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Poughkeepsie Middle School in 2025-26 enjoyed a year filled with hope, excitement and transformation, after decades in which the school has underperformed and notoriously struggled with student behavior and safety.

Students qualifying for positive behavior incentives was up. Student disciplinary referrals were down – decreased by thousands. Participation in standardized testing was nearly perfect. Teachers are optimistic that the changes may stick and students are enthusiastic about school each day and various after-school programming.

Suddenly, Poughkeepsie Middle School has a culture of expectation and accountability, which building leaders hope to use as a foundation for academic excellence.

Read about the school's transformative year here

Poughkeepsie’s athletics programs will compete in Section 9 and the Mid-Hudson Athletic League beginning with the 2026-27 school year. 

While some of Dutchess County’s schools compete in Section 1 – which also includes Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties – many compete in Section 9 with teams from Ulster, Orange and Sullivan counties. The Pioneers previously left Section 1 in favor of Section 9 in fall 2014 and returned in fall 2017.

“This move reflects our commitment to putting students first,” Superintendent of Schools Gregory Mott said. “By rejoining Section 9, we are prioritizing instructional time, student wellness and access to athletic opportunities. We see athletics as a powerful partner to our academic mission and this decision recommits us to that ideal.”

Read more about the move to Section 9

Gregory Mott is the Poughkeepsie City School District’s Superintendent of Schools.

Mott has spent nearly 30 years as an educator. Before officially taking the reins as superintendent July 1, 2025, he spent five years in Poughkeepsie as assistant superintendent for elementary education. He’s had his fingerprints on several key district initiatives, including Elementary Reconfiguration, expansion of school bus service, adopting and implementing a research-based K-8 ELA and math curriculum, getting each elementary school a “good standing” designation from the state Education Department, and taking part in the ongoing transformation at Poughkeepsie Middle School.

Pursuant to Section 2-c and 2-d of the Education Law, parents and students are entitled to certain protections regarding confidential student information. The Poughkeepsie City School District is committed to safeguarding personally identifiable information from unauthorized access or disclosure as set forth in the links below.

Parent Bill of Rights

Family Educational Rights And Schools Privacy Act

Dignity for All Students Act