Mount Vernon 2018–2019 Convocation
The following are remarks as prepared for delivery by Mayor Richard Thomas at the Mount Vernon City School District Convocation for the 2018–2019 school year, September 4, 2018.
Good morning Mount Vernon!!! Welcome to the start of another great school year. Superintendent Hamilton, thank you for the opportunity to join you in welcoming our young people back to class.
I am grateful to see so many people here today that have come out for our young people and I am excited to see so many young people ready to go and learn.. As we enter this new school year, Superintendent Hamilton and I will continue to work closely and deepen the relationship between the city and the school district.
For example, this fall the city will open a Teen Center, providing a safe place for our young people to study, to mentor one another, and to pursue their passions and talents.
Everyone in town can see that the Mount Vernon City School District is under construction. We can see the investments you are making from new classes, new technology, infrastructure to all children — from north side to south side, to chester heights to kingsbridge, are now able to eat a meal at school for free every day.. As the product of Mount Vernon public schools and the parent of Mount Vernon public school student(s), thank you.
I share the Superintendent’s vision of a holistic approach to education — mind, body, soul. Nutrition and health, physical activities, and the creative arts.
Because the people of Mount Vernon have made it clear. They want a better quality of life, they want higher property values, they want smooth streets. As the school district has invested, let me tell the city will invest as well. In just a few short weeks, we will unveil our capital plan — the first the city has had since 1987. Because when our kids leave school at the end of the day, they deserve to walk home along fixed sidewalks. They deserve to study in a safe Teen Center. They deserve to play basketball with their friends in a well-maintained park and to ride home through well-lit streets.
They deserve a Memorial Field that is open and ready to receive them. A Field that is world-class, as good as any other project the County has invested in.
Mount Vernon produces more talent than any other city in the country. When I look out at you today, I see so many scholars, athletes, musicians, artists, budding philanthropists and community activists. You all deserve the very best, don’t ever settle for second place. Thank you and let’s get started on a great new year!
