Ripon School News Email Network

Administrative Restructuring Plan Unveiled
After a prolonged 15-year absence that began as a two-year temporary measure, the Ripon Board of Education is reinstating the position of Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the 2009-10 school year. This position will consolidate the numerous tasks related to overseeing student learning—from testing to curriculum development to teacher training—that have been dispersed as add-on duties of various administrators. The position will be funded by eliminating the middle school Assistant Principal position and transferring stipends for various tasks that are now being assigned to the new position. Melanie Oppor, current Ripon Middle School principal, has been appointed to the new position for her experience and expertise. An extensive search process will be conducted for a new principal of Ripon Middle School.

Soda Ban Remains
The District’s Wellness Policy prohibits the sale of soda during the school day or at concessions stands operating at school events such as football games at Ingalls Field or basketball games in the RHS gymnasium. After reviewing the pros and cons of continuing the ban on sales from concession stands at after-school events, the Ripon Board of Education decided to provide a single wellness message for students that is consistent with the school’s curriculum and the school day prohibition by renewing the ban on soda sales at after-school events.

Board Honors Former and Current Staff Members
The Ripon Board of Education honored retired teacher Jack Frank and current staff member Wendy McCulloch at its November meeting. Jack Frank was recognized for his coordination of the Art Presenter program that brings community members into all K-5 classrooms to teach art appreciation lessons. Wendy McCulloch was recognized for her ongoing commitment and outstanding service in District health services to students exemplified by the rare 100% compliance rate that Ripon has with immunization standards on an annual basis.

Possible April 7 Referendum
Administrators were directed by the Ripon Board of Education at its November meeting to research District needs and report back at the Board’s December meeting with information about referendum options for the April 7 election. The 15-year revenue limits law has squeezed District resources to the point where $545,000 must be cut from current programming for the 2009-10 school year. This cut brings the 3-year total to more than $1.2 million of annual recurring operating expenses. A referendum is the only way allowed by state law to supersede the revenue limits. All neighboring school districts have had successful referenda to maintain their programs, maintenance, and class size. Currently, the District is being allowed to raise its budget for 2009-10 by 2.9% at a time when state law requires staff to receive a raise of at least 3.8% each year. The difference in revenue and expenditures requires annual budget cuts.

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