Richland School District Holds Annual Meeting

The Richland School District held its annual meeting Monday night. The administration shared the proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year. It shows a revenue of $22,718,424 and expenditures at $22,656,107 for a difference of $62,317. The total tax levy allowable for the Richland School District is $10,035,314. The proposed mill rate for property owners in the Richland School District is $8.76 per $1,000 of property. This is a decrease from $9.12.

Those in attendance at the annual meeting approved levying a tax in the amount of $7,713,140 upon all taxable property in the Richland School District for the purpose of paying necessary expenses to operate and maintain the schools during the 2024-25 school year. Included in the levy is $181,918 for principal and interest payments on District debt service within the revenue limit.

The annual meeting also included a year in review:

Richland Center Primary School Principal, Amy Hardy, reported that the 2023-24 school year at the Primary School was filled with exciting activities and a continued focus on student engagement and community involvement. Throughout the year, Scholastic Book Fairs were held, providing students and families with access to a variety of books and encouraging a love for reading.

Lisa Brown serves as the Intermediate School Prinicipal. The Intermediate School had a an engaging 2023-24 school year, with a focus on student growth, leadership, and community service. One of the significant highlights was the continuation of the school garden initiative, where students learned about sustainable practices and participated in the planting and maintenance of the garden. This hands-on experience provided valuable lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Throughout the year, the students also participated in Career Day and Career Dress-Up Day, which encouraged them to explore various career paths and envision their future. The school emphasized community service through initiatives such as the Hornet Hive Food Drive, which exceeded its goal of collecting 2,000 items, and Red Ribbon Week, where students participated in themed dress-up days promoting healthy choices.

Liz Perkins and Ryan Lemke are Co-Principals at the Richland Center High School. The 2023-24 academic year at the High School was characterized by both academic excellence and student involvement in extracurricular activities. The year began with a strong start, with students participating in Scholastic Book Fairs and a variety of academic contests that emphasized literacy and numeracy. The school continued to promote student leadership through clubs and organizations such as the Student Council, which led efforts in organizing Homecoming Week, Valentine’s Day fundraisers, and other key events. Musical performances were a staple of the year, with choir members performing the National Anthem at sporting events and the band showcasing their talents at concerts and competitions. In academics, Advanced Placement (AP) exams were a highlight, with students in AP Capstone classes taking on research projects that tackled real-world issues. The school’s academic quiz bowl teams also participated in regional competitions, showcasing the high level of student engagement in academic pursuits.

The first year of the PARTNER School was a period of growth and community, where Kim Siefkes is the Lead Teacher. Throughout the year, students and staff worked together on various community outreach programs, reinforcing the importance of giving back. The school’s leadership team was actively involved in service learning, with projects designed to enhance student leadership skills and community engagement. The school looks forward to building upon these successes in the upcoming school year.