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On Tuesday, voters unofficially approved the plan - by a vote of 767-134 - to repurpose a portion of the $108 million bond that was approved by residents last year.
With student population expected to swell in upcoming years, additions have been proposed for several elementary school buildings, and land acquisition and building changes required public approval. School officials noted that more elementary level classroom space is anticipated due to new planned housing developments that will increase the school age population in the city.
“The Mount Vernon Board of Education remains committed to outstanding academic excellence,” Board of Education President Lesly Zamor said. “The refined 20/20 Vision bond refinement is another example of our dedication to ensuring all our students are college and career ready. We thank the voters for their support of our mission.”
In addition to those changes, the new plan will keep all Mount Vernon schools intact. Initially, the original “20/20 Vision” called for Parker Elementary School to become a pre-K center in the south side of the city. Instead, Parker is slated to become a pre-K through grade eight school for students.
“We’re thrilled to know voters support our refined 20/20 Vision,” Hamilton said. “Their approval of our request allows us to properly plan for the space we need to accommodate the expected influx of children into the district. We’re grateful for their endorsement of our work to provide the best possible education to their children in the necessary, state-of-the-art surroundings.”
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