Meet Paul Gorski: candidate for Rock Valley College Board

Check out all our candidate profiles in our expanded 2025 Election Guide for Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit.

Why did you decide to run?

I am running for re-election to the Rock Valley College Board of Trustees to continue working for the growth in college programming and increasing enrollment.

Tell us about your background and accomplishments that you bring to the table.

I have served on the Rock Valley College Board since 2017, serving as Vice-Chair, Educational Chair and currently as Finanace Chair. During that time we've seen the expansion of degree and non-degree programs that lead directly to jobs, growth of the transfer credit programming, and the construction of the Advanced Technology Center and now the construction of a new Rockford Downtown West campus. This growth didn't come without serious discussion and debate, and I often led that debate and a serious review of the financial impact of these changes not only on the college but the community. I have not been afraid to ask questions to learn of the financial impact our projects and policies have on the community. Some trustees simply trust information that has been provided to them. I believe the public expects the trustees to ask questions and require diligent research be done by staff, and to be fully open and transparent in our business dealings. Not all trustees subscribe to my openness and transparency values, that's why I've asked Richard Kennedy and Jenna Goldsmith to run with me for Rock Valley College Trustee.

What do you hope to accomplish in this office in the future?

I hope to assist the college President and staff complete the construction of our downtown campus and main campus improvements on schedule. I want to support staff efforts to maintain and grow enrollment while expanding course offerings in our college transfer and technical programs.

Why should people vote for you?

I am a serious candidate who understands the role of Trustee as a manager and adviser to the college President. Trustees do not run the college, but we do have a responsibility for hiring and advising the college President. Some trustees want to run the college and that's wrong. Some trustees simply show up at meetings and social events without proper fiduciary and policy oversight considerations, which is equally wrong. My goal as Trustee is to be thorough, ask relevant questions and provide financial oversight. I've asked equally serious candidates Richard Kennedy and Jenna Goldsmith to join me in these election efforts.