Legislator Johnson Meets With Superintendent Rosser

POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Legislator Randy Johnson, who represents District 9 and the City of Poughkeepsie, recently met with Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser to receive an update on the progress the district is making under its 5-year Strategic Plan and to also be updated on the work of the Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet. The PCC is a collective impact organization co-chaired by Rosser and Marc Nelson, mayor of Poughkeepsie.

As a longtime supporter of positive youth development in the city, Johnson has championed Poughkeepsie City School District youth, first as a member of the Board of Education for 12 years, and most recently as a three-term Dutchess County Legislator.

“Mr. Johnson’s advocacy has resulted in new partnerships with the school district, many of which go under the public’s radar as he has served as a critical connector between community-based organizations interested in supporting PCSD students and the school district. It’s not atypical for me to receive a call from Mr. Johnson with the contact name of an organization that wants to support our kids”, Rosser said.

Last year, Johnson heavily advocated for Dutchess County to match $200,000 to support the Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet. Both the City of Poughkeepsie and Poughkeepsie City School District had previously committed the same amount to support the implementation of the Cabinet’s citywide positive youth development strategy.

Prior to meeting with Rosser, Johnson participated in the PCSD Audit Committee meeting to discuss the 2023 2024 Annual Goals and Performance Objectives and the district’s continued efforts to align staff compensation and benefits to surrounding school districts. Johnson also inquired about the cross-sector work of the Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet, its work with the Harlem Children’s Zone, and progress in hiring the inaugural executive director to lead the Cabinet’s 10-year Strategic Plan.

“My interest in the work of the Poughkeepsie City School District and the Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet stems from my responsibility as a County legislator to support my district but just as importantly as a resident of the city who is vested in his community”, Johnson said.