The Case for Consolidation and Vocational Education
Mount Vernon’s public school system is facing a critical juncture. With the steady expansion of charter and private schools, enrollment in our public schools is projected to decline even further. As these alternative education options continue to grow, they pull students—particularly those from families with greater resources or higher-achieving students—out of the public system. This shift threatens to further strain our district’s budget and resources. To navigate these changes, we must adopt a new mindset in how we do business and how we provide the best educational advantages for the children of Mount Vernon.
Many of Mount Vernon’s schools are severely underutilized, with some buildings housing only 200 students in spaces designed for 2,000. Maintaining these facilities is not only inefficient but also drains resources that could be better used to enhance educational outcomes. Moreover, many of these buildings are in critical need of repair, adding further strain to the district’s budget.
From my understanding, the primary issue isn’t whether schools should be consolidated, but rather which schools should be closed—and the emotions surrounding these decisions. Unfortunately, budgets don’t account for emotions. The facts are straightforward: Which schools are performing and which are not? Which schools have low capacity relative to the high cost of upkeep and maintenance, and which schools are more sustainable? These are the metrics that should guide our decisions.
This process needs to be as transparent as possible. It’s not productive to argue over the name of a school slated for closure—that’s immature and distracts from the bigger picture. If the name of a beloved school holds historical or emotional value, move the name to one of the schools that will remain open. The focus should be on ensuring the best educational outcomes for our students and using resources wisely, not preserving buildings for sentimental reasons.
Consolidating schools is a practical step to streamline operations and reduce costs. But consolidation alone isn’t the solution. We must use this opportunity to reinvest in our students by establishing a vocational training academy that addresses both the educational and economic needs of our community.
A Vocational Training Academy: Preparing Students for Real-World Success
As someone who worked in law enforcement for 33 years, I can say with certainty that crime and violence are often byproducts of poor education, lack of work skills, and limited employment opportunities. Contrary to what some politicians in Mount Vernon might admit, our city faces significant crime and social challenges. One effective way to combat these issues is by graduating students with the vocational skills necessary to secure good-paying jobs or even start their own businesses.
Not every student in Mount Vernon will choose a traditional college path—and that’s perfectly fine. In fact, it’s essential that we recognize and celebrate diverse career aspirations. A vocational training academy would provide students with direct pathways into high-demand, recession-proof careers in fields like electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and construction, as well as public service roles such as police, fire, EMS, and corrections.
Recent data paints a stark picture of the current labor market. The U.S. is projected to be short 550,000 plumbers by 2027. Employment of electricians is expected to grow twice as fast as the average for all occupations through 2032. These shortages spell immense opportunities for those willing to pursue these careers. By offering vocational training in these fields, Mount Vernon’s students can position themselves at the forefront of industries that are not only in demand but also essential to the nation’s infrastructure and growth.
We don’t have to look far for successful examples of how vocational training can transform a school system. Queens Technical High School in Long Island City offers programs in Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Pre-Engineering Electronic Technology, and more. Similarly, Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School in Jamaica, Queens, provides specialized training in Automotive Technology, Medical Assisting, Mechanical Engineering, and IT. Chelsea Career and Technical Education High School in Manhattan focuses on Information Technology and Graphic Design, preparing students for careers in technology and the arts. These schools have shown how integrating vocational training into the high school curriculum can create graduates who are job-ready and equipped with valuable skills.
These are not just jobs—they are careers that offer stability, good wages, and opportunities for advancement. Graduates in these fields can earn from $75,000 to over $100,000 a year, often without the burden of college debt. By equipping students with industry-recognized certifications and hands-on experience, we can ensure that they graduate ready to enter the workforce with confidence and competence.
A vocational academy wouldn’t just benefit individual students; it would strengthen the entire Mount Vernon community. Graduates would fill essential roles in our local economy, contributing to community safety, infrastructure, and public services. This, in turn, would attract businesses and families to the area, fostering economic growth and revitalization.
Moreover, by keeping more students within the public school system, we can stabilize enrollment numbers and secure the funding necessary to continue improving our schools. This approach addresses the threat posed by charter and private schools head-on by offering something unique and invaluable—an education that leads directly to meaningful, well-paying careers.
A New Era for Mount Vernon’s Schools
Mount Vernon has the chance to transform its public school system into a beacon of innovation and opportunity. By embracing consolidation and establishing a vocational training academy, we can provide students with the skills they need to succeed while strengthening our community as a whole.
But let’s be clear—the only way something good can happen is if the community of Mount Vernon stops the adult gang-banging. Instead of continuing the fight for control, we need to fight to do right. This isn’t about political power plays or personal agendas—this is about the future of our city and the future of our children. We must come together, put aside differences, and focus on building an educational system that serves every student and strengthens the entire community.
This isn’t just about saving money or competing with charter schools—it’s about reimagining what education can be in Mount Vernon. It’s about offering our students and families real choices and real opportunities. It’s about making our public schools not just a place of learning, but a cornerstone of community growth and prosperity
