Patch Candidate Profile: Kate Kutash, Shelton Board Of Education

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

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

Democrat Kate Kutash, 68, is a Shelton resident running for the Board of Education.

Education

BS in education from Western Connecticut State College, MS and 6th year degrees from Southern Connecticut State College

What is your occupation?

Retired after 43 years as elementary teacher in Stratford

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

Husband, Steve, a Shelton native. Also retired.

Adult daughters, Kelly and Sarah, are both products of Shelton Public Schools. Sarah is a music teacher in Delaware. Kelly is in event planning and marketing. She currently lives in LA with husband, Adam Rich, also a Shelton native.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I have already served 6 terms in the Board of Education

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?

To continue my efforts to maintain quality education for Shelton’s students

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 about facing my constituents are citizens who believe the rhetoric that city hall does all it can for Shelton’s schools. In every conversation I strive to correct the misunderstandings they have by providing facts and history gleaned from my experience and years of service

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

First, only two of us have an education background. 97% of Connecticut teachers recently surveyed are upset by decisions being made for education by non educators.

In addition, I have 12 years of history and experience on the BOE

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Many of the current incumbent Republicans don’t vote their conscience in favor of what is best for the students of Shelton. Instead they follow mandates from City Hall

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I am constantly watching class size and advocate for better funding so we can hire additional staff. I am also a proponent of the arts, particularly in the music area. I would like to see our Marching Gaels High School band restored to its former size and competitive glory.

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

I have a near perfect attendance record at all committee meetings and full Board meetings. I am present at school events as often as possible, regularly attending all back to school nights among other things.