Hudson Board of Education president stepping down, cites health reasons

Hudson City Schools Board of Education President Dave Zuro turned in his resignation during a meeting Monday night.

In a letter he read aloud during the meeting, Zuro said he has to resign due to "recent unanticipated personal health developments." His term was set to expire at the end of 2025.

"When I ran for my Board of Education seat in November, I did so with every intention of serving the entire term if re-elected," he said. "...At the advice of my primary care physician, along with the encouragement and support of my family, I am reluctantly submitting my resignation from the Hudson Board of Education."

Zuro said it has been an honor and privilege to serve on the school board for the past 12 and a half years.

"While I wouldn't be so presumptuous as to take any of the credit, I am so very proud of all that our school district has accomplished during these years," he said. "Despite unprecedented challenges, our board, our administration and the dedicated staff of our school district without exception have taken the high road and maintained a steady focus on serving the best interests of Hudson students."

Zuro was re-elected for his fifth term on the board in November 2021. He was first elected to the board in 2009.

Before being elected, Zuro served on several school committees including Start/Stop Time, Transportation, Financial Advisory, Strategic Planning and Facilities. He graduated from Muskingum College with a secondary school teaching certificate in mathematics, and studied as a Rockefeller Fellow at Yale.

Zuro and his wife Donna, a retired early childhood educator, moved to Hudson in 1986. Their three children graduated from Hudson High School. The Zuros have one grandchild who graduated from Hudson and another grandchild who currently attends the school.

During the meeting, Donna brought a stroller carrying their great-grandson Oliver. During the public comment section, she told her husband she "wanted to remind him why he was retiring" and spun the stroller around for him to see the 2-month-old.

She said it has been a joy to see him serve the school district.

Board Vice President Steve DiMauro described Zuro as one of the most kind-hearted people he has met. He said Zuro's legacy will be remembered for generations to come because he "led the district through some unprecedented times and overseen many initiatives."

In a statement, DiMauro added that Zuro is responsive and thoughtful while serving the community

"He has always listened, discerned and made decisions that are in the best interests of all students we serve," he said.

Superintendent Steven Farnsworth thanked Zuro for his service to the school district, the community and for his friendship.

He said Zuro will be remembered for his kindness and stability as a leader in the school district.

DiMauro will assume the presidential role upon Zuro's exit Aug.1. The Board of Education is seeking applicants to fill the vacant seat. Those interested in applying should contact Phillip Butto, board treasurer and chief financial officer. Applications must be submitted to Butto no later than Aug. 5.

The board intends on naming a replacement for Zuro's seat at its regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 22.

After reading his resignation letter aloud, Zuro said it was a difficult and emotional decision to resign, but he intends to continue to be an advocate for Hudson schools.

"I am so appreciative of having this opportunity to serve what I consider to be the finest school district around," Zuro said. "I'm very proud of our schools and our students...I'm just proud to have played at least a small part in being a steward for such a fine school district."

Reporter Molly Walsh can be reached at mwalsh@gannett.com 

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hudson school board president resigns, applicants sought for open seat