The education community lost a true champion of children this past weekend, when Dr. Ronel Cook, former Poughkeepsie City School District teacher and administrator succumbed to injuries from an automobile accident.

Dr. Cook served the Poughkeepsie City School District from the 1990’s through 2017 in multiple positions ranging from teacher, school administrator, and central office administrator. He last served as Deputy Superintendent in 2017 before transitioning to lead the Catskill Central School District as superintendent. He was recently appointed as the superintendent of the Englewood Public Schools in July 2022.

Word of Dr. Cook’s tragic and unexpected passing evoked memories and comments of his presence throughout various school communities of the Poughkeepsie City School District and his impact on supporting the needs of the district’s youth and development of teachers and leaders during his tenure, many of whom are still in the district.

Above all of the complimentary comments about his professionalism were comments about his character of “Being a Good Man” and how his servitude of doing what was in the best interest of children stood out.

Given Dr. Cook’s affability in the various districts he has served in, there is a local effort to arrange a memorial event to pay homage to a giver and contributor to the Poughkeepsie City School District. District leadership and the Poughkeepsie City School District Board of Education offer their deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues during this time of great loss.

Upon receiving the unfortunate news of his passing, support were offered throughout the district to those who worked alongside Dr. Cook and whom he influenced to lead and serve with purpose.