Gladstone School District’s newest board member is Matt Parkin, an electrician with two children: a sixth grader at Kraxberger Middle School and a 4-year-old who will be attending kindergarten at the Gladstone Center for Children and Families next year.
Parkin will fill the seat formerly held by Ginger Zimtbaum, who vacated the elected role in August to accept a position as the district’s volunteer coordinator. After interviewing three applicants on Sept. 27, Gladstone’s remaining six board members selected Parkin for the appointment.
Parkin hopes to become one of the district’s biggest cheerleaders for career and technical education while serving on the school board. He said that he truly believes both in the value of a public school system, as well as the need for students to have access to trade apprenticeships.
In calling Gladstone a “wonderful community,” Parkin is looking forward to giving back through his volunteer service on the school board. He has previously served on the national boards for electricians, co-chairing the emerging leaders program for U.S. electricians and helping lead electrical education and apprenticeship programs.
“My past board involvement has taught me about truly holding myself to the highest ethical standard and demonstrating a commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability. I also see the benefit for the advocacy for the needs and interests of students and educators,” he said.
Parkin will be sworn into office on Oct. 11 to serve the remainder of Zimtbaum’s term through spring 2025, when he would have to file for election to serve for a full four-year term.