The Mount Vernon City School District has named a new acting superintendent.

The appointment comes on the heels of calls for improved safety in the district following the fatal stabbing of a high school student.

Dr. Waveline Bennett-Conroy was formally approved as acting superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District during a school board meeting on Wednesday night.

She wasted no time and started with her plans to address safety concerns.

Her plan involves two companies that will help the district assess systems already in place, what is needed to improve safety and train staff.

Dr. Bennet-Conroy was the district's assistant superintendent and has been standing in place for district superintendent Dr. Kenneth Hamilton at recent functions as he has been on medical leave - and under fire as parents call for his resignation.

Many say they feel he hasn't done enough to address mounting safety concerns.

As News 12 has reported, the district has suffered a rash of violence. Kayla Green, a high school student, was stabbed to death off campus. There were also shots fired near a school in February.

Dr. Bennett-Conroy is acting superintendent now, but will be named the official superintendent on July 1. That's when Dr. Hamilton will officially depart the district for a leadership role in the Edgemont school district.