Richmond Community Schools’ 2026 board meeting schedule is about half that of years past.
For years, the board has met at 5:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays, with exceptions around school vacations.
However, the board now plans to meet most months at 5:30 p.m. the third Wednesday.
Board President Kym Pickering said that recommendation came out of strategic planning. It will save money and allow the board more flexibility to schedule executive or work sessions if needed.
“A lot of people don’t realize how many meetings we end up having because we add,” Pickering said. “… We’re going to try to make it work.”
RCS attorney Ron Cross said he commended the board’s ambition for getting business resolved in one meeting. He’ll try to work around a conflict with Wayne County council/commissioners’ workshop because he serves as county attorney. He was already working around Nettle Creek Schools’ meetings on the second Wednesday.
Approved dates were Jan. 14 (second Wednesday), Feb. 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 14, Nov. 18, and Dec. 16, plus Jan. 20, 2027. Meetings are in the administration building, 300 Hub Etchison Parkway. The public is invited.
Policies
The board approved a reproductive health/family planning/human sexuality instruction policy after a fourth reading. Pickering, Austin Brann, Nicole Stults, John Weber, Kristen Brunton and Michael Elorreaga voted yes. Aaron Stevens voted no but did not mention his opposition.
The board also approved policies on artificial intelligence and drug-free workplaces with no opposition.
During its Dec. 16 special policy meeting, the board discussed revisions to policies on election and eligibility to serve, staff evaluation, teacher appreciation grants and reduction in force of certified staff. Those could come back to the board at its January meeting for consideration.
Construction
The board approved the base bid for Fairview Elementary’s tower restoration from Thor Construction of Richmond for $250,000. It’s funded by the 2024 leasehold bond. Lee Construction bid $296,956. Alternate bids for roof replacements in adjacent areas of the building weren’t approved because they exceeded the project’s budget.
Recognition
Board members, Cross and Superintendent Curtis Wright honored Weber at his last business meeting for serving on the board from 2016-2025. Weber did not run for reelection.
Pickering said Weber’s attention to detail has been unmatched, and she appreciates his efforts to save the district money.
“The way you look at the world and see things differently has been a definite blessing to me and this board and this corporation,” Pickering said.
Board attorney Ron Cross praised Weber’s integrity and said Weber would be missed.
Weber said he’d had some sleepless nights with spiraling thoughts about board matters, but after being advised by former board member Jeff Slifer to “vote as you believe,” the sleepless nights decreased.
“In the end we’re trying to do the best for kids, for our employees and for the community, so you use your experience and your knowledge and what little you know to try to make the best decisions you can for those folks,” Weber said.
Cathy Hillard faced no opposition for Weber’s seat.
Wright also expressed condolences to the family of retired RCS teacher and administrator Mike Walton, who died Nov. 14.
In other business
- The board approved a June 23-30, 2027, trip to Dominican Republic for an estimated $3,999 per student and a joint facility use agreement with Richmond Symphony Orchestra.
- Among personnel matters, Richmond High School Assistant Principal John Max Smith’s resignation was approved, effective Dec. 16.
A version of this article appeared in the December 24 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.