Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Monday, October 19, Mayor Toby Barker named Neil Rogers as his nominee for the Hattiesburg Public School District Board of Trustees.
Mayor Barker said that Rogers’ experience as an attorney specializing in tax and real estate sales will be an added benefit to the combined level of expertise presented by the board. He will also aid in continuing a close and collaborative relationship between the city and the school district.
“I chose Neil because he believes what we want all young families to believe: that the Hattiesburg Public School District can and will provide a world-class education to all who choose public school,” said Barker. “In a metropolitan area where 40% of the population is under 40, having millennials like Neil Rogers and Yolanda Morris on the board help harness our focus directly on the promise of the future and what we must do to hand our children a better Hattiesburg than what we found.”
Rogers is an attorney and partner at Jackson, Tullos & Rogers, PLLC where he has worked since 2013 – making partner in 2017. He specializes in contract issues, tax law and real estate transactions, which Barker believes will be helpful for the district when handling 16th Section land issues.
He received his bachelor of arts degree in history from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2009, a law degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 2012 and an LL.M. in taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2013.
“Although I am not originally from here, Hattiesburg is our home. During my time here as a supporter and believer in public schools, I’ve seen this district refuse to quit improving – to arrive where it is today,” said Rogers. “It’s obvious from the administrators, board members, faculty, staff and students why the district has seen such success in recent years, and I am excited to have the chance to play a small part in its continued trajectory and forward momentum.”
As a school board member, Rogers will work alongside fellow board members to create district policy and manage the allocation of district resources. He will fill the seat vacated by Carey Varnado. Varnado stepped in to fill an unexpired term at a critical point in the life of the school district and has played a vital role in much of the district’s success.
“Last week, I was asked to define what success looks like for Hattiesburg Public Schools,” said Wiliams. “I immediately thought of my own children, who go to bed each night eager to wake up and go to school. That’s the metric I want us to strive for; and, I look forward to working with Mr. Rogers and this board to make sure all 3,000+ students at Hattiesburg Public Schools wake up each morning excited about coming to school to learn.”
Rogers is married to his wife Kelsey, and they have three children: Luke, who will start his kindergarten year at Woodley Elementary next fall, Jack (3) and Baby Kate (3-weeks).
Rogers’ nomination will be added to the City Council agenda this week and will be voted on by the Hattiesburg City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
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