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Ashland School Board honors outgoing directors Eva Skrutowicz and Jill Franco at final meeting
Summary
The board held a public celebration on June 12 recognizing outgoing directors Eva Skrutowicz (16 years of service) and Jill Franco; former board members, community leaders and staff spoke in tribute and presented commemorative plaques.
The Ashland School District School Board used its June 12 meeting to celebrate the service of two departing directors, Eva Skrutowicz and Jill Franco.
Speakers including former board members Victor Chang, Sabrina Prudhomme, Carol Davis and Jim Westrick and Superintendent Joseph Hatrick offered tributes describing Skrutowicz’s 16 years of service and Franco’s four years of service on the board. Remarks highlighted long-term institutional knowledge, commitment to students, leadership through difficult periods (including COVID and budget challenges), and qualities described as moral courage and deep community engagement.
Former board members recounted specific examples of Skrutowicz’s long tenure — 16 years of attending meetings, serving on committees and guiding multiple superintendent searches and bond efforts — and called her a “walking encyclopedia of educational policy.” Speakers praised Franco for being a “go-getter,” for challenging the status quo and for sustained advocacy for students.
The district presented each departing director with a plaque crafted by the district’s woodshop program. The meeting included musical performances by kindergarten students and cupcakes provided by a local bakery as part of the recognition celebration.
Why it matters: Long-serving school board members shape policy, budget and community relationships over time. The tributes underscored both the institutional role of elected board members and community appreciation for volunteer public service.
Next steps: The board will seat two new directors next month; staff and board members said the district will continue continuity of governance and invited the outgoing directors to remain involved in community events.
