Rep. Kristina Roegner Volunteering at High School
The state representative plans to volunteer at the Stow-Munroe Falls School District because "when something is important, you make the time."
State Rep. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) isn't sitting in a desk all day at work — she's out helping the districts she represents, including Stow.
"She called me earlier this year and said, 'Russ I really want to volunteer.' She said, 'I don't care what I do, I'll come talk to classes ... I'll wipe off tables, whatever you need I just want to be involved with the school,'" said Superintendent Russ. Jones. "That has not happened before, we sincerly appreciate her committment to the education our young people."
This is the second week where Roegner is stopping into government classes at Stow-Munroe Falls High School.
"I was there this last Monday and really enjoyed the engaging discussion with the students," she said. Although Monday's government class is a regular stop every week, Roegner said she'd go whenever the school needed her help.
"I enjoy working with young people, I was looking for some way to give back to the community and show my support for our public schools," she said.
Roegner said she hopes this will help the students further their education, but she also wants to encourage others to volunteer and make a difference in their communities.
"We are educating our next generation of leaders. People have asked me how I possibly have the time to do this with my busy schedule and three kids of my own ... When something is this important, you make the time," she said.
The time spent at the high school is also a learning experience for the representative as well.
"First of all I hope the time I spend is helpful to the school district and encouraging for the students. But, also it is for me to really learn first-hand from the ground level more about the Stow-Munroe Falls School District and I can think of no better way than being there in person on a regular basis."
Roegner represents her hometown of Hudson, Cuyahoga Falls, Munroe Falls, Silver Lake and Stow.
She admits she's impressed with a lot in Stow.
"I continue to be impressed with the quality of the students, from the second graders who (sang You're a Grand Old Flag) at the last school board meeting, to the seniors in government class, to the alumni recognized over Homecoming weekend (Dr. Scott Lacy and Mr. Harley Lappin). They are a testament to a strong community and school system in Stow," said Roegner.
lissa bailey
1:23 pm on Monday, October 17, 2011
I'm glad I voted for her!
Rob Baker
5:13 pm on Monday, October 17, 2011
"I was looking for some way to give back to the community and show my support for our public schools" what a joke, I find this laughable since her voting record shows absolutely no support for public schools and public school teachers.
After supporting the Governors Budget cuts to public schools, SB5, and now her voting HB 136 out of the education committee she wants to now be involved in public schools?
Jake Racketch
10:37 pm on Monday, October 17, 2011
What choice does she give the community but to think that this is at least partly a political ploy to show that she is an advocate for public education when she CLEARLY is not. Her voting record is an abomination to anyone, conservative or liberal, who supports public education.
I will try to look on the bright side and hope that through her experience, she sees how excellent this district is and changes her tune in Columbus regarding the public schools.
lissa bailey
10:38 am on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
I respectfully disagree with your assessment. It's common for certain groups to demonize those who are required to balance a budget, whether it's for a company or a government. Just because someone cares about the financial sustainability of our state's citizenry and our public education system doesn't mean they're against education. Let's hope she and others will finally work on the hard issue of finding a better way to fund our schools besides relying on the old way which has been ruled unconstitutional. When there isn't enough income from taxpayers to fund higher taxes then cuts happen. Budgets have to be trimmed and oour public school systems must be run even more efficiently. Those who say it can't be done are the same that think they can't live without sports or field trips or more than 22 students per class. Sure those things are nice, but when there's a true economic crisis in the homes of families who've actually lost income then cuts are reasonable and you either continued the salary freezes or if you want raises for staff you cut down on how many you have so the rest can enjoy the $65,000 per year they've enjoyed. This $65,000,000 10 year tax levy is about raises since the projected deficit figures coming in 2014 are only if the renewals don't pass, as others have noted. Since my family hasn't received raises but in fact suffered income loss due to his economy, how can the district expect me to pay more taxes so there can be free field trips and less play fees?
