As part of the Superintendent's regular communication, this monthly correspondence serves as an important update for the month of June. Please see the attached document. To read the Spanish version, please scroll to page 3.
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Como parte de la comunicación regular del Superintendente, esta correspondencia mensual sirve como una actualización importante para el mes de junio. Por favor vea el documento adjunto. Para leer la versión en español, por favor vaya a la página 3.
The Poughkeepsie City School District is forming its next Strategic Plan and it's looking for your input.
The updated Strategic Plan will aim to create a roadmap that not only reflects the aspects of our schools that are already working well but also addresses areas in which we can make improvements. We are committed to considering your perspectives and opinions on the direction we should take. Accordingly, we've launched a survey, open through June 27, for you to share your insights.
The survey platform allows you to contribute your thoughts anonymously, and you can also view and rate the feedback provided by other community members. We encourage an open and ongoing dialogue, so feel free to revisit the platform often and keep the conversation alive.
Mr. Gregory Mott will take the reins as the Poughkeepsie City School District’s superintendent of schools July 1.
Mott has spent nearly 30 years as an educator, most of which serving his native area of Buffalo. A graduate from SUNY Buffalo, from which he also earned a Master’s degree in elementary education and a certificate in school administration and supervision, Mott served as a teacher, an assistant principal, a principal and an administrator.
He joined Superintendent of Schools Dr. Eric Jay Rosser in Poughkeepsie as the district was preparing for the first fall of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has since had a hand in several major accomplishments, including, among others:
Helping each elementary school earn the “good standing” designation from the State Education Department for the first time in 13 years.
Increasing grades 3-8 proficiency rates in ELA and Math.
Identifying, adopting and implementing a research-based K-8 ELA and math curriculum.
Leading the creation of the “Mindful Morning” literacy program, extended learning time, the dual- language program, and a plan for greater supports for English Language Learners, as well as transforming and expanding the universal pre-K program from half- to full-day.
Assisting in the development of the Community Schools model and the 5-year Strategic Plan.
Most recently, he’s spearheaded not only the Elementary Reconfiguration plan but the movement to supply bus service to most elementary students.
The Board of Education appointed Mott the district’s next superintendent in May.
The decision to give him the reins, Board President Fatimah Carmen Martinez Santiago said, is not only reflective of the work he’s done in the district since arriving in August 2020, but provides much needed stability during a time of transition.
“We believe continuity and leadership are critical to protecting the gains we’ve made and deepening the work ahead,” the board president said. “We believe Mr. Mott is prepared to meet this moment and lead our district forward.”
Board member Hon. Thomas O’Neill said Mott “has proven himself to be the leader that we need.”
Mott said he was “deeply honored and humbled” to become superintendent. His focus, he said, will remain on the students and improving academic outcomes. He also thanked the board “for the vote of confidence” shown in naming him to the position.
“This moment is not only a professional milestone, but it is a personal commitment. I accept this role with a clear sense of responsibility, purpose and gratitude,” Mott said. “Our schools really are the heart of our community and we’re going to put children and families first. That is going to be what you hear from me on a regular basis. Oftentimes we, as adults, have conversations about adults. But our kids are who we should be advocating for. We are an institution of learning. I think we have to keep that at the forefront.”
Kimberly Popken, president of the Poughkeepsie Public School Teachers’ Association, said the organization “remains steadfast in our commitment to our students and the district. We look forward to continuing our work with new leadership.”
Mott, in his five years in Poughkeepsie, has fully embraced the community, and you can often find him on the Walkway Over the Hudson or at other community events. His contract in his new role begins July 1, 2025 and ends June 30, 2028.
“New beginnings start today. We’re going to focus on our work, we’re going to build on our strengths, we’re going to build on our successes and together we can do greater things than apart,” Mott said. “I’m looking forward to this journey.”
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