School Board Candidates
Rockford Forward Board of Education Candidate Night
The Board of Education candidates’ responses were received by the September 27th deadline.
*Answers were limited to 50 words.
Tricia Anderson
Occupation:
Community Planner + Project Manager
Educational Background
Bachelors in Biology and Masters in Secondary Education
Please provide a brief bio about yourself. What should people know about you and your background?
Hello! My husband Scott and I have lived in the City of Rockford for 8 years. We have two boys – one in fourth and one in sixth. We moved here from Comstock Park when the boys were 1 and 3 because we wanted them to attend Rockford Schools. My
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
I’m currently serving on the RPS Board of Education, I’ve been on the City of Rockford Planning Commission since 2021, I’m a member of the Michigan Mountian Biking Alliance and I’ve assisted with building some of our great trails in the Rockford Area, I’m a former member of the City
What do you see as the primary work of the Board of Education?
The primary work of the board of education is to carry out the statutory duties that are outlined in the Revised School Code. We are a governance board, and do not handle the day-to-day tasks of solving problems and having oversight of operations. We listen to the RPS stakeholders who
If elected, what will be your priorities?
My priorities will be to continue to support policies and vote on issues that help further the implementation of the goals in the RAMS XII strategic plan, as well as being mindful of the impacts our decisions have on the whole child and our staff and teachers. Schools should be
What differentiates you from the other candidates?
I’m a former teacher and recognize the needs of teachers and support staff. My decisions will always be in support of helping students be successful, and that begins with making sure teachers and staff are supported whole heartedly. I’m endorsed by the teachers’ and support staff unions, REA and RESPA
Kelley Freridge
Occupation:
Chief Marketing Officer
Educational Background
Western Michigan & National Outdoor Leadership School
Please provide a brief bio about yourself. What should people know about you and your background?
Kelley Freridge is a marketing executive with 20 years of expertise in driving the strategic direction for legacy outdoor brands and national nonprofits. Kelley is the daughter of a public-school elementary teacher and the mother of a current Rockford High School sophomore. For the last six years, Kelley has worked
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
Originally nominated in 2020 — I have served as Human Resources Chair, Curriculum Chair, and I am currently the Board of Education Vice President.
What do you see as the primary work of the Board of Education?
The role of a school board member is deeply rooted in service—serving our students, families, educators, and the broader Rockford community. We act as the bridge between the district and the community, ensuring that every policy and decision reflects the needs and aspirations of those we serve. As trustees,
If elected, what will be your priorities?
As a trustee, it’s essential to recognize that our role isn’t limited to personal areas of interest—we must take a strategic approach to the district’s overall well-being. Two areas I see as crucial include building safe learning environments and academic excellence, which are both priorities in RAMS XII. Safety
What differentiates you from the other candidates?
I believe that Hope is a cognitive process. It is a way of thinking rather than an emotion. The reason that this is so important is because hope is something that can be taught. Hope is the belief that the future will be better than today, and that we have
Andrea Jacobson
Occupation:
Litigation Paralegal
Educational Background
Bachelor of Science – Paralegal; MASB Certified Board Member
Please provide a brief bio about yourself. What should people know about you and your background?
I’ve been a Rockford resident since 2004 and have a student at Rockford Freshman Center. I served as a Board of Education trustee (Jul. 2021- Dec. 2022) and am currently the Inter-School Advisory Council chairperson. I’ve also held leadership roles in the Lakes Elementary PTO.
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
I’ve volunteered with Rockford Riptide, Bands, and Water Polo, and chaired school carnival and auction committees. I regularly engage in ISAC, PAC, and Board of Education meetings, serve as an Odyssey of the Mind Problem Captain and Judge, and work as an Election Inspector and Precinct Chairperson.
What do you see as the primary work of the Board of Education?
The Board hires and evaluates the Superintendent, sets district policies, and approves budgets. As the Board’s sole employee, the Superintendent manages the District’s day-to-day operations. The Board’s decisions should be consistent with the Strategic Plan that was developed with community input.
If elected, what will be your priorities?
I will support the mission and vision of Rockford Public Schools by making decisions based on the Strategic Plan priorities and goals. This includes prioritizing academic excellence, student wellness and safety, fostering strong relationships, promoting a collaborative culture, and maintaining a solid organizational foundation for the district.
What differentiates you from the other candidates?
As a paralegal, I bring strong analytical skills to the Board because I naturally consider different viewpoints. I’m committed to consensus-building and supporting our schools, staff, and administration. As an RPS parent, I care deeply about public education and am proud to include REA and RESPA among my endorsements.
Jason Peterson
Occupation:
Pastor, St. Peter’s – Rockford
Educational Background
M.Div – Concordia Theological Seminary – Exegetical Theology; B.A. – Concordia University, Ann Arbor – Ancient Languages, Theatre
Please provide a brief bio about yourself. What should people know about you and your background?
I am a Michigan native, and Sarah and I have been residents of Rockford with our 6 children, since our return to Michigan in 2016. I have extensive experience as a member and officer of local and statewide non-profit boards and diverse experience in education from early childhood through teaching
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
I am the Props Chairman, also doing Road Crew and Percussion Repair, for the Rockford Marching Band. I participate regularly in the Rockford Area Ministerial Association, and I am the past Circuit Visitor and current Treasurer of the Grand Rapids Northeast Circuit of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
What do you see as the primary work of the Board of Education?
The essential functions of the board are to organize the resources and policies regarding the education of students, and to employ a superintended to administer them. This is carried out with the duty to craft policy to fit the local will to the greatest extent possible within the constraints of
If elected, what will be your priorities?
My priorities as a board member would be primarily in the areas of Academic Integrity (a curriculum free of ideological bias) and improving the representative character of board governance. In addition to these, I would be an advocate for Personal Liberty and Parental Authority in every area of district policy.
What differentiates you from the other candidates?
My priorities would bring an element to the board which would help to identify the blindspots of the status quo and avoid the pitfalls of eliminating one bias only to replace it with the opposite one, or of excluding a different group of students in the attempt to include another.