Communities in Schools will continue to serve RCS

Richmond Community Schools will continue to have Communities in Schools of Wayne County employees in most of its buildings to motivate kids to stay in school and connect them with social services.

After working through some budgetary concerns, RCS’ board has approved a memorandum of understanding with CIS for site coordinator services in 2024-2025. RCS will pay $125,407. 

Richmond High School and Dennis Middle will have site coordinators for 33 hours/week. 

Starr, Fairview and Vaile elementaries and Test Intermediate each will be staffed for 30 hours/week.

Westview and Crestdale will get 20 hours weekly. No services will be provided to Charles Elementary or Hibberd Program Building.

In other business

• Approved Savvas science curriculum for all students in grades K-8. It has been in use at Dennis since 2023-24. The cost ($294,405.50 plus kit materials) comes from Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund III. 
• Approved a contract with National Institute for Excellence in Teaching for 35 days of training and support for district/building administrators and instructional coaches for $96,250. 
• Agreed to continue providing adult education courses for Wayne County Jail in 2024-25. The sheriff’s office pays for the program and any testing fees.
• Approved multidistrict litigation engagement and resolution letters about negative effects of social media with a 4-2 vote. Kristen Brunton and John Weber voted no. Brunton is concerned about social media’s effects on kids, but doesn’t think platforms are 100% to blame.  
• Approved a revised attendance policy with a 4-2 vote to comply with state legislation that took effect July 1. Kym Pickering and Weber voted no. Weber said he didn’t support approval after just one reading.  
• Tabled a personal communications devices policy for further review. State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) wrote a bill requiring all Indiana schools to implement a cellular device policy that limits the use of cellular devices during instructional time. RCS is weighing how much students should be able to use those devices at other times.  
• Awarded a bid for heating, ventilation and air conditioning work in RHS’ radio/TV area to Thor Construction. 
• Approved the latchkey agreement between RCS and YMCA.
• Learned 44 students have raised $8,953 toward their trip to Puerto Rico. 
• Heard facilities director Brad Walton introduce his department’s employees and describe completed work, including security system installations, network, fencing and restroom repairs.