The Mount Vernon Board of Education held a special meeting on June 23, 2025, where several key decisions were made regarding staffing and contracts for the upcoming school year. The meeting primarily focused on the authorization of hiring staff for summer credit recovery programs and the approval of a new landscaping services contract.
One of the significant discussions involved the authorization to hire staff for district-wide summer credit recovery and Regents prep programs, scheduled from July 7 to August 14, 2025. The board unanimously approved this motion, indicating a commitment to support students needing additional academic assistance during the summer months.
Another major topic was the approval of a five-year contract with Southern Westchester BOCES for computer services. This contract was also passed without opposition, reflecting the board's ongoing efforts to enhance technological resources within the district.
The board also addressed the awarding of a landscaping services contract to Felicia Work Group for the 2025-2026 school year. This contract, valued at approximately $1.6 million, raised questions about the district's existing buildings and grounds crew. Board members discussed the necessity of hiring an external contractor to supplement the work of the grounds crew, which had been reduced due to budget constraints. The board confirmed that this decision was part of a broader strategy to manage a significant budget gap while ensuring that essential services were maintained.
Overall, the meeting underscored the board's focus on providing necessary educational support and maintaining district facilities, while also navigating financial challenges. The decisions made are expected to have a direct impact on student services and operational efficiency in the coming school year.