New Superintendent Selected For Poughkeepsie Schools

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The Poughkeepsie City School District has appointed a new superintendent. The board of education voted unanimously Monday to appoint Dr. Eric J. Rosser of Buffalo to take over as superintendent Aug. 5.

Rosser currently serves as the associate superintendent for student support services of the Buffalo Public Schools, a position he has held since 2015.

According to Board President Felicia Watson, Rosser will begin his transition immediately.

"The board believes that Dr. Rosser will foster a new era of healing and inclusion that has been desperately needed in the Poughkeepsie City School District," Watson said.

"His systematic approach to public education, coupled with his diverse breath of experience, will serve him well in driving districtwide educational reform that our students and teachers need and deserve."

Rosser said he was ecstatic to serve as Poughkeepsie's superintendent.

"It is a humbling honor to join this community and work with a team of dedicated adults in creating greater access and opportunities for PCSD students," he said. "I believe it is every child's civil right to an equal and high-quality education and look forward to guaranteeing that this belief is delivered upon."

Rosser began his education career as a teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools from 1994 to 1999.

Prior to his current position, he served for five years as director of student support services and compliance and for three years as supervisor of pupil personnel services.

In 2007, he relocated from Buffalo to Atlanta, Georgia, to oversee the Atlanta Public Schools' signature reform initiative as a program administrator. He also served as assistant superintendent of instructional operations and interim deputy superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

Rosser also served as deputy assistant superintendent of elementary and secondary education for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education in Washington, D.C. He oversaw the implementation of the district's State Accountability School District Turnaround Model.

Employment terms for Rosser include a three-year contract with a base salary of $205,000, which, officials said, is comparable to superintendent salaries in the region.

Rosser is married and has two grown children. He is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio.

He will be presented to the district and community during a July 24 board meeting at 5 p.m. at the Poughkeepsie High School, 70 Forbus St.

He will take an oath of office which will be followed by an informal reception.

On Aug. 14, at the board of education meeting, Rosser will present his entry plan, which will be followed by a formal welcome reception for all staff, students, families and community members.

Mayor Rob Rolison said he looks forward to working with Rosser.

"The fortunes of the city and the school district are inextricably linked, and the city is grateful for the positive dialog that has emerged as the school district conducted its search for a new leader," he said.

Find and “Like” Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.