The Richmond Community Schools board of trustees reviewed proposed facility improvements, policy revisions, and community partnerships during its regular business meeting on Wednesday, July 23.
The board authorized bond funding actions for over a dozen infrastructure investments across the district. Among the approved projects are track resurfacing, a tennis court rebuild, applied skills classroom renovations, restroom updates, a new secure entrance and districtwide PA/intercom system improvements. These initiatives are part of ongoing capital projects funded through previously approved bond measures.
Later in the meeting, some board members expressed the need to revisit the status and priority of other projects that have not yet been moved forward or approved. Project consultant Kevin McCurdy with LWC Inc. said that the originally approved funds may be exhausted by already approved projects.
Policy updates
On the policy front, the board held second readings and approvals for several policies, including updates related to school accountability, superintendent responsibilities and weapons on school property.
As the board reviewed proposed changes to human sexuality instruction, board member Kym Pickering wondered about the specific language requirements for the policy. She said she wants to ensure fact-based instruction as much as possible, without incorporating language or values that might be specific to a particular religious tradition.
In 2025 the Republican-controlled Indiana General Assembly added new requirements for teaching about human sexuality in schools, including an emphasis on the important of consent, abstinence and monogamy. One new requirement is that participating students must be shown a high-definition ultrasound video at least three minutes in length illustrating fetal development, a provision that lawmakers critical of the legislation said was overly prescriptive.
State law also now requires that schools publish the details of their sex education curriculum online and provide additional information to parents and guardians during the process of obtaining consent for a student to participate.
The board voted 5-1 to advance the policy changes to second reading, with John Weber voting against. Elsewhere in the meeting, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with Girls Inc. for delivery of sex education programming in line with new state legislation.
During discussion on a proposed policy on the use of artificial intelligence, Weber criticized the document for not offering any substantial requirements or guidance. Members Pickering and Kristen Brunton said the policy begins to address potential beneficial uses of AI as well as anticipates future changes as the technology evolves. The board voted 5-1 to advance the policy to second reading, with Weber voting against.
In other business
- RCS athletic director Robert Lee gave a review of the finances of the athletics program now that he’s been in the role for over a year. He emphasized the level of attention to detail his staff uses when evaluating expenses and the best use of donations and other revenue. Lee and the board discussed the importance of equitable funding across all sports.
- The board discussed the need for a new scoreboard at the RHS football field, as well as funding possibilities.
- Board members approved a donor-advised endowment fund agreement with the Wayne County Foundation, which will allow the district to more easily accept philanthropic donations for projects and programs.
- The board approved renewal of a Latch Key program agreement with the Richmond Family YMCA, which provides after-school child care.
Personnel changes
The board approved several personnel changes:
Employment
- Michelle Clark, applied skills paraprofessional, Crestdale Elementary
- Toure Conley, Project Lead the Way teacher, Test Intermediate
- Amy Gard, first grade teacher, Fairview Elementary
- Makenna Graham, applied skills paraprofessional, Crestdale Elementary
- Christopher Green, radio/TV teacher, Richmond High School
- Timothy Homer, adult education office clerical, Warner Building
- Rachel Phenis, English as a new language teacher, Richmond High School
- Janet Robbins, Title I paraprofessional, Westview Elementary
- Donna Rowe, Environmental Services II, Crestdale Elementary
- Kaylee Smith, applied skills paraprofessional, Hibberd
- Kirsten Urich, certified nursing assistant/applied skills paraprofessional, Crestdale Elementary
- Derric Watson, family and consumer science teacher, Richmond High School
- Olivia Willoughby, applied skills paraprofessional, Crestdale Elementary
Change in assignment
- Erin Faatz from adjunct art teacher at Vaile and Starr Elementary to preschool instructor at Crestdale Elementary
- Karen Scalf from assistant superintendent of operations to assistant superintendent of business and finance, Central Office
- Benjamin Wissel from athletic director of sports performance to physical education teacher, Richmond High School
Extra duty employment
- RHS: Nicolas Johnson, varsity assistant football coach; Ashlen Mauller, junior varsity cheer sponsor; Kimberly Shipley, assistant band director/Devilettes; Erin Unruh, freshman class sponsor
- Dennis Middle School: Kamryn Wright, middle school volleyball coach
Departures
- Collin Erdosy, STEM paraprofessional, Crestdale/Westview Elementary
- Jacob Guerrieri, mathematics teacher, Dennis Middle School
- Cheyenne Jordan, exceptional student education paraprofessional, Test Intermediate
- Cheyanne Rose, exceptional student education paraprofessional, Vaile Elementary/Community Youth Services
- Erika Schweppe, kindergarten assessment
Unpaid leave: Jeremy Reece, eight days
The next meeting of the RCS board is Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 5:30 p.m. The public may attend.
A version of this article appeared in the July 30 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.