RCS: Superintendent’s contract not changed

Nothing has changed with Richmond Community Schools Superintendent Curtis Wright’s contract, his relationship with the school board, or the length of time he plans to work for the district, according to a district official.

During its Aug. 27 meeting, RCS’ board corrected a paperwork snafu without comment as part of routine personnel matters. The board learned it didn’t need to re-approve Wright’s contract this year as it accidentally did two weeks earlier.

During its Aug. 13 meeting, the board approved a total of 35 contracts for its administrators. But Wright’s contract length is different; RCS attorney Ron Cross said Wright is considered “evergreen” with the possibility of automatic renewal through 2031 unless the board notifies him otherwise by an annual deadline. 

In February 2024, RCS’ board determined then that Wright had earned a renewal of his contract through at least 2028. In a news release issued at that time, trustees said they felt the extension was essential to maintain stability and continuity in leadership.

Through the extension signed then, Wright received a $175,000 salary with guaranteed 3% annual increases, not including benefits.

Stacy Mopps, director of human resources, told WWN after the Aug. 27 meeting that an employee had accidentally produced a contract document for Wright and included it with the other administrators’ contracts for approval at the Aug. 13 meeting. Mopps said no one caught it before the board approved all the contracts during one motion.

As part of RCS’ list of hires, changes of assignment and resignations to approve Aug. 27, Mopps asked the board to rescind its Aug. 13 action regarding Wright’s contract extension. However, that action did not rescind Wright’s contract extension that was signed in 2024, contrary to other media reports.

No salaries were changed in the newly renewed contracts. RCS is awaiting the completion of its collective bargaining with teachers before considering any raises for administrators.

But during Aug. 27 public commentary, entrepreneur Rod Weiss questioned the board’s recent approval of administrative contracts, asking why Richmond High School needs so many assistant principals, why salaries for the athletic department total $370,000 before benefits, and why the current athletic director receives about $12,000 more than his predecessor. He called the $109,000 salary and five-year contract for middle school athletic director Billy Wright “absurd.”

Weiss cited his additional concerns about RCS leadership, personnel management, bullying, Title IX discrimination claims, test scores, teacher-student ratios, and conflicts of interest.

Head Start

The board approved a salary schedule and benefits package for Head Start positions so they could be filled as RCS takes over Wayne County’s federal early childhood education program. Current employees are eligible to apply for various positions.

RCS approved several grant awards, including $5,242,158 for Head Start and Early Head Start for 2025-30.

Hourly pay ranges from $14.25 for program aides to $27 for the compliance, supervision and operations manager. Managers will receive health, life and disability insurance.

During public commentary, Tammy Miller of Economy said she’s among current staff trying to boost enrollment in preparation for RCS’ October takeover.

Miller said she’s glad RCS is taking over the contract and believes improvements will be made, but she asked for few changes to be made while families are being recruited.

She said a lot of income-eligible families live outside Richmond who would struggle to get their children to the city and back for the program. Closing buildings indefinitely in Hagerstown and Centerville won’t improve enrollment, she said.

Other grants the board approved include: For 2025-26: Title I services for low-income students, $2,350,683.32; David C. Ford Digital Learning Grant, $20,250; Adult Education, $199,000; Reid Community Grant, $5,000 for special education cooking programs; and Simon Youth Academy Grant, $5,750. In addition, $43,554 was received for Title III disability accommodations for 2025-2027.

In other business

• Board members recognized elementary and secondary principals and instructional coaches as they celebrated students’ higher performance on 2024-2025 standardized tests. Elizabeth Markward, assistant superintendent of elementary education, noted “amazing growth” and said they’ll continue working toward higher achievement. Parent Jason Blunk thanked teachers and administrators for their investments to make this year’s results a reality.
• Several board members indicated their support for Morrisson-Reeves Library’s pursuit of bond funds for a renovation, noting the library’s value to students and families and the importance of a downtown location. Even though the library’s request would potentially negatively affect the school district’s funding, RCS board President Kym Pickering said it’s the right thing to do.
• The board conducted first readings on policies regarding released time for religious instruction, attendance, student discipline and enrollment eligibility for students who don’t live in the corporation, and advanced them to a second reading. A policy meeting is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, and the next regular board meeting is 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10. Both are at the administration building, 350 Hub Etchison Parkway, and are open to the public.

Updated Friday, August 29, 2025 at 6 p.m. to clarify that while Wright’s contract may be automatically extended through 2031, the current contract goes through 2028.