Poughkeepsie City School District

We are champions of children who inspire and nurture the whole child by providing innovative, high-quality educational opportunities that prepare all students to embark on individual paths of success in a globally diverse community.

The Office of Students with Exceptionalities is responsible for a wide range of programs to support students with special needs, including all preschool special education and school-aged special education across Poughkeepsie's schools. We also provide "Child Find" services to students who are parentally placed in private schools within the District lines, to students at the Little Water Preparatory School, and students who are home schooled if they are residents of the District. Our office oversees the Section 504 committee and develops accommodation plans for students to provide reasonable access to instruction and learning. Other activities of our department include the assignment of instructors for alternative instruction during suspension, home-bound medical instruction for students who cannot attend due to serious illness or injury with appropriate medical documentation. We also schedule and coordinate all student disciplinary hearings (otherwise known as Superintendent's Hearings) for residents of our district. 

We are committed to service to the students and families of Poughkeepsie. We are here to help you and answer your questions. Our staff can provide information and guidance if you have questions about any of the areas our department covers. Below is a list of key personnel who can assist you.

For all Special Education matters, please contact the staff who can assist you from this list, arranged by the schools they serve.  The District phone number is (845) 451-4900.  Key in the appropriate extension to be connected to the person at that number.

• Smith School (formerly the Early Learning Center)
  • OSWE Coordinator:  Triesha Foglia-Edwards (x. 5724)
  • OSWE Clerical: Sherry Yohe: (x. 5722)
• Roberto Clemente Elementary School (formerly Clinton Elementary)
  • OSWE Coordinator:  Triesha Foglia Edwards (x. 5724)
  • OSWE Clerical: Kim Baxter (x. 5725)
• Krieger Elementary School
  • OSWE Coordinator:  Amanda Depew (x. 5723)
  • OSWE Clerical: Delayna Bennett (x. 5719)
• Sojourner Truth Elementary School (formerly Morse Elementary)
  • OSWE Coordinator:  Alisa Balestrino (x. 5728)
  • OSWE Clerical: Anna Klinkhammer (x. 5727)
• Warring Elementary School
  • OSWE Coordinator:  Alisa Balestrino (x. 5728)
  • OSWE Clerical: Delayna Bennett (x. 5719)
• Poughkeepsie Middle School
  • OSWE Coordinator: Amanda Depew (x. 5723)
  • OSWE Clerical: Kim Baxter (x. 5725)
• Poughkeepsie High School
  • OSWE Coordinator: Alisa Balestrino (x. 5728)
  • OSWE Clerical:  Lisa Velez (x. 5720)
• Out of District Programs, Parentally Placed Private Schools 
  • OSWE Coordinator:  Triesha Foglia-Edwards
  • OSWE Clerical: Lisa Velez
• BOCES & Little Water Preparatory School (Charter)
  • OSWE Coordinator: Triesha Foglia-Edwards (x. 5724)
  • OSWE Clerical: Anna Klinkhammer (x. 5727)
• Home Schooled Students:  
  • OSWE Coordinator & Clerical according to the student's registered home school
• Student Disciplinary Hearings (Superintendent's Hearings)
  • Administrative School Secretary:  Caitlin Whalen (x. 5721)
• Alternative Instruction During Suspension, Medical Homebound Instruction
  • OSWE Clerical:  TBD (x. 5729); Contact Caitlin Whalen temporarily (x. 5721)