Leading by Example: MVCSD Trustees Erica Peterson, Christopher McDonough & Donna Marable’s Commitment to Educational Excellence Recognized Statewide
Mount Vernon City School District (MVCSD) Trustee Erica Peterson, Trustee Dr. Christopher McDonough, and President Trustee Dr. Donna Marable received New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) Recognition Achievement Awards!
The NYSSBA Recognition Achievement Awards were presented by Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario A. Strickland during the Mount Vernon Board of Education’s Regular Business Meeting on May 19, 2026 (see video below).
Trustee Erica Peterson earned the Level 1: Board Achievement Award, receiving a Certificate of Recognition for her commitment to professional development and board service. Trustee Christopher McDonough was honored with the Level 2: Board Excellence Award, which includes a Certificate of Recognition and recognition in On Board, NYSSBA’s award-winning official publication. Board President Dr. Donna Marable received the Level 3: Board Mastery Award, which includes a Certificate of Recognition, acknowledgment in On Board, complimentary registration to a one-day NYSSBA seminar, and a commemorative padfolio in recognition of her continued dedication to educational leadership and governance.
The NYSSBA’s Board Excellence Recognition Program acknowledges the extensive time and effort required of school board members who continually strive to expand their knowledge and skills for better board governance. NYSSBA members earn points for participating in NYSSBA training opportunities, including the Annual Convention and regional workshops, and for taking on board-related roles such as Board President and NYSSBA’s Advocacy Liaison.
The New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) is a member-driven organization that serves as the statewide advocate and voice for more than 670 boards of education and roughly 5,000 elected school board officials across New York State. Founded in 1896 and headquartered in Latham, New York, NYSSBA provides leadership development, legal advice, policy updates, and legislative advocacy to support public elementary and secondary education.
The Mount Vernon City School District (MVCSD) Board of Education (BOE) consists of nine trustees serving staggered three-year terms.
AJ Woodson is the Editor-In-Chief and co-owner of Black Westchester, Host & Producer of the People Before Politics Radio Show, An Author, Journalism Fellow (Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism), Rap Artist – one third of the legendary underground rap group JVC FORCE known for the single Strong Island, Radio Personality, Hip-Hop Historian, Documentarian, Activist, Criminal Justice Advocate and Freelance Journalist
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