While reviewing policies during its Aug. 28 work session, Richmond Community Schools board members wondered if Richmond High School should start offering driver’s education.
RCS teachers previously offered instruction during summer school, which some current board members took in the 1990s. An arrangement with The Link, a nonprofit Connersville driving school, ended recently, but members weren’t sure why.
Sam Pritchard, new assistant superintendent of secondary education, was asked to contact Principal Rae Ferriell-Woolpy to ask why the arrangement changed, and what the possibilities might be for offering future driver’s education.
Some board members said that driving is a beneficial life skill and offering driver’s ed might help motivate some to want to learn. However, they realize cost might be an obstacle for RHS students, many of whom qualify for free or reduced-priced meals.
Phone usage and other policies
Board members and administrators are still working on potential changes to the district’s cellphone policy. The district’s current policy complies with the new state law.
Superintendent Curtis Wright noted the importance of following best practices to minimize educational distractions while aiming to increase student achievement. Teachers for grades K-8 appreciate the new phone restrictions to keep students focused, he said.
Board members are discussing ways for high schoolers to learn how to responsibly use their phones during lunch or hallway time rather than banning them altogether because they’ll soon see them in workplaces. John Weber said teens could quickly lose respect for teachers if employees are allowed to use phones on breaks, but students aren’t.
The other policies reviewed involved mandatory curriculum, innovative programs, educational options for students with disabilities, reproductive health/family planning/human sexuality instruction for grades 4-12, students as trainees, school improvement plans, online publication of each school’s performance results, oaths and ethics for school board members, and board authority regarding personnel records.
Another policy review session will be scheduled to continue discussions.
During its business meeting, the board unanimously approved one policy regarding threatening and/or intimidating behavior toward staff members after a second reading. Members Nicole Stults and Peter Zaleski were absent.
In other business
The board approved:
- Providing special education services for all Head Start locations within RCS boundaries.
- Benefit package and salary schedule updates for employees
- Requests for approval for alcohol services for Richmond Art Museum and Richmond Symphony Orchestra events
Next meetings
RCS’ board will conduct a Sept. 5 executive session to review Superintendent Curtis Wright’s evaluation goals and decide on goals for 2024-2025.
The board’s next public gatherings start at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, with a work session and a 6:30 p.m. business meeting. Both are in the administration building, 300 Hub Etchison Parkway.
A representative from Sodrel Transportation Co. will attend the Sept. 11 meeting to report on RCS’ bus transportation.
A version of this article appeared in the September 4 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.