July 8, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Election Spotlight:SJO School Board

MATT CRIDER
WRITE IN CANDIDATE

Why did you decide to run for school board?

I decided to run for SJO school board because I love our community and our schools. I was looking for a way to be more involved, and as a graduate of SJO with children growing up in the district, I thought this would be a great opportunity to serve.

What is the biggest challenge facing the district?

I think our district faces many challenges similar to other districts. However, I think one specific challenge that we are facing currently would be teacher retention. It is getting harder and harder to find teachers who are dedicated to a long career path of teaching. As a board, I think we can look at opportunities that make teaching long-term at SJO more appealing. 

What are your goals for the next four years?

My goal for the next four years is to learn the ins and outs of serving our district and to offer any knowledge and insight I can to serve our students, families and faculty. 

How would you describe the actual job of a school board member?

I would describe the job of a school board member as being tasked with making decisions on facility improvements, staffing, curriculum, and more. All while managing the budget in a responsible and transparent manner. 

What do you want the public to know about you?

I was born and raised in and around St. Joseph and went to Prairieview for grade school and middle school and then to SJO High School graduating in 2000. My wife and I met in high school, were married in 2004, and continue to live in St. Joe with our 3 beautiful children. I have been working with students in youth ministry since 2001 and have been on staff at Living Word Family church since 2009.

LES HOVELN
INCUMBENT

Why did you decide to run for school board?

I decide to run again (4th term) because I believe in public education.  Having graduated from SJO many years ago,  I have a vested interest in the success of this district and feel others should have the same quality education that myself and my family were so fortunate to have.  I believe that with my past experiences on this board, I can continue to provide insight and leadership to the district.

What is the biggest challenge facing the district?

    Trying to provide the best possible education to all the students in the district, provide a safe learning environment, provide the best teaching staff and administration and have nice functional facilities all while being responsible to our tax payers and being good stewards of the district’s finances.

    What are your goals for the next four years?

      I don’t know that I have any specific goals as I believe our staff and administration do an excellent job now, but, I would like to see SJO be an even better district in 4 years than it is today.

      How would you describe the actual job of a school board member?

        To create short and long-term vision for the district and provide the necessary opportunities for our students to reach their full potential.  The board should empower our administration and staff to carry out those visions, provide leadership, and not micro-manage.  We have all been elected by the voters  to serve this district and need to remain focused on those issues and how it will affect all students of the district and not any personal agendas.

        What do you want the public to know about you?

          I have been a board member of SJO for 16 years

          I have lived in the district my entire life

            Myself, my wife, and children have all graduated from SJO

            I have been in banking almost 40 years

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