New Rockford School Board member faces challenge to keep seat
Kimberly Haley, who was appointed to the board in December, and challenger Juan Reyes are candidates in Tuesday's election for Rockford School Board subdistrict F.
Subdistrict F is roughly bordered by Rote, Guilford and Newburg roads to the north; Edson Road to the south; the city limits to the east and 20th and Ohio Parkway to the west.
Haley and Reyes along with the other candidates for Rockford School Board running in contested races this election, were sent questionnaires about themselves and their candidacy. The following are responses from Haley and Reyes.
Kimberly Haley
Age: 53
Family: Husband, Ronald. Daughter, Kamryn
Education: Bachelor degree, Monmouth College, major: classics, minor: English, currently pursuing MBA at Rockford University
Profession: 30 years in workforce development, which includes 18 years at Rock Valley College: 8 years as career counselor, 8 years as business account manager, 2 years as student services advisor at RVC’s Advanced Technology Center
Memberships and associations: Current RPS 205 school board member, representing subdistrict F, current Alignment Rockford Board member, previous SwedishAmerican/UW Health Patient/Family Advisory Council (PFAC), previous Growth Dimensions Business Committee
When it comes to student achievement, Rockford Public Schools typically scores below the state average in metrics such as math and reading at grade level, high school graduation rates and others. What grade would you give to the current school board when it comes to addressing these issues and what would you do differently if elected?
Being recently appointed to the RPS 205 Board, thus a member of the current school board, I consider my tenure and working relationships with current school board members to be too new to warrant a grade other than “in progress." Based on dismal past performance and student achievement, I think the district warrants poor ratings. During this election cycle, all members are up for election. Moving forward, I believe that school board members should continue to set achievement goals and hold the superintendent and administration accountable to those goals. I support additional resources to early childhood education.
What grade would you give to Superintendent Ehren Jarrett and why?
As a recently appointed and current board member, I work closely with Superintendent Ehren Jarrett and the RPS 205 administration to monitor the progress on new goals and initiatives to move the needle on achievement. Based on this new relationship and new initiatives, it would be ineffective of me to give any other grade than “in progress." Current initiatives include a 5% increase in 3rd grade literacy and numeracy, 5% increase in middle school and high school on track and increasing the graduation rate to 75%. While these gains might be modest, achieving them will point us in the direction we should move.
What grade would you give to the school district when it comes to student and teacher safety and what would do differently if elected?
When it comes to teacher and student safety, I would give the district a grade of B-. There are several protocols in place at RPS 205 elementary, middle school and high school locations, to control who has access to the classrooms beyond the main office. Additionally, the district is making significant investments into metal detectors and other security measures in our middle schools and high schools and has security personnel as well as school resource officers. If, elected, I would like to ensure security personnel and resource officers receive training in de-escalation tactics and psychology of children and young adults.
In your view, what is the main responsibility of a school board member and what makes you the best candidate for the job?
The role of a school board member is to be an advocate for quality education for all students. It is to insure equal access and equitable distribution of resources. It is also to insure the safety and well-being of students as they pursue an education and to guide the preparation of students to be responsible, contributing members of their communities. This responsibility includes ensuring teachers and students have the resources they need to be effective and successful. I feel I am the best candidate for the job as I have 30 years of experience working in education and workforce development.
For more about Haley: Kimberly Haley for Rockford Public Schools Board on Facebook.
Name: Juan Reyes
Age: 51
Family: Father of 5, grandfather of 4
Education: B. A. criminal justice management
Profession: self-employed
Membership associations: Marine Corp League, Rockford Cosmopolitan Men’s Group, several local boards and committees. Currently on KNIB committee and Better Business Bureau advisory boardWhen it comes to student achievement, Rockford Public Schools typically score below the state average in metrics such as math and reading at grade school level, high school graduation rates and others. What grade would you give to the current school board when it comes to addressing these issues and what would you do differently if elected?
Grade: F. While there are good programs like gifted, Montessori, charter and Running Start, the numbers don’t lie — only 7% of minorities can read, 60+% absent rate! The board blames a lack of ‘readiness to learn’. Does this mean our children are worse learners than those around the state? There’s something else going on. Perhaps the board should not have spent $100 million on new air conditioning. I will fiercely represent parents, children, good teachers and my district. As a business owner, U.S. Marine, and parent, I know how to hold the administration and teachers accountable and will make the board operate in the sunshine.
What grade would you give to Superintendent Ehren Jarrett and why?
Grade: F. He tries hard, but we cannot confuse activity with success. Just last week they started another “new” reading program. Why? Who is accountable for the last failed program? He deliberately mislead about the district’s adoption of the state’s controversial sex education. Why not be honest? Dr. Jarett can be better. Don’t blame him; he’s the employee. Blame the boss, the board.
What grade would you give to the school district when it comes to student and teacher safety and what would you do differently if elected?
Grade: D-. I support the district contracting with Rockford Police. However, there are lockdowns, gun incidents, fights and bullying not made public. Parents and the community hear by word of mouth and social media. That’s wrong. I take your child’s safety and well-being seriously. I will ask for a detailed security plan and will implement that an incident report will be given at every board meeting. I will save money by combining police and private security. I will push to involve resources such as the Family Peace Center and make sure security is trained to work in schools. Without safety, nothing else really matters.
In your view, what is the main responsibility of a school board member and what makes you the best candidate for the job?
The board must focus on children by listening to parents and teachers. The board sets policy and holds employees accountable. I am a parent of RPS graduates. I know our district well. I will serve you passionately, independently and openly. I have and do operate businesses with 40 employees and understand the district’s business. I will not raise taxes like my opponent has stated she will. I bring positive experience — Ken Rock Community Center where we won the Excelsior award, Shelter Care board. I am a former Marine, former police officer and member of the Better Business Bureau advisory board.
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Kimberly Haley and Juan Reyes are candidates for Rockford School Board
