On May 21, Peekskill voters will vote on a $78.4 million budget proposal and elect three new school board members.Below are the answers school board candidate Adriana Ariza gave to a set of questions sent to all of the candidates.
Patch: What strengths will you bring to the board?
I am a small business owner, I have experience with budgeting and making financial decisions. I also have a bachelors degree in Finance. I have been living in Peekskill for 15 years
Patch: What issues facing the district do you feel most strongly about?
Definitely the budget and the distribution of funds.
Patch: Describe the quality of education you think students are getting in the district. Are there measures you would take to improve upon it?
The quality of education is not up to standards. There are very successful programs out there that could be utilized by the school district such as school reform programs.
Patch: This was another tough year for the district in terms of developing a budget. Are there any areas you would consider cutting during next year's budget process to stay under the tax cap?
I wouldn't consider cutting any area unless it is absolutely necessary, I would rather raise funds and get the community involved in doing so.
Patch: What do you think the long-term impact of the tax cap will be on Peekskill schools? (Do you support or think it's hurting public education?)
I believe it will hurt public education in the long run. We can go about getting funds, but if we don't find the extra money, people will get laid off.
Patch: What do you think about the Common Core standards? Will they benefit Peekskill students?
It will benefit students.
Patch: There are plans for the establishment of a charter school in the Peekskill school district? What are your thoughts on the charter school and the impact it will have on the district?
If the public school were doing good, we wouldn't think about a charter school.
Patch: Is there anything we haven’t asked that you would like the public to know about you or your candidacy?
I am married, a mother of two children who will be going to Peekskill school. My husband is a volunteer fire fighter in Peekskill, we care about the community and want to help develop a better district
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