Senator Collins’ Statement on Passing of Former Bangor Superintendent Betsy Webb

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued this statement on the passing of Dr. Betsy Webb, who previously served as the superintendent of the Bangor School Department and the Brewer School Department:

“Betsy dedicated her life to educating Maine’s youth, and her countless contributions to the Bangor and Brewer school systems are extraordinary.  During her tenure, she launched a number of initiatives that gave students the resources and opportunities they needed to reach their full potential as independent, responsible learners and community members.  Betsy fostered a sense of community among parents, teachers, and staff who were committed to the highest standards for their students.  The fact that four Bangor schools earned the U.S. Department of Education’s prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award under Betsy’s leadership reflects the success she had at improving academic performance and closing achievement gaps. 

“Education has been described as not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a flame.  Betsy will be greatly missed, but the flame that she lit will live on in an entire generation of students and educators.

“My deepest sympathy goes to Betsy’s family, including her parents Bruce and Chris MacGregor, who were my neighbors in Bangor’s Little City.”