As the school year continues to wind down, the Poughkeepsie City School District is continuing to solidify how the fall will look when students return to buildings.
At Wednesday’s meeting, the Board of Education appointed a new principal for Sojourner Truth Elementary School, as well as two assistant principals who will come from other positions in the district.
Alicia O’Connell on July 13 will take the reins at the school being renamed from Samuel F.B. Morse Elementary, marking her return to the district after spending three years as principal of Millbrook’s Elm Drive Elementary School.
O’Connell joined Krieger Elementary School in 2018 as a special education teacher and the instructional support team chair. She then transitioned to working in the administration building as the multi-tiered systems of support coordinator in the Office of Students with Exceptionalities, while working in conjunction with the curriculum and data teams.
Gregory Mott, the assistant superintendent for elementary education who will become superintendent of schools July 1, called O’Connell “a passionate advocate for children, who is committed to fostering strong collaboration with the Morse staff.” Mott said he “looks forward to her bringing the depth of her experience as a primary school principal” to Truth, noting she values building meaningful partnerships with parents and the broader school community.”
O’Connell said she feels as if she’s coming home.
“I’m really excited for this opportunity. Poughkeepsie has always had a special place in my heart,” she said.
Under the Elementary Reorganization plan, Truth next year will serve grades pre-K to 2 students exclusively. O’Connell noted it’s the same age range as Elm Drive.
“I have a lot of experience in the curriculum of pre-K to 2. I’m really big on communication. I pride myself on staying in contact with families and having an open door. I want to be visible with the families, with my staff and with the kids. I’m just really looking forward to being a champion for children.”
Paul Weir will remain assistant principal of the school. Current principal Samantha Mitchell is moving into a new role approved Wednesday as assistant principal at Smith Elementary School.
Also approved Wednesday, Director of Secondary Education Latanya Beavers will become an assistant principal at Poughkeepsie Middle School.