Tenure, Turnover, and Tension at Poughkeepsie BOE

By Journalist Dr. Ms. Jones

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Poughkeepsie City School District (PCSD) is gearing up for the 2025–26 school year with a few changes following August sixth’s Board of Education (BOE) meeting held at the Administration Building. The meeting spotlighted tenure approval, new administrative appointments, and a controversial human resources position that has raised questions among district unions. It also covered the need for a full board to function effectively.

One of the evening’s most celebrated moments came with the tenure approval of AIS Math Teacher Wendy Sung-Clarke, a well-respected educator in the district. Having served PCSD with distinction, her tenure was met with applause from board members, staff, co-workers, and the community.

“Getting tenure feels amazing. It’s a real honor to know the hard work and love I’ve poured into teaching math has made a difference. Over the years, I’ve watched my students go from ‘I’m not good at math’ to ‘I can do this!’ and that’s what keeps me going. I’m excited to keep making math fun, building confidence, and helping every student see themselves as a problem-solver,” said Sung-Clarke who teaches at Clinton Elementary School.

Alongside Sung-Clarke’s recognition, the school board announced several new administrative appointments meant to stabilize school leadership. Holly Sanford was approved as the Executive Director of School Business, Edward Spence accepted a position as the Director of Technology, and Dr. Jennifer Daddino was appointed as the Executive Director of Operational Effectiveness and Multilingual Education (formerly known as Director of Multilingual Programs & Academic Support position).

While the above positions were met with excitement, there was expressed concern surrounding a newly created Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources position proposed by Superintendent of Schools Mr. Gregory Mott. The position’s key responsibilities would include staff development and trainings, supporting a positive district climate, partnering with the Superintendent on HR and labor matters, promoting equity in HR practices, ensuring legal compliance, overseeing school district employee evaluations, and providing authorized direction to administrators.

Dr. David Scott, President of the Poughkeepsie Public School Administrators (PPSAA), communicated concern over the lack of acknowledgment of A Vote of No Confidence Letter that was sent to the PCSD BOE by the PPSAA on July 15. The letter stated no confidence in Superintendent Gregory Mott and Central Administration due to ignoring building administration, principals not being included in the process of teacher transfers, and implementation of summer school- dates being changed without consultation, no experienced administrators on opening days, curriculum materials unavailable until week two, 7th and 8th grade parents incorrectly notified of student assignments, high school building condition not conducive to learning with asbestos, exposed wires, and construction. Furthermore, student lists that will be attending schools within the new elementary reconfiguration have not been given. All of which has caused disruption. He also voiced concern of the newly created position, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, arguing it contradicts their contract.

“The new administration appears to be making a concerted effort to shift blame to PPSAA in order to justify this unnecessary expansion of Central Administration… PPSAA may only receive directives from an Assistant Superintendent or higher. PPSAA takes issue with this appointment, which includes a blatant reference to it being an ‘instructional appointment.’ First, PPSAA contract clearly specifies an Assistant Superintendent in an instructional capacity will be able to act with the PPSAA in certain ways. An Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources is not an instructional position. Second, the responsibilities outlined in the presentation are identical to the duties already performed by the Executive Director of Human Resources with just one added task, which is, ‘Providing authorized direction to administrators, as required by collective bargaining.’ So, we ask ‘Why create a new position, expand the budget, and add more central office staff for a function that’s already being fulfilled?” said Dr. Scott.

Mr. Mott is the newly appointed Superintendent of Schools, replacing Dr. Eric Jay Rosser as of July 1, 2025. He was formerly the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools and was originally appointed in the Spring as Interim Superintendent and then Superintendent of Schools without an interview or search for a new Superintendent, creating public outcry. He is stepping into the role at a time when Poughkeepsie’s schools are confronting serious academic and staffing challenges, including only three out of seven principals returning. In his remarks, Superintendent Mott emphasized his commitment to partnerships.

“It’s been a rewarding, somewhat challenging 32 days or so, but it’s also an opportunity for us to really strive forward and make a difference for the citizens and students of Poughkeepsie. So, I am excited about the future of Poughkeepsie, looking forward to continuing work with each and every one of the board members and those who would be selected or elected to be a part of the board in the future. Collectively, we are better together. I want to emphasize that we are better in moving the district forward together. That’s going to be my objective. That is my goal. Moving into September where we welcome our students, our faculty, and staff back. So, I’m excited for this opportunity, and I do, again, want to thank this board and community for their vote of confidence in me in moving the district forward,” said Superintendent Mott who has some huge initiatives taking place in a few weeks, including elementary reconfiguration and transportation.

Despite the friction, many in the community see the meeting as a moment of opportunity. As the first school bells of the new year prepare to ring, all eyes will be on PCSD’s leadership to deliver momentous results for the vibrant communities they serve.

The meeting also drew attention to a critical governance issue: only three out of the five Board of Education seats are currently filled, leaving two vacancies at a time when strong leadership is essential. This shortage not only places a heavier burden on the remaining members but also limits the board’s capacity to make fully representative decisions. There are three qualifications to be on the Board of Education.

“You have to live here for a year in the district, and be 18 years old, and be eligible to vote,” said Board Member President Bob Creedon who said that the BOE will interview candidates and appoint two people to fill vacant BOE seats. “We’re looking for people who want to volunteer. [People] can send their resumes to Becky Torres, the Board Clerk.”

With so many pivotal decisions on the horizon the district is actively encouraging residents to consider serving. Increased representation on the BOE can help ensure the district’s policies reflect the lived experiences of the students and families they aim to support.

Ms. Jones