Incumbents Opposed in Peekskill Board of Education Race
The president of the Peekskill Board of Education and his predecessor are being challenged for their seats by two active residents with an eye towards ensuring quality education at an affordable price in the district.
Douglas Glickert, an elementary school teacher in the Bronx, is running for a third three-year term and feels the district has made “great changes in leadership, curriculum and policies.”
“Change requires sound leadership and I have tried my best to provide that,” said Glickert. “It begins at the top and we are striving to transform this district into a high achieving one that we call can be proud of as well as our surrounding communities. Improving schools is a long term strenuous process and that is why I want to continue to work hard and see us meet our improvement goals.”
Former board president Joseph Urbanowicz, director of facilities and transportation for the Ardsley School District for 28 years, is also seeking his third term to continue to “foster an atmosphere of creative thinking and continuous improvement.”
“Being on the Board of Education in Peekskill is another opportunity to serve the community I was raised in and love being a part of,” he said. “I have dedicated my life to helping the youth in Peekskill find their way on the journey of life. It will be a major part of my life until the day I die. I want my actions, how I spend my time, and all that I do to reflect that passion.”
George Ondek has never held public office but the local cable television show host can often be seen challenging government and school officials. The disabled Vietnam veteran and 25-year resident of Peekskill has vowed to scrutinize district finances if elected.
“I feel I have to be part of the school board to make changes,” said Ondek. “They need a voice to sort of offset the spending. I would be looking to cut the fat out of the budget. And the cheating scandal, that was something that should have been settled out of court, internally, and not made a criminal case of it.”
With a background in business and finances, Ondek questioned the district reportedly spending more than $500,000 on litigation regarding guidance counselors who were suspended for allegedly altering the grades of students last year.
Richard Sullivan, a theatrical engineer/Broadway stagehand, has been PTO President for Woodside and Uriah Hill schools the last two years and was successful in securing hot food options for students at Uriah Hill.
The 11-year city resident said every decision the Board of Education makes directly affects the children in the district.
“Our common goal needs to be the children while carefully taking into account fiscal challenges and working together, with all stakeholders, to find creative solutions,” Sullivan said. “I believe in gathering all necessary information before making decisions. I believe strongly in community collaboration to ensure transparency.”
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/