Fraser

New Fraser school board member appointed

By Maria Allard
C & G Staff Writer

FRASER  — Kathy Roberts is a recognizable face in Fraser Public Schools.

She has been a Parent Teacher Organization member, parent volunteer and employee. The mother of five will now wear a new hat: that of FPS Board of Education member.

On Jan. 15, the school board voted 6-0 to unanimously appoint Roberts to fill the vacancy created when Debra Herron resigned.

“I was happily surprised,” Roberts, 50, said. “It’s a challenge I am looking forward to.”

The term expires Dec. 31, 2014.

“Based on Kathy’s years in the district, she brings a lot of experience and knowledge that will be beneficial to serving the Fraser Public Schools community,” FPS President Gerry Gauthier said in a prepared statement.

With all the experience as a PTO member, including times as an officer, “someone encouraged me” to apply for the school board position, Roberts said. With funding for public schools education being cut across the state, Roberts feels she is coming to the school board at a “scary” time.

“The board, they’re doing a great job. The board and administration are keeping the cuts away from the kids,” Roberts said. “I want to be part of the conversation and be there for the kids. I love Fraser schools. My heart is in Fraser schools.”

Roberts is married to Jeff, and they have five children: daughter Jessica, a 2009 Fraser High School graduate; and sons Eric, a senior at FHS; twins Christopher and Trevor, who attend Fraser Middle School; and Luke, a sixth-grader at Eisenhower Elementary.

Roberts has been very active in the Eisenhower PTO, serving as treasurer and vice president over the years. While still involved with the PTO, she is currently not an officer.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “I’ve gotten to know people through the years.”

Roberts began volunteering in the district when her daughter was in preschool at the former Dooley Elementary School, which is now the Dooley Early Childhood Center. Roberts also helped raise money for Fort Fraser and has co-chaired the Fraser Concession to benefit the Athletic Booster Club and the Band Boosters.

Roberts is a 1980 graduate of Tower High School, which is now known as Warren Woods Tower High School. Her first official school board meeting was scheduled for Jan. 28, after the Fraser-Clinton Chronicle went to press.

A total of six candidates applied for the school board position. Marie Cilluffo, Gordon Redmond, Liz McIntosh, Steven Ziegenfelder and William Wilson submitted applications in addition to Roberts.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1045.