Rickard recognized for four decades on board

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Ironwood - With over four decades of service on the board of education, Ed Rickard is a fixture in the Ironwood Area Schools.

His 42 years of helping chart the district's direction came to an end Monday as he attended the last scheduled meeting of his final term.

"Mr. Rickard shared many positive contributions with Ironwood Area Schools in his 42 years of service. He could always be counted on to put the needs of our children at the forefront of the decision-making process," Superintendent Travis Powell told the Daily Globe Wednesday. "He has a great sense of humor and remained upbeat, even when handling difficult topics. We will miss his knowledge of the history of (the district), and we're grateful to him for his years of service."

Rickard began serving on the board Aug. 12, 1976. He lost his seat on the board in this year's November election, with his term official expiring Dec. 31.

Rickard was recognized by district officials and his fellow board members prior to Monday's meeting.

"He took an active part in helping the board determine the course of action the school district pursued during these years in attempting to solve the numerous problems in the area of finance, buildings, negotiations, general operation and the educational program, and ... he gave liberally of his time and talents as shown by his regular attendance at board meetings and by serving on said committees of the board," the resolution reads.

"We had a lot of very good times," Rickard told the Daily Globe. He noted he has attended 41 straight graduations.

That's not to say it hasn't been difficult at times while Rickard was on the board. He particularly noted the period when the district was running a sizable deficit and the various consolidation efforts in the face of a shrinking student population.

"It's not an honor, but I guess I was on (the board) for all those elementary buildings going out," Rickard said.

One of those decisions - the closing of the Roosevelt School in Ironwood Township, and Rickard's vote against it - may have been a key in Rickard's longevity.

"Those people out there in the township never forgot me," he said. "They carried me in so many elections."

If the district has changed considerably during Rickard's tenure on the board, education in general has changed just as much, particularly the role of technology and the early age students become adept at using it.

He joked his 2-year-old granddaughter can use an iPhone, while he still struggles with a computer.

"The 2-year-olds are smarter than we would be at 12th grade," Rickard joked.

Above all, Rickard thanked those who helped him and the district over the years.

"(I want to) thank all the people who supported me; the citizens, the taxpayers, the staff ... overall, I've had a lot of positives," he said.