About Barb
I've lived in the Rochester Hills community for 27 years. Along with my spouse, Tim, we bought a house, I built a small freelance graphic design business, and we raised our kids. I am actively involved in public education advocacy for ALL students. I currently serve as the Board's Vice President; I am committed to building upon what our district does well, improving where we can and should, and fostering a positive relationship with our community, teachers, administrators, and staff to create a future-focused, long-term vision for our students in the Rochester Community Schools district.
It’s said that “you vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in,” my advocacy, passion, and call to public service reflect this philosophy. My path toward leadership began when my two children entered public school at Meadow Brook Elementary in the Rochester Community Schools district. PTA leadership positions as president, vice president, and chair of the PTA Council legislative committee led to a two-year seat on the Michigan PTA Board of Directors, where I also served as their federal legislative chair. These commitments have led me to my current public service role as a Trustee of the Rochester Community Schools Board of Education, where I was unanimously appointed in July 2017 and retained my seat in the 2018 election.
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Elected twice by my Board peers as Vice President after serving as the Board Secretary.
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Board Rep to the Oakland County School Board Association Government Affairs Committee.
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Held local and statewide PTA positions, including Michigan PTA federal legislative chair and the Michigan PTA board of directors
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Citizens Committee for passage of the 2014 RCS school millage renewal and the 2015 RCS Bond Proposal
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Board liaison for the Oakland University’s College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board; also serving on their Nominating Subcommittee
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Graphic designer and local small business owner
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Rochester Regional Chamber member
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Meals on Wheels driver for the Older Person’s Commission (OPC)
Committed to service
Early years
Maybe it began when I was a Brownie many years ago but service is at the core of why I am a current school board trustee.
Understanding differences
Every child is unique. Understanding school board service is enhanced with empathy and understanding I will always advocate for all students-from the highest achievers to those needing unique supports to succeed.
Engaged for all.
I've been advocating for and supporting district bond and millage initiatives to ensure continued resources for the district to make infrastructure improvements and the resources to continue to provide a a high quality education to our students.
I believe the arts enhance all forms of education.
As a graphic designer by trade I know firsthand the positive impact the arts have on a child's education because I was one that benefitted from a great arts program whild in high school.