Every child deserves a chance to achieve.

The mission of the Amani Public Charter School is to provide Mount Vernon, New York students in the 5th through 8th grades with the academic skills necessary to succeed in competitive high school programs, college and the career of their choice.

Our History

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The concept of Amani began at their kitchen table.  Founders Charles and Debra Stern then formed a coalition to bring a high performing charter school to Mount Vernon, NY.  The Sterns, along with other public school parents, educators and business people joined forces to develop the school’s charter application. In 2010 the New  York State Education Department authorized Amani Public Charter School.  Amani is the first and only charter school in Mount Vernon. Admission is open to all children, including those with special needs and English language learners.  Nearly all of our students reside in Mount Vernon. Students are admitted through a random lottery held each April.

Timeline

2010	The school’s application is approved by the New York State Education Department.
2011	Doors open with 80 children in grade five, in a church basement. The school receives a generous start-up grant from Walton Family Foundation. Music and arts added to curriculum through Dancing Classrooms and Young at Arts.
2012	Amani prevails in a series of lawsuits brought by Mount Vernon City School District against the State Ed Department, intended to revoke its charter. Latin classes added to curriculum plan.
2013	In order to accommodate grades five, six and seven Amani operates classrooms and facilities in three separate churches in close proximity.
2014	Amani reaches full enrollment, with children in grades five through eight.
2015	Newly renovated facility opens at 60 South 3rd Avenue in Mount Vernon. At last, the entire school is under one roof. The first cohort of children graduate eighth grade. Amani’s girls’ basketball team wins Charter School Athletic League Championship.
2016	Amani is re-authorized by New York State Education Department. 100% pass rate on Algebra Regents Exam. First theatrical play: You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Amani scholar participates in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
2017	Amani partners with City of Mount Vernon and Habitat for Humanity to create the first Community Garden. First off-site theatrical play: Beauty & The Beast. Amani receives exposure with the Big Me mural located on South Second Avenue.

Our Team

Debra Stern
Executive Director

Mrs. Stern brings to Amani her experience as a college administrator, adjunct faculty member and social worker.  She is also a public school parent and an active member of the Alumni Council of Cornell University.  She holds a Masters in Social Work from College of New Rochelle, and a Master of Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University.  A New York City native, Debra grew up in New Rochelle and then lived in Mount Vernon for many years, where she founded the Friends of Mount Vernon Public Library, and also served as President of the districtwide PTA Council.  This unique background makes her exceptionally qualified to lead the organization as it grows and pursues its mission of educational achievement.

Philip Salmon
Director of Finance

Jamell Scott
Principal

Bruce Tanner
Director of Operations

 

Instructional Staff

Adam Abramowitz, 8^th Grade ELA Teacher

Taisha Auguste, Aide

Andre Bambara, Latin Teacher

Anthony Barbetto, PE Teacher

Toby Barg, 8^th Grade ELA Teacher

Mecca Best, Aide

Jasmine Cates, 7^th Grade Math Teacher

Steven Chang, Math Teacher

Carol Chin, Librarian

Siobhan Clarke, 7^th Grade ELA Teacher

Nicol Cobenas, 6^th Grade Math Teacher

Fayola Fleurantin, 7^th Grade ELA Teacher

Tia Frazier, 6^th Grade ELA Teacher

Fernando Garcia, Music Teacher

Tyrell Goodman, Aide

Joel Guerrier, Math Teacher

Shayna Hutchinson, 5^th Grade ELA Teacher

Mailyn Irizarry, 6^th Grade Science Teacher

Raudys Jimenez, 7^th Grade Science Teacher

Lindsey Knebel, 6^th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Ernst LeJeune, 8^th Grade Math Teacher

Graceanne Malloy, Art Teacher

Mary Martin, 8^th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Loretta McDonald, 6^th Grade Math Teacher

Natalie McFarlane, 5^th Grade Math Teacher

Jessi Montuma, 5^th Grade Science Teacher

Michael Morlino, Special Education Teacher

Sophia Parande, Math Teacher

Jonathan Powers, 7^th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Jessica Richardson, PE Teacher

Teri Scott, 5^th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Sierra Shepard, 8^th Grade Science Teacher

Rakeisha Smith, 5^th Grade ELA Teacher

Lorice Townsend, Special Education Coordinator

Brandon White, Technology Teacher

Johnayia White, Math Teacher

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DEANS/ SEL Staff

Kacie Anderson, Dean of Scholar & Families

Michelle Ederer, Social Worker

Alysia James, Dean of Scholar & Families

Michael Jaros, Guidance Counselor

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INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES

Cara Martin

Jane Tulley

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SUPPORT STAFF

Amiell Cobb, Registrar

Ashley Davenport, Office Manager

Lennox Dressikie, Custodian

Karl Eason, Data and AIT Manager

Nicole Francis, Nurse

Kelly D. Gardner, Executive Assistant

Rebecca Johnson, Office Aide

Jerry Lester, Custodian

Marelys Popoter, Marketing Coordinator

Antonio Scott, Head Custodian

Mark Stewart, Technology Coordinator

Rebecca Wise, Bookkeeper

Brittany Woodley, Food Service Associate

Harvey Zuckerman, Fundraising and Extended Day Coordinator

Board of Directors

Sid Burke: a partner in the New York Office of DLA Piper LLP (US), a global law firm. Mr. Burke lends his own legal expertise and facilitates pro bono legal assistance for the school. Mr. Burke received his J.D from NYU School of Law and his A.B from Harvard University.

Adell Dowdy: an educational professional with a career spanning over thirty years. Presently Ms. Dowdy is an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Education Department of Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. She brings expertise in professional and curriculum development as well as school administration. Ms. Dowdy earned a BA from Bennett College in Elementary Education and Reading, an MA in teaching from New York University and the Professional Diploma in Supervision and Administration from the City College of the City University of New York.

David Eichler: a Certified Public Accountant with extensive professional experience as a controller for a multibillion-dollar division of a public company. Mr. Eichler earned his BS in Accounting from New York University and has a long career in the motion picture industry.

Laura Francis: a lifelong resident of Mount Vernon, and a former teacher in the Mount Vernon City School District.  Ms. Francis has a long history of school and community involvement.  She holds a Bachlor of Science from The American University and a Master of Science from Fordham University.

Jim Killoran: Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, Westchester County. Jim is a graduate of St Josephs College BA Seton Hall University MDiv. and has an honorary doctorate degree from St Josephs College of Maine. He is also the treasurer for the Yonkers Charter School of Educational Excellence. Mr. Killoran believes every student deserves an excellent education.