Mary Lou Rohwer

Running for Election to the Portage School Board

As a teacher, parent, and volunteer in the community, Mary Lou has been advocating for kids for most of her adult life. She began by volunteering at Angling Road after she and her husband, Christopher, moved to Texas Township in 1990 and enrolled their children there. Mary Lou and Christopher went on to support their children’s extracurricular activities, including band, drama and choir, through graduation from Portage Northern High School.

 
As Mary Lou interacted with Portage teachers over the years, she developed a real appreciation and respect for the work they do with students. This led to a surprising decision: After several years in the engineering field, she returned to college for a Secondary Mathematics and Physics Teaching Certificate through Western Michigan University.

 
Now retired after a 12-year teaching career at Loy Norrix and Portage Northern, Mary Lou is embracing the opportunity to “complete the cycle” by serving on the Portage School Board. She is also active as a volunteer for Ministry with Community, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, the Angel Tree Program, and Meals on Wheels.

As a member of the Portage school board, Mary Lou will draw upon her experiences as a parent, volunteer, and educator to listen and respond to community concerns. She pledges to collaborate with fellow board members, exploring creative solutions to challenges with the best interests of all students in mind. Mary Lou believes that we have a legacy of quality education in Portage and is committed to the future of PPS for the next generations.