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Rena Rogers
1) What interested you in running for a second school board term?
When I first ran four years ago, it was because of my fundamental belief in the value of public education as the great equalizer, providing all children the opportunity to be a successful contributor to our community.
I’m running again, because I am truly excited about the progress, we are making at ISD166. With the hiring of Superintendent Lindholm and completion of a strategic roadmap we are moving steadily to a future that offers a world class education for Cook County students. I want to be part of the plans and decisions that keep this progress on track.
2) What concerns do you have about ISD 166?
Perhaps the most significant challenge that faces the school board in the coming years is funding that is tied to enrollment. Because we live in a small community with an aging population, we have a limited number of K-12 students. Attracting more families to our community is critical to the future of the district. The housing and daycare issues have real impacts on the district budget. As a school board member, I have supported a new preschool program to help address the daycare issues. At the upcoming October school board meeting the new HRA Director, Jason Hale will meet with the school board to discuss housing and unused land owned by the district. These issues require all of us to work toward solutions.
I’m also concerned about achievement gaps, particularly experienced by our Grand Portage students, who make up 25% of the ISD166 student population. The ISD166 mission is Success for Each – Respect for All. We must continue to find ways to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for all our students.
3) What are your feelings about unfunded mandates?
No one likes an unfunded mandate. It is generally not the mandate I disagree with, but implementation of new programs and services can be costly both initially and with ongoing expenses. It is unfortunate that the politicians who create mandates do not acknowledge the financial impact on local districts.
4) What are your feelings about the levy?
Everyone should vote yes.
The referendum on the ballot in November is simply asking Cook County to renew the referendum at the current level. This will have no impact on individual taxes. Additionally, we are extending the referendum from six years to ten years. In other words, the school board is working to keep our spending at the same level over a ten-year period.
When the referendum was passed six years ago, the school finances were in pretty rough shape. Since its passage all on the school board have been committed to fiscal responsibility. Every decision involving the budget is scrutinized not only for the initial cost but also ongoing budget requirements. The district financial picture is now strong.
I am grateful for the support the community showed in the last referendum and I hope we have earned your trust to continue with the same level of funding which is needed to provide enriching programs like industrial and culinary arts, AP classes, music and art, and a preschool program.
5) Why vote for me?
My work experience includes elementary and math education, but the bulk of my career has been in local and state government. I worked primarily in the Information Technology world as a training director, project and program manager, and a department head for the Cook County MIS department. I also spent one year as the Interim Cook County Administrator. As a result of those roles, I have a great deal of experience in strategic planning, policy development, budgets and solving complex problems. I am an experienced community leader and collaborative problem solver, committed to the success of all Cook County students.
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