Community Message from Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. William C. Prattella, a true champion of education in Mount Vernon. What struck me most in reading about Dr. Prattella was his 25 years serving Mount Vernon as its superintendent. After just one year as superintendent, I can tell you it takes someone with a strong desire to lead and an amazing heart to guide a school district for that long. It takes someone who knows and cares for his community deeply to accomplish what he did here, and he should always be remembered for his dedication to our city and children.

Dr. Prattella’s impact on our school district is still felt, and our longest tenured staff are quick to reminisce about his time leading our schools. As a leader, making an impact on staff that lasts almost three decades after retirement is remarkable. He also clearly led with students at the forefront of his decisions, and the stories I have read and heard from his former students paint that picture clearly.

The Mount Vernon City School District will work to honor Dr. Prattella’s life by staying firm in our commitment to our students and the community of Mount Vernon. I look forward to hearing more stories from those who knew Dr. Prattella, as he was clearly someone who possessed qualities that all educators and leaders should strive for.

His lifelong commitment to education lasts still, with his family requesting donations to Mercy University’s General Scholarship Fund to honor his life and legacy.

More on Dr. Prattella:

The Mount Vernon City School District mourns the passing of Dr. William C. Prattella, who served about 25 years as superintendent and left an indelible mark on the community as a compassionate educator and leader.

Dr. Prattella died Sunday, Sept. 6, at the age of 86.

He was born in Mount Vernon in 1939 to Edith Prattella and Vincent "Sergeant Jim" Prattella, and in 1961 became the first member of his father's family to earn a college degree, according to his online obituary.

Dr. Prattella studied for the priesthood for three and a half years at St. Francis Seminary in Lowell, Mass., before deciding “that he could best serve God and others in the secular world,” the article states.

Beginning in 1961, he taught Spanish and English in Mount Vernon and later assumed counseling and administrative positions. He became superintendent in 1972 at the age of 32. At the time, he was the youngest person in New York State to head a school district. 

Dr. Prattella’s leadership earned recognition well beyond Mount Vernon. In 1980, he was selected as one of North America’s 100 top school executives by Executive Educator, a publication for elementary and secondary school administrators.

That year, a Congressional Record tribute highlighted several initiatives undertaken during his tenure. They included programs for the early identification and treatment of learning disabilities, the use of phonics in reading instruction and innovative approaches to classroom learning. Dr. Prattella also helped establish what was described as the first magnet school for elementary students in New York State.

The same tribute noted significant academic progress during his leadership, reporting that the percentage of students performing below minimum competency on state tests dropped from 36 percent in 1972 to 7 percent in 1978.

During his tenure, Mount Vernon High School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.

Dr. Prattella also taught graduate courses at Fordham University -- where he earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees -- and the College of New Rochelle. He later served as a professor of educational leadership at Mercy College, now Mercy University. 

He received recognition in Congress in 1993, when U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel paid tribute to his accomplishments and described his leadership as an example of positive change and innovation.

Dr. Prattella’s influence continued to be remembered by those who worked in the District.

In a 2024 District profile, Executive Assistant Lisa Autieri recalled that he “demanded excellence.” She described the high standards he set for employees and credited him with pushing her to return to school and earn her degrees.

Perhaps Dr. Prattella, who served as superintendent until 1997, best summed up the philosophy that guided his long career when he said: “The real meaning of education is caring, loving, sharing, appreciation and understanding.”

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Prattella; his four children, William George Prattella, Dawn Prattella, Christopher Prattella and Todd Prattella; several grandchildren; and other family members.

The Mount Vernon City School District extends its condolences to Dr. Prattella’s family, friends, former colleagues and the generations of students and educators whose lives he touched.