Poughkeepsie Day School is governed by a board of trustees who volunteer their time and expertise in the service of the school and its mission. The board includes current parents and members of the larger community, including former parents, alumni and community leaders. All board members belong to the corporation of the school.

The board of trustees holds the mission in trust and is responsible for school policy, facilities and finance. It is charged with hiring the head of school and ensuring the school's ongoing fiscal health and well-being. With the administration, the board sets the strategic direction for the school.

Trustees are initially elected for a three-year term, although replacement trustees may serve for a shorter period of time as positions become available. Parent and community trustees are nominated by the board's committee on trustees. Parent trustees are elected by written ballot cast by those eligible to vote and attending the annual meeting of the members of the PDS corporation. Community trustees are elected by the board.