Phil Milligan: “I was born and raised in Southeast Missouri near Cape Girardeau. I have a Bachelor’s degree from SEMO, Master’s degrees from the University of Illinois and Lindenwood University, and an EdS from UMSL. I was a band director for many years, most recently at Lafayette. I was a principal for 12 years in Francis Howell and Mehlville before retiring in 2012. I taught for 11 years at Lafayette, and I have spent all of my adult life devoted to the field of education. The knowledge, skills, experiences, and relationships we gain during our school years drive everything for the rest of our lives. Rockwood is a GREAT school district! I want to work with the rest of the board and the district staff to help make it even better. We have to make sure that our students are well prepared to meet a world full of challenges we can only imagine. I am not running with a particular agenda or goal in mind other than to help keep partisan politics out of the function of the board. I plan to look at each situation with fresh eyes and an open mind. I will listen to all sides and viewpoints, even those with which I initially disagree. I have seen the school system from a student, taxpayer, teacher, administrator, parent, and soon, a grandparent point of view. I am very open-minded. I feel there is value in listening to everyone and trying to understand why they feel the way they do. I will 100% support what I feel is the best for ALL of the students in the Rockwood School District. Rockwood has given so much to me and to my family. I hope to be able to give something back to the district,” Milligan said.
Tamara Rhomberg: “I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a high school sophomore. I achieved that dream and have been fortunate to be in education for 50-plus years. I taught in Rockwood for 10 years as a reading specialist at Kellison Elementary and then was a district K-5 language arts coordinator for 13 years before retiring to work as a national literacy consultant for a publishing company. I currently am an adjunct professor at Webster University. I feel my varied past experience has allowed me to contribute positively to the board over the past seven years I have served. I want to continue this work. There have been some challenges during the past few years, but because the board stayed focused on its goal of ensuring a successful education for all students, we were able to move forward and continue to succeed as a school district. My goal is simple, I want to provide the best education for all our Rockwood students by providing high-quality teachers and resources. I want our students and staff to feel that they are supported in a safe learning and growing environment. As someone who has devoted a career to being a student advocate, I will do everything within my power to ensure students have the best public education possible, that administrators and teachers feel appreciated and supported, that parents and the community receive transparent communications, and that we remain a fiscally sound school district,” Rhomberg said.
Tom Dunn: “I was born, raised, and lived in the Chicago suburbs until moving to Wildwood in 2011. I graduated from Bradley University (Peoria, IL) and have been in sales for over 20 years and specializing in the security & safety industry where my customers are mostly County government or School Districts. My oldest daughter graduated from Eureka in 2021. I have two more daughters that are still in Rockwood schools. When I first decided to run for the School Board in 2019, although only 5 years ago, things were very different in the District. I had attended and I spoke at Board meetings and realized the only way to have a voice on matters is to become a part of it. So I was a candidate in 2019 and was successfully elected. Fast forward to 2024 and that same philosophy holds true which is why I decided to run for the School Board. As a Board Member, you are one of seven voices. The Board’s goal is to ensure that the District maintains the level of educational excellence that the community expects for all students. My goal is to review a few policies that need to be tweaked, that the students and teachers have all the tools they need to succeed, and that the District spends the taxpayer dollars wisely. I have self-funded my campaigns and do not accept any donations. I feel serving on the Board is an honor and truly enjoy being a part of it and knowing that our decisions play a role in the success of all students. Also, did you know that I am the founder of the EHS Aquatics Booster Club and follow the boys & girls swim and dive team and water polo during their respective seasons,” Dunn said.
