Tell us about yourself.
Originally from Ontario, Matoga’s work brought him to northern Alberta before landing him here in Williams Lake, where he’s lived for 11 years. Matoga works for NAV Canada, and his partner is a passionate teacher. He has a young daughter entering kindergarten this year and three “bonus” daughters, one of which is graduated and wants to be a teacher.
Matoga plays soccer and is heavily involved in theatre, both on stage and backstage.
Why do you want to be a school board trustee?
“One of the reasons is that I have a long-time love of public education. It's what I went through,” Matoga said, and as such he wants to support it.
“Public education is constantly on the cutting block and it's very frustrating,” he said, adding the repercussions are visible in declining literacy, numeracy and graduation rates.
He also said as the parent of students, as well as a friend and family to educators, he wants to be involved and help address barriers to student success.
What do you think is the top issue that school District 27 is facing?
“I don't think you can say that there's one, because they're all connected,” Matoga said.
However, he pointed out several issues which he emphasized play into each other, including declining numeracy and literacy rates, low attendance and a need to improve students’ sense of belonging.
“We need to understand more about...what barriers are attributing to these kids not getting to school...because if you're not going to school, then obviously literacy and numeracy are going to be down,” he said.
How do you plan to address that?
“Well, being a trustee, you're one of many, so I can't change it individually,” Matoga said.
He did say, however, that he would go to the schools and Parent Advisory Councils and listen, communicate and advocate.
“I'm a person who does not stop when I want something, I push for it. I want to know the whys and I won't accept anything less than knowing all the details,” Matoga said.
He also said he would advocate for continued professional development, which the district is encouraging by holding workshops with experts.
What would you like to see in local in local schools that is not there now?
“One thing I would love to see is mentorship,” he said, recalling his own school days where pairing up with an older student gave him someone to look up to, as well as someone to turn to.
He wants to see more programs for special needs students and students struggling with their mental health, and he thinks the curriculum could use more hands-on learning experiences, especially in the area of agriculture for rural-based students.
Anything else?
Matoga also highlighted what he thinks separates him from other candidates.
In his work, which involves managing multiple planes looking to land or takeoff, Matoga cannot make assumptions. He is accustomed to analyzing lots of information under stressful situations and being confident in determining the best course of action.
“I think that would translate well as a trustee because when I am faced with something, I will be analyzing it...I will not just simply accept what's in front of me...I will get the information I need so I have a very clear picture of what is happening and its impact.”
