Thomas Rippy of Wilson Creek Elementary School Propels Partners in Education Program

Business partners are so important to school outcomes. A connected school community increases academic development and student success. One Fulton County Schools (FCS) teacher understands the importance of those relationships and has honed a Partners in Education (PIE) program that is getting noticed.

Thomas Rippy, M.Ed., has been a teacher for 16 years, but that’s not where he got his start. He worked in the insurance industry for 17 years. Connecting with businesses became part of his skill set. Now in his eighth year of teaching fifth grade at Wilson Creek Elementary School (WCES) and his fifth year as the school’s Business Partner Liaison (BPL), those business skills are propelling the Wildcat’s PIE program.

In five short years, partnerships have increased from just a few in 2020 to more than 30 in 2025. The school appreciates every cookie and service provided by businesses, non-profits, and individuals. The greatest impact has been from monetary partnerships. PIE funds total less than $4500 in 2020. In 2025, annual contracts have quadrupled, providing $18,850 in revenue. That ensures a great start to the school year with resources for student success.

FCS partnership programs are available in every school. What’s different about the Partners in Education program at WCES? According to Principal Kimberly Cerasoli, it’s all in Mr. Rippy’s process.

The process begins with relationship evaluations and recognizing what businesses are a good fit for the school. Next, a WCES tiered partnership structure sets contract parameters. For example, giving at one level may be reciprocated with advertising on a school platform. Giving at a higher level could mean a business table at the school’s open house. Once a tier is agreed upon, a symbiotic relationship of support and retention of that support is the focus. BPL in-person visits, emails, and phone calls are part of the job. WCES has a successful 80% partner retention rate.

Rippy works closely with administration, holds positions in the School Governance Council (SGC) and maintains membership in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). He is in constant collaboration with those supporting the needs of the school.

According to Rippy, “A school cannot have a successful initiative without the support of its principal. Ms. Stephanie Haga, my past principal, and my current principal, Ms. Kim Cerasoli, have been 100% supportive of our business partnership program. Ms. Cerasoli supports the bonds of our business partners through her weekly communications. The partnership program would not work without the administrative assistance of secretary and bookkeeper Sandra Durham. Our PTO leadership has also supported us from day one, since we updated our business partner program. It is a team effort.”

Principal Cerasoli says, "Thanks to Mr. Rippy’s leadership, our WCES Partners in Education program has flourished over the past five years. His creation of a clear, tiered partnership system has brought incredible growth and clarity to the process. It's truly a model of excellence."

Thomas Rippy is just one example of an educator who is creating partnerships with the community across Fulton County Schools (FCS). These partnerships are making a difference in the lives of our students. If you are interested in a partnership with FCS contact us at community@fultonschools.org.