Page 7 - 2021 Mount Vernon Business Directory

Superintendent’s Message 7

DR. ISMAEL VIVANCO
Mount Vernon School District
Excellence in Teaching
mountvernonschools.org
Welcome to the Mount Vernon School District. It is with great honor
and humility that I introduce myself, Dr. Ismael Vivanco, as the
superintendent. Located in the seat of beautiful Skagit County, 60
miles north of Seattle, Mount Vernon is a diverse school district that
has been serving students since 1891. Our nine schools and Choice
Learning programs currently serve approximately 3,600 students in
grades kindergarten through 12. Six elementary schools provide educational programs for
students through grade 5.
Two middle schools serve students in grades 6 through 8. Mount Vernon High School
is home to students in grades 9-12. The Choice Learning programs provide partnership
opportunities for homeschool students and creative alternatives to meet the needs of
high school students. With close to 1,000 teachers, administrators, and support staff, the
district is the largest school district in the county and one of the largest employers in Skagit
County, as well as a major contributor to the local economy.
Strong community support of our schools is a tradition in Mount Vernon. The district has
successfully passed educational programs and operations; and technology/security levies
for many years. This support, combined with careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars, has
allowed the District to develop strong educational programs. Highlights include: small
class sizes, especially in grades kindergarten through 2nd; elementary Band, Orchestra,
and Choir; classroom technology to enhance teaching and learning; programs for highly
capable students at all levels (including over 10 Advanced Placement courses at Mount
Vernon High School); a broad range of exploratory and advanced high school Career
and Technical Education classes in the areas of family and consumer science, business
and marketing, visual media, information technology, construction, and agricultural
sciences; award winning band and choir programs at the middle and high school levels;
and a growing mariachi program, a dual language elementary school, that feeds into dual
language programs at LaVenture Middle School; support for English Learners; partnership
with the Northwest Career and Technical Academy for students desiring further career and
technical training; and specially designed instruction for learners with special needs.
In 2016, the Mount Vernon community passed a $106.4 million construction bond funding
a range of projects from the elementary through high school levels. Harriet Rowley
Elementary – the District’s newest school – opened in September 2018. The newly rebuilt
Madison Elementary opened in September 2019. The projects at Mount Vernon High School
are midway through completion. The renovation of the campus’s original building, Old
Main; is scheduled to begin in February. It will retain the unique look and feel, while adding
safety improvements, improved classroom spaces, and enlargement of the auditorium
space. The remodeling of the Fine Arts building is now complete with added classrooms,
room for administration and counseling, and a central home for health, special education,
attendance and family liaisons. The agriculture mechanics shop is also completed. Next up
will be remodeling portions of LaVenture Middle School.
Our teachers, staff, families, and communities have weathered the initial Covid-19
storm, while continuing to provide access to services and a high quality of education to
our students. We are confident that with our many strong staff and positive community
relationships, the district will continue providing what our residents have come to expect
over the past 100+ years. Welcome to a wonderful place to live and learn!
Ismael Vivanco, Ed.D. Superintendent, Mount Vernon School District No. 320