MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (May 16, 2016) – City residents will vote on the Mount Vernon City School District’s proposed $238.7 million budget for the 2016-2017 school year, which has a zero percent increase in the tax levy, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17. There are also three trustee seats up for election.
Voters can find their polling locations by visiting the district website at www.mtvernoncsd.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=180736&pageId=8653783
The total proposed taxes to be collected by the school district will be $134 million, which is unchanged for the third consecutive year.
The proposed budget is a 3.41 percent increase, or $7.9 million, above last year’s approved budget of $230.9 million.
The proposed budget includes:
Creation of six new English native learner positions
Creation of six new special education teachers
Continuation of the beautification program at five elementary schools and Mandela High School
Expansion of the middle school sports program to include wrestling, volleyball and softball
Introduction of transportation for Mandela students to allow them to attend Mount Vernon High School for career and technical education (CTE) programs
Introduction of Special Olympics program for special education students and to reinforce the importance of community service to those supporting the program
Realizing an oil cost-savings of 95 percent over the previous year due to the district’s energy performance contract (EPC).
Realizing an electric cost-savings of 35 percent over the previous year due the district’s EPC.
Acquisition of new financial software to modernize and creater greater efficiencies for payroll and human resources
Acquisition of a new identification card system for students and staff
The proposed budget is 100 percent aligned with the Board of Education’s goals to create systems to promote student achievement and increase outcomes, paying particular attention to subgroups in order to close the student achievement gap and developing and implementing a multi-year plan for improving buildings, grounds, and facilities including the exploration of private and public partnerships.
To learn more and review the budget presentation, visit: www.mtvernoncsd.org/community/budget.
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.
