On June 12, 2020, the Board of Trustees announced that Poughkeepsie Day School will not be sending out enrollment contracts to prospective families at this time. We believe that any plan for the future of Poughkeepsie Day School needs to be made in accordance with financial reality — we will not open a school that we believe is at risk of not staying open, would result in running a sizable deficit that would lead to another turbulent year for the community, or that would compromise the long term integrity and reputation of PDS. At the same time, we believe that any decision regarding the 2020-2021 school year needs to be made not solely based on considerations for next year, but with the long-term interests of PDS teachers and children in mind and at heart.

Our next task is to develop a creative, viable, and mission-driven path forward for the next chapter of PDS. Over the summer we will convene a task force of PDS stakeholders to create a plan for the future of Poughkeepsie Day School: one which carves out a niche for our community within the landscape of 21st century education and the emerging demographics of the Hudson Valley.

We understand this is not the message many of you had hoped to be reading, and look forward to the day soon when we can reopen the doors of Poughkeepsie Day School to many future generations of PDS students and their families.  PDS was established in 1934, during another turbulent time — and has persevered through many challenges over the decades, much like the larger national challenges being faced today. Although painful, these challenges have only strengthened the drive and spirit of the PDS community and the mission for inclusive and equitable progressive education. Amidst the contextual layers of our country in present times, we are committed, now more than ever, to the core principles and values that make PDS such an important and special place. We hope that everyone who loves PDS will help continue this mission and join us in strengthening our school and the PDS community for generations to come.

Respectfully,

Jason Berry ’93
Patrice Knight (Parent of Casey ’07 and Calle ’13)
Kai Lord-Farmer ’06
Jessica Schwarz ’04
Matthew Buccelli ’06
Samantha Melo ’02

The Poughkeepsie Day School Board of Trustees