Hank Rogers
graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Florida, and later earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Troy University. At UNF, he was elected Student Body President and served on the Board of Trustees. Originally from Miami, Hank has lived in River City for nearly twenty-five years. After working as an assistant in the Florida House of Representatives, he shifted towards mentoring at the I’m A Star Foundation, where he currently serves as Chief Operating Officer.
Aside from his foundation work, Hank has been a substitute teacher and a Guardian Ad Litem for over five years, advocating for children in the foster care system. He actively participates on various boards, including the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency, the Sales Surtax Oversight Committee, the Jacksonville Housing Authority, and the Jacksonville Branch NAACP. Additionally, he is a member of the First Baptist Church of Oakland and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Hank's dedication to community service and involvement in multiple organizations showcase his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
What are your priorities for Duval County Public Schools?
My main goals for the school district are to maintain the operation of traditional public schools. It is crucial to guarantee the safety of our schools so that all students have a conducive learning environment. I will prioritize addressing students' mental health by offering resources to both students and their families. Moreover, retaining and attracting top-tier teachers is essential. Lastly, I will concentrate on student success and results to ensure that our efforts are effective and impactful.
Why did you choose these as priorities?
For me, traditional public schools play a central role in many communities, serving as the essential foundation. It is important for families to have the option of sending their children to school in the neighborhood using various transportation methods. These schools offer outstanding programs, teachers, and administrators. It is crucial for the district to acknowledge the lack of awareness about the positive impact of their initiatives and programs.
There is a clear need to improve the promotion of these offerings. To address this issue, the district must highlight the success stories of their programs and actively engage parents in understanding the benefits that our schools provide to students. The district faces a challenge in effectively marketing its schools, requiring a more proactive approach to attract students. Demonstrating the safety and quality of the programs firsthand is essential to reassure families. Ensuring a secure learning environment for all students is a top priority. Collaboration with the Superintendent, the leadership team, and the Executive Director of Police is necessary to provide the resources needed to implement comprehensive safety protocols.
Every student deserves a skilled teacher to prepare them for success in a global society. It is crucial to address external factors that may hinder learning before effective teaching can take place. Lastly, evaluating the effectiveness of current practices and outcomes is essential to drive continuous improvement in our schools. Here are the reasons why these priorities have been selected for focus.
Although school board members are elected by district, they make decisions for the whole of Duval County, which occasionally leads to conflict. What is your approach and philosophy for making decisions in this situation?
I firmly believe that even though School Board members are elected by a specific district, they should be willing to collaborate and compromise for the greater good of the entire district. During my time as a legislative aide in Tallahassee, I experienced firsthand the importance of working together across party lines to create effective legislation. I advocate for listening to all perspectives and making well-informed decisions.
Over the last few years, the Florida Legislature has had a significant impact on local public education. What are your top issues at the state level, and how would you work with legislators in Tallahassee to represent the needs of our students?
At the state level, a key issue is the preservation of local control and the school board's capacity to make decisions that serve the best interests of their districts. With each legislative session, we witness a growing number of laws that infringe upon the authority of local school boards. Drawing on my extensive background as a legislative aide, I am well-informed in legislative advocacy and policy development. I believe that board members should actively cultivate relationships with our local delegation members and actively contribute to the Legislative platform of the Florida School Board Association. I am prepared to utilize my connections to help lawmakers grasp the unintended consequences of potential bills and their effects on Duval County Public Schools.
Please provide a description of how you would differentiate between the governance responsibility of the school board and the management role of the superintendent.
The school board interprets state statutes and creates policies that align with the law. The superintendent oversees the implementation of board policies and handles the daily operations of the district. This separation of powers is in place to guarantee adequate checks and balances and to ensure that all communities have a voice in the policy-making process.
The Duval County School Board recently heard a consultant’s proposal to redraw school boundaries, align feeder patterns, and consolidate many small or under-enrolled schools and has been collecting input from the community regarding the proposal. What will be your approach to adjusting the Master Facility Plan?
To begin, I would prioritize listening to all community feedback and thoroughly assess their responses, suggestions, and recommendations. Drawing on my experience as the former Chair of the Citizens Oversight Committee, I grasp the obstacles that the school district encounters and would keep their concerns at the forefront of my approach and decision-making process. I am committed to advocating for the equitable evaluation of each school and assessing the potential impact of closures on the local community. Furthermore, consulting with experts is essential to ensure that our financial decisions are aligned with the best interests of the entire district.
While Duval County has made great progress in education, there are still students who are falling behind. How would you maintain a focus on addressing inequities in student performance, including by supporting schools in low-income neighborhoods?
Ensuring that schools in low-income neighborhoods have access to essential resources such as funding, skilled teachers, technology, and educational materials is a top priority for me. I am privileged to witness the meaningful work of community partners who are actively involved in our schools and making a positive impact. I am committed to fostering collaborations with community organizations, businesses, and local stakeholders to establish additional support systems for students in low-income neighborhoods, including after-school programs, mental health services, and initiatives to engage families. Data plays a central role in guiding my decisions, and I will utilize data to pinpoint areas for improvement, monitor student progress, and adapt interventions as needed to ensure that resources are effectively allocated.