April 2, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Get to know Scott Perkins

Scott is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board.


What motivated you to run for school board?

I’ve been a member of the Board of Education for the past eight years and am seeking a third term. I believe everyone has a civic duty to serve their community and public education is the key to success so have chosen to serve the school board which I believe is one of the greatest assets of our community.

What are your short term goals for the district?

My short term goals would focus on educating any newly elected board members on the roles, functions and responsibilities of the board of education.

What are your long term goals?

Long term goals would be to continue building on recent progress in modernizing facilities, attracting and retaining amazing faculty and staff, improving student outcomes, and ensuring the long-term financial viability of our district.

Where would you like to see the district at in ten years?

Our District brought board members, educators and community stakeholders together and conducted a goal setting session just over a year ago with both short and long term goals for the district. I want to see the district evaluate the progress of those goals, continue updating goals and hold itself accountable for reaching and expanding upon district goals.

What Is one thing you would change about the schools in St. Joseph?

I would love to expand options for educational and extracurricular activities so every student has an opportunity to find an activity and take classes that they are passionate about. Bringing back a foreign language class and creating a junior high level FFA are possible examples.

What are the most pressing issues facing the district?

The most pressing issues continue to be the unknown. Uncertainly about state and federal funding, the unknown impacts of the potential TIF district, the rising cost of health benefits for employees are among the greatest financial concerns that will continue to impact our district.

What is the best thing about the school in St. Joseph?

We have top notch students, educators, staff, administrators, and parents. You couldn’t ask for a greater group of people that encompass and support our district. Why should people vote for you? I bring a unique combination of experience as a parent of four girls, a current 5th grader and freshman triplets who just completed all K-8 years within our district, as a college educator, attorney and current board member. The strength of our board comes from having individuals who bring unique qualities that build upon one another and I believe I provide attributes that are an asset to our Board of Education.

How will you make sure you work for the public and are accessible to your constituents?

Our time is the only product we have to provide as a Board Member. I strive to be accessible and am always willing to offer my time and talk whether you run into me at the IGA, while grabbing lunch downtown, before or after a board meeting or at any community function.

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