President
Joanne Bell is serving a 1-year term, starting in July 2022. In previous years, Joanne served as a Class Parent, Trunk-or-Treat host, and on the Nominations Committee. She also served on the Special Events team, where she helped organize activities at Saturday Academy, including Trunk or Treat, the Holiday Book Giveaway, and posters for Black History Month. From her professional experience as a home textile designer and as a parent, Joanne has honed strong skills of time management, ability to listen, clear communication, collaboration, long range thinking and goal setting. Joanne believes in our schools, and she is excited about the opportunity to actively lead the PTO and work more closely with our teachers, staff, and fellow parents.
Vice President
Lanice Kind is serving a 2-year term, starting in July 2022. In prior years, Lanice participated in the Special Events committee and the Class Parent committee. She brings her skills of collaboration, communication, critical thinking, project management, attention to detail, and team spirit to our PTO leadership team. Lanice is passionate about the growth of the Peekskill School District and its potential to provide better schools and a well-rounded educational experience to our children. She believes it is imperative for parent involvement to increase and for the voice of the parent to be represented to advocate for our children and support our school district.
Treasurer
Halle Chizmadia is serving her second 2-year term and has been PTO Treasurer since 2020. Halle has been an active member of the PTO since her twins were in pre-K, serving as a member of the Special Events committee, Trunk-or-Treat host, and book drive organizer. She has been a regular volunteer at Saturday Academy, including working at the book fair and selling spirit gear. As PTO Treasurer, Halle has collaborated in organizing fundraisers, managed the PTO’s finances, and represented the PTO at P.A.T. Meetings and the Realtor Forum. In addition, she spearheaded the PTO project of purchasing and donating P.E. Equipment to each school in the district. As an officer, Halle has developed positive relationships with building leaders and administrators and actively recruited new members to the PTO. She is excited to serve another term as Treasurer and continue serving our community.
Secretary
Rachel Kimber is serving a 2-year term, starting July 2021. Prior to serving as Secretary, Rachel was an active volunteer in the Peekskill community, working with the Peekskill Education Fund and the Peekskill Museum, among others. She has an extensive background supporting nonprofit organizations and is able to bring those skills with her to the PTO, including being an adept note-taker, a creative thinker, and finding common ground among divergent opinions. Rachel is passionate about seeing Peekskill thrive.
The PTO holds officer elections annually at our June general meeting. Our officers serve two-year terms, starting July 1st of their election year.
Interested in stepping into a leadership role? Learn more about our election process here.