The latest installment of our series of interviews with school director candidates across Pennsylvania brings us to the Perkiomen Valley School District.
Matthew Dorr is running for school director in the Perkiomen Valley School District, located in Montgomery County. He is a registered Republican and works in the medical device field in sales and training.
Why are you running for the school board?
“I have been on the Perkiomen Valley School District board for six years. I was initially appointed to a two-year term and was then elected to a four-year term. I’m seeking re-election.”
What are the most important issues facing your district?
“The most important issue facing our district is poor student outcomes. Since 2017, scores have fallen. Coming out of Covid, we need to regroup and get back to focusing on student achievement and what it takes to help every student meet or exceed their potential.”
What is your professional background/experience? What skills would you bring to the board?
“I have been in the medical device industry for twenty years. I have taught and supported advanced surgical procedures that included general, gynecological, thoracic, urologic, and orthopedic. My focus now is gastroenterology and the diagnosis of GERD. These skills have taught me patience, a measured head, and the ability to weigh variables that usually contradict themselves. In addition, I have six years of school board experience and have been active in the community through coaching soccer, basketball, and baseball.”
Have you run for political office previously? Have you been politically active?
“I have only run for school board.”
Are you running with other candidates?
“I am. I have four fantastic teammates. Kim Mares is also an incumbent with me and a mother of seven children! Heidi Brown is a Perkiomen Valley (PV) graduate, a former PV paraprofessional, and a PV mom. Jay Cohen is a brilliant businessman and PV dad, and Russ Larson is the economist of the group and also a PV dad. You can learn more about our campaign on our website.”
What is the most important role of the school board, in your opinion?
“The most important role of the school board is to filter out what may seem popular or trendy, whether it’s socially or educationally, and to focus on preparing our students for the future. We’re here to make fiscally responsible decisions, hold the district accountable, and ensure that the next generation is prepared to take up the mantle.”
We contacted the Democratic and Republican committees in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, and Montgomery counties and asked them to share the questions with their school director candidates. Broad + Liberty will post the responses throughout the summer to assist voters in learning about the candidates running in their district. The series is open to any school director on the ballot in November. Please contact barosica@broadandliberty.com for more information.
Broad + Liberty is a nonprofit media endeavor dedicated to sharing voices and stories that are shut out of other media outlets. @BroadAndLiberty