The newest member of the Alamance-Burlington Board of Education has been trying for almost four years to get there.
Speaking in a recent interview about his scheduled swearing in on Monday night, Seneca Rogers described an optimistic outlook for the county’s public schools.
“My goal is to set up the next generation to be better than what we are, and to pass on the knowledge and support needed to help all students fulfill their potentials,” he said. “The future of our county is based on public education. It made me who I am. It upsets me when people try to tear down the value of public education here in Alamance County. If our students do better, then we as a community all do better.”
The school board voted 5-1 on Nov. 14 to appoint Rogers to fill the seat vacated by longtime member Patsy Simpson, who retired in May.
Rogers, 43, is a lifelong resident of Alamance County. He graduated from Cummings High School in 1998 and from N.C. A&T State University in 2002. Currently, Rogers works for Labcorp as a third-party reimbursement analyst.
“My parents instilled in me that education comes first. My father said that I needed to grow in any knowledge basis that comes my way, and I’ve tried to do that my whole life,” he said. Rogers said, “I see discrepancies across our county, and know what it’s about to be classified as just going to Cummings. I want everyone to know that we are all bigger than stereotypes. There are great students across the district, and they truly do shine.”
Rogers has worked on numerous back-to-school giveaways, is a constant advocate for students in Alamance County and is a mentor to students at King’s Academy at North Park. He notes that he has mentored young men ever since his days at N.C. A&T.
“I want all kids to realize their potential and success. I tell every student that there is no keeping them from their dreams, and they can be whoever they want to be. We need to give our students proper foundations to grow and succeed. I want them to see their future as limitless,” Rogers said.
Though Rogers will be serving out the remainder of Simpson’s term, he said he plans to run for a full term. It will be his third try for election to the board.
During his time on the board, Rogers said he hopes to help get parents and students more involved.
“I want our ABSS parents to be more engaged. I want to institute a forum dedicated to involving students in discussing their needs and wants directly for them. I also want to provide a Spanish-speaking interpreter for our meetings in the future,” he said. “I know that there are skeptics and detractors, but I want everyone to know that my heart is with the kids and doing the best by them. I don’t have a political agenda, simply love for the kids of Alamance County. I want to and am willing to put in the work every day to make sure that all ABSS students have what they need to learn and thrive.”
