At her final Riverside Unified School District board meeting on June 26, outgoing Superintendent Renee Hill received extended recognitions from trustees, staff, students and community members who credited her with steady leadership and long service to the district.

Board and staff speakers praised Hill’s decades with RUSD and four‑year tenure as superintendent. Trustee remarks emphasized Hill’s focus on students, equity and staff support and celebrated her mentoring and calm leadership style. Trustee Vickers and others thanked Hill for agenda‑review meetings, one‑on‑ones and efforts to prepare the board.

Several community members and student board members spoke during the public‑comment period. Student board member Chase Porter said Hill had been a confidant and mentor during his term: “You being there for myself and the student board members and for all the students has been crucial in our growth,” Porter said. Student member Tom Resnick likewise thanked Hill for “remaining committed to making the student learning experience at RUSD exemplary.”

Public commenters who have worked with Hill for many years highlighted Hill’s history in the district — from classroom roles to administrative leadership — and thanked her for what they described as a lifetime of service. Trustee and community testimonials referenced Hill’s early career and the influence of educators who mentored her.

Hill addressed the board and the public and directed remarks to students: “If you are a child in Riverside Unified, there are people for you. We are here for you in the thousands,” she said. She quoted Margaret Chase Smith on public service and said she tried to live by those principles of dedication, courtesy and constructive criticism.

The board presented Hill with flowers and a card and announced a brief recess so members of the public and staff could offer personal remarks. The board wished her well in retirement and noted she will be available to the district for a brief transition period before Dr. Sonia Yamas’s start date.