Three candidates are vying for two three-year terms on the Salado ISD Board of Trustees: Jeff Kelley, Darrell Street and write-in candidate Michael Matthews.

Below are the introductions the candidates gave of themselves at the Candidate Forum on April 18. Next week, we will have questions and answers with the candidates.

Darrell Street

My wife Maudie and I have lived in Salado a total of 25 years, six years the first time and almost 20 years so far this time. I served one three-year term on the school board starting in 2000 but did not run for re-election due to conflicts with my job. I retired and soon ran again. I have served three consecutive terms since running the second time Both of my sons attended Salado schools before transferring with us to live in Boerne, Texas. This is home — what a wonderful word — home.

Jeff Kelley

I moved to Salado with my family in 1972 and graduated from Salado High School. Since 1987, I have owned and operated Salado Plumbing. My wife Charla, the Band Director and cheeleader sponsor at Salado High School, and I have three children: Madison, Chase and Heidi, who is an eighth grader at Salado Junior High. Through the years, I have been greatly involved in the community and its events. I was a 15 year veteran of the Salado Fire Department and am an active member of the Salado United Methodist Church. Servicing the need for school clothing and supplies in the Salado community, I have worked closely with the Salado Family Relief Fund, providing those necessities to needy Salado ISD families. I have served for a total of nine years on the Salado School Board. I believe that in a small community, it is our obligation to serve where we can to help the growth of the community.

Michael Matthews

I have been coaching and teaching for the past 25 years. I have taught English from the 8th to 12th grade level. I have taught PE from the Jr. High level up to 12th grade as well. I have taught Communication Applications and Radio Broadcast classes at the high school level. I have coached football for 12 years and basketball for 22 years. I was a head basketball coach at two different schools for 5 years and was part of a state football championship in Aledo in 1998. I have been a head cross country coach, head golf coach and took a girl golfer to state as a medalist 3 years in a row. I am a member of THSCA, TABC, Alumni of Texas State (Southwest Texas State University). I have co-owned and managed a BBQ and catering restaurant for 6 years. I had the opportunity to work for Bobby Valentine in Arlington, TX at Bobby V’s Sports Café. I am a Legal Shield Associate with Legal Shield. This is referral attorney Service Company in which I have a license through the State of Texas. In addition, I acquired a license for selling insurance and worked for AMBA (Association Member Benefit Advisors) for 1 year. This company is located in Austin, TX and is endorsed by Texas Retired Teachers Association. I have a Bachelor’s degree from Texas State (Southwest Texas State University) in English, Broadcast Journalism, and Physical Education. I have a Master’s in Education Administration Degree from TAMU at Commerce as well.

My experience working in business outside of education field is a valuable asset. I have been in the management and sales business for about seven years.  In the restaurant business I was in charge of placing orders with suppliers and scheduling deliveries, resolving complaints, maintaining sanitation regulations with the health department and upholding safety standards of the patrons and staff. One area that I can see overlapping would be performing record keeping task and meeting with vendors and sales representatives. On the financial side, I was in charge receipts and balances and cash register. Bank deposits and the money count, was all handled by me. I was in charge with maintaining a budget to purchase food and materials for the restaurant as well.

I am married 23 years to Andrea Matthews and I have three children who all attend public school in Salado. My wife is employed by Southwest Airlines for the past 22 years. My children are McLane 19, Abbey 15, and Addison 9. I am currently teaching in Killeen ISD at Shoemaker High School. This year I am teaching Professional Communications at Shoemaker and I have taught English II & English IV previously for the past five years. I feel that my personality and being able to work with people to achieve a manageable and reasonable outcome is a valuable asset. I look forward to hearing from you.

Questions and Answers with the Candidates

continue next week.