Mount Vernon superintendent opens school shelter after weekend fire; board ratifies action

Mount Vernon — Superintendent Dr. Kevin Strickland said the district opened Mount Vernon Honor Academy as an emergency shelter after a weekend fire displaced multiple families and hospitalized two firefighters.

"Because the need was an urgent matter, I made the superintendent's decision to open our facility to house those families expeditiously," Strickland said during the Nov. 25 board meeting, describing the district’s immediate humanitarian response.

The board heard multiple public comments describing the fire's local impact. Community member Mark Stuckey told trustees two firefighters were in the hospital and that the district and volunteers had worked around the clock to assist people who lost everything.

Why it matters: The district's decision provided immediate shelter, clothing, food and basic supplies while trustees and municipal officials sort out how to share the operational costs. Trustees acknowledged the superintendent’s authority to act in an emergency but several asked for clearer, earlier communication in similar future situations.

What the district did: Strickland said the district provided Chromebooks and iPads to students who lost devices, opened dedicated counseling and homework rooms at Lincoln School, and coordinated with the Red Cross and local emergency management to supply clothing, diapers, toiletries and pet supplies. The superintendent said those services were in place so affected students could continue attending school and access counselors and social workers.

Board response: Some trustees expressed concern that they were not all informed before the building was opened; others praised the superintendent’s prompt action. The board voted to ratify Strickland’s decision to open the Honor Academy and directed district leadership to consult with the city about sharing costs so the district is not left with an undue financial burden.

What’s next: Trustees asked staff to report back with details on cost estimates for custodial and security services and to place a ratification item on the agenda for follow-up. Strickland and board leaders said they will meet with city officials and the mayor to discuss potential cost-sharing and to provide a summary to the board.

The district emphasized that short-term sheltering and continuity-of-learning supports — including counselors, social workers and replacement devices — are the immediate priorities for students affected by the fire.