News & Announcements

Richmond Community Schools (RCS) is proud to announce significant gains in the 2025 IREAD-3 assessment results, reflecting the district’s unwavering commitment to early literacy. This year's district-wide pass rate rose to 80.2%, up from 69.7% in 2024 and 69.05% in 2023. These gains follow the implementation of several key initiatives grounded in the Science of Reading, a research-based approach to literacy instruction.

“We are thrilled to see measurable progress in our IREAD-3 scores,” said Dr. Curtis Wright, Superintendent of Richmond Community Schools. “These results are a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our educators, and the strength of our community partnerships. Most importantly, they affirm that our focused efforts are working.”

Key drivers of improvement include:
* Professional Development for Educators:
Teachers across the district participated in intensive, ongoing training on the Science of Reading. This included workshops, coaching, and collaborative planning sessions, empowering educators to deliver evidence-based instruction and differentiate based on student needs.
* Targeted Literacy Interventions:
RCS implemented tiered supports to address students’ individual reading needs. Using ongoing assessment data, reading specialists and interventionists provided small-group instruction and one-on-one tutoring to students who required additional help.
* Implementation of the Science of Reading Curriculum:
In the 2024-25 school year, RCS adopted a district-wide curriculum aligned to the Science of Reading. This approach emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The curriculum was implemented in all K-8 classrooms, ensuring consistency and rigor across schools.

Dennis Middle School is pleased to announce the appointment of William G. Woodruff, Jr., Ed.S., as the school's new Assistant Principal. Woodruff brings 15 years of educational experience, including four years in assistant principal roles and a proven track record of improving student achievement.

Superintendent Dr. Curtis Wright expressed his enthusiasm about the new addition. "We are thrilled to welcome Wil Woodruff to Dennis Middle School," said Dr. Wright. "His dedication to education and dynamic leadership skills make him an ideal fit for our school community."

Principal Crystal Cooper echoed Dr. Wright’s excitement. "Having Wil join our administrative team strengthens our ability to support both our students and teachers," Cooper noted. "His collaborative approach aligns perfectly with our school's values."

Woodruff comes with impressive credentials, holding an Ed.S. in Educational Administration from Ball State University (magna cum laude) and pursuing a Doctor of Education degree. At Peru Community Schools, he reduced discipline incidents by 20% through innovative PBIS and restorative justice strategies. Most recently at Maconaquah School Corporation, he increased STEM student achievement by 23-28%.

"I am honored to join the Dennis Middle School family," said Woodruff. "I look forward to working with Principal Cooper, and the entire school community to create an environment where every student can thrive."

Richmond High School is proud to announce the appointment of Josh Jurgens as the new Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach, effective immediately. Jurgens, a 2006 graduate of Richmond High School, brings over a decade of successful coaching experience and deep community roots to lead the Red Devils basketball program.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Jurgens to Richmond High School," said Athletic Director Robert Lee. "His proven track record of developing championship teams and young men both on and off the court makes him the ideal leader for our basketball program. His commitment to excellence and understanding of our community will be invaluable assets."

Jurgens comes to Richmond High School with an impressive coaching resume, most notably serving as Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach at Seton Catholic High School from 2011-2025, where he compiled a remarkable 194-152 career record. Under his leadership, the Cardinals captured seven sectional championships and developed four college basketball players, including one who advanced to the NBA level.

"I am honored and excited to return to my alma mater and lead the Red Devils basketball program," said Jurgens. "Richmond High School has a rich basketball tradition, and I look forward to building upon that legacy while developing our student-athletes into successful young men both on and off the court.”

The Richmond High School basketball program looks forward to the upcoming season under Jurgens' leadership as the Red Devils aim to restore their position among the top programs in the area.

Jurgens and his wife Jessica, a teacher at Charles Elementary School, reside in Richmond with their four children.

Richmond High School is pleased to announce the appointment of two new varsity head coaches for the upcoming athletic seasons. Kevin Ross has been selected as the new Varsity Volleyball Coach, while Ryan Holliday will lead the Varsity Boys Soccer program.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kevin and Ryan to our Red Devil athletics family," said Robert Lee, RHS Athletic Director. "Both coaches bring extended experience, passion for their respective sports, and a commitment to developing our student-athletes both on and off the field. We're confident they will continue the tradition of excellence in RHS athletics."

