Matt East Blue Ridge candidate gives thoughts on why he should be elected
This election is about choices and new opportunities. Choices and opportunities which the citizens of Botetourt County and the Blue Ridge District have not had for many years. It is an exciting time in Botetourt County as we have a new School Superintendent, are guaranteed to have several new members on the School Board, and will also be electing both a new Sheriff and Commissioner of Revenue. In several days the citizens of the Blue Ridge District also have the opportunity to elect a new member to the School Board and they simply deserve better. In this District we need a change of direction.
There are many things that the Botetourt County School Board has accomplished, as a whole, that have been very successful, such as Chromebooks for the High Schools and Middle Schools, along with increased compensation for teachers and staff. We are also truly fortunate to have Dr. Chen as our new Superintendent of Schools. In the few months that she has been at the helm of the School Division she has initiated many new programs and ideas which will greatly improve our schools for the better. She has provided leadership and vision that has been much needed in our school system. I want to work with Dr. Chen and the other Board Members to expand on these ideas and grow them.
This is what I vow to you:
- I vow to work with Dr. Chen and the other Board Members to be PROACTIVE and not REACTIVE to make all of our schools safer with updated security measures. Supporting initiatives such as the School Safety Task Force which involves community members from all aspects of Botetourt County coming together to make our schools safer.
- I vow to attend School Board meetings and place a priority on the job I have been elected to do.
- I vow to put parents and students first, working to make our schools better, giving them a voice, and letting them know that they are listened to.
- I vow to work with Dr. Chen and the other Board Members to develop a Capital Improvement plan to update our aging infrastructure, so that our students have the facilities they need to properly learn.
- I vow to be transparent in my actions and responsible to those that elected me.
- I vow to serve no more than 8 years on the School Board.
I look forward to collaborating with Dr. Chen and the other Board Members to make our schools better than ever! I am very humbled by all of the support that I have received over the past 10 months. I ask that you vote East for New Direction on November 5th because UNITED we can achieve great things!
–Matthew East, candidate for Blue Ridge School Board
