Meet Sherry Hogan: South Beloit School Board candidate
Sherry Hogan is a current school board member running for reelection.
On April 1, voters in the South Beloit school district will choose from five candidates, mostly write-ins, to fill four open school board seats: Jeff Becorest, Sherry Hogan, Adam Neblock, Ashley Newton, and Devon Pilz.
Sherry Hogan
(current board member, 2024-2025)
Tell our readers a little about yourself.
I am a Sobo alumni that has raised my own children in the district. My family has had two successful businesses here in South Beloit. I want the best for our community. I have worked in a school district as a paraprofessional and a substitute teacher so I understand all aspects of a district from a student, parent, staff, and also school board member. I believe we need to continue to strive to provide the best opportunities for our youth
What motivates you to run for a position on the school board?
South Beloit is my hometown being a part of the school board is a small way to give back to my community.
If elected, what are one or two things you want the district to continue because it does them well?
I want our district to continue to grow. Our district offers students the ability to also attend Rock Valley and Blackhawk Tech through its great career readiness programs and want that opportunity to continue to grow for our students.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our school district, and how would you address them?
The biggest challenges our district faces is changing laws. We can only do the best we can to follow the guidelines set before us and continue to provide the best education for our students.
How do you plan to ensure transparency and accountability in board decisions?
I plan to ensure transparency and accountability by being fair, honest, and ethical in all decisions.
What have you been hearing from your constituents about what the schools in the district do well and could improve on?
Our district has a great supportive community. We need to continue to keep striving together to provide the best educational environment for our students.
What are your views on the role of parents, teachers, and administrators in shaping school policies?
Parents, teachers, and administrators all play crucial roles in shaping school policies, All of these groups contribute unique perspectives and insights that are essential for creating well-rounded, effective policies that best serve the needs of students.
How do you propose to address achievement gaps and support students from diverse backgrounds?
We need to implement culturally responsive teaching practices that value the students' unique experiences and incorporate them into their learning experiences. We need to provide instruction that caters to the students individualized needs.
What experience do you have that prepares you to serve on the school board?
I have been a parent, a staff member, and a member of the school board. I have personally experienced all aspects of the educational system and can use those experiences to be the best open minded member possible.
How would you collaborate with experienced board members while bringing fresh perspectives?
The most important way to collaborate is to hear what the experienced members are telling you while explaining your point of view as well.
What are your biggest accomplishments during your time on the school board? (Incumbent only)
While I have only been on the board for a year, we have installed a new HVAC system and new windows in the JR High/Blackhawk building, we have had great academic successes, and we have continued to grow our curriculum.
What lessons have you learned from your tenure that will shape your next term? (Incumbent only)
Every lesson learned will help shape my next term. Learning never stops regardless of your age and I will take everything I learn and apply it to my next term.
If elected, what is one policy or initiative you would champion to improve our schools?
If elected, I want to keep working to grow our curriculum opportunities.
What is something you'd like to tell voters about you that was not asked?
I am one who believes you never stop learning. I have pursued many different degrees from social and criminal justice, social science with education concentration, tax preparation, to currently paralegal. My goal for our district is to give our students the best experiences possible.
