Will County Gazette

Parents for Choice slate members aren't being shy about expressing their excitement over Rick Todd being the lone member of the group voted to the Plainfield School District 202 board.

"A huge shout out to our very own Rick Todd for getting on the district's BOE," the group posted April 7 on Twitter. "It's amazing when part of the community comes together what can be accomplished. What started as an idea has started a movement."

Along with the slate of Ray Pillai, Annie Klupshas and Nick Giannasi, Todd ran on a platform of reopening schools for students on a full-time basis as soon as possible.

"I'm proud to call Rick a friend," Pillai also posted on his Facebook page April 7. "We are connected through a common bond as U.S. Navy veterans, and I feel as if his win is my win. I know he will put the interest of the students first and will have the courage to make tough decisions, a quality that has been sorely lacking."

Pillai also took the time to hint that this may not spell the end of his own political future.

"The movement against this lack of faith has grown and you will be held accountable, not only by me, but also a growing group of parents that have implored our officials for change but did not achieve it," he said.