The completion of the renovation marks a key milestone in the District’s ongoing 20/20 Vision Capital Improvement Project.
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (February 14, 2019) — Soon after Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton took the helm as Superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District, he attended a holiday concert at Williams Elementary School. It was then that he recognized how desperately the students of the Williams School needed a new auditorium. Last week, Dr. Hamilton took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the culmination of that vision.
“Renovations are happening districtwide, but this project was especially critical because the auditorium was in such disrepair,” Dr. Hamilton said to a crowd of students, teachers and parents gathered in the newly updated auditorium. “Our buildings should reflect the high educational standards that we have set for our students, as well as send the message that they are valued.”
The auditorium includes all new state-of-the-art audio-visual technology with surround sound and theater-style seating. The space was renovated while preserving rich historical artifacts including a fresco painting on the wall and maintaining the integrity of some of the original architectural design.
Following the ribbon-cutting, students experienced the auditorium for the first time; some performed as members of the chorus; some took the stage and played in the band; while others enjoyed their classmates’ performances from the comfort of their new seats.
Sixth graders Glen Smith and Stephen Belton helped with the ribbon-cutting ceremony and were excited when they got a first glimpse of their new auditorium.
“The lighting is way better, and the chairs look comfortable and are not rusty or have broken handles,” said Smith who was a drummer in a recent performance in the auditorium.
“I think it’s going to be a big improvement to have good audio,” added Belton who has performed on the Williams School stage as a member of the chorus. “The audience will have a more enjoyable experience because they’ll be able to hear and see the performers better.”
Edward Williams Elementary School serves the highest population of homeless/displaced students in the District and was recently declared a school in good standing, along with all the other elementary and middle schools in the District.
“The auditorium renovation is continued evidence of the much-needed improvements that have been taking place at Edward Williams Elementary School,” said Principal Dr. Crystal Waterman. “I told the students that they should take pride in our school and in themselves, and respect the spaces that we now have.”
Other construction improvements at the school include: a repaved playground, a renovated cafeteria, new treading on the staircases, ongoing painting inside and outside, masonry work on the perimeter, new boilers, new lighting, new heating, a new science lab, and six small group classroom spaces. In addition, laundering facilities were recently installed to accommodate the needs of students so they may keep their school uniforms clean.
About Mount Vernon City School District
With more than 8,000 students in 16 schools, the Mount Vernon City School District is committed to providing a quality education to its children as well as developing programs that meet the diverse academic and social needs of its students.
