About The Foundation

Our Mission

The Rogers Public Education Foundation (RPEF) promotes and enhances the quality of education in our community by collecting and distributing money for worthwhile academic programs. These are programs that would not normally be funded through conventional means. The RPEF also recognizes and rewards the achievements of students and teachers in the Rogers Public School District.

Executive Board

Hunter Fry

President

Amber Tallmadge-Scott

Vice President
4.5 YEARS ON BOARD

community volunteer

I believe education changes lives. I serve because the current system needs support. There just isn’t enough resources to offer equitable opportunities to all students. I want to participate in the work to ensure future generations have the opportunities they deserve.

Katy Buck

Secretary
6.5 YEARS ON BOARD

Darrow Garner, Inc.

Education is very important to our family, and we feel the Rogers Public School system provides a wonderful education for our two daughters. Serving on the RPEF is just a small way that I can give back to the teachers who give so much of their time, money, and selves to our kids. It also allows all students the opportunity for new experiences and access to the tools they need to succeed.

Christian Campbell

CO-TREASURER
3 YEARS ON BOARD

ARVEST BANK, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT REGIONAL TRUST MANAGER

The work of the RPEF is critical in supporting teachers and students throughout the district. Being both an alumni of the Rogers Public School system and now having children of my own in the school, my board service is a way for me to give back to a district that has given so much to me and my family through the years.

Sarahbeth Vasgaard

CO-TREASURER
1 YEAR ON BOARD

ivy35 Ventures, LLC,
CFO

RPEF is important because I've seen first hand how grants and teacher support can impact teachers and students. My entire family is in education so it's always been something that is important to me. I also have children in the district so I'm also motivated to do what I can to make sure the Rogers students and teachers have what they need to succeed.

Board of Directors

Kelli Gemmell

9 YEARS ON BOARD

Milestone Construction,
Director of Business Development

I have learned so much about the school system through my participation on the board. It is rewarding to be a part of a dedicated group of volunteers to provide teachers with additional funds that assist to further their creative ideas to help students get the best education possible.

Amanda Jenkins

5 YEARS ON BOARD
MERCY NWA, 
Executive Director IT Audit, Risk and Compliance

The work of RPEF is crucial to the success of the Rogers Public School System and the students they serve. Working alongside our school district enhances each child's learning experience. Rogers is "Where Possible Lives" and serving on the RPEF board is a small way that I can help ensure that each child and educator has the tools they need for a successful and meaningful education.

Allison McElroy

2 YEARS ON BOARD

The McElroy Group LLC - Nonprofit Consulting,
president

I have always wanted to be a part of a group that supports teachers. I know they go above and beyond with their personal finances and time. They truly love their students and want them to succeed.

Jaci Uecker

5 YEARS ON BOARD

former teacher,
Community volunteer

 

As a former teacher, I know how hard it is to afford the things you need for your classroom. I love that RPEF allows teachers to write grants to be able to try new and innovative activities with their students that they can not fund with their regular budgets. Teachers work so hard and RPEF is on their side! I love that!!

Will Swearingen

1.5 YEARS ON BOARD

Zweig Group,
Director of Ownership Transition

As someone who grew up in the Rogers Public School system and knows how hard our teachers and administrators work for the students, being part of this foundation allows me to contribute to the continued success of our public school system. The generosity of our community allows RPEF to provide grants to teachers and students that positively impact the trajectory of Rogers Public Schools. The foundation does such important work!

Laurel Jackson

9 YEARS ON BOARD

Innovative Designs,
Vice President of Sales

Everyone in the Rogers School district works hard to provide a fantastic education for all students.  I am excited to be a part of an organization that supports this success.  The Rogers Public Education Foundation enhances the quality of programs that teachers can provide to their students.  The effect is to broaden the long term opportunities for students in the Rogers Public Schools.

Diana Kolman

9 YEARS ON BOARD

Retired educator

As a retired classroom teacher, I know what it's like to want to enhance my classroom teaching with supplemental, materials but not be able to acquire them with my allotted classroom budget. It's very rewarding to be able to fulfill teachers' grant requests through RPEF fundraising efforts.

Leslie Madick

2 YEARS ON BOARD

Community volunteer

RPEF is important to me because we are able to support our teachers and fund grants to supplement and enhance the already top-notch education that our students are receiving.

Gaven Smith

Jordan Snoderly

Laura Wilson

Ex Officio

Dr. Jeff Perry


Rogers public school district Superintendent

Mitch Lockhart


Rogers public school district Board member
 

Ashley Kelley-Siwiec


Rogers public school district communications director
 

Krista Khone

Executive Director

With over 20 years of nonprofit experience, Krista Khone became the foundation’s executive director in 2022.

 

She attended the University of Central Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a BSE in Elementary Education and an M.Ed in Adult Education with an emphasis in human resource development. Khone dedicated five years working in various positions at Northwest Arkansas Community College before joining the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce. She spent 19 years working as their Vice President of Special Projects and Leadership.

 

A native of Rogers, and fourth-generation Northwest Arkansan, Khone has a heart for education and for nonprofit work. Education and service run deep in Khone’s family. Her mother was a teacher for nearly 40 years, the majority of which were spent in Rogers. Her father spent a good portion of his career in the military before moving back home to Rogers to start multiple businesses. Khone has made community service a cornerstone of her career and understands the impact nonprofits and the importance of education have in creating a thriving community.

 

In her spare time, Khone enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and attending sporting events and concerts.

Interested in becoming a board member?

Contact us