EMILY WHALEN

I am running for School Board because Rockford deserves better. Our community deserves leadership that listens, explains decisions clearly, respects families, and manages taxpayer dollars responsibly. I’m committed to having our schools operate with the transparency, representation, and trust our community deserves.

I don’t just speak up. I stay engaged, do the work, and follow through. I believe trust is built through consistent communication, accountability, and showing up for our schools, families and neighbors.

As a community leader, I have organized parents and taxpayers to advocate for:

• Reduced early releases
• Greater transparency in school finances
• Improved access to public information

Through Organize Parkside and Transparency for RPS Taxpayers, I’ve worked to ensure families have a clear voice in decisions that affect their children.

With a background in government finance, I bring a commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and accountability in how decisions are made.

As a Rockford School Board trustee, I would work to put the trust back in trustee. My decisions would always be guided by what strengthens students, supports families, and earns community trust.