RCS board supports early career experiences

Richmond Community Schools took three steps to offer career opportunities to its high school students.

During its May 14 meeting, the board approved a memorandum of understanding between RCS and Indiana University for its College Now program. As many as 32 qualifying students can receive one free-to-them, college-level course per semester in 2025-2026.

The board also approved an MOU with IU to create an early-in pathway to IU East for RHS students interested in teaching. Students can take classes on education through the Tomorrow’s Teachers Now (T3) program. About nine RHS students can take one three-hour class per semester.

On a related matter, RCS voted to join other Wayne County districts in a contract with Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce to hire a director of employer engagement. That employee is to secure work-based learning opportunities for students that will meet Indiana’s new high school diploma requirements.

The two speakers during public commentary both addressed career opportunities.

Retired teacher Erica Pearson said she was happy to see agreements for the two programs with IU East for college classes and with Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce for work-based learning opportunities.

Pearson, who continues to serve on Richmond Education Association’s equity coalition and has spoken at several meetings about the coalition’s advocacy for students and employees, said REA supports grow-your-own programs to help students receive early training and a clearer vision for future careers. She thanked everyone for their efforts on those plans.

However, Pearson noted the IU East agreements say the responsibility for transportation belongs to the student or RCS. She said many RCS students don’t have access to their own transportation, and that has been a barrier for their participation in other really important programs.

She said she hopes administrators will think creatively about how to provide transportation for students who want to and deserve to take advantage of these opportunities.

In addition, resident Kristen Jones thanked RHS teacher Nathan Kendig’s building and construction trades students, who have built decks and a barbecue shack at her family’s home. She said students are actively learning at all times, follow directions, keep things neat and her neighbors have observed their politeness.

In other business

• The board approved a June 23-28 overnight trip to Atlanta for two Richmond High School students advancing to the national SkillsUSA competition for emergency medical technician and fire rescue skills. There’s no cost to students; it will be paid from the SkillsUSA account.
• RCS will seek bids for renovations and upgrades to RHS’ tennis courts and track and fields.
• The board approved policies on school calendars, purchasing, web content, apps and services, automated external defibrillators, and idling vehicles on school property after second reading. A policy on student accident insurance was rescinded.
• Board President Kym Pickering said more information about the second phase of the district’s strategic planning, which builds upon the first phase conducted over the winter, will be shared as the process continues.
• After its meeting on Wednesday, May 28, RCS’ board will have just one June meeting, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, in the administration building, 300 Hub Etchison Parkway.