Meet Our Board Members

Jessica Lappe, President
Talent Acquisition Leader at Land O’ Lakes
Jessica has been a board member since 2021.  Jessica and her husband, Dalin, reside in Rockford, MN and have 2 kids in the district and one RHS alum daughter. Jessica is also a Rockford alum.

Favorite School Memory: Being a football cheerleader

Favorite Childhood Book: Green Eggs & Ham

Why you joined the board: “REF gives me the opportunity to leverage my abilities in a way that meaningfully helps support Rockford Area Schools. Being an alumni and having my children in the district, I am passionate about the success of our schools, the staff and the students attending. Being on the REF board has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had. I’m inspired to do good and high impact work within our community.”

Michelle Herou, Vice President
Principal’s Secretary, REAMS
Michelle has been a board member since August 2023. Michelle and her husband, John, have two elementary kids.

Favorite School Memory: Book Fair

Favorite Childhood Book: Wayside School Series

Why you joined the board: “To support our Rockford teachers and students and help them receive additional educational resources and experiences.”

Nadine Hutton, Secretary
Nadine has been a board member since September 2025. Nadine and her husband, Bob, are parents of 2 children at REAMS.

Favorite School Memory: Leading my fourth grade class in a rap version of The Night Before Christmas

Favorite Childhood Book: Caddie Woodlawn

Why you joined the board: “I love our schools and want to see them thrive for many years to come!!.”

Aaron Hunter, Treasurer
General Manager of FlyOver America and Mortgage Broker, First Class Mortgage
Aaron has been a board member since July 2021. Aaron and his wife, Shannon, have 3 boys in the district.

Favorite School Memory: Track and Field Day, shoe kick, football toss, and long jump

Favorite Childhood Book: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Why you joined the board: “It is so rewarding when we are able to provide valuable tools to schools and teachers to enhance the learning of students.”

Michael Schroeder, Bookkeeper
Senior Payroll Specialist, MN Timberwolves & Lynx
Michael joined REF in June 2026 as a part-time bookkeeper. Michael lives in Delano with his wife and three kids.

Favorite School Memory: Making a nightstand in freshman year woodworking – my sons have both used it in their bedrooms

Favorite Childhood Book: 50 Below Zero by Robert Munsch

Why you joined the board: “I have a passion for math and bookkeeping, and enjoy finding ways to use this love to serve noble causes, and the education system is as noble as they come. My family’s five years lived in Rockford gave us a deep appreciation for the community, as well. All-in-all, it’s a no brainer.”

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, have 2 kids in the district.

Favorite School Memory: Playing volleyball, Deep Portage Trip

Favorite Childhood Book: Baby Sitter Club Series

Why you joined the board: “Because every student deserves opportunities that spark curiosity and confidence.”

Jill Pennings
Special Education Teacher in Wayzata Public Schools
Jill has been a board member since 2014. She is married to Mr. Pennings, RHS history teacher. Jill and Ben have a daughter who graduated from RHS in 2024 and a daughter who is a Senior.

Favorite School Memory: In elementary school, it was walking into gym class and seeing the parachute!

Favorite Childhood Book: Ramona Quimby – Age 8

Why you joined the board: “I serve on the board because I am passionate about public education and also passionate about giving new and varied opportunities for our students.”

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 9th grade and 5th grade and a son in 3rd grade. 

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Favorite Childhood Book:

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, are parents to a Rockford graduate (Class of 2022) and an 12th grader.

Favorite School Memory:

Favorite Childhood Book:

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.”

Trent Shipley
Real Estate Agent, Keller Williams Realty
Trent has been a board member since September 2025. Trent and his wife, Angela, are proud parents to 2 Rockford graudates.

Favorite School Memory: Kevin being honored as one of the top 4 in his class and Amanda’s softball pitching for RHS for several years.

Favorite Childhood Book: George and the Giant Peach

Why you joined the board: “Having 2 kids born in Rockford and they completed their entire education at this school district I made a commitment to myself and the community that I will give back to the school district and system that has helped make my kids who they are today. I will always be happy and proud to give back!”