Barnstable Election 2021: Andre King 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 King before you vote.

Andre King

Age (as of Election Day)

39

Position Sought

School Committee

Family

None

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Charter Oak State College (Bachelor of Arts)

Occupation

Teacher (12 Yrs.)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/Elect...

Why are you seeking elective office?

Yes

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

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is the selection of a new superintendent. What I intend to do is join the on-going search process with a focus on selecting a superintendent who can lead our students, educators, and families forward, through the unique challenges we face in public education currently.

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

The critical difference between myself and the other candidates seeking office is I?m in the classroom on a day-to-day basis. As a History Teacher at Sandwich S.T.E.M Academy, I work with students, educators, administrators, and families in real-time; to promote both academic and social-emotional growth. I believe this perspective is distinctive, and also beneficial when making district-wide decision.

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

In my school committee race one seat is vacant and one candidate is running for reelection. Given this composition, I don't believe I can answer the question.

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

I think local officials performed well in responding to the Coronavirus pandemic. During the 2020-2021 school year, Barnstable Public Schools offered in-person and hybrid instruction for the majority of the year, while access to these instructional models was limited in districts across the Commonwealth. Furthermore, when school buildings were closed in March of 2020, Barnstable Public Schools provided breakfast and lunch for all students free of charge, through the Grab & Go program. Meals were available throughout the week at four separate locations throughout Barnstable. Educators and staff members also mobilized to collect non-perishable food items for distribution at Grab & Go locations. Given these accomplishments in the face of notable challenges, I cannot say I would have done anything differently.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The other issues that define my campaign platform are student retention and diversity in education. When I attended Barnstable High School student enrollment exceeded 2,000 for Grades 9-12. Today student enrollment is approximately 1,800 for Grades 8-12. I want to reaffirm students can achieve their highest academic, athletic, and career readiness goals in the Barnstable Public Schools, and keep more residents in our district. Furthermore, as the largest and most diverse school district in the region, classrooms that reflect our community are essential. In a state that leads the nation in public education, the data is overwhelming; educator diversity increases achievement for all students. Prioritizing diversity in education will accelerate academic and social-emotional growth, thereby allowing Barnstable to retain more students.

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

Working at Barnstable High School last year, teaching hybrid, fully remote, and full in-person classes is the evidence I?d cite. I encountered challenges, devised solutions, and witnessed the appreciation, resilience, and determination of students and staff members alike. I showed up every single day, adapted, persevered, and completed an unprecedented school year.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice ever shared with me was "Work hard, show up everyday, and do it for the kids."

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

I'd like voters to know that I'm a sports enthusiast along with being an educator, and in athletics and education we have to work with people from diverse backgrounds towards common goals. We don't always win, but we can learn and make improvements.