Key Facts
Background
Bethany Sutton obtained a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Mary Washington and a master’s degree in history from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Sutton is currently the chair of the Arlington Public Schools Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning [3]. Sutton has a background in governance, strategic planning, nonprofit management, and staff and leadership development, and she is a former PTA president. She has led the Randolph Food Pantry, a community-based volunteer effort to support families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, since spring 2020 [2].
Key Issues
Budget
Sutton believes the budget must support teachers and staff while remaining balanced [3].
Civil Rights
Sutton advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion [1].
Education
Sutton wants to innovate in learning [1]. She wants to renew expectations in learning as the pandemic recedes [3].
Government
Sutton wants to increase trust and transparency [1] and wants to improve communications, particularly between the school board and the county [3].
Health Care
Sutton prioritizes mental health and well-being for students, staff, and teachers, and to do so, she plans to evaluate current programs and increase access to resources. She also hopes to create a culture of caring and positivity, including outdoor learning and dining opportunities [3].
Endorsements
Arlington County Democratic Party
Sources
1 Patch
2 ARLnow
3 Bethany Sutton for Arlington Public Schools
4 InsideNoVa
5 Arlington Democrats
6 The Washington Post