Matt Wesener is a proud Hemlock alumnus from the class of 1989. Alongside his wife, Melissa, he has two sons, Cole (class of 2024) and Tanner (class of 2025), both attend(ed) Hemlock. Since being elected in 2012, Matt has served on the Hemlock Public School Board, and he is incredibly proud of the accomplishments and opportunities the school’s leadership and staff have provided for the children in the community. Through their efforts, they have not only increased offerings for students but also enhanced the district’s financial stability. Thanks to the support of the community and local businesses, visionary goals like the Lockwood STEM Center have come to life.
Matt's background includes service in the US Air Force and earning a Bachelor of Science in Management. His career in technology and leadership is impressive, but he finds the most joy in giving back to the community through youth coaching, board service, and participating in initiatives like Hemlock Strong. In a rapidly evolving educational environment, Matt is grateful for the dedication of school employees who go above and beyond to ensure the safety, success, and growth of students. He extends a heartfelt “Thank You!” to the community and local businesses for their support, making all these achievements possible.
Q: What do you enjoy about being on the Board of Education most?
A: What I enjoy most about being on the Board of Education is the opportunity to make a significant impact through collaboration. Working closely with fellow board members, leadership, and the community allows us to collectively strive for continuous improvement and create a better school system for our students. The shared commitment to our students' success and the ability to work together to implement positive changes is incredibly fulfilling.
Q: What do you enjoy least about being on the Board of Education?
A: One of the more challenging aspects of being on the Board of Education is addressing the gap between reality and some people's perceptions. It can be difficult to navigate misunderstandings and ensure that accurate information is effectively communicated. However, these challenges also present opportunities for us to engage with the community, clarify misconceptions, and work together towards a common understanding and shared goals.
Q: What is something we are doing well right now?
A: We excel at managing our limited resources to achieve the greatest impact for our students. Despite being one of the lower-funded schools, receiving the base foundation allowance, limited federal funding, and a lower mill rate compared to many of our neighboring districts, we are still producing solid results and outcomes for our students. Our ability to maximize these resources effectively reflects our commitment to providing a high-quality education and demonstrates the dedication and hard work of our staff, leadership, and community.
Q: If you had "one wish" for the district, what would it be?
A: If I had one wish for the district, it would be for our continued success and ongoing improvements, creating the best possible model and version of education for our students, staff, and community. I aspire for our district to be a leader in K-12 education, not just in our region but also at the state and national levels. By striving for excellence and innovation, we can ensure that our students receive the highest quality education and that our district serves as an inspiring example for others.
Q: If you had "one wish" for the Board of Education, what would it be?
A: If I had one wish for the Board of Education, it would be for continuity and stability, allowing us to maintain a consistent focus on the big picture. I wish for a strong sense of teamwork, where diverse ideas and perspectives are valued and lead to unified decisions. This unity will enable us to effectively support our students, staff, and community, ensuring that we achieve our collective goals and continue to drive positive change.
Matt Wesener’s dedication and service to the Hemlock community highlight the importance of strong leadership and community support in creating a thriving educational environment. His experiences and insights serve as an inspiration for all those involved in shaping the future of Hemlock Public Schools.