Poughkeepsie City School District

1. How long have you been living in Poughkeepsie?

I was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, and moved back with my wife and child in March of 2023.

2. Education:

BA in Political Science from Siena College

MA in Urban Policy & Public Administration from Brooklyn College

3. Occupation:

Planner – City of Poughkeepsie

4. Community Involvement:

Worked with Oakwoods Friends School on the placement of a Community Fridge in the City of Poughkeepsie

5. Why are you interested in becoming a Board of Education Member?

Everything I do is to make the City of Poughkeepsie the strongest for all members of the community. In my job I get to work with development, planning and working to bring investment to the city and these transformational outcomes needed start with the children. Strengthening the education system is the best investment to be made for the city and for the future of residents.

6. What is your connection to the school district?

My child will start Pre-K in the school district this September and I want to fully invest myself in not only her future, but all that I can do to make all students’ futures brighter.

7. What skills or attributes would you bring to the Board?

I have over a decade of government and policy experience. I will be focused on making the budget a strong document that can respond to the needs of all students. I have managed budgets, worked with nonprofits and found grants that can make long lasting impacts.

8. What do you consider the most important issue(s) in the school district?

Matching funding with the needs of students to not only support, but to elevate the resources. 

1. How long have you been living in Poughkeepsie?

I have lived in the City of Poughkeepsie for 56 years.

2. Education:

I hold a strong and diverse educational background that reflects my commitment to service, leadership, and education:

• Pursuing MS, Social Work (MSW), Capella University
• Pursing JD Law Degree- University of Albany

• PhD, Human Services Community and Social Services, Walden University
• MS, Philosophy, Walden University
• MS, Education- Curriculum and Instruction Leadership, Concordia University
• MS Criminal Justice, Mercy University
• MS, Counseling, Mercy College
• MS, Psychology, Mercy College
• BS, Integrated Major in Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Public Health Administration, Marist College
• AA, Liberal Arts, Dutchess Community College

3. Occupation:

I currently serve as an Adjunct Instructor and am a Human Services professional with experience in education, youth development, and community-based programming.

4. Community Involvement:

My work in the community has always been centered on service, leadership, and creating opportunities for others. I am:

• A Member of the Police Municipal Training Council
• Founder of Positive About Possibilities, Inc.
• Founder of the PAP Red Cross Mobile Training Site
• Founder of Triple D Deb’s Defensive Driving
• A Community Recovery Coach Trainer and Facilitator
• Founder of the Elementary Emerging Leaders Cotillion
• A Board Member of Nubian Directions
• Organizer of a Summer Soccer League
• Actively involved in community groups supporting individuals with disabilities

For over 12 years, I have been directly involved in providing free programs and services to youth and young adults in the City of Poughkeepsie.

5. Why are you interested in becoming a Board of Education Member?

I am interested in becoming a Board of Education member because I understand the importance of strong systems and effective leadership in building successful educational environments. Systems are essential in transforming schools from reactive to proactive. When implemented correctly, they create structure, consistency, and accountability.

Strong systems allow for increased focus on instruction by reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, which gives teachers more time to teach. They also reduce staff burnout by minimizing disorganization and stress. More importantly, systems support proactive problem-solving by identifying learning gaps and behavioral concerns early, rather than waiting for issues to escalate. Its imperative to create stronger programming and structure for the English Language Learner, and not SPARSE them as stated by a board member.

Our district needs leadership that understands how to build and sustain systems that support long-term improvement, transparency, and student success. I am committed to being part of that change.

6. What is your connection to the school district?

I am a lifelong resident of the City of Poughkeepsie and have been actively engaged with youth and young adults in this community for over six years. Through my work, I have built strong relationships with families, students, and community stakeholders, and I remain deeply invested in the success of our district.

7. What skills or attributes would you bring to the Board?

I bring a combination of leadership, experience, and a strong commitment to student success, including:

• Strategic Thinking and Governance: Ability to focus on long-term vision and distinguish between governance and day-to-day operations
• Financial Literacy: Understanding of budgets, resource allocation, and fiscal responsibility
• Effective Communication and Collaboration: Strong ability to work with diverse groups and communicate with transparency
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data to guide decisions around student achievement and district improvement
• Community Advocacy: Building trust and strong relationships within the community
• Focus on Student Achievement: Keeping student outcomes at the center of all decisions
• Integrity and Commitment: Preparing, showing up, and leading with accountability
• Cultural Competence: Ensuring policies reflect and support the diversity of our students and families

8. What do you consider the most important issue(s) in the school district?

The most important issues facing our district include improving overall student performance, strengthening connections across the district, and restoring trust through transparency and accountability.

We must increase overall district scores by implementing consistent, effective systems that support both teaching and learning. At the same time, we need to strengthen relationships between schools, families, and the community to create a more unified and supportive environment.

Equally important is ensuring that personal agendas do not interfere with decision-making. The focus must always remain on students. We need qualified board members who understand educational systems, value transparency, and are committed to ethical leadership.

Lastly, there must be a shift away from personal attacks on staff and toward a culture of respect and professionalism. Supporting educators, rather than undermining them, is essential to building a strong and successful school district across ALL Departments.