Get To Know Barnstable School Committee Candidate Kathy Bent

BARNSTABLE, MA — Local elections in Barnstable are less than a month away, and Patch is determined to help residents get to know their candidates for council and school committee.

Patch has sent candidate questionnaires to each of the candidates that will appear on the ballot in a contested race for each of those positions.

Kathy Bent, a Centerville resident, is running for a seat on the Barnstable School Committee and comes to the ballot with more than four decades of experience in education.

She is also an incumbent.

"I am seeking a second term on the Barnstable School Committee to continue working on improving the schools in the district," she said. "During my first term, a new superintendent was hired. I feel it is important to support her as she enters her second year in the District."

Learn more about Kathy here:

Name

Kathy Bent

How old will you be as of Election Day?

66

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

What city or town do you live in?

Centerville

What office are you seeking?

Barnstable School Committee

Please give us your party affiliation.

Independent

Education.

Masters - Business Education (Accounting/Data Processing)

What is your occupation?

Teacher/Professor - 43 years (8 public high school, 35 community college)

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Husband and four children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Barnstable School Committee (Nov. 2019-present)

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking a second term on the Barnstable School Committee to continue working on improving the schools in the district. During my first term, a new superintendent was hired. I feel it is important to support her as she enters her second year in the District.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

... is ensuring our students receive an excellent education in a safe environment while being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers. Supporting the vision of our superintendent--who has worked collaboratively with educators, staff and administration throughout the district--is the best way to accomplish improving our schools. Ensuring policies are appropriate and overseeing the budget during this process is a critical role as a school committee member.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I always focus on doing what is right for the students and look at everything through that lens. Because resources are limited, I always thoroughly read all materials provided and prepare well in advance of meetings. I'll reach out for more information, when needed before making decisions.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I've chaired two subcommittees: Superintendent Search Subcommittee and Policy Revision subcommittee. I represent Barnstable on the Cape Cod Collaborative Board and participated in several additional subcommittees. I'll get into the schools as often as possible to see what is needed (facilities) and to enjoy interactions with the students.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My parents always reminded me to put myself in the other person's shoes, think about how my actions effect them, then do the right thing.