The Westerville City School District Board of Education at its Dec. 13 meeting honored outgoing board member Rev. Rick Vilardo with a resolution of appreciation for his service.
Vilardo, whose term expires Dec. 31, served eight years on the school board, including two years as president and two years as vice president.
“I want to say to Rev. Vilardo a sincere thank you for your eight years of dedicated service ot the staff, students and families of the Westerville City School District,” Board President Rev. Vaughn Bell said.
During his tenure, Vilardo served as the board liaison on the legislative, community engagement and communication, and policy committees. He also served on the district’s Equity Team and the district’s Business Advisory Council. He was president of the Franklin County School Board Member Alliance and was a member of the steering committee for Vouchers Hurt Ohio.
While Vilardo served on the school board, Westerville voters approved a combined operating levy and bond issue in 2019 that helps the district manage its instructional space needs, enhances safety features in all buildings, and funds the construction of Minerva France Elementary and Minerva Park Middle School.
He supported the district through several initiatives that provided additional supports for students inside and out of the classroom. For example, student participation fees for athletics and other extracurricular activities were reduced and enrollment of underrepresented students in the district’s high school IB and AP courses saw nearly a 300% increase.
“I want to thank you for your eight years of service and all that you’ve given, and your heart,” board member Tracy Davidson said, “and to your family…thank you for letting your loved one serve for all the children, and all the staff, and all of us. I deeply appreciate that.”
“Eight years probably seems like 100,” board member Jennifer Aultman said. “You have truly made a difference for kids and staff members and I thank you for that. This community appreciates all you have done.”
Board Vice President Nancy Nestor-Baker was unable to attend Monday’s meeting.
Vilardo thanked the board, district leaders including Superintendent Dr. John Kellogg and Treasurer and CFO Nicole Marshall, staff members, community members and his family who were in attendance during the Dec. 13 meeting.
“This is highly unexpected but deeply appreciated,” he said. “I have no regrets serving alongside each and every one of you.”