Rockwell ready for responsibility

MILAN — Whether they're enrolled in the school, work at a local building or pay taxes to support education, Jacqui Rockwell made a promise for anyone who values Edison. Simply put, she's committed to building a stronger district for every single stakeholder. It's among the main reasons why Rockwell seeks the community's support as she embarks upon a campaign to become a school board member. She is one of seven candidates hoping to join the board of education in November through one of its open seats. In preparation for the upcoming election, the Register has reached out to all Edison school board candidates so they can share information about themselves and their reasons for running. Here's what Rockwell said: Q: Who are you? What is your professional background/qualifications for this position? JR: My name is Jacqui Rockwell. I am a proud parent of two children in the Edison school district, which gives me a personal stake in the success of our schools. My professional background in accounting and human resources has given me valuable experience in leadership, teamwork, budgeting and problem solving, all of which are directly valuable to serving on the school board. I have also been actively involved in our school district in various volunteer roles. These experiences have given me the opportunity to listen carefully to those around me, ask the right questions and make informed, responsible decisions for our district. Q: What is one issue or challenge within your school district and how do you plan to address it? JR: One of the most pressing issues facing our district is the condition of our school buildings. Both the elementary and middle schools are more than 100 years old, and while they have served our community well for generations, they now require extensive and costly repairs. I have been researching our options: both within our district as well as looking at what other school districts have done. I have also spoken with community members to get their opinions and feedback. I am confident that we can find a fiscally responsible solution that will provide the best teaching and learning environment possible for our students while remaining conscious of what the taxpayers want to see happen. Q: What are main reasons you decided to run? JR: I'm focused on: • Our students • Our teachers and staff • Our community members Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of spending many hours volunteering at the elementary school. While most of my time was spent in the school library, my tasks would also involve me being in other parts of the school periodically. This experience opened my eyes to all that goes into operating the school daily, and I found a new appreciation for everything that the teachers and staff do for our students. Interested in learning more, I started going to school board meetings and having conversations with administrators and board members regarding the needs of our staff and students and everything that goes into fulfilling those needs. I am running for school board because I want to serve our community members and taxpayers while giving our teachers and staff the resources they need so our students can learn, blossom and thrive in the best environment possible. Q: Why should the community vote for you? JR: I am committed to building a stronger school district — one that empowers every student to succeed, supports our teachers and staff and ensures a safe, positive learning environment. I will work to keep our district fiscally responsible and accountable to taxpayers while still investing in the programs and resources our students need to grow. Most importantly, I will listen — to parents, teachers, students and community members — so that our decisions reflect the values and priorities of the people we serve. With dedication and integrity, I will work hard to help our district succeed, and I would be honored to earn your vote for the school board. School board roundup In Edison Schools' school board race, seven people are competing for three seats: • There are three incumbents, Stephen Berry, Mark Suhanic and Samantha Limberios, who was recently appointed to her seat after Matthew McClester resigned. • They are against four challengers, Laura Dunn, Mark Harrington, William Muthig and Jacqui Rockwell. The top three vote-getters win four-year terms starting in January. There are two school board members — Patricia Cuthbertson and Brian Chase — whose seats are not up for election this term. They will continue their duties on the board until their terms expire in 2027. In-schools debate To learn more about each candidate and the issues important to them and the student body, watch the return of this year's in-schools debate series. Milan Town Hall will host the school board candidates on Oct. 12. The public is invited to attend this specific debate, but they can't ask questions on the day of this contest. Local students participating in the Edison Speech and Debate program through the Berlin Heights Kiwanis Club will be posing the questions to candidates. Viewers can check in at sanduskyregister.com and the Register's YouTube channel shortly after the event concludes. Community members can also submit questions for candidates ahead of time for the chance for them to be asked. Questions can be emailed to news@sanduskyregister.com. They must address all participants and cannot single out a specific candidate. The in-schools debate series is sponsored by the Greater Sandusky Partnership. Confirmed dates for this year's series: • Edison school board — Sunday, Oct. 12 • Perkins Township trustee — Tuesday, Oct. 14 • Sandusky school board — Wednesday, Oct. 15 • Sandusky city commission — Wednesday, Oct. 22