RBBEA bids farewell to retiring staff and welcomes new principal Matt Ewels

The Richland Bean Blossom School Board convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss various topics, including personnel changes, upcoming events, and legislative concerns affecting the district. The meeting began with a warm welcome to attendees and a reflection on the end of the school year, highlighting the excitement surrounding finals and graduation.

During the meeting, board members expressed gratitude for the contributions of several staff members who are transitioning to new roles or retiring. Notably, Teresa Steele, Jenny Altoff, and Becky Myers were recognized for their dedication and impact on students. The board acknowledged the challenges of filling these positions and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong communication within the school community.

The discussion also touched on the new bargaining team, which is preparing for upcoming negotiations. Board members noted the importance of training and gathering input from teachers to ensure effective representation. The team plans to conduct a survey to gather feedback from educators as they prepare for meetings scheduled to begin in July.

In addition to personnel matters, the board celebrated the achievements of students, particularly the seniors who will soon graduate. Members expressed excitement about the upcoming senior walk-through event and acknowledged the significant scholarships awarded to students, totaling over a million dollars.

The meeting also included a somber note as board member Larry DeMoss paid tribute to the late Sarah Robinson, a respected former chair of the English department at Edgewood High School. DeMoss criticized the recent actions of the General Assembly regarding education funding, expressing concern over cuts to property tax funding for schools while providing financial support to private education.

As the meeting concluded, board members reiterated their appreciation for outgoing staff and welcomed new personnel, including Matt, who is stepping into a principal role. The board emphasized the importance of community support and collaboration as they move forward into the next school year. Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's commitment to its students and staff, as well as the ongoing challenges posed by legislative decisions impacting education funding.