018 to 2026 are displayed against a white background, with the Mount Vernon City School District logo and the title "STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES" in the foreground.
Mount Vernon City School District 2026-27 Budget: Supporting High-Need Populations

The 2026-27 Mount Vernon City School District budget includes a 25% increase in special education spending for a total of approximately $40 million. Twenty-one percent of students in the District have disabilities, and 10 percent are English language learners – who also require additional services.

You can read more about the special education spending 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.

MVCSD Staff Totals Chart
Mount Vernon City School District 2026-27 Budget: District Staffing Trends

The Mount Vernon City School District is working to align staffing numbers with declining enrollment trends, and staffing has decreased from a high of 1,984 staff members in 2018-19 to 1,522 in 2025-26. District administrators will continue to look for efficiencies to ensure staffing levels are in accordance with student needs. 

You can read more about the budget by reviewing the budget book and 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.

A bar graph in the foreground displays declining total student enrollment from 2018-2019 to 2025-2026, with a Mount Vernon City School District logo in the background.
Mount Vernon City School District 2026-27 Budget: Enrollment Trends Impacting Budget

While the Mount Vernon City School District is affected by declining enrollment – which is impacting school districts across the state – it is facing higher expenses due to special education costs that continue to grow with student need and charter school tuition obligations driven by enrollment. Approximately $17.5 million is budgeted for charter school tuition, and those students are not included in enrollment numbers. 

You can read more about the budget by reviewing the budget book and 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.

A graphic for Dr. Strickland's Budget Newsletter message to community.
Mount Vernon City School District 2026-27 Budget: Letter from Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland

It is my honor to present the proposed 2026 to 2027 budget for the Mount Vernon City School District. This budget totals $276,241,856, reflecting a 1.50 percent increase over the prior year budget of $272,206,615. The $276.2 million dollar budget reflects a 1.99% increase to the tax levy. It is a responsible and purposeful plan, shaped by the realities of a lean fund balance and guided by an unwavering commitment to our students, families, and community.

A table showing charter school enrollment numbers for various years is presented against a watermark background.
Mount Vernon City School District 2026-27 Budget: Charter School Expenses

The Mount Vernon City School District’s 2026-27 budget includes $17.5 million sent to charter schools for over 850 students, or 6.3% of expenses, creating a funding deficiency. While the students do not attend MVCSD schools or impact enrollment numbers, the District is still responsible for funding their education, which impacts overall expenses and planning.

You can read more about the expenses in the budget by reviewing the budget book and 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.

2026-2027 budget Vote & School Board Election Tuesday May 19, 2026 7:00 am to 9:00 PM Small Investment. Lifelong ReturN! Mapping a Path to Fiscal Stability
Mount Vernon City School District 2026-27 Budget: Mapping a Path to Fiscal Stability

The Mount Vernon City School District’s 2026-27 budget makes significant investments to academic priorities to support students and instructional goals, despite fiscal constraints. The District has held a designation of ‘significant fiscal distress’ from the New York State Comptroller’s Office for the past six years, but improvements to financial oversight and planning have been underway all school year, leading to a budget that maps the path to fiscal stability.

You can read more about the budget by clicking here to view the budget book and clicking here to view 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's Jewel Box
Mount Vernon's Jewel Box - Decision Day

This week in the Jewel Box, we are honoring all of our seniors, who will be reaching a monumental milestone in their lives next month at graduation. The Class of 2026 has worked hard for their diplomas, and that trajectory will continue in their future endeavors. You can also view Mount Vernon’s Jewel Box on our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube! #MtVernonShines

 

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Graham School exterior street view of main entrance
Mark Jaikaran, STEAM senior, 2025

I love how STEAM is an interactive school. It's not like they just read stuff off the boards to you, they make you interact with your environment and peers. That's one of the best parts of the school.

Mark Jaikaran, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy senior, 2025

Prosper Ibeto, MVHS senior, 2025

I am so thankful to God and to the District for everything. Shout out to all the students out there. Keep believing in yourself because you never know what you can do until you do it.

