FULL DISCLOSURE. Several years ago, I met Matt’s wife, Sunny at a Junior League meeting. Over the years, we’ve stayed in contact and just recently discovered we both live in University City, MO. Naturally, when I heard Matt planned to run for a director position on the school board for University City Public Schools, I wanted to know more.
Liz: So Matt, I have to ask “Where did you go to high school?”
Matt: York High School class of 2002.
(Awkward silence)
Liz: Yeah, that’s uh…not in St. Louis, is it…
Matt: Nope it’s in York, Nebraska.
Liz: Well that’s neat! What about college?
Matt: I attended the University of Nebraska and graduated with a finance degree in 2006.
Liz: Let me make sure I understand, so you’re not originally from University City, or St. Louis, and you still want to help us make this city a better place?
Matt: Yeah, having not grown up in the St. Louis area, I bring an outsider perspective. For the last five and a half years, my wife and I have lived in University City. We consider U City our home. I have never lived in a friendlier, more helpful community, and I am grateful that our daughter will grow up in this community and attend University City public schools.
Liz: What drove your interest to run for a school board position?
Matt: Right now, I feel I can best contribute to the community as a director on the University City School Board. First of all. I come from a family of educators, and I am proud that my mom has been a teacher in public schools for the last 40 years. Secondly, I’m also a “Big” in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. My “Little”, of fours years, will graduate from high school this spring. Watching him grow into a young adult has made a profound impact on my life and I feel the need to give back to my community. I want to ensure the students of U City receive the best public education they can.
Liz: Can you tell us more about what you learned as a “Big” for Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Matt: I learned a lot. Especially when it comes to education and schooling. Now I better understand the extra steps many children in our area take to receive an education. For example, many students have to take public transportation before they even reach a bus stop. That means earlier mornings, later evenings, and longer days.
Liz: What personal life experience do you hope to bring to U City Schools?
Matt: If elected, I can provide professional finance and insurance input to benefit the School District of University City; addressing budget issues, facilitating the sale and acquisition of properties, and consulting on insurance needs. To ensure proper stewardship of tax dollars, citizens need to ask questions like: Does this school district have sufficient coverage for their assets (i.e. do we have enough insurance to replace / repair assets)? Are school district owned vehicles and equipment properly insured? Can we adjust any deductibles to free up money for areas that need immediate funding? I’m not an insurance agent so there is no financial gain or conflict of interest for me or anyone I know, but my familiarity with insurance allows me to ask questions and provide policy advice that could save money for the district.
Liz: That is really interesting. What is it like campaigning for the first time?
Matt: Obviously, I don’t have local family or childhood friends from St. Louis, but I’ve still managed to form a network through University City neighbors, friends, and coworkers. When taking a step back, it’s amazing to see the many connections our community offers.
Liz: In your opinion, what keeps the University City School District from competing academically with nearby districts like Clayton and Ladue public schools?
Matt: University City is twice the size of Clayton and four times the size of Ladue (www.ucitymo.org, www.cityofladue-mo.gov, www.claytonmo.gov). Our tax base in a figure of total tax revenue taken in is smaller. For example, Clayton has around $8M of property tax revenue. U City has only $5M. We have less tax revenue than a city half our size. Clayton School District has more money available with fewer students (www.niche.com). This allows for smaller classrooms with lower teacher/student ratios.
Liz: What is your future vision for public schools in University City?
Matt: My vision is a school district that not only rivals our neighboring districts but tops them in terms of rigor in curriculum and teacher retention. I want every family in our district to choose a public education. I want the thought of a private education not even coming to mind because our district is one of the best districts in the region.
Liz: What necessary steps do we need to take in order to achieve this vision?
Matt: We need to attract and retain the best teachers by first identifying what our neighboring districts and private schools provide their teachers and then implementing similar or better strategies. We also need to better involve the community in what we’re doing and facilitate relationships with local institutions of higher education to create additional internship and apprenticeship programs. For example, I believe we can identify an opportunity for our students (elementary, middle school, and high school) to shadow college students, faculty, and entrepreneurs associated with the Cortex District. We have an incredible network of alumni who have graduated from the School District of University City and we need to engage that network.
Liz: Will you take a moment to comment on the role of the Delmar Divide and racial tensions in University City Schools?
Matt: The Delmar Divide is a term I learned upon moving to University City and a very sad reminder of our city’s segregation. Unfortunately, the institutional racism still rears its ugly head today. From my experiences, when people of different backgrounds come together and learn about each other, tensions begin to ease and progress can be made. Children can learn so much about others’ circumstances at a young age, and this benefits our district.
Liz: This is so true. Last question, Matt. You know St. Louis loves our private schools and we have a lot of great ones. Why public schools?
Matt: As previously mentioned, I grew up in a family of public school educators and know firsthand the sacrifices and rewards teaching brings. It’s my personal opinion that public schools really resemble society as a whole. Everyone, regardless of background or socio-economic status, comes to the same place to learn. It democratizes the learning experience. It makes our students well-rounded. A public school education is invaluable.
Liz: Well, thank you so much for taking the time to talk today. Best of luck as you run for University City School Board.
Matt: Liz, it was my pleasure. Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I know from reading your blog you are very busy collecting and publishing amazing stories about St. Louis I appreciate having a platform to express my ideas for the future of the University City Public School District.