Peter is an educator and from a family of educators. He received his Ph.D. From Columbia University. Prior to his seventeen years as a school psychologist in Waterford, he was on the staff of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center where he consulted with school districts statewide. He has been active in a range of community organizations. He has a son, Ian.
Why are you running for the Region 18 Board of Education?
I am committed to the well-being and educational success of all children. I have worked in all levels of K-12 public education and in the field of child/adolescent mental health for the past 35 years. As a professional who works closely with students and families, and as a parent myself, I am very familiar with the concerns of students and their parents in terms of schooling. I have observed the actual day-to-day inside operations of most aspects of school functioning. I have attended school board meetings, in Old Lyme and elsewhere, and know how they function. I am sensitive to the need for school districts to also represent the needs and interests of their communities. I have consulted on special education needs in districts across the state and have been a visiting member of high school accreditation teams through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. I have also served with community groups, e.g.the Community Coalition for Children and China Educational Exchange.
Why should someone vote for you?
My philosophy with respect to schools and young people would be entirely consonant with “It Takes a Village”. We are in this together. Every day my goal is to help parents keep the promise they have made to give their children the brightest futures possible. My view of participation on a Board or committee is that collaboration, being informed, understanding your role, and clear communication are the ways to go. I believe that Boards that work well together are the best at creating optimal and safe learning environments for our children, and support our teachers and administrators in doing the same.