FAIRMONT — Kevin Rogers is one of the Marion County Technical Center’s success stories.
After graduating in 1979, he had a long 45-year career as an electrical engineer. Currently, Rogers hopes to serve on the school board.
“I’m just interested in running for school board,” he said during an April 11 school board candidate forum. It didn’t go very well. It’s the only thing I’ve ever been interested in. ”
Rogers, who is running for the Palatine district seat, did not respond to an interview request.
There are five members of the Board of Education. His three districts in Marion County are Palatine, Middletown and West Augusta. In a single district he cannot have more than two members. This was designed to ensure that no particular district had a majority of seats on the board. Donna Costello (West Augusta), Tom Dragic (Middletown) and George Boyles (Palatine) are not running for election.
Rogers noted at the forum that the biggest challenge facing schools is enrollment. He defended parents removing their children from the school system because of home learning and HOPE scholarships, but said schools should do something to bring students back.
Rogers said board members should understand that, keep their differences behind closed doors and work together. He added that board members should vote how they feel, even if it’s 4-1. It is also important for the board member to visit all 19 of his schools in the county.
Mr. Rogers praised Superintendent Donna Heston’s work in leading the school system to date, but said that if the superintendent puts something on the agenda that goes against the board’s consent, he would personally He said it was his responsibility to stand up and say something. Rogers added that the board needs to communicate its vision to the superintendent.
Another topic Mr. Rogers discussed was school funding.
“You know what, I think 70 percent of the taxes that go into the county are for school funding,” he said. “I know where it came from and I know the levy.”
As with any company, it’s the board’s responsibility to make sure the money is spent correctly, Rogers said.
Mr. Rogers agreed that bullying in schools is a problem. He said he wants to know what the board and superintendent can do to stop it.
“I have grandchildren who attend Marion County schools,” he said. “I don’t want bullying. I don’t have the answers, but ultimately I want to talk to others.
On the question of whether to arm teachers in the event of a school shooting, Rogers said it would be better to train police officers to handle the situation. Although he has nothing against training teachers, he prefers to have trained professionals handle safety crises.
By partnering with Fairmont State University, Rogers hopes to bring more teachers into the classroom. In the ’70s and into his ’80s, kids wanted to be teachers. That’s something you don’t see much of him these days. Mr. Rogers hopes to encourage students to pursue a career in teaching.
