Meet Our Board Members

Jill Pennings, President
Special Education Teacher in Wayzata Public Schools
Jill has been a board member since 2014. She is married to Mr. Pennings, the 9th grade social studies teacher. Jill and her husband, Ben, reside in Corcoran and are parents to a Senior. They also have a daughter who is a 2024 RHS graduate.

Why you joined the board: “I love the opportunity to be directly involved in the girls’ education by giving teachers the funding to create enriching activities. It’s pretty amazing to look back and see all of the incredible projects and enhancements Rockford has received thanks to our amazing donors”

Jessica Lappe, Vice President
Talent Acquisition Leader at CHS
Jessica has been a board member since 2021.  Jessica and her husband, Dalin, reside in Rockford, MN and have 2 school-aged children who are in 11th and 4th grades. They also have a daughter who is a 2023 RHS graduate. Jessica is a Rockford alum.

Why you joined the board: “I want to make a difference in our community and I believe that being on the board allows me the opportunity to give back to our school district in meaningful ways. It is also a fun group to be a part of.”

Aaron Hunter, Treasurer
General Manager of FlyOver America
Aaron has been a board member since July 2021. Aaron and his wife, Shannon, live in Rockford with their 3 sons; 5th grade, 2nd grade and Kindergarten.

Why you joined the board: “I want to help support our teachers and students to give them more opportunities and the best education possible.”

Laura Franklin, Bookkeeper
Controller/HR Director at Franklin Press
Laura has been a board member since August 2017. Laura and her husband, Bryan, reside in Rockford Township and are parents to a 10th grader and 11th grader.

Why you joined the board: “I want to support the local schools by providing them with additional opportunities while working with the community businesses and residents.”

Kelly Kinnan, Secretary
Doctor at the Pipe Trades Clinic, Maple Grove
Kelly has been a board member since August 2018 and is a Rockford alum. Kelly and her husband, Mike, live in Rogers and open enroll their two children, who are in 10th and 7th grades. 

Why you joined the board: “The Education Foundation works very hard to help make the Rockford Schools the best it can be for students and staff. I enjoy being on the board to help contribute to this cause!”

Nikki Arvold, Executive Director
Nikki has been on the board since August 2022 and stepped into the Executive Director role in July 2024. Nikki and her husband, Andy, live in Greenfield with their two kids – 1st grader and 4th grader.

Why you joined the board: “To give back to the community and make a positive impact on those who play a significant role in shaping and enhancing education for our children.”

Michelle Herou
Front Office, REAMS
Michelle has been a board member since August 2023. Michelle and her husband, John, live in Corcoran with their two kids; 3rd grader and kindergartener.

Why you joined the board: “I want to support Rockford teachers and help in funding their classrooms so all students can be provided additional educational resources and experiences.”

Kevin Sjodin
Director of IT, Big Bad Toy Store
Kevin has been a board member since August 2021 and was formally the Vice President on the Board. Kevin and his wife Farrah reside in Rockford and are parents to daughters in 7th grade and 3rd grade and a son in 1st grade. 

Why you joined the board: “They are a fun group and we do good things for our schools.”

Melonie Robran
Dance Instructor, Rockford Community Ed
Melonie has been a board member since 2011. She helps her family run Hill’s Gardens in Albert Lea. She also volunteers as a Rockford track coach. Melonie and her husband, Chad, reside in Greenfield and are parents to a Rockford graduate (Class of 2022) and an 10th grader.

Why you joined the board: “To help improve the quality education of the children in our community. Our foundation work accomplishes this by increasing the resources available to our staff beyond what the budget of the district can afford.”

Susie Wagner
Yoga and Strength Instructor, Live True Yoga
Susie has been a board member since August 2021. Susie and her husband, Jeremy, live in Greenfield and are parents of 3 children. Their oldest son is an AirForce Staff Sergeant, a 11th grade daughter, and a 5th grade son.

Why you joined the board: “They are a fun group and we do good things for our schools.”

Jessica Larson
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Jessica has been a board member since 2022. Jessica and her husband, Aaron, live in Rockford and are parents of 2 children, a 9th grader and a 12th grader.

Why you joined the board: “I enjoy working with my fellow board members to provide new experiences and educational opportunities for our local youth that wouldn’t otherwise be within the school’s budget.”