Schools

New Rockwood BOE Directors Sworn in, Officers Chosen

Rockwood School District's Board of Education has a new mix of representatives and leaders, per actions taken at Thursday's meeting.

Rockwood School District Board of Education newly elected directors from the April 2 polls—Loralee Mondl and Jeff Morrell—were sworn into office at Thursday's board meeting by Superintendent Bruce Borchers.

Jeff Morrell tells Patch he found it satisfying to have put forth ideas and thoughts that obviously resonated with others.

"I'm excited to get to work now," he said.

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Loralee Mondl said winning the board election was awesome. "I constantly thought about the kids, and they were supporting me."

She said she knew what lies ahead is tons of work, but that she was ready because "it's a critical time for the district."

Find out what's happening in Eureka-Wildwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It's about the board being open and approachable," said Mondl.

During Thursday's meeting, Mondl told attendees she planned on working hard to ensure every Rockwood child has a fabulous education. "I am taking this position very seriously. In spite of everything that's been going on, teachers continue to get up every day and work with our children."

She said she hoped the board will be "very visible, very open, very out in the community."

Morrell told attendees he felt honored to be on the board, and impressed with what he had been experiencing so far. "Tell all stakeholders to continue to engage, to bring passion to these meetings," he said.

"This board will continue with its great working dynamic."

Morrell said he personally thought it had been an awkward transition, and then he publicly thanked former board directors Janet Strate and Steve Banton "for 24 years out of their lives dedicated to Rockwood," and for the thoughtful engagement they shared. Attendees applauded.

Mondl and Morrell join existing board members:  Keith Kinder, Bill Brown, Sherri Rogers and Matt Doell. The seventh board member spot currently is vacant, due to the resignation of former board member Steve Smith on March 4. Applicants to replace Smith's role will be interviewed April 25, with one to be chosen in an open session that evening; return to Patch for more details.

Rockwood Chief Communications Officer Kim Cranston provided board of director guidebooks to Morrell and Mondl, noting that new training will be provided regarding new policies in conflicts of interest.

Moments after the two new board of directors were official, a new set of officers were elected:

  • Director Bill Brown became the new board president.
  • Director Sherri Rogers became the new board vice president.
  • Rockwood chief financial and legislative affairs officer Tim Rooney became the new board treasurer.

Board committees also were established:

  1. Cooperating School District—Mondl and Kinder
  2. MSBA Delegates—Rogers, Kinder and Brown
  3. Black Leadership Roundtable—Brown
  4. Special School District Governing Council—Doell and Morrell


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