The Riverside Local School District Board of Education meeting Tuesday night drew an unusually large crowd, with more parents and staff filling the seats than usual.
The meeting opened with public comments, including concerns from Kacey Adams, whose child is entering fifth grade.
Adams expressed frustration over what she described as “uncommunicated changes” to the fifth-grade class that the family did not learn about until the school’s open house.
The change moves fifth-grade students from the elementary school to the middle school.
Adams questioned why parents were not informed about the change sooner and expressed concerns about the decision.
Her husband, Dr. Brad Adams, who is also a member of the school board, echoed those concerns and said he felt blindsided by the decision.
During the discussion, Adams told Superintendent Scott Mann, “I don’t trust you, Scott.”
Below is the letter that was posted on the district’s social media page on August 12th.
Riverside Principal Bryce Hodge explained that several teaching positions went unfilled over the summer, leading administrators to make the decision to move fifth grade to the middle school.
Hodge said the decision was made late in the summer and was not taken lightly.
He also accepted responsibility for the lack of communication, saying he “dropped the ball” and apologizing for not handling the situation better.
Superintendent Mann also acknowledged that the district should have communicated the change more effectively.
The board then moved through a lengthy list of personnel and administrative items.
Substitute teacher and classified employee lists were approved, along with several athletic and advisor positions.
Angie Shoe was approved as the high school volleyball game manager, while Harlie McClintick’s high school basketball cheer coach supplemental contract was adjusted based on experience.
Several advisor positions were also approved, including Kellea Wilkinson for Elementary Art Club, Cari Beth Noah for RPDC, and Rebecca Wheeler as assistant marching band advisor.
The board approved the district’s list of bus and van drivers for the upcoming school year, pending completion of all required qualifications, as well as the 2026-27 bus routes.
On the financial side, the board approved the July 21 meeting minutes and monthly financial reports.
The district also approved federal grants and other grant funding, contracts with Midwest Regional ESC and New Story Schools for special education services, and a $25 donation from Nancy King in memory of Tila Herrod.
Breakfast and lunch prices for the 2026-27 school year were also approved. Student breakfast and lunch will remain free.
Additional prices include $1 for student breakfast in kindergarten through 12th grade and $3.05 for adult breakfast. Lunch will cost $1.50 for students in kindergarten through fourth grade, $1.75 for students in fifth through 12th grade, and $5.35 for adults.
Extra sandwiches and main entrees will cost $1.75, sides will be 50 cents, and milk will be 25 cents.
The board also approved the district’s latest five-year financial forecast and assumptions.
The forecast shows Riverside remaining in a stable financial position in the near term, but projects growing budget deficits in the later years of the forecast as expenses are expected to rise faster than revenue.
State funding is expected to remain mostly flat, while salaries, health insurance, transportation, and other operating expenses are projected to increase.
The next regular Riverside Local School Board of Education meeting is scheduled for September 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the school district library.
