As an adolescent and family therapist (LMFT), I highly endorse Dr. Matthew A. Metcalf for The Ventura Unified School Board. Having worked with Matt at a residential treatment center, I know firsthand how deeply dedicated and competent he is. Dr. Metcalf’s dedication to understanding the uniqueness of those with disabilities and those with mental health needs is exactly what a school district needs to provide a well-rounded, modern approach to education.

Natalie May, LMFT

Matt has great communication skills and has a unique ability to help motivate change that matters. He has extensive experience working with people with different perspectives which is a huge plus. I happily endorse him for the VUSD Board of Education.

Kalie Matisek, LMFT and VUSD parent

I have known Matthew Metcalf for over 15 years through our church community and through my husband’s longtime friendship with him dating back to their scouting and youth activities. Throughout that time, I have been consistently impressed by his character, reliability, and dedication to his family, especially the loving and tireless support he provides for his son with special needs.

His calm compassion, ability to adapt to challenges, and thoughtful approach to difficult situations give me confidence that he will make sound decisions for our community. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy for the school board and believe he will be a strong advocate for all students and families. 

Jamie Sullivan, VUSD Parent

I have known Matt for over thirty years and know he always acts with the best interest of children at heart. He is committed and dedicated and will go the extra mile to ensure that student and parents’ voices are heard. I highly recommend Matt for this position and look forward to seeing the good things he’s able to do if elected to office. 

Jennifer McHugh, MBA

As a lifelong Ventura resident who grew up attending our local public schools, Dr. Matt Metcalf offers the exact leadership, perspective, and personal integrity our community needs on the School Board.

Matt’s motivation isn’t political ambition– it is deep personal dedication. As a husband and father raising both a teenage daughter and a severely autistic teenage son in our school system, he understands firsthand the daily victories and complex challenges local families navigate. He knows what it takes to fight for the quality public education and specialized support every student is entitled to receive. Professionally and personally, Matt has spent his life advocating for others.

Professional Expertise: Holding a doctorate in psychology, Matt has dedicated his career to supporting troubled youth, bringing deep clinical insight, emotional intelligence, and proven conflict-resolution skills to the table.

Fierce Advocacy: Known for his tenacity, Matt is a champion for the undervoiced and underrepresented. When tackling critical issues facing our schools, he approaches every challenge with intense focus, accountability, and unwavering determination.

Grounded Character: A dedicated lifelong learner, marathon runner, and active community member, Matt leads with a unique balance of progressive values, fair-mindedness, and genuine compassion. He isn’t a career politician; he is a neighbor, a friend, and a dog rescue advocate living modestly right here in our town.

Matt brings honesty, deep empathy, and real-life experience to the board. He will listen to parents, fight for students, and serve our schools with absolute integrity. Please join me in supporting Dr. Matt Metcalf for Ventura School Board.

Berkeley Kleckner, VUSD parent

Ventura is built on hard work, integrity, community, and people who genuinely care about making a difference. That’s why I’m proud to support Dr. Matthew A. Metcalf.

Dr. Metcalf embodies the values that make Ventura special. He understands the importance of listening to the community, treating people with respect, and working toward practical solutions that strengthen our future. His commitment to serving others, protecting what makes Ventura unique, and investing in the next generation reflects the very best of our city.

Ventura deserves leaders who lead with character, accountability, and a true passion for our community. I believe Dr. Matthew A. Metcalf represents the heart and spirit of Ventura, and I’m proud to stand behind him.

I encourage everyone to learn more about Dr. Metcalf, his vision, and the positive impact he hopes to make for Ventura.

Tim Walker, Veteran

I am honored to write this letter in support of Matt Metcalf’s candidacy for the school board.

I have known Matt for more than twenty years. Matt has distinguished himself as an outstanding leader who is deeply committed to serving others and improving the lives of those around him. His dedication, integrity, and genuine concern for people have only grown stronger over the years.

Throughout our friendship, I have had the privilege of watching Matt develop into an incredible father, community advocate, and leader. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to supporting and uplifting those who are underserved, often dedicating his time and energy to ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities and resources that help them succeed.

What has always impressed me most about Matt is his relentless pursuit of personal growth.  I have seen him continually strive to become a better person, a stronger leader, and a more effective member of society. His motivation has never been rooted in personal recognition, but rather in his desire to better serve those around him.

Matt possesses a strong moral compass and an innate sense of right and wrong. He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes is right, even when doing so requires courage and determination. He approaches challenges thoughtfully, advocates fiercely for others, and remains steadfast in his commitment to fairness and accountability.

On a personal level, Matt has been a kind and loyal friend, a dependable leader, and someone I have been able to turn to both during difficult times and in moments of celebration. His character, compassion, and dedication to others have earned my deepest respect.

Based on my personal experience with Matt over the past two decades, I am confident that he would be an outstanding member of the school board. He will work tirelessly to ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the community and will be a strong advocate for providing children with the quality education they deserve. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to service make him exceptionally well-qualified for this role.

I offer my wholehearted endorsement of Matt Metcalf and am confident that he will serve the community with distinction. for Ventura.

Marie Clark, Friend