Teachers association welcomes new board and urges collaboration with Poughkeepsie district leadership

Kim Popkin, who identified herself as president of the Pipsy (transcript) Public School Teachers Association, addressed the POUGHKEEPSIE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education during citizens comments on July 1, welcoming newly elected and returning board members and urging a collaborative relationship between the board and educators.

Popkin said the teachers association represents nearly 400 professionals across seven school buildings, including teachers, counselors, social workers, school psychologists and related service providers, and described the union’s mission as advocating for members’ professional rights and promoting educational excellence for students. She asked the new board to view the teachers’ association not only as a bargaining unit but as a partner in improving schools.

"When educators have a meaningful voice at the table, our schools, our staff, and most importantly, our students are stronger," Popkin said, and she congratulated newly elected board president Jamar Cummings, noting she had taught him as a student.

Popkin closed by offering the association’s willingness to collaborate with district administration and the board to build trust and stability in classrooms. Her remarks were the only public comment recorded for that meeting.