As a dedicated Bellevue resident for over 35 years, Pat Beckham has been married to Bryan for 32 years, and together they have raised three grown children, ages 28, 23, and 22. Pat enjoys spending her free time in her flower garden, exercising, and diving into a good book. An avid outdoor enthusiast, she values the rejuvenating power of nature.

Pat holds a BS in Mathematics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and currently works as a consulting actuary specializing in pension plans for public employees, including teachers. If you’re unfamiliar with the field, think of an actuary as a specialist who uses mathematics and statistics to help organizations manage financial risk and plan for the future.  Pat’s career success is deeply rooted in the support and guidance she received from her own educators, fostering in her a profound appreciation for the role of teachers and the importance of education.

Pat Beckham brings a wealth of expertise and personal experience to her candidacy for the Bellevue School Board. With years of experience as a consulting actuary, Pat offers a robust set of skills including financial acumen, analytical precision, strategic planning, and problem-solving. Her professional background equips her with a keen attention to detail and effective communication abilities—qualities essential for making informed and impactful decisions on the school board.  Beyond her professional accomplishments, Pat's diverse personal roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sibling, neighbor, friend, and volunteer have honed her interpersonal skills. She excels in advocacy, conflict resolution, empathy, and patience—traits that are invaluable in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment within the school district.

Pat’s unique blend of professional and personal experiences positions her to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to the Bellevue School Board. She is committed to bringing a balanced, informed perspective to the governance of our schools, ensuring that all voices are heard and that every student’s needs are met with care and consideration.

Through her children’s educational experiences, Pat gained firsthand insight into challenges such as bullying and diverse learning styles. She is passionate about addressing the individual needs of each student, recognizing that the current system often fails to adapt to these needs. Pat is concerned about the overreliance on computer-based learning and standardized testing, which she believes detracts from fostering genuine enthusiasm and creativity in students.

Pat is an advocate for innovative approaches to education that prioritize and support teachers and staff, while reigniting a love of learning in students. She is committed to enhancing the educational experience and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive.  Pat has the passion and time to devote to her responsibilities as a school board member and she is ready to put her skills and talents to use to help the broader Bellevue community.