Communities in Schools of Wayne County staff will continue to work in most Richmond Community Schools buildings to encourage children to continue their education and connect them with social services.
After resolving some budgetary issues, the RCS Board of Directors approved a Memorandum of Understanding with CIS for the services of a Site Coordinator in 2024-2025. RCS will pay $125,407.
Site coordinators are available 33 hours per week at Richmond High School and Dennis Middle School.
The Starr, Fairview and Vaile elementary and Test Intermediate schools will each be staffed 30 hours per week.
Westview and Crestdale receive 20 hours per week. No services are provided for Charles Elementary or the Hibberd Program Building.
In other business areas
- Approved Savvas science curriculum for all students in grades K-8. It will be used in Dennis starting in 2023-24. The cost ($294,405.50 plus kit materials) will be covered by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund III.
- Approved a contract with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching for 35 days of training and support for district/building administrators and instructional coaches valued at $96,250.
- Agreed to continue offering adult education courses for the Wayne County Jail in 2024–25. The Sheriff’s Office will pay for the program and all examination fees.
- By a vote of 4 to 2, Multidistrict Litigation Engagement and Resolution Letters about the negative impacts of social media were approved. Kristen Brunton and John Weber voted no. Brunton is concerned about the impact of social media on children, but does not believe the platforms are 100% responsible.
- A revised attendance policy that complies with state law that went into effect July 1 was approved by a 4-2 vote. Kym Pickering and Weber voted against it. Weber said he did not support approval after only one reading.
- A personal communications device policy has been put on hold for further review. State Senator Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) has authored a bill that would require all Indiana schools to implement a mobile device policy that limits mobile device use during class time. RCS is reviewing the extent to which students will be allowed to use these devices at other times.
- Contract awarded to Thor Construction for heating, ventilation and air conditioning works in the RHS radio/television area.
- Approved the key agreement between RCS and YMCA.
- 44 students raised $8,953 for their trip to Puerto Rico.
- Heard Facility Manager Brad Walton introduces his department’s staff and describes completed work, including the installation of security systems, networking, fencing and toilet repairs.
A version of this article appeared in the August 14, 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
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