Jamal Doggett

This budget forum discusses community priorities for the Mount Vernon City School District's 2026-2027 budget, based on stakeholder surveys. Key areas identified for investment include enhancing educational support, extracurricular activities, and academic programs like literacy and math through specialists and curriculum audits. It emphasizes improving technology, upgrading outdated facilities and infrastructure, ensuring fair compensation and retention for staff, and fostering parent and community engagement. The plan also seeks to expand specialized programs such as STEM, arts, universal pre-kindergarten, bilingual classes, and career and technical education to provide equitable opportunities for all students and improve overall learning outcomes.

The meeting commenced after being postponed from January 27th due to inclement weather. The President read a statement into the record regarding a recent incident allegedly involving a district employee, emphasizing that details must remain confidential due to ongoing legal and personnel matters, balancing transparency with due process. Following roll call, a quorum was established. The Assistant Superintendent provided a report highlighting several achievements: alumni spearheading the Inspire program at Steam Academy, recognition of Shining Knights senior scholars, and the girls track and field team qualifying for Nike Nationals. The Lincoln School hosted its annual science fair. Operational updates included the end of Marking Period 2 on January 30th, forthcoming parent-teacher conferences, and planning for the 29th annual parent involvement day. Information was also shared regarding the 2026-2027 budget process, including community survey results prioritizing technology, mental health, and reading/math specialists. Minister Author Muhammad received the Drum Major for Justice award. An update on snow day/delay protocols detailed coordination efforts with city and state agencies and proactive measures to formalize remote instruction options, including the distribution of 800 new devices. The December Treasury Report was tabled due to incomplete required components. A presentation was given by Ryan Manell of Bus Patrol regarding a proposal to implement a school bus safety camera system, detailing how the technology captures illegal passes, works with local law enforcement for ticketing (a civil violation), and provides data on high-violation locations to inform routing and education. The proposer also mentioned offering an optional interior non-enforcement camera system to monitor bullying and ensure no students are left on buses. The system is described as a violator-funded program covering initial capital costs.

The work session meeting involved a presentation on the results of the superintendent's budget priority survey, which garnered over 1,000 participants, indicating strong community desires for increased support in reading specialists, mental health services, technology, building upkeep, playground equipment, and math specialists. The board also heard a technology department update focusing on equitable access to technology, cybersecurity and data privacy protections (following NIST standards), preparation of the multi-year instructional technology plan, and achievements such as purchasing devices for pre-K through grade four students. Future plans include acquiring 1,000 new student laptops prioritized for grade nine students to address device deficits and prepare for computer-based testing.

The work session included several key presentations and actions. The Superintendent presented the Academic and Financial Plan for the District, followed by a presentation on the District's Mission and Vision. Board members provided comments regarding recent school events, including Parent Involvement Days and Black History Month assemblies. Key actions included multiple consent agenda approvals related to Human Resources (tenure appointments, coaching/extra-curricular activities, leave requests, resignations, and classified staff changes), Curriculum and Instruction (2026-2027 Course Catalog and travel approvals for track teams), Pupil Personnel Services (Student Personnel Services Memorandum and Skilled Nursing Services RFP award), and Business Office items (General Funds' Transfers and acceptance of a donation). Significant resolutions included the authorization to appoint Joe Lin as the School District Treasurer, approval to hire staff for After-School Programs, acceptance of the revised 2026-27 Budget Calendar, approval of a general release agreement, approval of a Stipulation of Settlement Agreement, and approval for the termination of an employee. The board also convened in Executive Sessions to discuss pending matters.

This document outlines a critical initial step in the strategic planning process for the Mount Vernon City School District, focusing on revisiting and discussing the district's vision, mission, and core values. It details key stakeholders who must be involved, such as the Board of Education, district leadership, school leaders, teachers, staff, families, scholars, and community partners. The discussion aims to assess the current relevance of the vision and mission, gather input on shared values, and lay the groundwork for defining future strategic goals, priorities, resource allocation, and community engagement.