The Riverside Board of Education approved the expenditure of $104,403 to purchase a new reading curriculum for the elementary school. The funds, paid over six years, will enable the district to purchase one of the curricula recommended by the State of Ohio for the district. The Amplified material is grounded in the science of reading, says Elementary Principle Bryce Hodge. He believes the material will benefit the students now and as they advance in their education.
Principal Hodge acknowledged the four elementary students who had perfect attendance for the school year. The students, Jay Nichols, Gracie Popp, Kaylani Machado, and Eli Dunn, each received a $50 gift certificate for Orphan Annie’s in DeGraff.
Athletic Director Rod Yoder informed the board that several athletes have been recognized by the Three Rivers Conference this spring.
- Softball – 1st Team: Riley Dillon; 2nd Team: Jayden Hoffer; Honorable Mention: Avery Perk, Jaidyn Jackson
- Baseball – 1st Team: Gavin Orsborne; 2nd Team Cooper Crouch; Honorable Mention: Gavin Robinson, Landon Purtee
- Track – Shot put 1st Place – Travis Brooks (TRC record), qualified 2nd in District
- Middle School Track: 4×200 Relay: New TRC Record, Clara McGill, Addison Shoe, Morgan Klingelhofer, Kenzie Stotler
- 400m Dash & Long Jump – 1st Place – Justin Mazariegos
- Discus and Shot Put (male) – 1st Place – Gunner Carpenter
- Discus (female) – 1st Place – Valerie Knight
In her report, Middle School and High School Principal Kelly Kauffman said that changes need to be made to the district’s cell phone policy. Because of legislation passed in Columbus, the district must now address earbuds and smartwatches. Kauffman also recognized four students who had perfect attendance: Dalton Popp (middle school), Wyatt Popp, Jordan Dunham, and Gavin Orsborne. All four students’ names were placed into a drawing for an Xbox and it was won by Dalton Popp.
Mark Zumberger gave an update from Ohio Hi-Point. Registration for the Career Discovery Camp for incoming 7th- and 8th-grade students is now open. The cam will be June 24-26 from 8:00 AM to noon each day. Zumberger also noted that Riverside student Carter Kreglow was elected the state BPA President.
In his report, Superintendent Dr. Scott Mann told the board that the district is waiving all student fees again next school year. This includes school fees, athletic participation fees, transportation fees, and student admission into athletic events. Dr. Mann talks about waiving fees for the students:
Mann also thanked the teachers and staff for another great year for the district:
In other board action, the board approved the 47 graduating seniors, approved a change to the June, 2024 board meeting from June 18th to June 11th, and hired H.A. Dorsten, Inc. for pre-construction services for the gymnasium and weight room project.