Candidate for school board wants greater emphasis on technology

Peggy Buckles In a couple of weeks, Peggy Buckles will be a grandmother, as her 27-year-old daughter—a Conejo Valley Unified School District graduate—is due to give birth. And as excited as Buckles is about that role, she's also looking forward to the chance to serve in another capacity— CVUSD board member.

In her third turn at running for a spot on the board, Buckles, 60, spoke immediately on the need to improve technology despite the "awful" budget reductions.

"We still need technology infrastructure," Buckles said. "When you sit at the board meetings, we always hear about how bad the technology is for all the schools. I know it's not a good time to spend money, but we almost have to, to stay connected to parents and have kids stay connected to the district."

Buckles isn't afraid to tackle the tough issues, insisting that school closures were necessary.

"I might not have picked those two schools, but I'm not willing to go back and revisit the issue," Buckles said. "The parents have moved on, and we just don't have the money to keep them open. It's the fiscally sound thing to do. We shouldn't lower the education for everybody just so some kids can stay in their neighborhood schools."

Buckles did say that if the situation improves, she would consider reopening them.

"If the economy improves and more kids are attracted to the district, we can certainly reopen the schools and revisit the question," she said.

Forming partnerships with local businesses, developing magnet schools and expanding school-to-career opportunities would all be excellent ways to draw more families into the district, Buckles said.

She also emphasized a cohesive board.

"All of us have to work together," Buckles said. "I think that no matter who's up there, you have to accept you're a member of a team. You may not like a decision, but you have to move on after that decision is made. It takes everybody to be willing to do that, not just the new people. You have to be willing to follow the rules."

The candidate taught elementary school near Syracuse, N.Y., before getting married. Her husband's work took them to many different areas, and in 1991 they settled in North Ranch with their two children, who are now grown.

Buckles has run two small businesses, worked in property management and now owns apartment buildings with her husband.

She serves on the Conejo Council ParentTeacher Association as a mentor for the high schools and middle schools. She is also the legislation chair of the 12th district PTA and is on the Parent Involvement Commission for the California State PTA.

Buckles has served on the County Youth Council and is the Tri-County Education Coalition director from Ventura County.

She has received several awards for her work on the PTA, including the California State Golden Oak Award and honorary and continuing service awards.

"Whoever gets on the board needs to be concerned about all of the more than 20,000 students in the district," Buckles said"It's not about one person's children, and it shouldn't be abouone school. We can't lose sighthat it's about the kids, giving them the best education we can with the money we are given."

For more information, visit Peggybuckles.com