The Peru Gazette

There are two (2) vacant, at-large seats on the Board of Education, due to the expiration of the terms of Ms. Cynthia Mills and Mr. Steven Peters. Eight residents are seeking election to full five-year terms from July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2025. The eight candidates are Kelley Beauharnois, Dan Cayea, Jim Falvo, Sarah Graves, Joel Maggy, Marque Moffett, incumbent Steve Peters, and Kimberly Rose.

The Peru Gazette posed eight questions to the candidates and posted their responses in two formats. One format features a single candidate’s answers. The other format groups the answers of all the candidates under each question. The candidates were requested to limit answers to about 450 words. The Gazette posted them in alphabetical order by the candidates’ last name.  The Peru Gazette suggests printing their responses and reviewing them carefully prior to voting. 

In the following format, each candidate responds to the eight questions. The other format will be posted just above this post.

Kelly Beauharnois: 

1. How long have you lived in the school district?  

Bruce, Remi, Elise and I moved to Peru in the summer of 2010 so our daughters could start their education at Peru Central School. 

2. Why do you want to be a school board member? 

I have been interested in running for school board for a few years now, but I needed to wait until my kids were old enough to have the time to serve.  I believe that the school board must be responsive and receptive to parents, staff, students and the community.  As a member of the board I would strive to ask the right questions and promote communication between the school and the community. 

3. What particular skills qualify you to be a board member? 

As the Assistant Director of Fiscal Intermediary Services at the Advocacy and Resource Center my work in human services has helped families in our community navigate the self-directed services program.  Over the last five years I have seen and heard the struggles of these families with disabled children at school.  I continue to hear of the current struggles families have with these same children during this pandemic.  I would like to bring my perspective as a mother of a middle schooler, high schooler and experienced human services specialist to the Peru School Board of Education.

4. In what school or district activities have you been involved in? 

With a team of other mom’s, I assist with providing meals to the Peru Drama Club for the cast during tech week.  This past winter I chaperoned a field trip with high school art students.   I have supported fund raisers for my daughters’ soccer, basketball and tennis teams.  My family and I volunteer at the annual Peru Applefest and help wherever needed. 

5. How much time will/can you give to school board service?  

If elected to the Peru Board of Education I will be available and be ready to listen to concerns of the school community. It is my turn to serve and I will put in the necessary hours to be successful. 

6. What are 2 or 3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths?  

One of Peru Central School’s greatest strengths include its high quality educators. I see this as a strength because they are providing students with career readiness.  There are diverse opportunities for students at Peru such as clubs, electives and advanced placement classes. These opportunities provide an enriched learning environment that reaches a diverse student population, which I see as an inherent strength at Peru.

7. What are 2 or 3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see this as needs? 

In these times the health and safety of students and staff are paramount.  As the facts of Covid-19 unfold we as a school community need to react quickly and effectively to keep the students and staff at Peru Central School safe.  The morale of the staff at Peru Central School is not as positive as it has been in the past. Now more than ever our school needs to work together.

8. What are you best hopes for the district? 

My hope for our school district would be to weather this storm as a community with as little damage to the students and staff as possible.

 

Dan Cayea: 

1. How long have you lived in the school district?  

7 Years

2. Why do you want to be a school board member?

Everybody can bring something to the table and I’d like the opportunity to bring my relevant yet unique perspective and experience to the table.

3. What particular skills qualify you to be a board member?

I’ve served on a school board before; Northern Adirondack 2006-2011; I participated in NYSSBA (New York State School Boards Association) conferences and training available during my term and even participated in a NSBA (National School Boards Association) conference in San Diego.   I’ve also come to a realization that there is a spectrum of different needs & ideology, being able to listen with an open mind to those views that I may not share or agree with completely and to afford everyone that same respect and consideration I want to be afforded.

4. In what school or district activities have you been involved?

Since working in a parochial school within the district I have been most engaged in activities there. However I stay in touch with many Peru teachers and neighbors in the community and am fully aware of what is happening.

5. How much time will/can you give to school board service?

As in previous board experience I should expect to and will devote a little bit of time every day, one to two nights a month for meetings, even more time during budget season, or whenever circumstances insist on more time being invested.

6. What are 2 or 3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths?

There aren’t just two or three strengths, there are hundreds.  However if you insist on asking me about a few, I would point to the music, art, technology, and athletics programs.  The continued investment in those programs by the district and the community shows all the time; in the concerts, in the artwork on display during election night, the availability of high-tech electives to students, and in athletics demonstrated by the sportsmanship of athletes and the coaches who lead them.

