April 23, 2026 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.

Banner
Related Posts

Franzen chosen to lead middle school

March 30, 2021

March 30, 2021

The new St. Joseph Middle School Principal will be a familiar face. The St. Joseph Consolidated Community School Board voted...

Eagle Scout project by Smith set to help bikers on Kickapoo Rail Trail

June 30, 2020

June 30, 2020

Will Smith wants to help bike riders along the Kickapoo Rail Trail. His Eagle Scout Project will do just that....

10 things you don’t know about me… Joe Hackney

September 27, 2024

September 27, 2024

1. What is a tv or movie you could watch over and over and why? Lately, I’m really looking forward to...

Voting information for Consolidated Elections

March 29, 2019

March 29, 2019

You can early vote Saturday, Sunday and Monday at these locations. Brookens Early Voting 1776 East Washington Street, Urbana •...

10 things you don’t know about me… Todd Jacob

October 2, 2019

October 2, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to share 10 interesting facts about themselves. This week we spoke to State...

Always Looking to Give Back: Short honored for volunteerism

June 7, 2022

June 7, 2022

Tim Short wants to inspire the younger generations. Short, who was honored with the SJO Friend of Education Award this...

Former SJO teacher Williams making a difference

December 23, 2019

December 23, 2019

Larry Williams wants to help people live a healthy life. Eight years ago, Williams and his partner participated in Christie...

As children go back to school why is it important that they wear masks?

October 1, 2021

October 1, 2021

By: Jeanelle Murphy, DO As Covid-19 continues to thrive due to the delta variant it is more important than ever...

Van Buskirk reflects on successful expo

May 1, 2019

May 1, 2019

Dawn Van Buskirk loves the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon. Van Buskirk has been involved with the marathon since it started...

‘I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it’

December 28, 2022

December 28, 2022

Girl Scout Emily Elsbernd knew what she wanted to learn while working on her Gold Award. “I knew all along...

Senior Spotlight… Danie Kelso

August 5, 2019

August 5, 2019

Every week we ask a St. Joseph-Ogden senior five questions. This week we spoke to Danie Kelso. What do you...

10 things about me….. Dana Rowland

April 3, 2019

April 3, 2019

You may know Dana Rowland as the co-chair of the SJO Post Prom Cash Bash but now you can get...

Election Results April 2, 2019

April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019

Village Trustee VILLAGE OF BROADLANDS Vote for three Logan Jeffers 31 Mary Garrett 29 Pamela Propst 26 Village Trustee VILLAGE...

More than a coach: SJO to honor Duval with field dedication ceremony Friday night

August 19, 2021

August 19, 2021

An educator. A coach. A friend. A husband. A father. A community icon. On Friday night the community and high...

Comments
Leave a Reply