When you vote for me, you are voting for a philosophy.

I am committed to approaching each and every issue with an open mind and a level head. Digging deep by asking questions, having thoughtful discussion, and working with others to gain consensus when arriving at a solution is key to a successful and engaged Board of Education.

St. Johns Public Schools is an exceptional school district with committed staff and a strong culture of excellence. If re-elected, I look forward to working with the Board of Education and the administration to hold the district to this standard as we encounter challenges and take hold of opportunities that we can utilize to continue to provide such great educational opportunities for our students.

Thoughts on Service:

A board of education candidate’s philosophies on topics relating to education and district operations can be a great indicator of how they will approach their board service and make decisions. Please read a few of my thoughts below on issues that are top of mind for me. If you don’t see an issue mentioned that matters to you, feel free to get my thoughts on it by emailing info@matthewboak.com. 

• Supporting the November 3 Bond Proposal: Because school districts receive little to no funding from the state of Michigan for infrastructure and capital needs, they are often faced with turning to their community for needed funding. Through the November 3rd bond proposal, our district is asking our community to continue to provide the same support it has been for over 30 years now, without increasing the current tax rate. I believe in providing our students and staff with what they need to be successful: a safe, secure, and updated learning environment, all of which this bond will provide if passed. I am a proud supporter of the November 3 bond proposal.

• Early Learning Provides a Great Start: The new Little Wings Early Learning Center provides a centralized location for all of St. Johns Public Schools’ early learning programs, including tuition-based daycare and the state-funded Great Start Readiness Program. As a Board Member, I was proud to vote for the purchase and renovation of the Early Learning Center to provide our youngest learners with an enriching environment built just for them. This will provide our young learners a springboard into the rest of their educational journey and help them be successful.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): I was happy to support St. Johns Public Schools’ district-wide AI policy for the 2026-2027 school year, which bans the use of AI from grades K-8 and provides limited uses for grades 9-12. Our students need to learn how to think for themselves and complete work using their own thoughts and efforts, and I support any efforts to ensure that continues to happen.

• Technology in the Classroom: Educational technology can be a powerful thing and can greatly enhance a student’s capacity to learn and a teacher’s capacity to teach. I  support technology use that enhances a student’s learning experience, but I understand concerns about screen time and overuse for our students, and will keep this in mind as we move forward with the 2026-2027 school year.

• No One-Size-Fits-All Approach: There are many ways our students can succeed after graduation, whether it be attending a university, community college, vocational trades program, or joining the workforce. Preparing every student to attend a four-year university after graduation is not, and should not be, our only goal. An education at St. Johns Public Schools provides our students with the skills and values they need to live purposefully and care about our community.

• Mental Health Supports: The world our students are growing up in is vastly different from the world that existed even a decade ago–one that is unpredictable and scary at times. Add in the pressures created by the internet and social media, and that can make it difficult for students to maintain focus and a positive image of themselves. School counselors, social workers, and success coaches provide needed support for our students in what can be their most difficult times. We must continue to ensure these professionals are available for our students.

• Ensuring Employee Retention and Attraction: We have fantastic staff who help to make our district as successful as it is. I have supported each and every collective bargaining agreement that has come across the Board’s table. The labor market for staff of any kind, be it teachers, bus drivers, or food service personnel, is a tough one for school districts to keep up with. Working to provide adequate working conditions and compensation that both the Board and district’s collective bargain units can agree to in order to retain our existing workforce is key.