Matt Ehlen

Why did you choose to run?

For the most part, the education of my children. I don’t believe the education system is serving them justly. I’ve had two [kids] graduate from Parkway already, and both of them believe that Parkway had not prepared them for college. So, the high school should be doing that. And the education is lacking in the subject matter that is the common core math, science [and] reading.

What is your connection to Parkway?

I’ve got seven kids. I’ve got two already graduated, one in high school at South, two [at] South Middle and two in elementary at Hanna Woods. 

What qualities can you bring to the school board?

Mostly common sense and the logical aspect of things. As an engineer — and I stated this at the forum for Parkway last Monday — but as an engineer, engineers solve problems. So that would be my main goal, to solve whatever problems come up. 

What kind of role model will you be to the students in Parkway?

Hopefully, someone who has persevered, succeeded in life and helped people in life.

What do you do for work, if anything? How would that apply to your position on the school board?

I am a civil engineer. I graduated from the University of Missouri of Rolla, now called the University of Missouri of Science and Technology. I graduated there with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. Then, I obtained my state licensure [to be] a licensed, practicing civil engineer. 

Are there any big or small changes you would like to see happen in the district?
[I want] more parent involvement, less teachers taking things on their own agenda and to involve the parents more. If I would’ve known that my children — who have already graduated — could have gone to college for their senior year, I would’ve made them do that. I guess the biggest thing is to nail down why the proficiency scores are so low and why it seems that the children in the school aren’t seeming to learn as much. The proficiency score is the telling aspect of it. That’s the biggest thing, just trying to nail that down and figure out why this is happening. Part of my understanding [of why this is happening] is because of the standards. I believe that there are too many basics in the school. The teachers are spread too thin; they can’t really cover everything.

Why should people vote for you?

I bring common sense and a logical way of thinking to a society that seems to have lost its common sense.