Newer members lead RCS board

Two of Richmond Community Schools’ newest board members have stepped up to its top leadership roles.

The board unanimously chose Kym Pickering as president and Austin Brann as vice president.

Pickering, who joined the board in 2023, is a 1997 Richmond High School graduate and has four children attending RCS.

In a news release, Pickering said her mission is to foster an inclusive, innovative and collaborative educational environment.

“I am committed to advocating for equitable resources, supporting exceptional educators and ensuring accountability to our families and community,” she said.

Brann, a 2002 Greenwood High School graduate, joined RCS’ board in 2024. He’s dad to two RCS students and married to a Charles Elementary teacher. 

Last year’s vice president Nicole Stults, who joined the board in 2019, also was unanimously chosen as secretary.

Fellow board members thanked Kristen Brunton for her service as 2024 president. Before nominations were opened, Brunton said she didn’t want to be considered for an officer position this year.

Brann and Stults also took the oath of office for their 2025-2027 terms.

John Weber, who didn’t run for reelection, has one more year before local entrepreneur Cathy Hillard replaces him.

Other appointments include Stults to City of Richmond’s Redevelopment Commission, Michael Elorreaga as legislative liaison and Aaron Stevens as Indiana School Boards Association delegate.

In other business

• Joseph Anderson was selected as assistant principal for Richmond High School. Anderson’s start date is yet to be determined. He replaces Josh Amyx, who will lead RHS’ career center starting in early February after Rusty Hensley’s retirement.
• Policies on students’ use of personal communication devices, board/staff communication, and required reports and protection of whistleblowers were approved after multiple readings. Students may use their devices before and after school, in between classes, and during lunch, after-school activities and school-related functions. Unless approved by a teacher or administrator, those devices must be powered off and stored out of sight.
• Stults applauded RCS’ expanding recycling program. Pickups have been increased to twice weekly. Food service provider Chartwells K12 recently partnered with Best Way Disposal to enhance recycling efforts.
• Stults asked the board to consider expanding fitness center memberships to dependents ages 16-25 on RCS insurance plans to promote healthy habits. More research will be conducted.
• Stults and Stevens celebrated the legacy of 47-year RCS music teacher Ralph Burkhardt, who died in December. He was RCS’ Outstanding Educator in 1987.
• RCS will pay certified/licensed personnel $8 above the identified hourly rate for specialty maintenance.
• The board approved Melissa Swafford, RCS’ director of finance, as 2025 district treasurer and Karen Scalf, assistant superintendent of operations, as deputy treasurer.
• Ron Cross of Boston Bever Forrest Cross and Sickmann was reappointed as district attorney.
• Bridget Hazelbaker, director of communications and student support services, congratulated RHS Alumni Association on its Dec. 21 alumni celebration that marked Tiernan Center’s 40 years.
• After the meeting, RCS conducted an executive session to discuss a job performance evaluation of individual employees. On Jan. 2, an executive session covered school safety and security measures, plans and/or systems.
• The board’s next meeting is 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 300 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond. The public may attend.