Meet the BOE Candidate: Frank E. Rodgers

Toms River Patch to each of the eight candidates running for the school board of Toms River Regional Schools. Seven responded to the questionnaire, where we sent each candidate identical questions on who they are, why they are running and what issues matter most to them and what they’d hope to accomplish if elected.

Here is the candidate profile of Frank Rodgers.

1. Please give us a brief bio:

Frank E. Rodgers, Age 48,  Lincoln Avenue, Toms River, 08753

President and owner of “The Rodgers Group, LLC” a public safety training and consulting firm. Lt. Colonel (Ret.), Deputy Superintendent, New Jersey State Police

2. Please briefly explain what professional and civic/volunteer experience you have. Feel free to include job experience, awards, or schooling. Twenty-five year veteran of the New Jersey State Police, Graduate of the FBI National Academy, Quantico, Virginia; Masters of Arts Degree in Education, Seton Hall University; Recognized by the United States District Court and the New Jersey Superior Court as an expert in Law Enforcement Policy, Procedures, Training and Supervision; 1990 Trooper of the Year (Undercover investigative work)

Co-author of a 320 page published history of the New Jersey State Police which is assigned Library of Congress Catalog Card # 98-60134.

Married 28 years to Lisa (Burke) Rodgers, RN.; Resident of Toms River for 28 Years, Three (3) Children, all products of the Toms River School System; Michael – Graduate of West Point, U.S. Army 1^st Lieutenant, 1^st BN, 75^Th Ranger Regiment (Afghanistan); Kaitlyn – Graduate of Westchester University, Foster Care and Family Support Counselor; Elisabeth – Student, Washington Street Elementary School.

Vice President of Council Activities, Jersey Shore Council, Boy Scouts of America; Eucharistic Minister, Saint Catherine’s Church, Seaside Park, New Jersey; Former Vice President and Head Coach, Toms River Independent Soccer Club; Board Member, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund; Member – Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Association.

Questions 3, 4 and 5: What are your key concerns about the school district? What issues do you hope to address? What do you think should be done to resolve those issues?

My principal concern is the arrest of the former Superintendent by the F.B.I. and the scandal surrounding his arrest that have undermined the public’s confidence in the Board and misdirected its attention from its responsibility of ensuring that our children receive the finest education possible. The apparent lack of transparency, accountability and fiscal oversight that exists is a direct result of the need for strong and independent leadership. If elected, I would work with all stakeholders to restore the focus of the Board’s activity to educating our children by insisting that integrity and sound business principals be transparently applied to all board decisions.    

6. What motivated you to run this year?

I felt a need to get off the sidelines and get involved. I have two adult children who have graduated from Toms River South and another child currently attending Washington Street Elementary School. The Toms River Schools have been great to my family and in the wake of the scandal involving the former Superintendent; I believe my unique leadership and management experience would be helpful at this time.

7. How do you plan to serve the board and the residents of Toms River Regional School District in a meaningful way?

  By standing up and making independent decisions after collaborating with parents, teachers and administrators. While on my watch, I would at all times exercise my fiduciary responsibility to the children and taxpayers of the District by insisting that educational best practices underlie all decisions, that there is strict oversight and accountability for the expenditure all fiscal and personnel resources, and that the highest standards of ethical conduct are paramount in all board actions.

Here are the links to the other candidate profiles:

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