Our community had a terrible loss this morning when SCASD Board President Rick Madore passed away suddenly after an apparent heart attack. Here is the story in the CDT online.
I didn’t know Rick very well but one thing that stands out in my memory of him is his outstanding dedication as a Board member. Everyone should know that service on the Board is not a paid position and that it requires a great deal of time outside of one’s regular job. Last spring in the run-up to the math curriculum vote, he made a point of asking our group to send him studies and other information that would help him come to a decision. He read everything we sent him (which was a lot) and when he followed up with questions for us I remember being very impressed with his unhesitating willingness to do this research so that he might make an informed decision that was the right one for the children of State College.
When I chatted with Rick after a recent Board meeting, he suggested to me that our group ought to recruit good candidates for the next Board election and I wondered if this was a hint that he wouldn’t be seeking re-election. This was a discomforting thought because our town needs good people like Rick who are thoughtful and fair, and who are willing to give of themselves and their time as he did. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
It is indeed a sad day for the community. Rick Madore was a patient, gentle, and caring man who truly had the best interest of SCASD students in mind. He will be missed terribly.