GILROY
– Jaime Rosso took the school board helm in an annual changing
of guard Thursday night. Rosso replaces Jim Rogers as board
president and TJ Owens fills Rosso’s former vice president
role.
By Lori Stuenkel
GILROY – Jaime Rosso took the school board helm in an annual changing of guard Thursday night. Rosso replaces Jim Rogers as board president and TJ Owens fills Rosso’s former vice president role.
The board elects new leaders each December, and trustees unanimously supported Rosso and Owens.
Rosso said he enjoys serving on the school board and looks forward to taking on the role of liaison between the district and the community.
Good communication is the president’s key role, Rosso said. He will not only focus on how the board interacts with the public, but encourages teachers, staff, administrators and even parents to all work on following through with improving communication.
“We may have the best district plan ever, but if we’re not good communicators, it does
n’t matter,” Rosso said.
After attend-ing the final meeting of Gilroy High School’s reading list advi-
sory group, Rosso was encouraged by the interaction he witnessed between district employees as well as parents.
“(Parents) may not always say what we want to hear … and there are times when it’s uncomfortable, but it needs to be talked about,” Rosso said.
The board president is responsible for directing bi-monthly board meetings and study sessions, as well as meeting with the superintendent to set the agenda.
Rogers, who is in his sixth year on the board, stepped down from his leadership position after an unusual two-year stint as president. “I do enjoy being a board member, and I enjoy being a cheerleader for the team,” Rogers said.
Lonna Martinez, who was vice president under Rogers last year, did not seek re-election so there was no one in line to take over his position. The election is mostly a formality, and board members usually wait their turn to head the dais, Rogers said.
“It’s logical that the vice president usually moves up the next year,” Rogers said. “It’s not an automatic that people move up, but normally that’s been the progression over the years.”
Superintendent Edwin Diaz praised Rogers’ tenure, joking that presidents often don’t want to come back for another year.
“It does take a little more time; you do go to a few more public things over the year,” Rogers said. “The board position anyway, as a trustee, does take some time and takes some time away from family. I don’t think it’s that people dislike the job necessarily, it’s just a different way of participating.”
Commenting during a November meeting, Rogers reflected on what he’s seen during his five-year tenure. Rogers highlighted steady improvement in student performance and he noted that, since Diaz came on board three years ago, the district has achieved a higher level of focus and turned its attention to student improvement.
“I certainly am proud of the accomplishments and all the students, staff, administrators, parents and the board should be proud,” Rogers said.
