RCS teachers’ union votes for contract

Shortly before the deadline to begin mediation, Richmond Community Schools’ teachers’ union voted to ratify its tentative collective bargaining agreement.

Richmond Education Association announced Thursday, Nov. 13, via social media that its members had voted that evening to ratify the tentative agreement. REA said its bargaining team reached a deal with RCS at 11:20 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Once approved by the full school board, the agreement would be effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

RCS officials posted the contract to the district’s website on Friday, Nov. 14, as part of notification of its special board meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the administration building, 300 Hub Etchison Parkway. As of press time, the only topics listed were public commentary and the contract.

On Nov. 9, REA announced that the final scheduled bargaining meeting was to take place Nov. 10, and that bargaining officially would end Nov. 15. If they failed to reach an agreement and revocation, parties would proceed to mediation.

According to the agreement, teachers would receive a base salary increase of $1,400 and a 2025-2026 stipend of $700. Those who’ve earned a literacy endorsement by the contract’s ratification date would receive a $250 base increase.

RCS will pay beginning teachers with a bachelor’s degree $46,000. A 38-year teacher with a master’s degree and 30 additional credits would earn the highest potential salary of $76,100.

The contract lists pay for coaches, extracurricular and cocurricular roles, department heads and other positions.

The contract was last negotiated in 2023 for two years. The new contract is for only one year. At several previous meetings, RCS officials have mentioned looming financial challenges because of Indiana state government’s changes to school funding in 2026 and beyond.

RCS’ board could approve the agreement at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, in the administration building. That meeting also is open to the public. No meeting is scheduled Nov. 26 because of Thanksgiving.

Consent items

Approval of consent items, which include human resources, grants, monthly financial reports, accounts payable, grants and meeting minutes, is usually unanimous, but the Nov. 12 vote was 4-2.

Board members Austin Brann, Nicole Stults, Kristen Brunton and Michael Elorreaga voted yes and Kym Pickering and Aaron Stevens voted nay. John Weber was absent. No reasons were given for the split vote.

HR position updates

Notable human resource changes included three leadership transitions.

Stacy Mopps, who was director of human resources, was named chief of operations after Steve Jones resigned to become Union County’s superintendent. Mopps has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, principal and HR leader.

Steven Hensley becomes HR director, departing as principal of Hibberd Program Building. Hensley has seven years of experience as a science teacher, tech integration specialist and STEAM Academy director.

Cassandra Laudermilk returns as Hibberd’s principal. She had been RCS’ co-director of exceptional education. Laudermilk has worked in education for 20-plus years.

In a separate motion, five members approved member Austin Brann’s extra-duty employment as assistant seventh grade boys basketball coach. Brann abstained.

District underspending

Also included in consent items was acknowledgment of an Oct. 24 notice from Indiana Department of Education saying the district hadn’t spent the required amount from its state tuition support for full-time teachers.

RCS spent $17,961,556.18 for full-time teachers in fiscal year 2025, which was $74,768.36 less than that year’s $18,036,324.54 funding floor.

IDOE said RCS must publicly acknowledge the notice at its next public meeting and that meeting’s minutes, and publish it on its website within 30 days.

Head Start leases

The board approved proposed leases for three Richmond buildings for Head Start/Early Head Start instruction. Leases are for five years starting Oct. 1, 2025, when RCS became the program’s Wayne County agent.

RCS can terminate early if it loses all federal funds for the program or if federal funds are reduced by 7.5% or more from the prior year. RCS also can terminate after year two of the lease term and with at least one year’s notice if transferring operations to one of its own facilities.

RCS is responsible for utilities, repairs under $7,500 and monthly payments of $10,000 for 1845 W. Main St. and $3,150 for 1900 S. L St. to owner DCAL Properties LLC of Fountain City, led by CEO Derek Callahan. E & S Real Estate LLC of Richmond will receive $7,000 monthly for 1322 N.W. Fifth St., led by Jeff Slifer.

Details are attached to the Nov. 12 meeting agenda at go.boarddocs.com/in/rcs/Board.nsf/Public.

Policy meeting

The board planned a special public discussion from 4-5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, about policies related to artificial intelligence, facility usage, alcohol-free facilities and board-approved exceptions, drug-free workplace, and reproductive health/family planning/human sexuality instruction.