Meet the Board
Dedication. Motivation. Passion.
As the Board of Directors, we are doing everything we can to raise as much money to give back to schools as grants, so they can establish or continue a program to improve morale. We all feel that individuals want to feel as though they matter and are valued.
After spending thirty years in education, I have seen how the morale in our schools have decreased. In talking to numerous people before I retired, they just wanted to be told they were doing a great job or recognized for something they did. At my retirement party, I made a promise to all of my colleagues (teaching and non-teaching) that I would start a foundation which would provide money for schools to start a recognition program to help improve the morale in schools for staff. School staff deserve more than just one day (Secretary's, Nurse's, Teacher's Day) to be recognized. It should be done often be it daily or weekly.
Chair of the Board
Steve Salski
Nancy Parra
Board Member
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Schools matter. Educational institutions are one of the most important of workplaces. Therefore I feel it is critical to encourage staff members in our schools to stay in the profession. We all know that student progress is our mission, but often those working directly with students get lost in the shuffle. It is important that schools maintain a positive climate for both staff and students so that everyone succeeds.This is why I chose to become involved with the R.O.S.E. Foundation.
BaoTran Le
Vice Chair of the Board
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I was interested in helping start and be part of ROSE Foundation because it embodies the idea I really care for—acknowledging the importance of recognition. I wanted to help schools and teams build a process and successfully implement a program to recognize school staff. I’ve been involved since high school in recognizing staff members, and even in my career, where we try to find ways to recognize employees as well. Recognition programs are crucial to helping people feel like they matter, and that needs to be prioritized across schools especially. I hope to provide this through my involvement in building up this program.
Arleen LaRosa
Treasurer
As a paraprofessional, I understand the importance of all staff being appreciated for what they do. As a mother of three students, working in the district, as well as volunteering there, I understand the importance of making sure everyone including paraprofessionals, lunch staff, secretaries, nurses, etc. is appreciated for the work that they do. I volunteered for the foundation to help schools recognize all employees. I have seen how acknowledging people's hard work and/or going above and beyond makes a difference in the morale of the building.
Jerry Tatar
Board Member
I am Jerry Tatar. I've been a business attorney for over 40 years having engaged in litigation all over the country as well as working with companies of all sizes in regard to forming the business, contracts, employment matters, buying and selling businesses and other matters. I also have a degree in Social Service Administration and was an administrator of a social service agency for several years. I joined the Rose Foundation because, being married to a teacher, I believe in its goal to reward teachers and staff members in schools throughout the country. Outside of work, I enjoy theater and playing hardball baseball. I recently returned from playing in a parent-child hardball tournament in Arizona with my oldest son and his daughter, my 14 year old granddaughter. I also oversee and play in a baseball tournament at the Field of Dreams in Iowa every year.