The Peekskill City School District Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and the League of Women Voters Northwest Westchester County (LWV-NWW) sponsored a meet the candidates event for the May 20 Board of Education election.
Four candidates, interviewed by the Peekskill Herald earlier this week, are vying for three open trustee seats with three-year terms: Mary Angel Flores, Hilda Kinga Portik-Gumbs, Frank Robinson, Jr., incumbent Jillian Villon.
Flores, who was unable to attend the forum, provided a recorded message that was displayed on a big screen during the event. She is a senior vice president with CSS Fundraising, a global nonprofit fundraising solutions consulting firm. Portik-Gumbs is a registered dietitian. Robinson Jr. is an independent investor specializing in multi-family real estate targeting affordable housing for low-to-middle income families. Villon, the sole incumbent running, is a stay-at-home mom of three who has served on the board since 2013.
The event, held Tuesday, May 13, at the school district’s administration building, was moderated by Michelle Shivers of the League of Women Voters-Northwest Westchester County.
Candidates were asked 12 submitted questions that included topics on cell phone bans, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in school, discipline for students who struggle with behavioral issues, and how candidates would facilitate field trips and protect special education in schools.
All candidates were in favor of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recently passed bell-to-bell cell phone ban. Portik-Gumbs previously told the Peekskill Herald she believed a systematic approach was needed to phone restrictions in the classroom.
Asked about whether AI should play a role as an educational tool in schools, Villon said she believed its use was essential, but with the right teacher instruction on how to use AI appropriately.
“It’s really important that we get professionals who have a real clear idea of how AI works and how it can be incorporated appropriately into the classroom and talk to students,” Villon said. “But it would be a disservice to not teach students how to use tools that they’re going to have available to them and the world outside of their education.”
Asked about facilitating opportunities such as field trips, performances, events and training, Portik-Gumbs said she supported bringing more opportunities to students.
“Textbooks are one thing, but [it is another] when you see things, when you touch things, when you experience things,” Portik-Gumbs said. “And I want to see more, bring them on. Let the children learn about the cultures and different ways of bringing nutrition… bring them outside of where they are just in that little bubble to learn about the world.”
Asked about working to protect special education in schools, Robinson said he would dedicate himself to being an advocate for children in special education. “It’s close to me because my son is actually a part of the special education program in Peekskill,” he said. “And so just being involved with that and staying in tune with what’s happening in that arena, I would as a board member make that one of my key initiatives that I would be looking at and participating in that process.”
In her recorded remarks, Flores said she brings the perspective of a mother of three sons and two decades of experience working with boards, and helping them fulfill their financial responsibilities and goals and personal service.
In closing, moderator Shivers said, “Remember democracy is not a spectator sport. I encourage everyone to vote — budget and election — on Tuesday, May 20.”
Voting information: Three open Board of Ed seats and annual budget
The vote on the three open seats and annual 2025-26 budget of over $131.7 million will take place on Tuesday, May 20. Polls are open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. at Peekskill High School, 1072 Elm Street.
All individuals must be qualified to vote, which requires being a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident of the school district for at least 30 days prior to the vote.
For more information about the vote, including early mail-in ballots and absentee ballots, click here.
Three seats on the Board of Education, each carrying three-year terms, are up for election.
Candidates for the three open Board of Ed seats are Jillian Villon (incumbent), Frank Robinson Jr., Mary Angel Flores, Hilda Kinga Portik-Gumbs. Board president Michael Simpkins and trustee Eric Rekeda are not running for re-election.
For the full budget and educational plan, click here.