Prosper Ibeto, Mount Vernon High School senior, 2025

Elizabeth deGrandpre, DWSA 2025 salutatorian

Thanks to all of my Denzel teachers, new and old. You have inspired me to want to become a teacher myself and share my love of math with students.

Elizabeth deGrandpre, Denzel Washington School of the Arts salutatorian, 2025

Charlotte Watson, Denzel Washington School of the Arts valedictorian, 2025

We've all heard the saying, ‘it takes a village,’ and well, we are the product of our village. All of this could not have been made possible without my village, I know that for a fact.

Charlotte Watson, Denzel Washington School of the Arts valedictorian, 2025

Alexia Angel​​​​​​​, Benjamin Turner Academy

I love being at BTA because I love my Teacher Assistant, Ms. Johnson and my ELA teacher, Ms. Odindo. They are hard on me and push me to do my best.

Alexia Angel, Benjamin Turner Academy

Morgan Bowen, Edward Williams School

My teacher Mrs. Creighton makes school fun. With all the teachers, principals and AP they do fun stuff.

Morgan Bowen, Edward Williams School

Raven "Madison" Arce-Harris, Cecil H. Parker School 

If you follow your dreams, they will come true.  When I first came to this school, it was hard.  Now I'm doing better with my work and making friends.

Raven "Madison" Arce-Harris, Cecil H. Parker School

Hillary Vallecillo, Lincoln School

I like Lincoln because all the teachers care about their students, not just about their classes but also about how the students feel. It is important for students to feel confident and happy in their own skin.

Hillary Vallecillo, Lincoln School

Alistair Bell, Traphagen School 

Everyone knows everyone. It’s like a family here at Traphagen.

Alistair Bell, Traphagen School

Amelia Toppin, Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School

l like NMHZ School because we do fun activities in my class. My teacher taught me cursive handwriting. I am learning multiplication and I like when we made an array of sunshine showing different arrays. I love my new teacher because she makes me understand what I am learning.

Amelia Toppin, Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School

Amanda Outen, Denzel Washington School of the Arts

DWSA has really helped me to reach my potential or at least helped me to see my true potential as an actor. I can use this experience to develop my public speaking skills so I can eventually use my voice to change the world.

Amanda Outen, Denzel Washington School of the Arts

Timari Jenkins, Benjamin Turner Academy

“We are learning to code the robot to play tug-of-war against another robot. My favorite part of this program so far is driving the robot.”  

Timari Jenkins, Benjamin Turner Middle School

Dylan Taylor, Graham School 

My school is special because the teachers slow down and help you if you need help.

Dylan Taylor, Graham School

Skylar Savariau, Parker School 

I do band lesson and I'm getting better at it. 

Skylar Savariau, Parker School

Emily Galindo, MV STEAM Academy

We are strongly encouraged by teachers and the staff to work hard and try our best with all the work we do.

Emily Galindo, MV STEAM Academy

Vera Wreh, Mount Vernon Honor Academy

My journey here at the Mount Vernon Honor Academy has been an amazing thrill for my education. Being able to be offered wonderful opportunities like participation in the National Junior Honor Society has really made me grateful. I am proud I have made it this far. Thank you MVHA!

Vera Wreh, Mount Vernon Honor Academy
 

Tristan Paul, Edward Williams School

I like that my school has a drumline. I have a chance to practice doing something that I LOVE!!

Tristan Paul, Edward Williams School

Eliana Dewar, Traphagen School 

I like the preps because I get to learn different things about art, music, PE, and media. In every activity, I learn more and more about music and art. I learn about abstract art, how to play the ukulele, how to play basketball, and poems.

Eliana Dewar, Traphagen School

Naomi Hooks, Mandela/Zollicoffer School 

What makes my school special is that some of the staff have great qualities to have the students look up to them.

Naomi Hooks, Mandela/Zollicoffer School

Kimberly Munguia, Lincoln School

Lincoln is a great school for learning and making friends. The teachers are amazing at their jobs and help give you so many opportunities to get ahead in life.

Kimberly Munguia, Lincoln School

Lily Cudjoe, Graham School 

My school provides us programs to help us, like African dance, the Boys Club, and My Sister’s place.

Lily Cudjoe, Graham School