PERRY TECH - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• President, Perry Technical Institute

Harriet I. Perry founded Perry Technical Institute in 1939 as a gift to the Yakima community and a lasting memorial to her late husband, J.M. Perry. The school was designed to train ambitious people in skilled occupations. Curriculum was streamlined to eliminate non-essentials, ensuring that students left with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to go directly into industrial positions. The school opened to 211 students in January 1941 and has operated continuously for more than 80 years. Perry Technical Institute is housed in the same location where it was established in 1939. It has built upon its rich history to continue to meet the needs of employers. Perry offers 14 programs and serves more than 700 students. Over the years, Perry Technical Institute has tailored its programs to meet the needs of industry. While the course offerings have changed in response to these needs, the mission of the school has remained the same. Perry Tech serves industry by preparing workers with both technical skills and positive work habits.

Jake Jundt brought a wealth of experience in the construction industry when he joined the Board of Trustees in 2009. He cofounded Tri-Ply Construction in 1977 and served as company president until 2002. Jake currently owns a construction management business in addition to volunteering in leadership positions with a number of community organizations. Jake sees his involvement with Perry as a natural outgrowth of the values he prescribes to as a businessman. "The three qualities I look for most in employees - honesty, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work well with others - are the same qualities that Perry instills in students," he says. "Perry does an excellent job of preparing people to be good employees. This is something that is greatly needed in industry."

Terry Schmalz's relationship with the school began in 1970 when he started serving as legal counsel for Perry. In December 1988, trustee Fred Smith passed away and Terry was tapped to take his place. "While representing Perry, I developed an affinity for the school and its mission," he says. Terry has seen firsthand the value of a Perry education. His son, Curtis, graduated from the Automotive Rebuilding Program in 1991, and continues to work in the field. "Students come to Perry because they are looking for a career, a career that will support them and their families for the rest of their lives." As co-owner of family businesses King Brothers Woodworking and King Door and Hardware, Curtis King had a full slate of professional and community obligations when he accepted then-President J. Tuman's invitation to join the Board of Trustees. Since 2008, Curtis has represented the 14th District in the Washington State Senate. In 2009, he retired from the family businesses. While his public service creates a busy calendar, it hasn't diminished Curtis' involvement with Perry. "The mission of Perry Tech fits with what I believe in," he stresses. "I am delighted to help an organization that allows people to grow, achieve success, and provide a living for their families."