Matt Craine 

My opening statement from the Meet the Candidates night 5/20/24:

"My wife and I have lived in the district for the past 12 years. We have a child who attends Siegrist school and we have been impressed by many of the programs and initiatives put forth by the district. I want our district to continue to be known as a place where families want to live because they know their children will get an education that will prepare them for whatever journey they choose after they graduate. I want our district to be the employer of choice for teachers and staff because they know they are both valued and compensated fairly. 

Both my parents were public school teachers. I grew up watching my mom and dad devote their respective careers to the sole purpose of setting students up for success. This included many hours after school and on weekends outside of  the classroom.  I do not think most people realize how much time and dedication is necessary to answer the calling of being an educator. I have a deep family history of teachers- multiple aunts, uncles and grandparents who have all done the same. I feel this gives me a unique appreciation for our teachers and staff. Furthermore, my entire education has taken place in public schools. Without the opportunities provided from that solid education, I would not be where I am today.

Over the past several years I have regularly attended school board meetings, community events, and participated in many district community advisory groups. I have formed valuable relationships with teachers, parents and administrators. I want to ensure that the school board continues to make decisions based on facts. It should go without say, that school boards should be non-partisan. There is no reason a candidate or current board member should receive resources or direction from political groups.The board’s purpose is to support ALL our students, educators and staff, and I want to assist in any way possible. It is OK if we do not agree on every issue, but we have to be able to discuss our differences in a civil manner. I understand I still have much to learn but am willing to put in the time and listen to the people who know more than me in order to make the best decisions for ALL of our students, staff and community."

Here is a 2023 candidate profile from KSHB41:

https://www.kshb.com/news/political/elections-local/platte-county-r-3-school-board-candidates-weigh-in-key-issues

About Me

I moved to the PCR-3 district 12 years ago with my wife. We have a daughter and 2 very co-dependent dogs. I have worked as a physical therapist for 15+ years, including the past 12 in a local clinic. Over the past decade of living and working here, I have been amazed at the bond between our schools and the community.   As a parent of a child in the district, my appreciation for this sense of community has only strengthened. I see it in the packed stands of frigid football games on Friday nights, at monthly school board meetings where PCR-3 staff have committed countless hours dedicated to improving our children's lives, and I see it daily in the face of my daughter as she continues to thrive with the support of her teachers and the community.

Public education has been an integral part of my life from a young age. Growing up as the son of two teachers, I saw how much commitment and sacrifice it takes to do the job well. My K-12 public school education set me up for success to attain an undergraduate degree and eventually a Doctorate degree- both at public universities (Truman State University- B.S Exercise Science, University of Iowa- Doctorate of Physical Therapy). I have an important perspective about how life-changing public education can be and feel it is our duty to protect that for generations to come.

Why am I running?

Last year I ran for school board and lost by 4 votes. Over the past several years I feel I have gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of this position. I used to think that maybe someone like me was not qualified to be a school board member. As I learn more about what the position requires I think I am exactly the type of person our board needs. I am trained to listen to people first, analyze information and then create a plan to help reach their goals. The same process applies here. I do not have a personal agenda to press upon the district. I do intend to listen to the information presented by experts in their fields and use that to make informed decisions. We need decision-makers that are critical thinkers, not motivated by personal or political gain.

             Important decisions are being made that will affect our district for years to come. The PCR-3 district continues to grow and with that comes new challenges. Teacher retention, increasing enrollment and the need to make sure we are meeting the needs of all our students to name a few. 

I have noticed a common theme over several years of regularly attending board meetings, participating in parent advisory groups and countless conversations with staff and administrators. "All  means all".  Meaning that we have an obligation to provide quality education and experiences for all students, regardless of ability, religion, race, gender, economic status or where they live within our district. That phrase really resonates with me. As a member of the PCR-3 school board I will uphold this ideal in the decision-making process.

We must do whatever is possible to support our teachers and staff. Without them, we have no schools. Retaining our high-quality educators and the ability to attract new ones has to be a priority. In doing these things, we will provide the best possible environment for learning. 

Creating a safe environment for our students and staff is also vital to provide the best possible educational experience. Children cannot thrive if they do not feel safe. This means physically and emotionally. We must continue to foster these types of environments with the policies we create and in our daily actions. 

Questions?

Good, send them! We may not agree on everything, but the best way to learn about other people's perspectives is through conversation. Please email me or send me a message through my Facebook page. I will be posting updates there so please follow me to learn more. If you see me out in the community, please feel free to stop me and say hi. I would love to meet you!

How can you help?

When the time comes, I would be honored if you would put a sign in your yard. I am working on a way to reuse signs from last year. Updates will be posted here as well as on my Facebook page soon. I will also have door hangers to distribute and will need help placing those. Please email me if interested in helping.

When is the election and how do I vote?

The PCR-3 school board election will take place April 2nd, 2024. There are 3 candidates on the ballot and you may vote for 2. If you are unsure as to whether you are registered or where your polling station is, please use the link below.