Rochester Education Association

06/10/2026

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🌟 Meet Dr. Sherry Wynn Perdue 🌟

For Dr. Sherry Wynn Perdue, public education has never been just a profession or an area of study - it has been a lifelong commitment.

A Rochester Hills resident, parent of an RCS graduate, longtime volunteer, former PTA leader, Reflections Awards chair, and recipient of the Rochester Community Schools Founder’s Day Award, Dr. Wynn Perdue has spent years investing in the success of Rochester students and schools. She is also running as an incumbent having been appointed to the board back in March.

That commitment is matched by an impressive record of professional leadership.

Dr. Wynn Perdue serves as Director of the Oakland University Writing Center, a position she has held since 2008. Under her leadership, the center grew from a small service into a campus-wide, data-informed program serving students, faculty, and community partners. Her work includes strategic planning, budgeting, policy development, assessment, collaboration, and organizational leadership.

She also holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and has served on Oakland University’s Academic Council, helping shape institutional policies and governance practices.

Her leadership extends well beyond Oakland University. From 2020 to 2024, Dr. Wynn Perdue served as President of the International Writing Centers Association, guiding an international organization through pandemic-era challenges, governance transitions, and long-term strategic planning.

One theme regularly emerges with Dr Wynn Perdue: thoughtful leadership grounded in preparation, collaboration, and a focus on students.

As she wrote in her application to be appointed to the board:

“The district’s top priority should be ensuring that RCS can focus fully on student learning and future readiness.”

That focus is evident throughout her record of service.

When asked about district priorities, Dr. Wynn Perdue emphasized maintaining public trust, strengthening communication, supporting educators, and ensuring Rochester Community Schools remains focused on student learning and future readiness.

When asked about board service, she spoke about the importance of balancing big-picture vision with careful attention to policy, implementation, and accountability.

And when asked why she wanted to serve, her answer centered on students, schools, and community - not politics, controversy, or personal ambition.

What stands out most about Dr. Wynn Perdue is her temperament. She brings a calm, deliberative approach to leadership, a willingness to listen, and an understanding that effective governance requires collaboration, respect, and thoughtful decision-making.

At a time when many communities are experiencing division and polarization, Rochester Community Schools benefits from leaders who focus on solutions rather than conflict and who understand that the role of a trustee is to govern responsibly while keeping students at the center of every decision.

Dr. Sherry Wynn Perdue brings deep educational expertise, proven leadership experience, strong community roots, and a genuine commitment to public education.

She is thoughtful without being performative. Experienced without being self-important. And serious about the work of governing in a way that keeps students, educators, and families at the center of every decision.

And she has earned the endorsement of the Rochester Education Association, the Rochester Paraeducator Association, and the Rochester Support Personnel Association - organizations whose members work every day to support Rochester students.

Those are qualities worthy of recognition and why we are proud to support Dr. Sherry Wynn Perdue for the Rochester Community Schools Board of Education.

Want to learn more about Dr Wynn Perdue? Follow her here:

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06/09/2026

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🌟 Meet Jamie Rawcliffe 🌟

For Jamie Rawcliffe, Rochester Community Schools has been more than a place where her children attended school - it has been a community she has invested in, supported, and served for nearly 14 years.

As the parent of two Rochester Community Schools students - one who graduated in 2025 and one who is currently attending RCS - Jamie has experienced firsthand the opportunities, relationships, and support that make Rochester schools special.

“I love this school district, especially what it has meant for my family.”

That appreciation led Jamie to become deeply involved in supporting students, teachers, staff, and families throughout the district. What began as classroom volunteering when her oldest child entered kindergarten grew into years of service and leadership at both the school and district levels.

Over the years, Jamie has chaired numerous PTA committees, including Authors in April, Green Schools, and Staff Appreciation. She served as PTA President at both Meadow Brook and West Middle School before becoming PTA Council Vice President and, ultimately, PTA Council President. Through those roles, she has worked with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and staff at every level - from elementary school through high school.

Her experience has given her a unique understanding of both the day-to-day realities of our schools and the broader challenges and opportunities facing Rochester Community Schools.

Jamie also brings extensive leadership experience in organizing large events, coordinating volunteers, managing meetings, building consensus, and bringing people together around common goals. Outside of RCS, she has served on the board of Authors in April and spent more than a decade coordinating volunteers for her church’s Vacation Bible School program, helping manage approximately 150 volunteers each year.

When asked about her leadership style, Jamie described herself as someone who values both attention to detail and big-picture thinking.

“I love to develop ideas and collaborate with others on making those ideas come to life, but I also enjoy scheduling, communicating, organizing, and completing tasks to ensure the job gets done and done well.”

For Jamie, the district’s top priority is clear: ensuring every student has access to the support, opportunities, and educational experiences they need to succeed.

She believes effective leadership begins with listening - to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members - and then working collaboratively to create the best possible opportunities for students both inside and outside the classroom.

Her message is simple:

📚 Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.
🤝 Collaboration creates stronger schools.
🍎 Educators and staff deserve support and respect.
🏫 Strong communities are built through strong public schools.

Jamie’s years of service reflect a deep commitment to Rochester Community Schools and the families they serve. Her dedication to collaboration, relationship-building, and student-centered leadership has earned the trust and support of many throughout our community.

Jamie has earned the endorsement of the Rochester Education Association, Rochester Paraeducator Association, and Rochester Support Personnel Association - organizations representing the teachers, paraeducators, and support staff who work with Rochester students every day.

We’re proud to support Jamie Rawcliffe for the Rochester Community Schools Board of Education.

