POUGHKEEPSIE – City school district voters went to the polls on Tuesday and approved an increased spending plan while selecting two board members to serve on the board of education (BOE).
Voters, by a margin of 694 in favor to 193 opposed, approved a $108 million dollar spending plan for the 2022-2023 Poughkeepsie City School District (PCSD) fiscal year.
The PCSD has been plagued by numerous acts of violence in the middle and high schools and has been working with stakeholders including the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department to curtail the violence to allow for students to focus on education. PCSD Superintendent Dr. Eric Rosser has stressed the need for full community involvement to improve the student experience.
Increasing spending on security and necessary improvements, Rosser said on Wednesday “Our community understands the value in investing in the most precious resource of any community, its children. By supporting the educational attainment and positive youth development of our children, Poughkeepsie children will have greater opportunities and access to programming, supports, and services all geared to elevate their success”.
Voters also re-elected incumbent school board member Andrew Reiser to a new three-year term on the district’s board of education when he garnered 589 votes.
The second seat on the BOE required voters to select a replacement for Debra Long, who resigned after winning a seat on the city’s common council. Bob Creedon bested three other candidates by garnering 410 votes. Creedon’s term begins on May 18, 2022, and expires on June 30, 2023.
