Ritenour School Board approves major renovations and budget updates for upcoming year

The Ritenour School District Board of Education meeting on April 10, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in school renovations and critical budget discussions. The completion of the Janine Milam Haines early childhood annex was a major point of pride, with final touches underway before classrooms are set up. This facility will add 70 early childhood spots, enhancing educational opportunities for local families.

In addition, updates on the Julie Hans Center showed rapid progress, with essential installations like fire suppression systems and flooring nearing completion. The cafeteria renovations are also on track, with kitchen equipment expected to be ready by mid-May. Board members expressed excitement about a planned walkthrough of the new facilities before the school year begins.

On the budget front, the board approved a $64,380 bid for flooring upgrades at Briden Middle School, addressing safety concerns related to existing carpets. They also discussed necessary repairs to the administrative parking lot, with a $96,000 quote accepted for asphalt work to prevent further deterioration.

A significant concern arose regarding the Ritenour High School swimming pool, where a mandated drain replacement is required to comply with health codes. The estimated cost for this project is $350,000, prompting discussions about the necessity of the pool for student activities and the financial implications of the repair.

The meeting also included a budget update from CFO Dr. Phil Fusiteri, who reported a projected surplus of $1.2 million for the current year, largely due to ESSER funding. However, he cautioned that next year's budget will face challenges, including a 14.5% increase in health insurance costs and a planned controlled spend down to stabilize finances post-pandemic.

As the board navigates these developments, they remain committed to ensuring that the district's facilities and resources meet the needs of students while maintaining fiscal responsibility.