Interim Principal Felicia Schinella

I am a lifelong Dutchess County resident and proud mother of three adult children and three amazing grandchildren with a heavy emphasis on the importance of family and community. My career in education started more than 30 years ago here in the Poughkeepsie City School District, where I was born and raised before getting married to my high school sweetheart and joining him across the world from Germany to Kansas and back home as a military wife and family.  From a very early age, I was drawn to the helping profession but didn’t know I would return to my home district.

I was a rough student who struggled both behaviorally and academically. There were many teachers and mentors here in Poughkeepsie who helped to mold me not only as a student but as a person. I surely did not forget this. Without them, I could never have made it through. From my personal and professional experiences over the years, I know I wanted to work in the district I so loved.

I have devoted more than 30 years to being an accomplished educational administrator and leader. Most of my years were right here in the Poughkeepsie City School District. I have been part of the driving force in promoting academic excellence for all learners. I am a highly motivated leader who has worked in three large city school districts with expertise not only in school building and district leadership, but also as a very active school social worker. I have built relationships within many districts and the community. I greatly support growth through student-centered effective and transformational leadership, school and community engagement, and the unrelenting pursuit to achieve greater school outcomes for our students.

I have advanced over my career through progressively responsible positions while delivering significant and sustainable success, including but not limited to growth at the building leadership level, curriculum and instruction, assessments, professional development and staff supervision. I’m honored to share all the various positions I have held; Teacher’s Assistant, 1:1 Aide, Teacher Substitute, School Social Worker, Audit of Curriculum Coordinator, Asst. Principal, Principal, Executive Director of Student Services and Pupil Personnel, Director of Special Education, Asst. Director of SPED, Interim Executive Director for School and Family Engagement, Instructional Leader For SPED/CSE.

In addition, I have actively participated in many community-based initiatives, parent engagement programs, and collaborative efforts with local organizations, including the area colleges. As I look back on my distinguished career, I feel fulfilled and grateful to have been able to give back to my community and the district that made me the well-rounded and committed educator that I am today.

I have a true commitment to the success of our scholars in Poughkeepsie City School District. Not only their academic success, but also their entire educational experience and development of social and civic excellence for all our scholars. By connecting our students and families with programs and services that meet the needs of the whole child/student, we will ensure their well-being mentally, socially, and emotionally as they work toward fulfilling their academic goals and future endeavors. I will bleed blue forever!  It’s a privilege and an honor.