POUGHKEEPSIE – Voters in the Poughkeepsie City School District are being asked to increase school taxes and elect three members to the school board when they go to the polls on May 19. The proposed $156,908,757 budget, nearly $10 million more than last year, will increase school taxes by 4.21 percent.
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Five community members are running for the board of education (BOE), including one who was known for wide-ranging tirades when she previously served on the board.
Jamar Cummings, a current PCSD Board Member and City Chamberlain since 2024, is seeking re-election, citing his desire to improve transparency and to continue supporting student success. The Poughkeepsie High School graduate who attended Marist said, “I believe I will bring a unique and valuable perspective to the board. As a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie, I understand firsthand the struggles many of our students and families face. I know what it means to grow up with limited resources while still being expected to persevere and succeed.”
Stacey MacDonald (Bottoms), a longtime community servant with government experience, is currently the Director of Operations for New York State Senator Rob Rolison. She previously served as Assistant to the Mayor in Poughkeepsie, where she worked closely with residents, community partners, and local officials. MacDonald worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) before dedicating herself to public
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Citing her strong ties to the community and ability to work across all levels of government, MacDonald said she will bring to the board a “practical, results-driven approach grounded in real experience working with residents, families, and local government. My background in operations means I understand how to keep systems organized, accountable, and moving forward, rather than just talking about change.”
Richard Distel has been a Planner with the City of Poughkeepsie since 2023 and was instrumental in securing the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant from the state. He has also worked for the City of Jacksonville, Florida and Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins in New York.
Armed with a Master’s Degree in Urban Policy and Administration from Brooklyn College, Distel said “I believe I bring a valuable perspective to the board through my experience in planning, development, and public service,” adding, “I understand the importance of smart investment and long-term planning, and that same mindset is needed in our schools.”
Debra Long, who previously served on the BOE and the Common Council, is seeking a return to public service.
During her last time on the school board, Long verbally attacked fellow board member Felicia Watson and then-Superintendent Dr. Eric Rosser toward the end of a September 2021 meeting. At the time, Long had declared her candidacy for the First Ward seat on the Common Council. Saying she was upset with conversations other board members (school board) were having about a candidate to replace her on the school board, Long began yelling, saying, “I’m the realest one up here,” before announcing, “I’m pulling back from the common council because I am going to sit here until my term is done.” She continued, banging on her desk and shouting, “I’m staying because the board don’t want me.” Long further confused viewers when she said “”I’m taking my kids outta here – okay – because I’m tired.” The statement created confusion because Long did not have any children in city schools at the time.
The following day she told Mid-Hudson News that she was not withdrawing from the council race and only said that because “I just wanted to put them (board members) on notice that I am not happy with the way things are being done,” explaining that she was upset that the school board president and the district superintendent were having daily conversations.
Gregory “Tron” Melton is the fifth candidate seeking one of the three positions on the BOE. No information was available at press time.
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