Carlene Matthews: Dedicated Educator and Advocate Seeks Re-Election to Prairie-Hills District 144 (Markham, IL) — Carlene Matthews, a dedicated advocate for education and community growth, is seeking re-election to the Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144 Board of Education. Representing the communities of Hazel Crest, Markham, Country Club Hills, and Oak Forest, Matthews is eager to continue the work she began in her first term.
A lifelong resident of the south suburbs, Matthews has a deep-rooted passion for education. Raised by a determined young mother, she found encouragement and inspiration in her early schooling at Harvey School District 152. That foundation led her to serve in the U.S. Army before earning a degree in education. Now, as an assistant principal at Bryant Elementary School and an alumna of District 152, she has dedicated over 20 years to shaping young minds.
Matthews’ initial motivation to run for the school board stemmed from personal experience. With five children of her own, as well as two foster children, each with unique educational needs, she saw firsthand the challenges students face. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she took on the challenge of homeschooling one of her children, which reinforced her belief that all students deserve an education that meets their individual needs.
During her tenure on the school board, Matthews has championed several key initiatives, including salary increases for district staff and financial relief for families. She successfully advocated for a 5% pay raise for teachers and secured COVID-related compensation for all employees of District 144. Additionally, she helped eliminate tuition fees for families and ensured that school supplies were provided at no cost this academic year.
One of the pressing concerns in the south suburbs is property taxes, an issue that has affected Matthews personally as well. With mortgage payments increasing for many homeowners, she is focused on ensuring a responsible return on investment for taxpayer dollars. “I praise God that I am a professional and can handle the increase, but I know that many families are struggling,” she said. Matthews aims to analyze and optimize academic resources so that the district can maintain financial stability without imposing additional burdens on residents.
Academically, Matthews acknowledges that District 144, like many others, faces challenges in student performance. She is the only school board member with a direct background in K-8 education and believes this expertise is crucial in making informed decisions about curriculum and student support. She is also advocating for more collaboration with educational leaders to enhance student success. “We have to take a deep dive into the academic resources we are using and ensure that we are getting the results our students deserve,” Matthews emphasized.
Matthews is running alongside Brenda Richardson, a retired principal specializing in gifted education, and longtime board member Sharron Davis. Richardson brings decades of experience in fostering academic excellence and helping students reach their full potential. Davis, with over 25 years of experience on the board, has a deep understanding of district operations and remains committed to student success. Together, they emphasize responsible financial management, improved academic outcomes, and stronger community engagement.
As a servant leader, Matthews sees education as a gateway to success and is passionate about expanding opportunities for students beyond college, including trade schools and financial literacy programs. “Not every student will go to college, and that’s okay. We need to prepare them for life with the skills they need to be independent and successful,” she said. She is committed to equipping students with the necessary life skills to thrive in their future endeavors.
With the election approaching, Matthews hopes to continue serving District 144 and ensuring that every child has access to a quality education. Her vision is clear: to foster a district that values students, supports educators, and remains financially responsible to taxpayers.
Carlene Matthews: Dedicated Educator and Advocate Seeks Re-Election to Prairie-Hills District 144
