Mount Vernon schools could close 3 elementary schools due to fiscal distress
The potential move is all a part of a possible school reorganization plan.
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A few elementary schools within the Mount Vernon City School District could close in the future.
The potential move is all a part of a possible school reorganization plan.
Dr. Kim Smith, who is the acting superintendent of schools, shared which locations could be cut.
"Cecil H. Parker, the Honor Academy, and the Leadership Academy," Smith said.
News 12 was told that the decision is driven by the district's financial struggles.
"We're in fiscal distress. I think everyone is aware of where Mount Vernon City School District stands in that regard," Smith said. "As a result...we want to turn things around and we believe that we can."
To determine which schools could close, they looked at a factors like enrollment numbers, necessary repairs, and proximity to other schools. It's a heartbreaking reality for some of the students who learn in the locations that could be cut in the future.
"[I'm] disappointed and sad [be]cause me and my friends were planning to graduate eighth grade and go to the high school," said a student named Genesis.
Other people said they would be particularly saddened to see Cecil H. Parker School shut down. Officials said it was named after the first African American teacher in Mount Vernon.
"It's sad, it's real sad," said a student named Monica. "Parker was [one of] the best schools out there."
Monica's mom, Lucetta Rogers, said she hopes that something can be done to save the schools.
"Hopefully, we can get out there [and] the parents can get out there and do something," Rogers said. "You know, if you don't have a voice, you can't do anything."
A town hall meeting is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. at the Graham School to discuss the proposal and gather community input.