7. What are 2 or 3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs? 

The pandemic has caused a domino effect financially for not just state governments but local governments and schools are no exception here.  Even when the federal government provides assistance to the states, the delivery of those funds aren’t going to be immediate.  The consequences won’t be painless but we can make them less painful by thoughtful and concise planning.  All other things considered, I think the priorities would be for me first; finalizing the capital project ensuring that it is done to specification with little to no cost overrun.  Secondly, also considering the crisis would be to help develop & facilitate plans that will address the inequity in broadband connectivity and technology access. 

8. What are your best hopes for the district?

My hope for the district is that everyone’s hard work continues to develop students that will be thoughtful, considerate, productive citizens who understand and realize the importance of civic responsibility and patriotism.

 

Jim Falvo 

1. How long have you lived in the school district?

I have lived in the Town of Peru for about 18 yrs.

2.  Why do you want to be a school board member?

I would like to join the Board so that I can offer a more diverse view of what is needed to guarantee our students are successful while balancing the needs of the Administration, Educators, Support Staff, Students, and Taxpayers. 

3. What particular skills qualify you to be a board member?

My 30 plus years of successful business leadership has taught me how important communication is to ensuring the successful completion of any goal.  Being a strong listener enables me to consistently have successful conversations regardless of the circumstance. This has allowed me to conduct multiple Human Resources investigations that require discretion, a sense of urgency, accuracy, and high level of professionalism.  I constantly need to read, interpret, and communicate multiple reports to a variety of different audiences.  Being able to understand complex reporting or policy and procedures and then react to what I have learned is an important part of my daily work routine.  

4. In what school or district activities have you been involved?

Volunteered at several PTO events (kids’ night out), was part of the Stakeholder committees that interviewed the candidates for Principal and Superintendent, House Manager for Peru Musical Theatre, and fan at multiple sporting and musical events.   

5. How much will time/can you give to school board service?  

I will commit to the time that is needed to properly perform my roll.  I understand the commitment is more than the one meeting per month.  Between training, preparing for productive meetings, and being available to the people I would represent, it will take up several hours per week.  

6. What are two or three strengths that our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths?

I believe that the district has done a great job at continuing to create an environment in which students can define themselves.  By offering a wide variety of clubs, sports teams, and multiple levels of educational experiences truly encourages students to find their strengths. This allows them to develop relationships beyond the classroom that can help them navigate life after High School.  The District has made strong choices in creating a safe and healthy environment for the Students, Teachers, Administrators, and Support Staff.  The investment in recreating traffic patterns, securing the buildings, and adding the Resource Officer have improved the security and feeling within the campus.    

7. What two or three needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs?

It is time to find a way to negotiate a fair and equitable contract for our teachers that makes them feel appreciated while not sacrificing the needs of their students. The District has made great strides in communication with students and families but it needs to continue to improve in order to grow involvement.

8. What are your best hopes for the district?

As things continue to change and challenges continue to become harder to negotiate that we can find new and inventive ways to stay true to our mission statement.    

 

Sarah Graves: 

1. How long have you lived in the school district? 

My husband and I have lived in the village of Peru for 49 years.

2. Why do you want to be a school board member?

I have a strong interest in public education and protecting the process through which every child should benefit. 

3. What particular skills qualify you to be a board member?

 Studies at PSUC included a BS, MA and CAS in education and administration. My teaching experience included several grade levels and responsibilities in Chazy, Keeseville and Peru.  One special position was the supervision of PSUC student teachers. I equally enjoyed my primary students as well as the college students, all working together in the same classroom!

4. In what school or district activities have you been involved?

I have been involved in a vast number of activities throughout my career. When not in public schools, I taught Head Start and YMCA nursery school.  I was a parent coordinator for a Peru varsity baseball team, supervising a group of teenaged boys through England for 30+ days. Sports has always been a strong interest. I was treasurer of the Peru Booster Club when we were on austerity and an active volunteer participant both in and out of the classroom at all levels.

5. How much time will/can you give to school board service?

I am retired and have the time, energy and desire to commit to the Peru School Board.  I am a reliable team player who is not afraid to express an opinion, yet willing to listen and learn from others.

6. What are 2 or 3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths?

Schools become the focal point of many communities and Peru Central has had a leading role in tying our community together.  Creating, expanding and changing school policies and programs further unifies our town. I am proud of the committed Peru Team, who consistently work to change and improve our district.

