In May 2010, Patrick Riccards ran successfully for Falls Church City (VA) School Board, his first pursuit of elective office. The second-highest vote getter in the City during the 2010 municipal elections, Riccards began his service to the local public schools in Northern Virginia on July 1, 2010, when he was sworn in for his four-year term and immediately selected Vice Chairman of the Falls Church City School Board by his fellow Board members.
- Guarantee that all Falls Church City families have access to a high-quality, globally competitive public K-12 education
- Equip all Falls Church City students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in both postsecondary education and careers
- Provide all Falls Church City children with high-quality teachers and equipped with the education, knowledge, and support necessary to ensure the highest levels of student performance
- Ensure that, in these difficult budget times, our education dollars are being spent on those priorities that are proven effective in boosting student learning and achievement
In addition to his commitment to the public schools, Riccards' civic service includes:
- National board member, Parents for Public Schools (2010-present)
- Board member, Falls Church Education Foundation (2010)
- Board member (City of Falls Church representative), Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia (2008-2010)
- Board member, International Association of Business Communicators Research Foundation (2007-2008)
- Board member, SER Child Development Center of Dallas (2005-2006)
- Board member, International Association of Business Communicators-Dallas (2005-2006)
- Executive Director, Coalition to Protect Community Not-for-Profit Hospitals (1999-2005)
- Chair, Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee for the Arlington County Public Schools (2002-2004); Member (2001-2005)
- Committee Chair, Inova Health System's Year of the Child (1999-2000)
