Rachelle Ernst, previously the president of the PTO in Forest Park, has been hired as director of engagement for Forest Park School District 91. Her last day heading the PTO was June 30. She started her new post at the district on July 1.
Dr. Robert Hubbird, newly promoted as interim superintendent of the elementary schools, said Ernst will bring a robust and deeply relevant portfolio of experience and community-building expertise to her role as director of engagement.
“Her background demonstrates a clear and sustained commitment to equity-centered family and community engagement, student success, and collaborative district-wide initiatives,” said Hubbird.
Hubbird served as the district’s assistant superintendent of finance and operations until last week when the school board tabbed him to serve as interim superintendent after Elizabeth Alvarez left the district to join the Proviso Township High Schools District 209.
Ernst, who has a master’s degree in education, has worked in various school settings throughout her career. For the past two years, she held the position of school engagement coordinator for D91. She applied for her new job after learning that the district’s previous director of engagement, Nurys Uceta-Ramos, would be transitioning out of the role.
As director of engagement, Ernst will work directly with D91’s superintendent, schools, families, and the broader community to foster a culture of engagement that enhances student achievement. This role will lead efforts to build sustainable relationships, implement strategic initiatives, and create a positive district culture that strengthens family and community involvement.
“I feel so fortunate to be in this role,” Ernst said. “I’m really excited to dive in and start speaking with our district leaders, our community partners and our families.”
Originally from eastern Iowa, Ernst and her husband moved to Forest Park a decade ago. With three children currently enrolled in D91, Ernst has been an active and dedicated member of the D91 community for years. She has worked with the PTO for six years, serving as president for the last two.
Although she stepped away from that job in June, Ernst said she will continue to participate with the PTO as a parent volunteer.
In her role as director of engagement, Ernst plans to focus on ensuring that families have open channels to express their input, and opportunities to have a meaningful voice in district decisions.
“In order to be of service for them, I think it’s really important for myself and the other three coordinators who are in our department to provide open avenues to have those conversations,” Ernst said. “So my initial goal is really to build on that foundation and then work to create new opportunities for our families and students.”
Other aspects of the job will entail serving as a liaison for parent and caregiver concerns on behalf of the superintendent, organizing and facilitating key district events in conjunction with the PTO, leading and managing parent coordinators, building and maintaining relationships with principals to support school-level engagement efforts, and ensuring alignment with community agencies.
“I really want to support our school culture and one of my big goals is to make sure everyone feels like they belong,” Ernst said.