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WILTON, Conn. -- Virginia “Ginny” Rico, principal of Cider Mill School in Wilton, died at noon Wednesday surrounded by her family, the Wilton Public Schools announced.
Superintendent of Schools Gary Richards expressed his respect for her leadership of the school.
“Ginny was enormously dedicated to her students and staff. She skillfully and intelligently cultivated a positive and enthusiastic community of learners," Richards said in a statement. "An outstanding instructional leader, she hired well and was an effective mentor who established a warm and supportive school culture. She was a visible and effective leader both in her building and throughout the school system. Throughout her lengthy illness her commitment to and affection for her students and staff never wavered.”
A graduate of St. John’s University, Rico earned her master’s degree from Fairfield University. She spent nearly all of her 35-year career as an educator at Cider Mill School in Wilton. From 2002-13, she led the school as principal.
Before her appointment as principal, she had served as a Cider Mill assistant principal from 1997-2002. From 1985-97, she taught and was a technology instructional leader at the school. From 1978-85, she held a series of long-term substitute positions at Miller-Driscoll, Comstock, Middlebrook and Cider Mill.
Cider Mill School mental health professionals will be available for families to address concerns related to her death. These drop-in services will be available at the school at 240 School Road on Friday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to noon and Monday, July 1, from noon to 3 p.m.
As details concerning a memorial service become available, they will be posted on the school and district websites.
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