 These entrepreneurs were Ken Ackerman, Harry K. Gard, Bob Holland, Len Immke, George Minot, Dave Swaddling, Dave Thomas, Jack Ruscilli, and Jeff Wilkins.They spent three years refining plans, raising money, finding a property, and recruiting teachers and students.In 1982, The Wellington School opened with 137 students and 19 employees as the first co-ed independent school in Columbus.