The seven-member Garrison Union Free School District board will have three candidates on the May 21 ballot for three open seats.
Jennifer Harriton-Wilson, an education technology coordinator at Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES, is running for re-election to a three-year term. The other candidates are Peter Lesser, who works in educational publishing and has two children attending the school, and Eric Arnold, an editorial director at a marketing agency who also has two children in the district.
What are your qualifications?
Eric Arnold: The primary qualification for any candidate, I believe, is paying attention and being as engaged as possible — even when it seems like there’s nothing to get excited about. Remaining informed about the mundane everyday issues as well as the big-picture ones provides perspective and understanding.
Beyond that, it’s about being open-minded and being willing to dive into the minutiae to learn about small changes that can make a big difference in the long term. I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit reading through policies and legal decisions on the state Department of Education website.
Jennifer Harriton-Wilson: I have lived in Garrison since 1999 with my family. With a distinguished career in education, I have served as a teacher, principal, director of technology and director of special services.
My academic credentials are impressive. I hold degrees and certificates in history from Vassar College, education technology from Lehigh University, school administration from Teachers’ College, educational leadership from Manhattanville College and assistive technology from UIC.
I believe I will continue to be an excellent school board member (having just completed a one-year term) because of my extensive experience and deep commitment to education.
My diverse roles in the education sector have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the needs and challenges faced by schools. My expertise in education technology and my interest in using data to inform teaching and learning are invaluable assets that can help improve student outcomes.
My background ensures I am well-equipped to contribute to strategic decision-making and to advocate for innovative solutions that benefit the entire school community.
Peter Lesser: My wife, Tina Park, and I have two children: Knox Lesser is finishing first grade at Garrison and Zora Lesser will enter Garrison’s pre-K program in the fall.
A strong public school is the heartbeat of the community, and I want to do what I can to see Garrison’s students, teachers, staff and administrators continue to thrive and innovate. I have spent over 25 years in educational publishing and believe that quality education can transform lives for the better.
In my work and volunteer activities, I pride myself on being a careful listener and thoughtful decision-maker who considers all points of view.
How can the board improve students’ experience in the district?
Arnold: By supporting teachers. If they have the tools, time and resources they need, everything else should fall into place, and we’ll always be able to attract top talent if every teacher in a 50-mile radius knows that Garrison provides an exceptional, forward-thinking teaching experience.
Part of that requires thinking about how to alleviate external pressures they face. As an example, the science is clear on the negative effects of smartphones on kids. We need to carefully consider any factor such as this that makes teachers’ jobs more challenging.
Harriton-Wilson: Board members have three key responsibilities: setting policy, adopting a budget and hiring a superintendent. With that in mind, I believe I can help to improve students’ experiences by collaborating with administration to establish effective policies and adopt a budget that supports essential initiatives.
This involves enhancing academic programs, promoting a positive school climate and engaging the community and parents. It also includes supporting equity and inclusion, investing in school facilities and safety measures, and focusing on students’ holistic development. Using data-driven decision-making to guide policies and resource allocation can further ensure better outcomes for students.
Lesser: The board plays a central role in students’ education by providing the resources our talented and dedicated teachers, staff and administrators need to be successful. The board should be open to feedback from all community members and continuously be on the lookout for innovative programs, technology and resources for teaching and learning.
What should be the board’s top priority next year?
Arnold: Planning for the future, and communicating our vision to the larger community. This year’s budget shows that we’re in a good spot, but we know that there are challenges on the horizon, particularly due to high transportation costs and growing class sizes. So, if we can dedicate considerable focus over the next year to ensuring we are prepared for what lies ahead (and remain nimble enough to weather unanticipated challenges, too), we’ll ensure that the school is resilient and remains an outstanding place to teach and learn.
Harriton-Wilson: Our top priority should be working with the new superintendent, focusing on building mutual respect, open communication and shared goals.
Lesser: The top priority should continue to be ensuring that the district’s finances are on solid ground for the long term. This year’s budget does that, while improving and beautifying facilities and maintaining the school’s strong educational experience, including our award-winning environmental education program.
Social-emotional learning is a critical part of education today, and I would like to help ensure that our students are forming healthy, positive relationships with their fellow students. Going forward, I would like to explore the feasibility of expanding the foreign language program to more students and making the school forest even more accessible.
