We recently invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 3 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Bethany Zecher Sutton, who is running for School Board.
I have served on the Arlington School Board since January 2023 with a great sense of pride in the opportunity to contribute to our community and tremendous gratitude to the Arlingtonians who have entrusted me with this role.
I ran for the School Board four years ago because I could see some gaps and challenges in the system. I am running for reelection now because I know that there’s more that we must do to meet the critical needs facing our public schools.
Good governance is grounded in broad knowledge, careful communication, the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources, and a balance of seasoned leadership and fresh perspectives. In my work on the School Board and in my 30-year career in higher education, I have a track record of being a thoughtful, capable, and strategic leader.
My primary focus is on three areas: strength in academics, healthy students, and a positive workplace for teachers and staff.
Since 2021, when I served as chair of the Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning, I’ve been deeply engaged in what we can do to improve student outcomes and reduce gaps among student groups. Right now, we’re going back to the basics with how we are teaching phonics and reading; investing in new math textbooks; and using pencil & paper in the classroom. The School Board must lead proactively on the use of technology and artificial intelligence so that we ensure the privacy of our students and manage their use of technology in developmentally appropriate ways.
All students need to feel a strong sense of belonging when they are in school. We can meet the needs of every student when we ensure their individual needs are met and that they have opportunities to grow and learn together.
Unfortunately, the current environment both nationally and locally means that we have kids in our community who are scared. Whether we’re talking about children of immigrants, teenagers exploring who they are, or kids who’ve experienced bullying, Arlington Public Schools should provide a welcoming and nurturing space for everyone.
We have truly outstanding teachers in APS and we have to make sure that they have the resources they need to do their jobs. That includes time for planning and collaborating, mentoring for new teachers and administrators, and professional development that’s meaningful and timely.
And we must invest in improving our aging school facilities and our safety and security systems. APS is grappling with the need for extensive system repairs and other facilities improvements, and we are facing these needs at a time when escalating costs are stretching every dollar. We need experienced leaders who can make difficult decisions about where and how to invest in improving our facilities and keeping our staff and students safe.
When I reflect on where we are as a community—and the challenges facing public education—I am absolutely certain this is a moment that calls for focused and thoughtful leadership. The decisions we make today will shape outcomes for our students for years to come. Our community needs strong and compassionate leaders who listen with empathy and act responsibly to build an inclusive school system that meets the needs of all learners.
Serving our students and educators has been more than a role for me—it has been a calling. Arlington has been my home for 25 years; it is where I’ve raised my kids (one APS graduate; one APS senior) and it is home to great schools. I believe deeply in the importance of continuing to protect and strengthen what we do well.
I would be very grateful to earn your vote and continue our shared work to ensure that we have the very best student outcomes and the very best school system here in Arlington.