Thank you, Jamie, for your years of service and your willingness to continue supporting Rochester students, staff, and families. ❤️

Want to learn more about Jamie? Follow her here:

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06/08/2026

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🌟 Meet Laurin Gracey-Parker 🌟

For Laurin Gracey-Parker, Rochester Community Schools isn’t just a school district - it’s home.

A lifelong Rochester resident and parent of both a recent RCS graduate and a child currently attending Rochester schools, Laurin has experienced our district through the eyes of families at multiple stages of the educational journey. In fact, when life took her family away from Rochester for a time, one of the reasons they chose to return was Rochester Community Schools.

“The strength of this district, its reputation for academic excellence, and its commitment to students played a major role in our decision to return and raise our family here.”

Laurin believes great school districts celebrate their successes while remaining honest about opportunities for growth. Throughout her involvement in the community, she has consistently emphasized that students must remain at the center of every decision and that strong schools are built through collaboration among families, educators, staff, administrators, and the broader community.

As the parent of a recent graduate, Laurin has seen firsthand what Rochester students can accomplish when supported by outstanding teachers, dedicated staff, and a community that invests in its children. She believes students leave Rochester schools not only with knowledge, but with confidence, resilience, and the skills necessary to continue learning throughout their lives.

Her commitment to service is evident through years of community involvement, including serving as a room parent, basketball coach, PTA volunteer, HOA secretary, and community advocate. She understands that thriving schools don’t happen by accident - they are built through partnerships among educators, families, volunteers, and community members working toward a shared goal: student success.

Professionally, Laurin brings a diverse background as a business owner, writer, editor, and IT Business Analyst. Her experience has centered on listening, problem-solving, collaboration, and bringing people together around common goals - skills that are invaluable for effective school board leadership.

Laurin has also been a strong advocate for supporting educators and staff, recognizing that student success depends on ensuring teachers and school employees have the resources, support, and trust they need to do their best work.

Her message is simple:

📚 Students deserve strong schools.
🍎 Staff deserve support.
🎓 Families deserve to be heard.
🏫 Rochester’s future depends on continuing to invest in the people who make our schools exceptional.

Laurin has earned the endorsement of the Rochester Education Association, the Rochester Paraeducator Association, and the Rochester Support Personnel Association - organizations whose members work every day to support Rochester students.

We’re proud to support Laurin Gracey-Parker for the Rochester Community Schools Board of Education.

Thank you, Laurin, for your willingness to serve the students, staff, families, and community that make Rochester such a special place. ❤️

Want to learn more about Laurin? Follow her here:

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06/06/2026

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🔹💫Candidate Spotlight💫🔹

My husband, John, and I have been married since 2004. That same year, we chose to make Rochester our home, largely because of the outstanding Rochester Community Schools district.

We are proud parents of two children: Jonathan, who graduated from Adams High School last year and recently completed his first year at the University of Michigan, and Luke, who just finished his sophomore year.

My involvement with Rochester Community Schools began when our oldest started kindergarten at Meadow Brook Elementary. I volunteered in classrooms, helped in the media center, and eventually became actively involved with the PTA. Over the years, those experiences have given me a deep appreciation for our schools, our educators, and the families who make this community so special.

RCS has given so much to my family, and I am excited for the opportunity to give back through service on the Board of Education.

05/18/2026

Baldwin Elementary School is celebrating a century of learning this spring! The original Baldwin Elementary was built in 1926.

Please join us on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:00pm. The celebration will kick off with a FREE screening "Baldwin: A Century of Learning." This film details the history of the Baldwin community.

Please RSVP using the link in the comments!

05/13/2026

On May 12, the Rochester Education Association, Rochester Para Educator Association, and Rochester Support Personnel Association met as a combined committee to screen and recommend the best candidates for the RCS Board of Education.

The committee represents over 1,300 staff members who show up for kids every day. The group was a true reflection of Rochester. It was made up of parents, residents, retirees, and staff members committed to an impartial and fair process. Candidates provided written statements ahead of time in addition to the committee interviews.

We didn’t just want answers. We were looking for a vision. Our recommended candidates stood out for their comprehensive knowledge of district needs and fresh perspectives for the future. They understand the work that needs to be done for parents, students, staff, and residents alike.

Thank you to all the candidates and committee members for their time and dedication. We are proud to work for strong public schools and even prouder to support leaders who will move RCS forward!

04/23/2026

The educators from the REA, RPEA, and RSPA plan to screen and recommend candidates in May in order to allow our members to participate and learn about candidates before they are off for the summer. Completing this process in July limits participation from teachers who have summer jobs and travel schedules.

Screening questions will center on education only. We encourage any candidates who have not filed to return their paperwork and 40 signatures (or $100) to the Oakland County clerk's office before May 8 if they plan to participate.

As a note: This page is not constantly monitored. Our members are teachers who are busy with students during the school day, and with our families during the weekend.

01/14/2026

Last night the Stoney Creek girls varsity basketball team recognized teachers and staff members that had a positive impact on them. The recognition entailed heartfelt speeches written by the students themselves.

Thank you to all RCS staff members for the impact you have on all our students’ lives.

01/09/2026

Phew, break really flew by! Thank you to all of the teachers who helped make the transition back smooth for everyone. It can be hard to get back into it, so we are proud of teachers and students alike!

12/01/2025

As we head back to school tomorrow after the break, we just wanted to say how thankful we are for the RCS staff and to those that support our collective mission to value students through valuing teachers.🍁🦃🍂