Ridgewood honors Mathews for 24 years of school board service

Ridgewood Local Schools recognized and thanked Frank Mathews for 24 years of service on the Ridgewood Local School District Board of Education.

During his tenure Mathews attended 408 board meetings, served as board president five times and worked alongside 24 fellow board members, helping guide the district through significant growth, transformation and sustained excellence.

Throughout his service Mathews worked with six superintendents — Vic Cardenzana, Bill Caudill, William Zander, John Marks, Rick Raach and current Superintendent Mike Masloski — and five treasurers: Patty Stocker, Dick Gummere, Trevor Gummere, Lori Statler and Jay Tingle.

When Mathews was first elected to the board, Fresno and Plainfield schools were still open, the current high school was in its early planning stages, and the former three-story middle school and elementary buildings had not yet been renovated. The district operated its board office out of rented space at Jones Metal, the football field lacked an irrigation system and Ridgewood competed on a cinder track surrounded by large wooden light poles.

Under Mathews’ leadership and long-term vision, Ridgewood Local Schools achieved numerous milestones:

—Construction of a new board of education office.

—Complete restoration and expansion of Ridgewood Elementary School.

—Total restoration of Ridgewood Middle School.

—Installation of underground irrigation at the football field, made possible through community support.

—Replacement of wooden stadium light poles with modern lighting.

—Construction of a new asphalt track.

—New visitor and home bleachers including a premier press box and seating.

—Development of a new field house with locker rooms, a weight room and an indoor batting facility.

—Purchase of the Landis Farm to support district transportation and the FFA program.

—Installation of a new elementary playground.

—Completion of new turf athletic fields for football, baseball and softball, reflecting a commitment to equity in boys and girls athletics.

—Construction of a new wrestling field house.

—Full payoff of the Ridgewood High School building.

—Continued top-tier performance on the Ohio State Report Card, driven by the dedication of Ridgewood educators and staff.

“These accomplishments are the result of decades of thoughtful planning, fiscal responsibility and teamwork,” Mathews said. “They reflect the efforts of board members, administrators, teachers, support staff and community members who all believe in what Ridgewood stands for.”

Despite these advancements, Ridgewood has not passed a new operating levy since 1995, underscoring the district’s commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Rising property values — not increased operating levies — have driven higher tax bills while the district continues to operate largely on valuations set decades ago.

Mathews also emphasized the importance of supporting public education statewide, noting Ohio taxpayers provided more than $1 billion to private and charter schools last year — funds that could otherwise strengthen public schools and local services.

“Public schools are the backbone of our communities,” Mathews said. “They ensure opportunity for all children, not just those with means.”

Superintendent Mike Masloski praised Mathews’ lasting impact on Ridgewood Local Schools.

“Frank Mathews’ unwavering commitment, steady leadership and devotion to excellence have strengthened Ridgewood Local Schools and inspired generations of students and staff. His service made a lasting, positive impact on our schools and our community, and his legacy will continue to shape Ridgewood for years to come,” Masloski said.

Mathews concluded his service by reaffirming his support for the district’s future leadership.

“It has been my honor to be a very small part of Wood Nation,” he said. “I will continue to support the board and our schools however I can.”