Mount Vernon Board of Education Special Meeting May 26 2026

The Mount Vernon City School District Board of Education held a special meeting on May 26, 2026, primarily focused on discussing a revised budget for the 2026-2027 school year following a failed budget vote on May 19. Superintendent Dr. Strickland presented the revised budget, which included a $276 million allocation with a 1.2% increase from the previous year and a lowered tax levy of 1.5%. Key budget adjustments involved increased state aid, reduced property taxes, and cuts in overtime and charter school enrollment costs. Board members debated the adequacy of cuts, the impact on programs such as athletics, arts, counseling, and maintenance, and the district's precariously low fund balance. The board approved general fund transfers and authorized a $70,000 expenditure for the upcoming budget revote. Ultimately, the revised budget and property tax report card were approved despite concerns about the district's aging infrastructure and fiscal distress status due to a fund balance below the state-required 4%. The meeting concluded with a move to executive session to discuss a confidential matter.