Patch Candidate Profile: Cathy Schaefer, Bethel Board Of Education

BETHEL, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Bethel and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Bethel Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Cathy Schaefer is running for re-election to the Bethel Board of Education as a Democrat.

Education.

Master's degree in nursing from Pace University. Bachelor's degree in biology from Cornell. Teacher certification in secondary science and educational leadership.

What is your occupation?

Currently retired.
Taught secondary science for over twenty years.
Before I became a teacher, I worked as an RN for several years.

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

Married. Blended family of 4 children and 6 grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Currently a member of the Bethel Board of Education

Why are you seeking this office?

I have always believed in the importance of community service. As both an educator and a parent, I think my perspectives are valuable assets for this Board and make me a good fit for this office. As a member of the Bethel Board of Education for the past several years, I believe I have made a positive impact. I would like to continue that work and build on past progress.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is maintaining quality in Bethel schools while effectively managing the costs. As a member of the Board, I intend to continue to be mindful of the impact that budget decisions have on both the school community and the Bethel community as a whole.

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

I have the benefit of multiple perspectives. I am a parent, but I also have many years of experience as an educator and educational leader. I also have years of valuable experience collaborating as a member of multiple committees and teams. I have demonstrated the ability to use that experience to work effectively as a member of the BOE over the past several years.

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

I have had 2 successful careers--one in nursing and one in teaching. I have been a consistently active member of the Bethel Board of Education for the past 5 years.
I have contributed to our collective work of helping to maintain educational excellence in Bethel Public Schools while being fiscally responsible.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To devote my energy to making positive change instead of getting distracted by negativity.