Mount Vernon Schools Outline Tax Levy to Support Facility Improvements

Mount Vernon City Schools is asking residents to learn more about a proposed 1% earned income tax levy appearing on the May 5 ballot, a measure district leaders say would support long‑term investments in school facilities. The proposal is part of a year‑long review of building conditions, safety needs, enrollment trends, and the instructional demands facing today’s classrooms.

Many of the district’s elementary buildings are more than a century old and require ongoing repairs that have become increasingly costly. The master facilities plan developed through community and staff collaboration calls for constructing three new elementary schools and renovating Mount Vernon High School. District officials say the goal is to create safer, more efficient, and more adaptable learning environments for students and teachers.

The earned income tax would apply only to wages and earned income, not to pensions, Social Security benefits, or investment income. School leaders describe the structure as a more stable and predictable way to fund large‑scale facility projects without relying on property taxes.

The district emphasizes that the plan is built around five priorities: improving school safety, increasing operational efficiency, supporting diverse learners, strengthening modern teaching practices, and addressing aging infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to review the full levy information, ask questions, and stay engaged as discussions continue.