By Joan Moss
Matthew Barnes believes he can be a catalyst for positive change in the Upper Lake community as member of the elementary and middle school board of trustees. He is running for that position. “Kids need to come first: before, during and after school,” he said in an interview Sept. 10.
Barnes” focus for over 10 years now has been serving youth in after-school programs throughout California, most recently as director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Pomo Nation.
Barnes was at the forefront of expanding services to Upper Lake Middle School for the 2009-2010 school year.
Financial responsibility is another one of his campaign platforms. “It”s the board”s responsibility to make cuts in the budget when needed. I want to make sure the kids aren”t suffering due to those cuts,” he said.
Having the school boards unify into one district is another one of his goals.
Matthew is a product of the Upper Lake School system. He graduated from Upper Lake grade school, middle school and high school.
Matthew attended Humboldt State University in the year 2000. His mother Annie Barnes is a member of the Upper Lake Union High School Board of Trustees.
Joan Moss
Kelseyville
