Glen Matthews: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Glen Matthews

City: Addison

Office Sought: DuPage District 88 school board

Age: 43

Occupation: Law enforcement

Education: High School, Technical school, College courses, Police Academy, United States Marine Corps

Civic Involvement: Volunteer Auxiliary Police officer, Addison VFW, Addison Rec Club, AGSP

Previous Elected Offices Held: N/A

Incumbent? No

Issue questions

What are the most important issues facing your district and how do you intend to address them?

The most important issue for any school is the safety of the children and a healthy learning environment. I believe that my USMC as well as my continued training in law enforcement will allow me the knowledge and resources to work with local and federal law enforcement to continue the ever-evolving safety for our children. Technology as well as law implementations are continuously changing. It is very important to stay with the times.

How satisfied are you that your school district is adequately preparing students for the next stage in their lives, whether it be from elementary into high school or high school into college or full-time employment? What changes, if any, do you think need to be made?

There is data showing student success for those who are continuing their education and attending colleges all across the country. The school district is currently working with a local college to challenge the students' academic abilities by providing college level classes. I would also like to see more trade-based courses being offered to students who wish to learn more about the trades. Providing these opportunities will increase the continued success of the district. Not every student will seek a postsecondary education after graduation.

What budgetary issues will your district have to confront during the next four years and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, be specific about programs and expenses that should be considered for reduction or elimination. On the income side, do you support any tax increases? Be specific.

I believe in spending within your means. I believe in a balanced budget. Being a new candidate, I am looking forward to working as a team to continue to provide the safest, healthiest, and the highest level of education possible all within the budget. I do not support any tax increases.

Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one? Is any member of your direct family - spouse, child or child-in-law - employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?

I am not employed by or retired from any school district. I have two sisters-in-law who are schoolteachers. One is a special-education teacher and the other is a general education teacher. Neither work for DuPage High School District 88.

As contract talks come up with various school employee groups - teachers, support staff, etc. - what posture should the school board take? Do you believe the district should ask for concessions from its employees, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?

In my opinion salaries are currently comparable to surrounding school districts. Should there be increases in the salaries it should follow the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Staff and teachers are a valuable asset. We as a board shall do what is necessary to retain personnel.

If your district had a superintendent or other administrator nearing retirement, would you support a substantial increase in his or her pay to help boost pension benefits? Why or why not?

Spiking (large increase) an employee's salary for a beneficial exit would be a big burden on the pensions and taxpayers.