7. What are 2 or 3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs? 

During these difficult times, I see many tough challenges, and many new paths to follow.  Hard decisions will have to be made, but with a dedicated, flexible and creative team, Peru will come through.  Health and safety issues, financial decisions, curriculum issues and extra-curricular activities will all require a strong look at our resources, both those we have and those we are yet to find.  It is our job to help each child grow into their future.  Kahil Gibran said, “We are the bow, let us bend it with all our might and send those arrows high and far.” 

8. What are your best hopes for the district?

My first and foremost concern is the health and safety of our school and community.  All decisions moving forward involve this concern. As a board member, I would investigate all possible state aid and grants, as well as new ways to financially support our school, such as alternate ways to keep and improve programs that have proven to be successful. Communication and a blend of ideas is paramount. Co-operation, flexibility and creativity will help us continue on our journey towards excellence.

 

Joel Maggy:

1. How long have you lived in the school district? 

 We have lived in Peru since 2008.  I grew up in Saranac and graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh.  Upon graduation, we moved to  Tampa, Florida.  My wife and I  wanted to raise our family in the North Country, so we moved back home in 2008.

2. Why do you want to be a school board member? 

 I would like to be part of the process that brings the school district and community closer together. 

3. What particular skills qualify you to be a board member? 

 I am organized, focused on details and pride myself in my work. 

4. In what school or district activities have you been involved? 

 I was the CVAC Chairperson and Section 7 Coordinator for Varsity tennis for several years. I was the head Varsity coach of the Peru Tennis team for 3 years, before stepping down to spend more time with my own children.    

5. How much time will/can you give to school board service? 

 Whatever it takes to make sure the job is getting done and the community feels like their voice is being heard.

6. What are 2 or 3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? 

 The school district does a great job of honoring alumni.  Creating a sense of pride is the school is an enormous asset.  It energizes the alumni, in turn driving them to give back and donate their time.  Many of the teachers in the district graduated from Peru Central School.   

Our school district does a great job with buildings and grounds projects around the campus as well.  Having a clean, aesthetically pleasing campus promotes pride in ownership for the community, the students and the staff within the district.  Even though I feel like we can do more, this is one of things that stuck out to us when we were looking for a place to live. 

7. What are 2 or 3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs? 

 Communication with the school families and community itself is priority number 1 in my opinion.  Keeping community members in the loop of things that are happening within the district promotes transparency and creates a sense of togetherness.  

The campus should be a place the entire community feels comfortable using.  We need to find a way to promote uses of district facilities in a safe, but effective way.  

8. What are your best hopes for the district?  

I would like to be part of the process that brings our community members together and have everyone pulling in the same direction.  We are a large group, but the common purpose should be the same.  Provide a great place to learn, promote physical fitness and make everyone feel welcomed.   

 

Marque Moffett: 

1. How long have you lived in the school district? 

I went to North Side elementary back when Plattsburgh AF base was open, but moved away in fifth grade. I moved back to the district twenty years ago and have lived here since.

2. Why do you want to be a school board member?

I have two kids enrolled in Peru schools – a 9^th grader and a 3^rd grader. With our district facing challenges such as unprecedented budget cuts, fears of gun violence, and logistical changes due to the coronavirus, I want to do all I can to protect the programs our children rely upon and love, and to make sure our school is a place our kids can thrive.

3. What particular skills qualify you to be a board member? 

I have a master’s degree in biochemistry and have been teaching at the college level for 18 years. In addition to my background as an educator, I have many years of experience working as a community organizer and am currently president of Peru Free Library’s Board of Trustees. I am a positive-thinking, energetic, and innovative problem-solver and I believe I can be a strong member of the team that sees our district through the next five years. 

4. In what school or district activities have you been involved? 

I’ve done a few chemistry magic shows and volunteered for field trips and other such events, but I’m ready to do more.

5. How much time will/can you give to school board service? 

My schedule is relatively flexible. I can easily make time to attend meetings, join calls, and do any necessary background reading or other preparatory work.

6. What are 2 or 3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? 

Without a doubt, the strength of our district comes from our teachers and staff. Their ability to rise to new challenges, overcome obstacles, and work creatively to help students succeed has created a positive learning environment for our kids. Another strength of our district is the variety of extracurricular opportunities offered, as they give our kids a chance to learn about themselves and provide exposure to experiences they might not have otherwise.

