Matt Saternus: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: Hoffman EstatesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattSaternusforSchoolBoard/Office sought: Schaumburg District 54 School Board Age: 33Family: Lauren Saternus - WifeSydney and Quinn Saternus - DaughtersAnn Marie and Christopher Saternus - ParentsBrett Saternus - BrotherOccupation: FirefighterEducation: Duke University, BA, 2006Major - HistoryCertification - Secondary EducationCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?I am running because I believe education is the most important service that our government provides.Ã#130;circ;#160; I have been involved in education as a teacher, and I know firsthand the impact of teachers in our community. I am now a parent, and I place the highest value on education for my children and all children in District 54. I am especially passionate about equal access to education, professional development, and community involvement, and my broad perspective will help me to provide balanced, effective leadership of the district. Ã#130;circ;#160;What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?District 54 schools are doing a good job measuring student success.Ã#130;circ;#160; The combination of PARCC and MAP testing provides numerous data points for judging the growth of our students and their college and career readiness.Ã#130;circ;#160; I would not propose changes at this time but would keep an open mind to including other types of assessment in the future. Ã#130;circ;#160;How big a role do you think the board of education should play in setting the curriculum for students and what ideas do you have for changes to the current curriculum?I think it is important that the school board plays a substantial role, alongside teachers and administrators, in setting the curriculum. Ã#130;circ;#160;It is important that the curriculum remains dynamic, with a focus on science, technology, and math, to prepare students for the opportunities they will have when they enter the workforce.What budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?The current board has done an excellent job of putting the district in a strong financial position. I will do everything in my power to maintain that standing so that we don't need to make cuts or raise additional funds in order to continue providing the best education for our children. Ã#130;circ;#160;Despite the board's good work, there is uncertainty with regard to the state budget, and we may see changes at the federal level. If financial issues arise, it will be important to examine the entire budget. Before considering any changes in taxes, I will work to make sure that all available resources are being used to their best effect.What role can and should school choice play in your district? If Congress or the state approves a voucher system or other means giving students broader choices among public and private schools, how will that affect your district? What is the appropriate response for the board of education of a public school system?Our students and families have a number of choices for the school they want to attend within District 54, which is a great strength.Ã#130;circ;#160; It is difficult to say how a voucher system would affect District 54 without knowing the specific details, but I am very hesitant to support any program that defunds our public school system.Ã#130;circ;#160;The board of education has a responsibility to be a strong and consistent advocate for the public school system.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?As the father of two girls, I want to see all students encouraged to explore the STEAM fields so that they can be prepared for 21st century job opportunities. Ensuring effective professional development for our teachers is the best way for District 54 to continue providing relevant education to our students and keep our teachers informed of best practices.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Coach K - Working for him in college taught me what it means to demand excellence of yourself every day.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Focus on the opportunities that you have and make the most of them.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have gotten outside my comfort zone more in high school. I missed a lot of opportunities to try new things.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History.Ã#130;circ;#160; It taught me that our problems are neither unique nor insurmountable.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be the architect of your own life - decide what kind of life you want and work to achieve it.