Shelton Election 2021 Profile: Kate Kutash

SHELTON, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Shelton will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next several days, so check back often to see the latest.

Democrat Kate Kutash is running for Board of Education in Shelton.

Occupation: Retired Teacher (43 Years At Elementary Level In Stratford)

Family: 25 year resident of Shelton. Live with my husband Steve. My adult daughters, Kelly and Sarah, are products of the Shelton Public Schools. I was involved in PTAs at all levels, including as PTA Council President and was an active band and drama parent. I am a graduate of Western Connecticut State College and SCSU, with BS, MS and 6th year degrees in Education.

Experience: have served 10 years on the BOE

Family in government: no

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The single most pressing issue has always been the budget we are allotted by city hall. I will continue to lobby for increased funding for education from City Hall. I am hoping after this election, the Board of Education sees the election of individuals who support us in our goals. Not to be ignored however, is the current bussing contract with the City of Shelton which comes up for renewal this spring. When we go out to bid I will work to insure that not only is price point examined, and but the quality and reliability of services and busses transporting our students. Many claim the city contract is saving us money but we have yet to to see line by line item expenditures if indeed this is so.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Experience! I have served ten years as a member of the Board of Education. In addition I am one of only two current BOE members with teaching experience. I recently retired after 43 years teaching at the elementary level in Stratford. I can relate to classroom challenges over the past year. As a teacher and a parent, I understand the concerns of Shelton’s teachers, and parents and students.

Accomplishments:

In the ten years I have served on the Board of Education I have a near perfect attendance rate at monthly regular Board meetings as well as committee meetings whether I serve on that committee or not. I currently serve on the Teaching and Learning Committee and am acting chair of the Policy Committee. I have frequently has been a member of negotiation teams for contracts with several unions and participated in the interview process for many major administrative positions.

Other issues:

As a member of the Shelton BOE and I strongly support Fine Arts and am especially dedicated to expanding involvement in the music programs grades 5-12 and expanding music course opportunities at the high school. I will continue to work to maintain and improve upon the quality education currently offered to Shelton students and to publicly recognize their achievements. Education is my passion and was my career for two thirds of my life. I can't think of a better place to indulge this passion.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I think it is important that voters know that while I am nominated and supported by the Democratic party, I am an independent thinker and vote in a nonpartisan manner in the best interests of the students, and teachers and families of Shelton.