Barbara Gentry

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Barbara A. Gentry

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Utah State University, 1975

Graduate

University of Utah, 2011

Personal

Birthplace

Montana

Profession

Educator

Contact

Campaign website

Personal LinkedIn

Barbara A. Gentry ran for election to the Canyons School District to represent District 3 in Utah. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Gentry completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Barbara A. Gentry was born in Montana. She earned a bachelor's degree from Utah State University in 1975 and a graduate degree from the University of Utah in 2010. Her career experience includes working as an educator.

Gentry has been affiliated with the following organizations:

• Utah Science Teachers Association
• League of Women Voters
• Gun Violence Prevention Center
• Global Faith Partners

Elections

2024

See also: Canyons School District, Utah, elections (2024)

General election

General election for Canyons School District, District 3

Katie Dahle defeated Barbara A. Gentry in the general election for Canyons School District, District 3 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Katie Dahle (Nonpartisan)	54.6	8,386
		Barbara A. Gentry (Nonpartisan)	45.4	6,962

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 15,348
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

The primary election was canceled. Katie Dahle and Barbara A. Gentry advanced from the primary for Canyons School District, District 3.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Gentry in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Barbara A. Gentry completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Gentry's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a life-long educator. I worked for 25 years as a middle school science teacher, 10 years as the Jordan science teacher specialist, 5 years as a high school assistant principal and curriculum specialist. I have also written end-of-year assessments and numerous lessons. I have lived in Sandy for 38 years and my husband and I have 5 children and 6 grandchildren. I enjoy many outdoor activities: skiing, hiking, horseback riding, biking, camping and dog walking. I am active in my church and participate on several board of directors for community organizations.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Great teachers are the key to success for students. Supporting teachers, especially in their first few years serves a dual purpose. Students get a better educational experience and the teachers have the opportunity to grow into excellent teachers. Teaching is a hard profession, it challenges people physically, mentally, emotionally and very few people are really ready when they begin. Career teachers also need support to stay passionate about teaching. You need new ideas, techniques and training to make a classroom engaging for kids. Time for teachers to plan together, opportunities to watch great teachers teach and workshops all improve what happens in the classroom.
• It is increasingly important that students feel safe in their schools. School policies need to clearly define student behavior and reinforce rules on bullying and social media. Teachers are the key to identifying unsafe behaviors and alerting parents and administrators to problems. Teachers are also tasked with making their classrooms safe zones and enforcing school rules. Teachers need training and tools to do all this and teach lessons.
• Students need opportunities to engage in meaningful classroom experiences that challenge them. Rote learning of factual material has a smaller place in our rapidly moving society. Problem solving, creative pursuits, critical thinking and analysis are skills of the future.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public schools. I believe they are the foundation of our democracy and that they are being undermined in a variety of ways. Legislative battles about funding always leave Utah at the lowest end of the nation and other forms of schooling are supported, without evidence, that they are cost effective or perform better. Our public schools in Utah do a great job and should be rewarded and supported.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I heard Dr. Anthony Fauci speak at the Wasatch Speaker Series this year. I have enormous respect for the work he did during the pandemic. He trusted his professional knowledge, spoke his truth and did not waver when political forces were directed against him. He admits he may have misjudged some aspects of the pandemic but acknowleged that he acted on the available information that was available at the time.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

American Nations by Collin Woodward.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity, transparency and excellent work ethic are essential. Commitment to public service, good listening and communication skills are important.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

As a 25 year veteran of middle school teaching, I am hard to rattle. Meaning: I have an even temperament and do not allow my emotions to dictate my words. As a science teacher, I love data and try to collect it before making decisions.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

This office requires consistent attendance at school board meetings and school visits. Communication with parents, other board members and school administrator in a timely and appropriate manner.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like students to have opportunities that I did not. I received a good education in Utah schools but not a great one.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

The broad jobs of a school board member are setting the direction of the district based on patron guidance, making sure effective structures are in place, and provide accountability and leadership to the community.
The bread and butter jobs are to attend meetings, make decisions, vote, analyze and collect information, manage data, communicate with the public, adopt and annual budget, hire and fire administrators, and visit schools.

Who are your constituents?

Parents, teachers, students, administrators, custodians, coaches, secretaries, counselors, psychologists.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

Listening to the diverse voices is the first step. Discussing, sharing and comparing the views expressed would be an important next step. Prioritizing needs based on fairness and equity, based on board consensus, is a final step.

What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?

Good teaching engages students in meaningful life experiences that cultivate hard work, resilience, lifelong learning, honesty, integrity, responsibility, service, respect, and personal growth.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

I think Canyons School District should consider expanding its applied technology and career center.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

Attend legislative sessions and lobby for proper funding as well as appropriately managing the funding the district does receive.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

Safety in schools starts with alert teachers who address bullying when it happens in their classrooms. A general school climate that promotes anti-bullying is important but students must see bullies addressed immediately and appropriately in classes.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

Good communication can alert administration and parents when students exhibit mental health issues. The mental health issues of faculty and staff are addressed through mental health programs offered by district insurance.

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

Children have moments of joy, challenge and accomplishment in their school day.

How do you feel like your school district handled the coronavirus pandemic? What, if anything, would you do differently in the future?

Canyons School District did an excellent job with the pandemic. My grandchildren missed a minimum of school and the community had few health issues that I was aware of. The online support was as good as it could be, given the short amount of time and experience of district employees with this style of learning.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

Prompt responses to communications from parents is required. Prompt action, if possible, to requests as well.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Government needs absolute transparency. An individual in a school board position needs a good understanding of the actual finances to honestly share and help others understand the implications and impact of various policy decisions.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Candidate

Canyons School District, District 3

Website

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