HILLSBORO R-III Board honors outgoing member Rob Cruz for decade of service

The HILLSBORO R-III Board of Education recognized Rob Cruz at his final board meeting, thanking him for nearly 10 years of service to the district.

Board members said Cruz was appointed in October 2015, helped expand career and technical education programs, supported facilities projects including a bond-funded secure-entrance program and a special education center, and participated in several property transactions and a bond issue during his tenure. The district noted that enrollment reconfiguration and an early childhood program launch were among developments during his service.

The board highlighted Cruz’s advocacy for career and technical education, noting his son’s early participation in the district’s agricultural classes as a personal connection to the program. District staff described multiple facility projects completed while Cruz served, including purchase of property for a new administrative building and a learning center annex, sale of Ridgewood in 2024, and the conversion of a former commercial building into an early learning center.

In remarks recorded in the meeting, Cruz reflected on his time on the board and on students’ needs, describing the district’s staff as crucial supports for students facing trauma or hardship. The board presented a plaque and certificates recognizing his service and cited three Missouri School Boards Association governance awards the district has received during his tenure.

No formal action on Cruz’s seat was taken at the meeting; the board noted Cruz will complete his service when his term ends and that he chose not to run for reelection.