Poughkeepsie Voters Approve Historic $1.8 Million Investment to Expand Extended Learning Time

May 21, 2025 - Poughkeepsie City School District voters have overwhelmingly approved a $1.86 million investment to expand Extended Learning Time (ELT) from three days to five days per week at all elementary schools. The expansion, included in the district's $147.7 million 2025-26 budget that passed with 329 votes in favor to just 93 against, represents the single largest addition to next year's spending plan and a transformative step toward providing students with comprehensive daily academic support.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, left, and future Superintendent of Schools Gregory Mott, right, celebrate bus service for Poughkeepsie elementary students, which was also approved in the recent budget vote, with a class from Morse Elementary School (photo courtesy: Poughkeepsie City School District)

Extended Learning Time provides students with additional instructional hours beyond the regular school day, offering targeted academic support, homework help, enrichment activities, and opportunities for hands-on learning. By expanding from three to five days per week, the district will ensure that elementary students have consistent daily access to these critical supports throughout the school week— addressing a key need in a district where 84% of students are economically disadvantaged and chronic absenteeism affects more than one-third of elementary students.

Board President Fatimah Carmen Martinez Santiago praised the expansion enthusiastically during the budget presentation: "I cannot say enough. That is like music to my ears. It's student-focused. It's an opportunity to have our students involved in very productive work in our district and out of the streets. Phenomenal." Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser noted that the investment reflects the district's commitment to equity and meeting student needs based on data-driven decision-making. District officials are also working with the Poughkeepsie Children's Cabinet to explore ways to further expand these opportunities and are planning to extend ELT at the middle school to five days through grant funding. The expanded programming will begin in fall 2025, providing Poughkeepsie's elementary students with enhanced support to help close achievement gaps and keep them engaged in meaningful learning throughout the week.