Richmond Community Schools principals highlighted academic gains, improved attendance and fewer discipline issues during the May 20 school board meeting. Full reports are available through the Richmond Community Schools website at werrichmond.com.
Elementary schools reported broad growth on i-Ready assessments. Crestdale increased the percentage of students on or above grade level from 18% to 55% in reading and from 6% to 48% in math. Vaile also posted major gains, with students on grade level in math increasing from 10 to 108 and reading from 25 to 134 by spring testing. Starr Elementary improved attendance from 90.34% to 96.25% while also exceeding school goals for reading and math growth. Westview reduced behavior referrals by 30%.
Charles Elementary surpassed reading growth goals, while Fairview reported fewer office referrals and moderate academic improvement. Test Intermediate fifth graders outperformed the state average in a math checkpoint assessment. Dennis Middle School reported growth from fall to winter testing, particularly among eighth graders.
At Hibberd Program Building, Logos students showed near-universal proficiency in math and English, while STEAM students posted double-digit gains in math and language arts. Richmond High School increased students completing the Indiana College Core from one in 2023 to 38 in 2026 and expanded dual-credit offerings from 14 to 22 courses.
Human resources director Steven Hensley shared employee survey results showing 69.6% of respondents satisfied with their jobs, slightly higher than last year. The survey was conducted before teachers were informed about the likelihood of reductions in force. Student discipline and behavior remained the top concern, while more employees also cited burnout and balancing student learning needs. Concerns about communication and lack of support declined.
Construction projects are underway across the district. At McBride Complex, the softball field was rebuilt and John Cate Field received new windows, bullpens and a warning track. Richmond High School renovations include practice field demolition, track refurbishment, classroom reconfiguration, a secure entrance and career center restroom upgrades. HVAC work at Dennis Middle School and Fairview’s tower renovation are beginning.
Assistant superintendent Karen Scalf said the district projects a year-end deficit and temporarily borrowed from its rainy day fund. About $5.4 million will transfer from the education fund to operations under Indiana’s allowed annual transfer limit.
Board members approved personnel changes, including band director Dan Merkamp’s retirement and reassignment of music teachers Daniel and Laura Arndt. The board also supported a proposal allowing seniors to paint parking spaces as a fundraiser.
A policy on staff outside activities passed 6-1 after discussion about teachers independently tutoring students. Kristen Brunton opposed the measure, citing potential liability concerns.
The board also recognized Richmond High School students qualifying for the national Business Professionals of America competition and approved updates to student suicide prevention policies.
The board’s next meeting is 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at 300 Hub Etchison Parkway. The public is invited.
RCS offers free meals through July 24
Starting June 2, Richmond Community Schools is serving free breakfast and lunch for all area children 18 and younger. Meal service ends July 24.
Breakfast and lunch will be available on weekdays by entering Door 39 at Richmond High School’s side entrance, 101 SW D St.
Breakfast will be served from 7:30–8:30 a.m., and lunch is 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Lunch will be available at Jack Elstro Plaza, 47 N. Sixth St., from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Meals must be eaten on site.
For more information, call 765-973-3300.
A version of this article appeared in the June 3 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.