News & Announcements

RICHMOND (November 30, 2022) – In a dynamic, fast-paced world, we need to make sure that Richmond Community Schools stays in line with the skills and tools our students need to succeed. Therefore, Richmond Community Schools’ has announced Steven Hensley as the new Director of STEAM and Imagination Lab at the Hibberd Program Building. STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math to guide student inquiry, problem solving, collaboration, and creativity. Students become innovators, designers, creators, thinkers, and leaders.
Mr. Hensley will be spearheading the new STEAM curriculum for students in grades 5-8. He will also develop and implement extension curriculum for students in grades K-4 who will visit the Imagination Lab at the Hibberd Program Building. RCS will soon be renovating the Hibberd Program Building on South L Street to create an exhibit floor and classrooms. Mr. Hensley wants parents and community members to be on the lookout for Open House events this spring to participate in some hands-on STEAM programming. He will also begin the recruiting process for incoming 5th-8th grade students for the 2023-2024 school year.
Mr. Hensley holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master’s of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from Indiana University. He has been a science teacher at Greensburg Junior High School and a technology integration specialist at Oldenburg Academy. Mr. Hensley and his wife, Abigail, have two children, Greyson and Navy.

RICHMOND (November 15, 2022) - Richmond Community Schools is pleased to announce that Patrick Crouch has been selected as a new assistant principal at Dennis Middle School. His position is a newly formed position to assist Dennis Principal Crystal Cooper and Assistant Principal Evan Grossman.
Mr. Crouch comes to Dennis Middle School from Mt. Vernon Middle School where he had served as teacher for eight years. While at Mt. Vernon, Mr. Crouch taught computer science, business and IT and Preparing for College and Careers. Mr. Crouch was dedicated to working with students and staff to provide great educational opportunities. He received his Masters Degree in Education and Building Administration and his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Ball State University. Mr. Crouch has earned numerous administrative and professional development certifications throughout his career.
Casey Dodd has been selected as a new assistant principal at Test Intermediate School. His position is a newly formed position to assist Test Principal Jamie Thomas and Assistant Principal Ashley Garard. Mr. Dodd comes to Test Intermediate School from Mt. Vernon High School where he had served as the principal. He received his Master of Science in Education Leadership from Western Governors University- Indianapolis and his Bachelor of Arts from Purdue University. Mr. Dodd has been named a Certified School Safety Specialist and has received his Indiana Professional Educator’s License in Building Level Administration and English Education.
“We are excited to welcome these new assistant principals to Richmond Community Schools. Mr. Crouch and Mr. Dobb bring a wealth of experience that will serve our students and community well,” said Dr. Curtis Wright, RCS Superintendent.

Brent Baker has joined the Richmond Community Schools (RCS) Leadership Team as the district’s Director of Student Achievement. He succeeds Mrs. Dawn Sonsini who has been named the RCS Assistant Superintendent.

As Director of Student Achievement, Baker will oversee all initiatives that seek to improve student achievement, including seeking resources to support students, analyzing and using data to identify and remove barriers to student achievement.

RCS is pleased to announce Steve Jones as the new principal of Charles Elementary School and Max Smith will succeed Jones as the new principal at Westview Elementary School.

Richmond Community Schools is pleased to announce that Jamie Bolser has been selected as the next Chief Human Resource Officer. Mrs. Bolser comes to RCS with over 20 years of diverse leadership experience. Mrs. Bolser was the Chief Financial Officer at Northwestern School Corporation for eight years while also serving as the president of the Howard County Council. While at Northwestern, Mrs. Bolser contributed to the success of the school corporation by balancing the budget and implementing a districtwide strategic plan that was student focused while partnering with various entities throughout the community. During her tenure as president of the County Council, Mrs. Bolser worked to improve community relationships, employee retention and recruitment, while working collectively with the various departments throughout Howard County. Under her leadership, Howard County was debt free, fiscally solvent, and created lasting partnerships with the City of Kokomo to aid in the recent $2.5 billion joint venture with Stellantis and Samsung SDI to locate the investment in Howard County. Mrs. Bolser also served two terms as the County Assessor. During her time as assessor, she was crucial in successfully negotiating a nationally recognized settlement with General Motors, Delphi and Chrysler during bankruptcy proceedings, recovering 100 percent of all taxes collected by the auto companies during a time when other states were settling for 10%.

Mrs. Bolser holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Indiana University Kokomo. After being a lifelong resident of Howard County, Mrs. Bolser along with her husband Clay Bolser, a 1994 Richmond graduate, have relocated to Richmond. "I am looking forward to joining the RCS team and the opportunity to be a part of the Richmond community. I was a lifelong resident of Howard County so the decision did not come easy. With that said, I am excited to build new relationships and my home in Richmond," Mrs. Bolser said. Clay and Jamie Bolser together have six children.