Elsie Reynoso recalls when she was five years old, helping her aunt translate words and phrases from English to Spanish. That is where her love of education began, and she is bringing that passion and experience to Dutchess BOCES as the new Assistant Principal for Salt Point Center (SPC).
“It all started there,” Reynoso said regarding helping her aunt. “I’ve always been a person who likes to teach and lead others.”
Reynoso joined BOCES after spending nine years at Amber Charter School in The Bronx. Most recently, she served as Dean of Culture, where she supported student safety and fostered a positive, inclusive school culture. She worked closely with teachers and school leadership to develop effective behavior management strategies and create supportive learning environments that met the needs of diverse learners, including students with disabilities and varying learning and behavioral needs. She collaborated with families and staff to promote students’ social-emotional development, strengthen classroom culture and ensure all students received the support they needed to feel valued and succeed.
“I supported students with a range of challenging behaviors, including students with special needs and those receiving special education services,” Reynoso said.
At SPC, Reynoso will work with the diverse student population, which she is most excited about. She added that BOCES’ mission of empowering all learners and vision of supporting diverse needs aligns with her own mission and vision.
“Working with students who have diverse needs, you really have to have a passion for what you do,” Reynoso said. “They need people who are patient, nurturing, and genuinely invested in their growth and success. I believe every student deserves to have someone in their corner who cares about them and believes in their potential.”
Goals Reynoso has for the year include strengthening SPC’s culture where everyone supports the students and staff in their journeys as well as strengthening the connections the school has with families.
“I want to create a culture where we’re all working together,” Reynoso said. “I’m here to work as a team.”
Reynoso holds a Master of Science in bilingual special education from The City College of New York and certifications as a school building leader and a school district leader from SUNY Cortland. Outside of work, Reynoso spends time with her family and loves dancing, strength training exercises and karaoke.
“I wouldn’t say I’m the best singer, but that has never stopped me from singing,” Reynoso said with a smile.