Mike Wright
1:01 pm on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
I am going to give my children every opportunity to succeed. I want my children to have it better than what I had. Sports and extracurricular actives give the children the opportunity to learn leadership & teamwork. The activities make them feel like they are part of a COMMUNITY not just a school.
Also, they form relationships with others both in the classroom and out that will be with them for a lifetime. I for one will not take that away from them.
lissa bailey
2:16 pm on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
I agree with you Mike and will also not take that away from them. I realize my responsibility as a parent and will pay for the increased fees instead of relying on others who are struggling right now and would be harmed by increasing property taxes. No one is stopping you from taking that kind of responsiblity. If you need help with the extra fees so your child can play sports, there will be fundraisers. Besides, it's certainly less burdensome for me to pay the increase in fees than to pay the increased property tax. There's also a cap on how much a family has to pay if you have many children in athletics.
No one is stopping you from making donations each month in the amount you would have paid in increased taxes if this new levy fails again. Try to undertand that there are families in our town who are really facing hardship and to have more sheriff sales hurts us all. I think parents taking on more responsibility for their children's wants (albeit important), such as extra-curricular activites, is a way to benefit our whole community and certainly reasonable. And, for those who can afford the increased taxes and who haven't been as negatively impacted by lowered wages can certainly donate for field trips, sports, band, transportation or whatever they feel in their heart would help the district if the new property tax levy fails again.
Let's hope this new board coming will be able to focus on making sure the next big levy renewal in 2012 isn't jeopardized.
lynnette
10:46 am on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
"Political ploy"? Ha! You people are a hoot! Always looking for someone to pick on when you're unhappy about something.
More likely (and most logically) since this is her first year in state office and she is truly a "hands-on" type, she has listened to the controversies on both sides of the issues with our school (SMFHS) and found a non-confrontational way to go in and check things out for herself. I know by personal experience, she does listen. She is prudent and carefully examines what is presented, as well as what is behind it.
People really need to see and think way beyond their own issues and peeves if we are ever going to be enabled to make the changes our city and state desperately need. It took a long time of citizens not paying attention, and corporate/government misdealing to create the mess we are in presently. Roegner taking this first step (note: first, meaning others will follow) simply makes sense in a thorough fact-finding mission. Would you all rather just have her listening to the lobbyists and veteran politicians--who helped get us here?
I believe it a viable option for folks to contact her (or others you have vain assumptions about) and ask her personally. In fact, she makes time to meet with constituents locally, at the Stow Public Library, on a regular basis. Call her office. She has a fantastic assistant that will schedule you some time!
Jake Racketch
9:19 am on Wednesday, October 19, 2011
I emailed her a few months ago and I did get a reply... that she would take my thoughts into consideration.
Please notice I said "partly" a political ploy. A ploy is an act designed to benefit oneself. As you said, she probably IS a hands-on type and I agree that she HAS found on a non-confrontational way to go in and check things out for herself.
To deny, however, that it isn't benefiting or couldn't benefit her politically, especially given her voting record on public school matters, is naive in my opinion.
Jim
8:09 pm on Thursday, October 20, 2011
She does not and will not support public education. Look at her record! Go listen to her. It's all right there people. And I agree its laughable that Russ would even let her in the building much less "volunteer"?
Rob Baker
8:55 pm on Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Our Genius legislators are hard at work in Columbus and it's looking like HB 136 could be more costly. The amount of tuition a student will receive through the HB 136 PACT voucher program is between $2,282 and $4,563 depending on the family’s federal adjusted gross income for the preceding tax year, The student’s home school district, however, will ALWAYS be hit with a $5703.90 deduction in funding for each student awarded a voucher. The remaining amount, a minimum of $1,140.90, will then be “retained by the state” instead of being returned to the district. Based on Stow Median ADJ Income our System will Lose $3288.00 per Voucher awarded.
And you and I thought our levy dollars would stay in our system and benefit our community.