January is School Board Recognition Month. Meet the members of the Danville Independent School District's board of education below.
Esther Rugerio
Board Chair
Board member since 2021
Rugerio grew up in Danville and is a Danville High School graduate. In addition to serving on the Danville school board, she is a board member of the Arts Commission of Danville and Boyle County, was an active member of the American Red Cross for nine years, and has volunteered time at the Restore for Habitat for Humanity, Make A Wish and the humane society. Her daughter, Isabel, is a student at DHS.
“She is a smart and talented young lady,” Rugerio said. “Her ability to care deeply and show compassion is admirable. She's truly my greatest accomplishment.”
Rugerio’s favorite part of being a board member is seeing the positive impact on students’ lives.
“It's seeing their accomplishments in sports and academics,” she said. “It's seeing them perform on stage, and it's seeing their smiling faces when they walk across the stage for their diplomas. Knowing that our efforts contribute to a better future for students is truly rewarding.”
Jennifer Pusateri
Vice Board Chair
Board member since 2021
Pusateri and her family moved to Danville in 2017. She is a member of the Friends of the Arts Committee and participant and supporter of West T. Hill Community Theatre. She has two daughters who attend or have attended Danville Schools: Kira, Class of 2023, and Sadie, currently a student at DHS.
Her favorite part of being a board member was “getting to attend the ‘Board Games with Board Members’ holiday party with Mrs. Carpenter's class on the last day before winter break!”
Glenn Ball
Board member since 2018
Ball is from Danville and graduated from Bate High School in 1960. He is a Deacon at First Baptist Church and served in the U.S. Army for three years. He has more than 60 years of experience in the aerospace industry. He serves or has served on the following boards/organizations: Danville-Boyle County Airport Advisory Board, Airfield Community Auxiliary Board, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
“Being a member of the school board is a service to the Danville community,” he said.
Steve Becker
Board member for 17 years
Becker has lived in Danville for 34 years and has been a member of the board of education for 17 of those years. He has found being of service to the school district one of the most rewarding parts of his life. His wife, Mimi Becker, is a graduate of the Danville Schools.
“Keeping up the tradition of getting a meaningful education, my three children are proud graduates of the Danville Schools, and they also have made meaningful contributions to their communities,” Becker said.
He said teaching isn’t just about academics; it’s about teaching why it’s important to be a good citizen who contributes to the community, and he believes the Danville Schools teach that.
Leigh Ranson
Board member since 2024
Ranson and her family have lived in Danville for 10 years. She has twin daughters at DHS and a son at Toliver. The children are involved in lots of activities at school and in the community, like soccer, band and basketball. She and her husband, Aaron Ranson, own Dry Stack Coffee and love the interaction it gives them with the Danville community.
Ranson’s favorite part of being a board member is getting to hear all the accomplishments of students, teachers and teams.
“I love getting to celebrate the successes in our school district,” she said. “In addition, I love the diversity of our student body and how it is celebrated and promoted as an asset to our community!”