A Reception at Piedmont High School on November 14 | 5:30-6:45pm. Piedmont’s highly regarded public schools are a key draw for many residents. In fact, even people without children in the district are attracted to the area because they align with a community that values education. Rich and Barbara Thompson were empty nesters drawn to Piedmont in part for its reputation for excellence in its public schools and all that means. They also realized that civic engagement is not only personally rewarding but critical to the success of the community. With this mindset, Rich joined the Piedmont Education Foundation Board in 2020 and this year is chairing PEF’s Community Engagement Committee with a host committee including Molly Lloyd, Sarah Pearson and Rick Raushenbush. When reached for a comment, Rich noted “I want to make sure that other members of the community, who don’t currently have students in the district, have a chance to learn more about our schools firsthand.”