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

Amanda Jenkins

President
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.

Greg Lindley

Vice President
3 YEARS ON BOARD

SIMMONS BANK, BUSINESS BANKER
 
 

As Rogers continues to grow, I think it’s vital that a broad base of support is in place for our education system.  The Rogers Public Education Foundation has helped to solidify that support and I’m proud to have the opportunity to play a part in that going forward.  The strength of our educational system will have a positive impact on countless families while it contributes to our community and the quality of life in Rogers.

Katie Eaves

Secretary
3 YEARS ON BOARD

Greenwood Gearheart, General Counsel

Our children are the world’s next generation of leaders. It is critical to support our teachers and school systems to ensure that all of our students are able to achieve growth and success with a strong foundation in education. Proud to be part of a group that strives to enhance teachers in new
opportunities in the classroom that will ultimately benefit students of Rogers Public Schools.

Christian Campbell

CO-TREASURER
5 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
5 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

Will Kraner

3 YEARS ON BOARD

Benchmark Group, Program Manager/Professional Engineer

As a graduate of the Rogers Public School system, it is an honor to be a part of the RPEF board that directly gives back to our teachers to help enrich the learning experience for our community’s children. Our family has deep ties to the Rogers Public School community and is passionate about the work it does to build a better future for our kids! I met my wife, Erin, at Rogers High School, my mother, Katie Kraner, recently retired from a long teaching career in the RPS and my sister, Kara, a Rogers alum, started her teaching career in Rogers and is currently teaching in St. Louis.

Tami Shaver

3 YEARS ON BOARD

 Community Volunteer

As a social worker who has spent my career focused on youth mentoring, I've seen the positive impact
teachers have on their students, especially when they have the support and tools necessary to engage young learners. Now as a parent of a student in Rogers Public Schools, I see firsthand how teachers having access to the right tools fosters ingenuity in their teaching. It is an honor to be a part of helping our amazing teachers and their students reach success with RPEF grants.

Leslie Madick

4 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.

Celia Ferrer

Arvest Bank / ABC Branch Services Manager
 

"Being involved with RPEF and witnessing the impactful support it provides to teachers and students is truly outstanding and heartwarming. It has a positive influence on the Rogers community, and it aligns perfectly with my vision of being a contributor. I aspire to demonstrate to future generations that regardless of their circumstances, surroundings, and background, they have the potential to thrive and forge their own path."

Teresa Mills


Chief Executive Officer
Peace at Home Family Shelter
 

High quality public schools are very important to me. I graduated from Rogers Public Schools and felt my education prepared me well for college and beyond.  I hope to give back to a school system that provided me a strong foundation for life and a safe space to grow and learn. 

Lauren Reynolds


Family CEO and Community Volunteer
 

After 12 years as an elementary educator in Rogers Public Schools, my goal is to be an advocate for the extraordinary teachers who serve the district and kids so generously each day. The teachers in Rogers Public Schools are the real difference makers. By serving on the Rogers Public Education Foundation board, I have the opportunity to give back to a district and community that has made a tremendous impact on my life. I believe in Rogers Public Schools and will work hard to position them for a successful future.

Stan Rodgers

Vice President
Commercial Relationship Manager
Regions Bank
 
“As the only child of a single parent, I know firsthand the impact educators make on the lives of students and their families every day. It’s an honor to serve the foundation’s mission by contributing my skills, experience, and passion for equitable access to knowledge and opportunities.”

 

Kunle Babalola


Westrock Coffee
 
Community. We find community in the people we can dream, work and navigate life with. We don't have to walk through life alone; we have others to support us and those whom we can support. The key is finding ways to build up, educate, encourage, show kindness and motivate others so we continue building healthy communities. "The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action" - Herbert Spencer.
 

Ex Officio

Dr. Jeff Perry


Rogers public school district Superintendent

Suzanne Spivey


Rogers public school district Board member
 

Jason Ivester


Rogers public school district Director of communications
 

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