Peter Bentley - Retired June 2010 Replacement: TBD Board Member, District No. 2 (current term expires 2011) District No. 2  Map e-mail:

Peter Bentley has been a member of the Bellevue School Board since September 1997. During his time of service, he has filled the role of President, Vice President and Legislative Representative and served as liaison to BSF and Youth Link.  He is in his fourth year as our region’s representative on the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) Board where he also serves as WSSDA representative to Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA).  Previously he served on WSSDA’s Legislative and Finance Committees.

Mr. Bentley became involved with the Bellevue schools soon after his arrival in Bellevue in 1991.  As a parent of three Bellevue students—two presently at Interlake High School and one who was graduated from that school in 2006—he served on the PDC, the Fiscal Committee, the Superintendent’s Search Committee, and was the recipient of a Golden Acorn from the Bennett PTSA.  His wife is presently active in the PTSA and has been President of the PTSA Council.

As a strong supporter of the City of Bellevue and of all youth, Mr. Bentley is active in the YMCA, fund raising for the YMCA Partners with Youth campaign for the past ten years and previously having served as its nation chief for the Guide Program.  He has also been active with the Greater Seattle Boy Scouts Executive Board for four years and was on the City Club Board for three years, one of those years as its president.  He is a Class of ’97 graduate of Leadership Tomorrow.

Mr. Bentley has worked in banking for 27 years.  He is currently a Senior Vice President and Regional Credit Administrator for Washington Trust Bank. He earned his BS in Marketing from the University of Southern California and his MBA in Finance and Accounting from the PennsylvaniaStateUniversity.  He has an understanding of the WashingtonState funding system and advocates regularly in Olympia on school finance issues.  With this background, he is a resource to the board on finance and budget topics.

“I bring a business perspective to the board and to how the district is run.  I have built strong relationships (through my WSSDA positions) with many other school directors across the State of Washington, and that gives me a State perspective on school issues. I particularly enjoy our regular school visits and my time with principals, teachers, students, and parents.  I believe that all children in Bellevue deserve a college preparatory education, whether or not they choose to go to college, trade school or the workforce.  I believe all children can succeed and deserve an opportunity to succeed.” 

- Peter Bentley -