The Richards School District Board of Education will hold its annual reorganization meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday in the district boardroom, 3461 County Road 1710.
During the reorganization session, Superintendent Dr. Melonie Bunn will present and the board will approve the certified results of the April 7 municipal election. Following the approval, the oaths of office will be administered to the elected members.
The current board will then dissolve to allow for the election of new officers, including a president, vice president, treasurer and secretary.
Immediately following the reorganization, the board will convene its regular monthly meeting at 6:05 p.m. The agenda includes administrative reports, a vote to set the May meeting date and program evaluations for Title 1, health and wellness services and the library media center.
The board is also scheduled to enter a closed session to discuss legal actions and personnel matters, including the hiring, firing or disciplining of specific employees.
SALARY SCHEDULES OK’D AT MARCH MEETING
The board addressed a packed agenda during its March 12 meeting, approving salary schedules for the 2026-2027 school year and making dozens of personnel decisions.
Following a presentation by the Salary Committee regarding a recent survey of certified staff, the board unanimously approved the 2026-2027 salary schedules for certified, classified and extra-duty employees.
STAFFING CHANGES
In personnel action, the board accepted the resignations of Emmalea Brewer and Melody Sparks, effective at the conclusion of the current school year.
The board approved contracts for more than 40 employees for the 2026-2027 school year. Notable hires and re-hires include:
Support Staff: counselor Colbi Gastineau, also serving as attendance coordinator and student council sponsor; nurse Jordan Hughes; bookkeeper Jennifer James, who will also coordinate background checks; cooks Rhonda Smith, Kelli Vonallmen, Amee Minge and Brenda Croswell; secretaries Amy Stevens, Whitney McGinnis, who is also substitute coordinator, and Melissa Mitchell; custodians Larry Collins, Becky Burgess, Scottie Osborn and Leonard Campbell; part-time custodians Bill Nichols and Jason Pekarek; bus drivers Lexie Williams, Kim Wilson, Zach Cox and Aileen Seely; and bus mechanic Randal Bunch.
Aides: Darlene Morrison, Elizabeth Chowning, Ashley Smith, Monika Metz, Chesney Luna, Shelly Dawson, Michelle Haney, Wendy Dixon, Kristy Frealy, Leslee Ruengert, Callie Depriest, Carmen Garlet, Krystal Brown and Kristy Osborn. Brown will also serve as a bus driver.
Coaching and extra duty: Rick Luna was tapped for five head coaching positions, including boys basketball, baseball., cross country and track Kelsey Parker will serve as head girls basketball coach, while Olivia Luna was named head coach for girls volleyball, track, cross country and softball.Stephanie Jeckstadt will be cheerleading coach and assist with girls volleyball. Assistant coaches include Jonathan Stander, boys basketball and baseball; Lori Sisney, girls softball; Colbi Gastineau, girls basketball; and Krista Niles, cross country.
OTHER BUSINESS
The board approved the 2026-27 insurance plans and set the district's insurance cap amount at $641. Additionally, members approved the district’s 2025-2026 Technology Report and the District Wellness Program Plan.
The meeting was attended by all members: President Ricky Vonallmen, Vice President Casey Whisenant, Treasurer Matt Barnes, Secretary Dr. Brian Morrison and members Jacob Deckard and Ryan Kurtzeborn.
