The Riverside Board of Education met Tuesday night and was told about the success of the Collins Writing Program that the District implemented this school year.
First, in his report, Athletic Director Rod Yoder told the board that spring sports are ramping up. Baseball, Softball, and High School Track all begin their seasons this weekend while Middle School Track begins on April 6.
In her report, Middle and High School Principal Kelly Kauffman introduced two senior band members, Julia Fleming and Rylee McCully, and High School Music teacher Kasandera Crockett. Kauffman told the Board that the students have contributed much to the music program at the high school and will be missed.
Kauffman also told the board that the recent ACT testing went well. That day was called a ‘Do Good Day,’ where ninth, 10th, and 12th grade students participated in community service projects in the area.
Elementary Principal Bryce Hodge informed the board that the recent Bridge to Learning event was a success, with overall attendance up from last year. He said that the event will be reviewed and plans for next year will begin shortly. He also told the board that state testing for elementary students will begin after Spring Break, and the students have been taking practice tests. He feels confident that the students will do well.
Hodge then told the board that recently, the district was visited by the CEO of Collins Education Associates Kristine Gibson, who spent time at the district observing the implementation of the Collins Writing Program. Hodge said that he received an email from Gibson that was very complimentary about the district’s implementation efforts.
High School Principal KELLY Kauffman offered background about the Collins Writing Program:
Elementary Principal Hodge discusses the email he received:
In the Ohio Hi-Point update, Board member Mark Zumberger informed the board that the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center has been awarded a grant of $595,525 through the Ohio Career Technical Education Equipment Program. The grant will benefit the IT programs at Upper Scioto Valley and Indian Lake as well as the Cyber Security program that is offered at the main Hi-Point campus.
Additionally, an offer was made to 400 students who were offered seats in a program after receiving over 700 applications. Also, the Drone Technology and EMY one-year credential programs were launched.
In other board action, several contracts were approved for classified substitutes and aides were approved, as was the salary schedule for next school year. In addition, several contracts were approved:
- Bryce Hodge as Elementary Principal on a three-year contract from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2027;
- Seth Myers as K-12 Assistant Principal on a two-year contract from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2027;
- Erica Heitkamp as Special Education Coordinator on a five-year contract from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2030;
- Courtney Heath as School Psychologist on a one-year limited contract for the 2024 -2025 school year;
- Brittney McClintick as Middle School Football Cheerleading Coach
The board’s next meeting is on April 16, 2024, at 5:50 PM in the district library. The public is invited to attend.