Kevin Ross joins RHS with three years of coaching volleyball at Dennis Middle School and one year at Munciana East. He also has thirteen years of coaching high school football at Richmond and National Trail. Ross expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, "Richmond has always felt like home to me throughout my years in coaching and mentoring. I am truly excited about the potential of this team, particularly the leadership and dedication of this year’s seniors, coupled with the immense talent emerging from the lower levels.”

Ryan Holliday is no stranger to the Red Devils soccer program. He has been the assistant varsity soccer coach, a soccer referee and even a former Richmond High School soccer player. "I'm excited to continue coaching at RHS," said Holliday. "Soccer has the power to teach valuable life lessons about dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. I'm committed to helping our players reach their full potential both as athletes and as young men."

Both coaches have already started their coaching duties and are working with returning players and recruiting new talent for their respective programs. Varsity volleyball will have their first match on August 16. The boys soccer season kicks off August 13.

Parents and families, don't forget - EVERY TUESDAY is an early release day for all Richmond Community Schools!
🕐 Pickup Times:
Elementary Schools: 1:30 PM
Test/Hibberd: 2:24 PM
Richmond High: 2:39 PM
Dennis Middle: 2:54 PM

Please plan accordingly and make sure your transportation arrangements are in place. Mark your calendars and set those reminders!

Richmond Community Schools (RCS) Superintendent Dr. Curtis Wright shared key updates and priorities in the district’s annual State of the Schools address, highlighting student achievement, operational progress, and the district's continued commitment to serving the community with excellence.

From academic performance and graduation rates to facility improvements and expanded student support services, the presentation offered a comprehensive look at how RCS is moving forward, even amid challenges.

“Richmond Community Schools is committed to being both bold and responsible,” said Dr. Wright, Superintendent of RCS. “This year’s progress shows our resolve to create meaningful impact—whether it’s increasing attendance, enhancing safety and technology, or strategically managing our finances. Every step we take is in service of our students, staff, and the families who trust us.”

The event also featured remarks from key community partners. Richmond Mayor Dr. Ron Oler, Chief of Police Kyle Weatherly, and Fire Chief Jeff Kinder each shared how their respective departments are working in partnership with RCS to ensure student safety, support emergency preparedness, and strengthen connections between schools and the broader Richmond community.

Among the notable RCS highlights:
* A 6.8% increase in student attendance
* Over 43,000 visits to the school-based health clinics
* Expansion of after-school and summer food service programs
* Implementation of modernized learning environments and enhanced cyber security
* Balanced budget planning amid major legislative changes


RCS continues to prioritize transparency, strategic planning, and student-centered decisions as it prepares for the 2025–2026 school year.

Richmond Community Schools is pleased to announce Rebecca Harrell as the new principal of Crestdale Elementary School, serving students in PreK-4.

Harrell, a Richmond High School alumna, spent much of her teaching career at Crestdale and is excited to return in this new role.

“I am thrilled to accept the position of Principal at Crestdale Elementary!” Harrell said. “Crestdale has always held a special place in my heart. I look forward to working with our students, families, and staff to build a supportive and inspiring learning environment.”

“Rebecca Harrell brings both heart and experience to this position,” said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Wright. “Her deep connection to Crestdale and her passion for student success makes her an outstanding choice to lead the school into its next chapter.”

Harrell most recently served as the Special Education Coordinator and Early Learning Center Director at Northeastern Wayne Schools. She previously worked at Richmond Community Schools as a special education teacher and Title I paraprofessional.

She holds degrees from Ivy Tech, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, and Ball State University, with a focus on early childhood and special education, as well as school leadership. She is trained in Trauma-Based Relationship Intervention and has extensive experience with special education, 504 plans, and the MTSS model.

She and her husband, Andrew, reside in Centerville with their three children.

Richmond Community Schools has been awarded the Head Start Grant, bringing vital early childhood education services to our youngest learners and their families.
Elizabeth Markward will serve as Executive Director of Head Start & Early Learning, while Jenny Elorreaga transitions from Crestdale Elementary principal to Director of Head Start & Early Learning.
"We are honored to be the new provider of this essential program for Wayne County families," said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Wright.
The program will provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family engagement services throughout Wayne County.
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