Board clears multiple staffing items, appoints Jessica Graves as associate superintendent for human resources

The Mount Vernon Board of Education approved a slate of personnel actions Aug. 26, including an agreement to hire Jessica Graves as associate superintendent for human resources and multiple certified and classified appointments. "Congratulations to Jessica Grace[sic]," the board said after approving Resolution 10.1 to authorize an agreement with the district and Jessica Graves; Graves, present at the meeting, told trustees she was "really humbled, very grateful for this opportunity." Trustees also approved probationary and tenure appointments, resignations, leave requests under FMLA and the recall of five cleaners from the preferred eligibility list. The board adopted a consolidated set of substitute pay rates and daily rates for per-diem staff (Resolution 10.13). Trustees asked for clarification about some lines in the substitute schedule. Trustee Scott questioned separate lines for substitute teachers before and after day 41; Jessica Graves said the lines reflected historical practice and should be condensed. Trustee McDonough and Vice President Mitchell expressed concern that per-diem nurse rates might not be competitive; Graves said the district would work with the CSEA/CSA (contract/association referenced by trustee discussion) to evaluate rates and retain registered nurses. Board members discussed the RightTrack Academy (referenced in agenda materials as a successor to the Rebecca Turner program). Dr. Strickland said the administrative slot was not a new position in the budget but a reassigned vacancy and that he would begin position-control work the following day to clarify allocations. The board authorized agreements to provide pre-K programming with community providers — Friendship for Tots and Our Lady of Victory — and approved stipends for staff running the Purchase College Great Potential program at several schools for the 2025–26 year. Several personnel motions passed by voice vote during the meeting; no contested votes were recorded on the HR items presented.