The Riverside Board of Education met Tuesday night and welcomed Duane Heath as a new board member.
Heath, an alumnus of Riverside High School, was sworn in by District Treasurer Ronnie Fitchpatrick and will assume the term vacated by former board member Steve Klingler, who recently moved from the district. Heath talks about why he stepped up:
In her report to the board, Middle and High School Principal Kelly Kauffman told the board that she was informed that Cooper Crouch, a sophomore bowling team member, won Districts and will compete in the State tournament in March. Additionally, on February 5, representatives from the Honda Federal Credit Union held the Game of Life for seniors.
The game simulates real-life budgeting and incidental situations that can happen. Each senior was required to select a career, devise a budget, and visit various stations where the students bought insurance, a house, a car, and other necessities. The goal, said Kauffman, was similar to the board game Life, where the goal was to finish with money. Kauffman said that the experience was positive for the students and credit union employees alike.
In his report, Elementary Principal Bryce Hodge informed the board that representatives from Collins Writing visited the school recently. After visiting several classrooms, the representatives told Hodge that the elementary school was a ‘model school.’ Hodge said that Collins Writing helps schools nationwide, and this was quite an accomplishment in only the district’s second year with the program.
He also relayed that the district will be hosting its annual STREAM sessions on February 27. STREAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Reading, English, Art, and Math is their adaptation to STEM classes offered in other districts. Hodge said that the event is usually very well attended.
The board approved several agenda items recommended by Superintendent Dr. Scott Mann. The first sought board approval for the Interlocal Purchasing System, a way for the district to use approved contractors for various projects and needs, thereby eliminating the need to seek bids.
Dr. Mann also sought approval to enter into an agreement with Maumee Bay Landscape Contractors, LLC to replace the track and football field with turf. Dr. Mann explained that the torrential rain experienced this past fall and subsequent football games rendered the football field in need of immediate attention. Estimates put fixing the field at over $200,000. The district had already put aside $300,000 to repair the track.
To completely replace the track and put in turf for the field will cost the district $1,197,494, but will last for over a decade. Football coach Bryce Hodge mentioned that this new field will be similar to what many Division 1 college and NFL teams play on. He also stated that the quote includes the three machines that will be used for field upkeep after being trained by Maumee Bay employees. Dr. Mann talks about the improvements to the facility:
The board also approved several classified staffing changes. Custodian Jonathan McGill will resign on February 28 and Janice Davis will resign as Payroll Clerk effective June 30. Dr. Mann praised Davis’ years of service to the district:
Also, Angie Shoe will assume Payroll duties, Nicole Harshbarger will take over as Administrative Assistant for the middle and high schools, and Olivia Huffman will take over as the elementary school Administrative Assistant.
The board also approved a Special Meeting for March 4, 2025, at 5:30 PM to review and approve the Guaranteed Maximum Price for the new Fieldhouse.
The next regular meeting of the Riverside School Board is scheduled for March 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the district library.
