Barnstable Election 2021: Peter Goode For School Committee

BARNSTABLE, MA — The Barnstable town election is less than two weeks away, and soon voters will hit the polls and elect new members to the Town Council and school committee.

Barnstable, which has half its town council members up for election every other year, has even numbered districts on the ballot this year, running for four-year terms. But just one of those districts will see a contested race. That's Precinct 12, where incumbent Paula Schnepp will square off against Donald Lynde.

As for the school committee race, five candidates are running for two openings. Incumbent Stephanie Ellis is seeking re-election, but Barbara Dunn isn't. Ellis will face four challengers for the two spots on Nov. 2, including Peter Goode, Andre King, Sara Gonzalez and Linda Letourneau.

Prior to the election, Patch is running candidate profiles to help inform residents on where candidates stand on the issue. Here's a little about Goode before you vote.

Peter Goode

Age (as of Election Day)

67

Position Sought

Barnstable School Committee

Family

I have 2 daughters who graduated from Barnstable High and both are currently teaching in Barnstable schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelors of Education -Framingham State College, Bachelor +30 in History- Bridgewater State College

Occupation

recently retired teacher of 32 years in Barnstable schools

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

none

Campaign website

Peter Goode for School Committee -Facebook

Why are you seeking elective office?

As a recently retired Barnstable school teacher of 32 years, I take great pride in our school system. I continue to desire a quality education for all Barnstable students, and as a school committee member, I want to do my part in achieving that goal.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

In my opinion, our school system's most pressing issue is keeping our Barnstable students in the Barnstable school system. If elected, I would make sure that we exit-survey all parents who choose to take our children out of our system. I would collect that data , make it public, and then confront any consistent issues that arise.

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

I think my years of service in our school system, and my variety of experiences teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels stands out from the other candidates and gives me a unique perspective in regards to this position. If elected, I will attend faculty meetings at schools, on a rotating basis. I believe that I can provide a "bridge" from the school committee to the schools. This will allow the faculty to share their personal insights and concerns with a school committee member, and I will bring this information back to the group.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I would never say this board has failed this community, as I'm sure each member of the committee has done his or her very best. However, I have not heard the committee address the dwindling student population to my satisfaction.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I Again, I would never criticize any member of the committee for their voluntary performance during a pandemic. After all, most of our directives came from the state.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Aside from the issue of keeping our students in the Barnstable schools, we should really address all areas and categories of student achievement- test scores, equity gaps, graduation rates, 4- year college acceptance rates, drop-out rates, discipline, etc.- all areas of achievement that will help provide a quality education for all our students.

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

I think being a teacher for 32 years qualifies me, quite nicely, for a seat on the school committee. In addition, I am a proud, 5-time recipient, of having been honored as the "Most Influential Teacher" from Barnstable High's graduating classes.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"We have two ears and one mouth for a reason"- yes, we need to listen to each other more.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I simply believe in community service. The tax-payers of Barnstable were very good to me for 32 years, helping me raise a family in town. Serving on the school committee would be my way of paying back.