Richmond Community Schools is considering ways to improve its website, marketing and other communication with families, staff and the community.
During their May 28 meeting, board members heard a presentation from Indianapolis-based Q7 Associates.
RCS had requested proposals to improve its marketing and communications. Both areas were recurring themes during the recent first phase of RCS’ strategic planning process.
Q7 has previously done work for Richmond Art Museum, Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Wayne County tourism, and touts its use of neuroscience and psychology to ensure maximum impact.
A few years ago, Reid Health hired Q7 to help RCS and other Wayne County school districts to update their logos and related materials because Reid officials believed improving school websites could positively impact the health system’s ability to recruit employees.
At this time, Q7 proposed a $30,000 comprehensive marketing plan, noting that it would develop tailored solutions aligning with RCS’ mission and vision. They said that through a “data-driven and multi-channel approach, RCS will achieve measurable growth in student enrollment, brand recognition and community engagement.”
RCS’ director of technology, Alex Hazelbaker, also recommended a redesigned district website to improve public and internal communication. Hazelbaker recommended securing a different provider because its current platform can’t incorporate the content RCS staff are currently creating for ParentSquare and social media.
Board members took no action on the recommendations.
Administration update
Stephanie Hoober, currently an assistant principal at Richmond High School, is returning to Starr Elementary School to again serve as its principal, as of July 24.
Related to that transition, Joseph Anderson’s annual contract as assistant principal at RHS is expanding from 215 days to 225 days. Hoober worked 225 days at RHS under her contract.
Shari Cox is moving from adult education instructor to adult education coordinator as of July 1. Jon Thurlow is departing as coordinator.
Student recognition
Atlas Tucker (Charles Elementary) and Stella Bruns (Westview Elementary) were congratulated for their perfect scores on the Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination test as second graders.
The board also honored RHS’ competitors at Business Professionals of America’s national conference, including its two national champions. Members discussed the idea of installing permanent recognition at RHS for their achievements.
In other business
- The board approved speaker contracts for the regional Tech EnRiched Summer of Learning Conference on June 12 at RCS. RCS successfully applied for an $18,000 Indiana Department of Education grant and says this event, in its 12th consecutive year, is the longest-running conference of its type in Indiana. The board approved $32,625 in donations for various RCS programs, including $5,000 from Ivy Tech Community College for the conference. Another $10,000 came through Wayne County Foundation for the RC Ed Endowment, Bartel & Rohe Fund and RHS Choir.
- The board advanced policies on board meetings and coach training, references and IHSAA reporting to second reading.
- Administrators and board members discussed the process and policies for internal and community applicants (nonprofit and for-profit) to reserve RCS facilities. Some topics included staffing expenses and availability, fees, ease of communication, and community access. Further discussion is planned at another work session.
- The board will conduct one June meeting at 5:30 p.m. June 11 in the administration building, 300 Hub Etchison Parkway.
A version of this article appeared in the June 4 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.