Ken Peluso is running for the District 4 seat on the Pinellas County School Board.
1. Why are you running for this office?
I truly feel that there is no greater public service than to prepare our next generation to lead our society. Now retired from my practice, I am able to direct my full-time effort and focus to education, an area which I have demonstrated a passion for over the past 28 years.
I believe our board, as well as any other board, requires a diverse representation from the community. I have demonstrated leadership qualities in many diverse organizations over several decades.
In every situation, I have proven my ability to oversee multimillion dollar budgets, effectively cooperate with multiple government agencies as well as non-governmental organizations, build board consensus after obtaining input from all stakeholders and apply common sense to the decision-making process. I feel I would be an asset to our board, our school district and our community by serving on the Pinellas County School Board.
2. Why do you think you are the best qualified candidate for the office?
Our community needs a School Board Member who has shown a history of education advocacy, is deeply rooted in our community, has raised a family, fulfilled the obligation of paying local taxes, demonstrated fiscal responsibility both personally and professionally and has run a successful business. I am the only candidate in this race who meets those criteria, as can be verified through the Pinellas County Tax Collector and public records.
My qualifications reveal a very diverse background. I have held numerous leadership positions, both locally and statewide since the 1980s, including being appointed by the governor to chair the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas, overseeing $50 Million in educational funding, serving on the Florida Early Learning Advisory Council and serving on the School Board of Calvary Christian High School.
In addition, I have served as Palm Harbor Fire Commissioner, elected in 2000 and 2002, served 6 years (3-Term Chairman) of PHCSA, overseeing East Lake Library and Palm Harbor Library and Parks/Recreation, Past President of the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce, as well as an extensive list of other civic, community and professional organizations. Please visit my website www.VoteKenPeluso.com to learn more about my extensive background.
I have been recognized as Palm Harbor "Citizen of the Year," "Small Business of the Year," "Honorary Mayor" and "Florida Chiropractor of the Year" by the Florida Chiropractic Association.
I am honored to receive the endorsements of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association - Pinellas Educational Support Professionals Association (PCTA-PESPA), Pinellas Realtor® Organization (PRO) and the Palm Harbor and Oldsmar Professional Firefighters (IAFF Local 2980) in this race.
In summary, I am the best qualified candidate for this office by virtue of my qualifications, experience, passion and desire.
3. If you are elected, what will be your top priorities?
First and foremost, I feel the board should focus on one and only one primary vision. Every thought, word and action should be directly focused on optimally preparing our children for their future. The board has the responsibility to assure that every district employee and partner share in that vision and that every program, including the budget, is aligned to that vision.
A vital priority that has been a goal of mine with every organization I have ever been involved with at the leadership level is the goal of creating a team atmosphere, which requires open and continual communication between all team members. This applies not solely to the board, but a much grander scale - inclusive of the board, administration, teachers, district employees, parents and the community as a whole.
It is imperative to have unity of all stakeholders, sharing in that common vision. It is crucial that we reach out to engage our parents and local school communities. We need to develop creative strategies to better engage our families, as well as our businesses, organizations and churches to support our schools and students.
Another priority is to expand career opportunities and relevant workforce training for our students. We need to foster creative, innovative and entrepreneurial thinking and skills to better prepare our students to lead our work force and our community - the type of thinking which drives our small businesses and creates our future leaders.
I truly believe that we can increase graduation rates and student retention, and most importantly, offer career programming to better prepare out students to lead our workforce. I can personally attest as to the effectiveness of this direction with my own children and their career paths. Every child deserves the opportunity to follow their dream.