In 2021, Matthew Monteiro ran unopposed for an open seat on the Old Rochester Regional School Committee because he thought “someone’s got to step up.”

Three years later, Monteiro is hoping to be elected for his second term on the committee.

Monteiro said that his overarching goal in terms of his approach to education is preparing students for the “real” world.

“Something I am pushing for is financial literacy being taught,” said Monteiro. “I think that is a skill that is deeply needed for every student.”

Monteiro said that he has a background in both finance and psychology, with his first job out of college being a mutual funds accountant. He said that his background helps him understand the district’s budget very well, along with the social and emotional sides of learning.

Around town, Monteiro has been a part of the historic district commission since 2015. He also completes the town’s Tree City USA application and presentation each year. He is the president of the Rochester Land Trust and is on the master plan steering committee.

“Having all of those perspectives helps me pull from input I get from other positions to advocate on the school committee for the direction people want Rochester to go in,” said Monteiro.

Monteiro said that in 2023 he was the only member of the Old Rochester Regional School Committee to attend all four parent and community information sessions regarding the latest five-year plan of the school district.

Monteiro spoke about discussions about books available for Rochester students, a topic that has sparked controversy in recent months.

“There’s a movement right now that people are concerned about what kind of books their kids are seeing,” said Monteiro. “I think our kids should be protected, but I think the way to do it is to prepare them for the real world, not to keep them naive, not to keep them ignorant and uninformed. The ignorant and uninformed are the people who get taken advantage of.”