Dr. Thomas Palmer (Peru Gazette file photo)
By John T. Ryan
Dr. Thomas Palmer became Peru Central School District Superintendent on January 2, 2018. For several months he focused on observing, listening and understanding the district. Today he knows much more about our school and the goals he wants to achieve.
Unlike many upstate New York schools, Peru’s enrollment is holding steady at about 1,880. Grade levels average between 133 to 146 students, though this year’s kindergarten is a little smaller at 120. Class sizes range from 15 to 24. Dr. Palmer thinks the enrollment will hold steady or even increase. He commented, “I think people are still trying to move into the Peru district.”
Dr. Palmer sees parental commitment as one of the district’s greatest strengths. He commented, “At this week’s elementary school concert you couldn’t find a parking place. At the wrestling match in Saranac, the Peru fans filled the bleachers. They come to the basketball games, win or lose.” Palmer and his wife try to attend and participate in many of the events. They have a personal stake in the district’s success with four children enrolled in the school.
A great believer in the lessons imparted through sports, Dr. Palmer would like to see even greater sports participation. He said, “We have to know our student population and try to meet them wherever they are. We have to find that niche to engage more students. What can we do to maximize the opportunities for kids?”
Most district residents have become familiar with Palmer’s emphasis on school safety. Last October he organized a total evacuation drill where students and staff were evacuated to the Crete Civic Center. Praising the cooperation of school staff and local police agencies Palmer commented, “Twenty-two police were involved and we successfully moved 1,600 students and staff. In the end, It was good because we knew we could move an entire organization.”
The district also has two security guards stationed at the two main entrances. Palmer said, “We want the building to be more friendly for parents. It used to be locked down in the afternoon. Now It’s open from 3:30 to 7. I’d like to be able to open the building to hall walkers. Taxpayers should be able to use the building.” In addition, an armed resource officer moves between the buildings and interacts with the students. Dr. Palmer explained, “He’s another person the kids can go to. He’s not the muscle. He’s not the heavy. The administration handles that.”
Maximizing student opportunities are words Palmer frequently uses. He said, “High School Principal Chris Mazella and I are working on an early college concept with Clinton Community College President Ray DiPasquale. The students will have the opportunity to earn up to an associates degree by the time they walk out of high school.” Palmer also wants to offer more opportunities for non-college bound kids. About 80 district children participate in BOCES vocational and technical programs. He is trying to find other certificates that would be a pathway to the workplace and is beginning to reach out to local companies to determine their needs.
Expansion of Peru’s Pre-K program is also something he’d like to see happen. “We had grant money for 36 seats this year. If we had a universal program we would potentially have 120 children.” He is seeking different grants while being aware that staff certified for Pre-K would have to be hired and building space would have to be available.
In 2014 New York State invested in a $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act to finance educational technology and infrastructure to provide students access to the latest technology and Internet connectivity. Peru has begun implementing its $2.2 million Smart Schools grant. Wireless access points are located throughout the campus and Chromebook computers are being phased in throughout grades 3 -12. Palmer said, “Computers should be used to supplement education not to supplant it. We have to make sure we use technology as another tool to help kids.” Both staff and parents will be involved in its implementation. In addition to the Smart Schools program, the $18 million capital project voters approved last fall will be implemented over the next three years beginning in July 2019. It emphasizes infra-structure improvements such as traffic safety, classroom rehabilitation, roof replacement, athletic field lighting, and a fitness center accessible to the public.
Palmer views the district’s sound financial position as one of his primary concerns. He summarized, “Our budget looks good. We aren’t looking at cutting any programs and we want to add the pre-college program. Our greatest challenge is health insurance. We had a 10% increase on January 1, 2018, and 13.5% on July 1. That amounts to $1.6 million. Right now we’re looking at probably an 11% increase next year. That’s a lot of money. We’re looking at alternatives, different plans, but those have to be negotiated.” Contract negotiations with the teachers start in February. The teacher contract comes up in June.
The superintendent isn’t a fan of New York’s tax cap which limits tax increases to 2% or the consumer price index whichever is less. He commented, “Think about it. If your labor costs are up and your health insurance is going up much greater than your ability to support the program then something is lost. I’ve always felt that if you elect a school board and hire a superintendent they should be responsible and prudent. The tax cap takes that right out. We have to budget backward.” A 60% super-majority voter approval must be achieved to exceed the tax cap.
Palmer summarized his challenges, “My first priority is how do we make a budget that’s good for kids and for taxpayers. You have to do prudent planning still making sure it’s affordable and sustainable. Looking long range, how do we offer opportunities for our kids, look for unforeseen things and keep the focus on the children?”
