Peggy Ayres Returns In 2023 For Marlborough Assabet Valley Seat

MARLBOROUGH, MA — The 2023 race for the Assabet Valley Regional Technical School Committee is a lonely one.

There's only one Assabet Valley seat up for reelection this year, and two-term incumbent Peggy Ayres is the only one who signed up to run. Ayres currently serves as the secretary of the seven-member committee, which has representatives from Hudson, Westborough, Northborough, Southborough, Hudson and Berlin.

To help voters reacquaint themselves with Ayres and here role on the committee, we asked her to respond to our candidate questionnaire, even though her reelection is guaranteed. Here's how she answered:

Name: Peggy Ayres

How old will you be as of Election Day? 68

What city or town do you live in? Marlborough

Education: BA from Framingham State

What is your occupation? Retired - 11 years as a legislative aide to two state senators, 7 years Administrative Assistance Framingham Public Schools, 2 years as Publicist at Assabet HS, many years as an Administrative Assistance for various non-profits and companies, and several years as substitute teacher.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them. I have six grown children and 13 grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My son Spencer Ayres as well as my son-in-law Dan McKew are Marlborough police officers.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective? I am seeking my third term as the Marlborough representative to the Assabet School Committee.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

Assabet has been a part of my life since I moved to Marlborough nearly 30 years ago. And each year that passes I have a greater appreciation for the benefits of having such a quality institution in our community. I believe in quality Career Technical Education (CTE) and I am running for re-election to continue to put my experience and expertise to use by working and advocating on behalf of our students and our community. I want to continue to create stronger ties between the school committee and other stakeholders. I want to continue to institute SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely) goals not only for the Superintendent but also for the Committee as a whole. I want to continue my long-standing relationship with Assabet that has only grown and deepened over the years since I first walked through the doors as a parent of a student and later as a volunteer and an employee. I have strong community relationships, deep knowledge of the role of the school committee, a long history of service to Marlborough, a background in education, and state government — all of which will allow me to make informed decisions. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as the Marlborough representative and I would like to continue working with all stakeholders to assist in striving for the best outcomes for all our students.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ... and this is what I intend to do about it.

As Assabet celebrates the 50th anniversary of opening the doors to students it is a good time to not only reflect on how far we have come, but also to look at where we are heading. Long term strategic planning is a priority. The committee is working with the Superintendent to create and implement a strategic plan focusing on curriculum and programming, school culture, fiscal management, and facility/operations.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Assabet awareness! I would like residents to understand and appreciate all that Assabet has to offer. Assabet not only prepares students for immediate employment which helps businesses get trained and skilled workers and boosts the economic growth of our city but it also prepare students for advanced certifications as well as further educational opportunities. Assabet is a district that invests in student wellbeing, student achievement and student career planning and success. CTE schools are not a lesser path, just a different path, one that integrates academic skills in a relevant approach. But that is just the beginning of what Assabet has to offer. Assabet also has many services open to the public: Auto Mechanic and Auto Body, Cosmetology Salon, Digital Production Studio, and the Epicurean Restaurant. Students also visit local senior centers to offer IT support. Additionally, students in Assabet's Construction Cluster often head out for the day to job sites in the community. Currently students are working on buildings for Marlborough’s DPW and Park and Recreation departments. And for adults Assabet offers a wide array of fun and educational classes in their Assabet After Dark Programs such as arts and crafts, dancing, baking, bike repair, languages and career enrichment. Assabet also offers adults high quality training for in demand jobs such as Practical Nursing, EMT, CNA, Phlebotomist, EKG Tech, plumbing, electrician, HVAC Tech, welder, CNC Machine Operator, Cosmetology, and so much more. They also offer technical and career summer programs for middle school students. Be sure to check out the latest catalog of offerings at: https://indd.adobe.com/view/12...

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am finishing my eighth year as a school committee member seven of which as an officer. I am also an officer on MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees) Division VIII - the division for vocational technical schools.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Just do it"

Marlborough voters will head to the polls on Nov. 7 to elect city councilors, school committee members and a new mayor. Register to vote here.