The Peru Gazette

The Peru Central School Board of Education will soon choose a new district leader to succeed Superintendent A. Paul Scott. The list of candidates has been narrowed to two men with the Board of Education expected to make a decision within the next few weeks. On Thursday, April 14^th the Board conducted an Open Forum during which district residents were given the opportunity to ask the candidates questions and rate the candidates based on criteria including: background, vision for the district, effectiveness as a public speaker, professional manner and appearance and likelihood of success.

Dr. Thomas Stapleford was the first candidate to present. Stapleford grew up in Clinton, New York. He is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Education at Temple University’s Harrisburg, Pa. campus.

Educational Preparation:

Penn State University, Philosophy B.A. 1985

University of St. Andrews, Scotland, Postgraduate Study Year (1985-86)

Brown University, Education/History (M.A.T. – 1987)

Columbia University, Educational Administration (Ed.D. – 1993)

Former Positions:

July 2003 – January 2007 – Superintendent of Schools in the Tuscarora, Pa. School District

2001 – 2003 – Deputy Director of the School Administrators Association of New York State

June 1999 – August 2001 – Superintendent of Schools in the Germantown, NY Central School District

Mr. Stephen Broadwell was the second speaker. He attended Peru Central School from kindergarten through twelfth grade. From 2005 to present, he has been the Superintendent of Schools in the Willsboro Central School District.

Educational Preparation:

SUNY Cortland Physical Education (B.S. – 1984)

SUNY Oneonta, Reading (M.S. – 1989)

Former Positions:

High School Principal, Peru CSD 1999-2005) (2000 – Acting Superintendent of Schools)

Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, Beekmantown CSD (1993-1999)

District Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, Susquehanna Valley CSD, NY (1990-1993)

Each candidate was asked to respond to the following statements and then to answer questions from the audience.

#1 Please review your education and experience and describe for the audience how these will contribute to your being an outstanding Superintendent in the Peru Central School District.

#2 Please review your preliminary vision for the Peru Central School District and outline steps you would take to accomplish this vision.

Dr. Thomas Stapleford’s response (approximately 52 minutes):

http://d1091839.domain.com/PeruTown/DM100019.mp3

Mr. Stephen Broadwell’s response (approximately 52 minutes):

http://d1091839.domain.com/PeruTown/DM100020.mp3