Poughkeepsie City School District 

Superintendent Bio

 Dr. Eric Jay Rosser is an accomplished administrator with more than 23 years of educational leadership, school turnaround, and operational management experience at the state education agency and local education agency levels. He has a proven history of leading, managing, and coaching educational leaders and teachers, and designing and implementing effective instructional and student support initiatives. As a systems thinker, Dr. Rosser has overseen the implementation of reform initiatives in the Poughkeepsie City School District (NY), Buffalo Public Schools (NY), Atlanta Public Schools (GA), and the Office of State Superintendent of Education (DC).
Dr. Rosser joined the Poughkeepsie City Schools in August 2019 as superintendent of schools. With the support of the School Board, Dr. Rosser developed the district’s five-year strategic plan, which has produced demonstrable improvements across the district in a short period of time. What was once considered a low performing school district is now recognized as a school district of great promise.
Serving as an associate superintendent in the Buffalo Public Schools, he co-developed the district’s Student Success Plan, the district’s strategic plan for increasing student achievement. The plan improved the district’s state accountability status in the areas of graduation rates, number of schools in good standing, and student ELA and Math proficiency in grades 3 – 8. As deputy assistant superintendent for elementary and secondary education at the Office of State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Rosser oversaw the implementation of the District of Columbia’s K-12 State Accountability System and school turnaround supports. He also led the establishment of the accountability system for early learning facilities throughout the District of Columbia and was responsible for parent engagement. In Atlanta, Dr. Rosser served as a program administrator, assistant superintendent and interim deputy superintendent of curriculum and instruction. He was responsible for the district’s signature reform initiative designed to increase the academic outcomes of over 13,000 K-12 students in the system’s lowest performing schools, school accreditation, and parent engagement.
Dr. Rosser earned a Bachelor’s degree (American Studies), three master’s degrees (American Studies, School Counseling, and Educational Leadership) an advanced certificate (School District Administration), and a doctorate in philosophy (Sociology of Education) from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He has also participated in the AASA/Howard University Urban Superintendents Academy.
He is a first-generation college graduate who attributes his academic accomplishments to his motivation to fulfill his life’s work of advocating for all students to receive a quality education, particularly those who will be first generation college attendees.
Dr. Rosser understands all facets of school district operations. His unrelenting and courageous advocacy for children and families, ability to develop productive collaborative relationships with school leaders and community partners, affability, unwavering integrity, and commitment to all students distinguishes him as a Champion of Children.

Contact Information

Columbus School - Administration Building

18 South Perry St.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601                                                                                                                                                  (845) 451-4900                                                                 

The Superintendent of Schools supervises all matters directly or indirectly affecting the operations of the school district. He ensures that the administration of the school system conforms with existing laws, regulations and policies adopted by the Board of Education.

To keep up to date on events and happenings in the District please look at our calendar and read announcements that are sent home with students.

Selected School Board Policies related to the Superintendent

3000 Administration Goals
3100 Superintendent of Schools
3120 Duties of the Superintendent
3160 Evaluation of the Superintendent
                                                   

Please note that the District maintains an online Policy Manual that contains the most up-to-date policies. The online manual is searchable by keyword or policy name.