My name is Aaron Mathis and I am seeking re-election to the Dexter R-XI Board of Education. I am married to Brittany, we both graduated from Dexter High School in 2004 and we have three children: Taylor who was a 2020 graduate of Dexter Senior High School, Harper who is currently a 5th grader, and Blake who is finishing his last year at Southwest Elementary. My wife is employed at Mercy Southeast-Dexter in the oncology department, and she also serves as the president of PTO at Southwest Elementary. I work at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter and Bernie. I have been the public address announcer for Bearcat Football for 18 years, and started announcing for the basketball Bearcats a few years ago. I am the president of the Regional Healthcare Foundation, I serve as a trustee at First Baptist church in Dexter where my family and I attend. I’m a member of the Dexter Lions Club, and enjoy supporting 18 Fore Life and Ducks Unlimited.
I have served on the board of education for the past three years. In those three years, I have missed only one meeting. I have also attended CTA meetings, and every student event possible. I support our schools by attending DHS graduations, kindergarten graduations, musicals, plays, STEM tours at the high school, as well as many athletic activities. I take every opportunity to ask questions of administrators, teachers, parents, and students. I try to be very mindful that the school is utilizing taxpayer funds, I consider student needs, and I am diligent about doing research prior to attending a board meeting.
There is no doubt that the number one thing impacting our schools now and in the immediate future is the retention of high quality teachers and administrators. This is an issue not only in Dexter, but across the state. Many high school seniors no longer look toward teaching as a desirable career like they once did. Graduating from a four year university with a starting annual salary of $38,000 is not very enticing and for many it is no longer a financially viable option. As a school board member, I have been a vocal advocate for increased salaries for our classified and certified staff. Additionally, I have sent emails, made phone calls, and talked to our local representatives in person about how the state of Missouri can raise the pay of school district employees.
Our childrens’ education is directly impacted by the interaction and instruction they have with the teachers and administrators they come in contact with every day. I will continue to fight for our staff and students so we can recruit and retain the very best, because it is what our kids and community deserve. I look forward to any questions you may have, feel free to shoot me an email or message, [email=aaron@mathisfuneralhomes.com