7. What are 2 or 3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs? 

First, responsible budgeting. In this time of economic uncertainty, we must make sure we protect the programs our kids need and love. Doing so will be a challenge and we want a diverse board that represents the diverse interests of our district community. Second, positive and supportive leadership for our schools. I have heard some concerning rumors of teacher intimidation. I believe faculty and staff are better able to help our students achieve their academic and extracurricular goals when they are feeling supported and empowered themselves. 

8. What are your best hopes for the district? 

My hopes for the district are simple. I want our schools to be a place where kids can develop tools that will help them thrive in our ever-changing world.

 

Steve Peters: 

1. How long have you lived in the school district? 

My family and I moved to the district in 2009, specifically because of Peru’s reputation as a safe and supportive environment for our children.

2. Why do you want to be a school board member? 

School Board allows me to make a direct positive contribution to our community.  I have served on the Board since being appointed in July 2018 and was elected to a one-year term in 2019.  Navigating this State budget will require institutional knowledge and creativity to stay under the tax cap while maintaining student opportunities.  The District needs consistent leadership through this crisis and there is no room for special interests or personal agendas.  We are here for students first and it will take a monumental effort to bring back “normal.”

3. What particular skills qualify you to be a board member?

I have decades of non-profit, private, and governmental experience managing million-dollar budgets, community facilities, negotiations, and implementing creative solutions to sizable community problems.  I understand that our most valuable asset is our staff.  As the owner of Elevate518 LLC, I build capacity for non-profits, for-profits, and municipalities by developing funds and managing projects.  I deliver creative solutions, earning over $1,000,000 in grant funds over the last year.  With over 14 years of previous government experience, I understand how community operations work within the confines of taxpayer needs. 

4. In what school or district activities have you been involved? 

I have served as a School Board Member since 2018. I own Adirondack Coast Events, a running and race timing company, where I help raise funds for the Peru PTO with the Peru Pride 5k.  

5. How much time will/can you give to school board service? 

I have flexibility to contribute multiple hours daily to address the “new normal” for education. 

6. What are 2 or 3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? 

We have accelerated opportunities for students through the addition of grant funded technology resources, such as laptops for each 5th to 12th grader.  As the world continues its digital transition, students will have a high degree of digital intelligence.  Technology does not replace interpersonal communication, which is why I’m equally proud of our passionate staff. Our faculty go above and beyond in ways that are often unseen, demonstrating a wealth of Peru Pride.

7. What are 2 or 3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs? 

Financial efficiency is necessary to balance between taxpayers and education delivery.  We should make more capital investments that save annual operational expenses.  We need to ensure that students become exemplary global citizens by fostering a more robust education in diversity and inclusion. It’s important to be knowledgeable enough to work through our differences collaboratively and humble enough to know that there are many ways to be a productive citizen.    

8. What are your best hopes for the district? 

We are enduring unprecedented times for our school.  With the right leadership, we can use this challenge to build financial resiliency and unique learning opportunities for our students.  

 

Kimberly Rose: 

1. How long have you lived in the school district? 

I have lived in the school district for nineteen years.

2. Why do you want to be a school board member? 

My interest in being a School Board member stems from my family of educators. Being in a family containing several educators allows me to know what it takes to be a teacher, a student, and a mother of a student. It is a tough time for all school districts, and we may have to reimagine how schools are managed and attended. I would like to be a part of a team that devises a well-thought-out plan that benefits everyone.

3. What particular skills qualify you to be a board member?

Skills that qualify me: as a healthcare professional, I am constantly expanding my ability to listen, to be compassionate, calming and ensuring as I provide essential care in stressful situations.

4. In what school or district activities have you been involved? 

I have organized and played in an adult co-ed volleyball league for the past ten years in Peru. In addition, I assisted the JV volleyball coach for two years.

5. How much time will/can you give to school board service? 

My schedule at work will allow me to devote as much time as needed to the Board of Education.

6.  What are 2 or 3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? 

I believe that the strengths of the school include the students’ expression that the school has plenty of extracurricular activities, and that every student is provided with a laptop to bring between school and home, which allows them to have a learning environment at both locations.

7.  What are 2 or 3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs? 

In my opinion, the school needs to restore a sense of managerial bounds by the use of checks and balances. In addition, the school should work towards making it easier for granting community members access to school facilities. 

8. What are your best hopes for the district?

My best hope is that the school becomes the centerpiece of the community by re-orientating and reconnecting the district and community members.