Riverview superintendent outlines gains in graduation rates and programs, warns of a $4.5 million shortfall

Dr. Susan Leach, superintendent of the Riverview School District, presented the district’s state‑of‑the‑district update to the Duval City Council on May 20, describing student performance gains, program expansions, and an operating shortfall she said the district is addressing with cuts and new revenue strategies.

Leach said Riverview’s total enrollment is 2,891 students and described student demographics: about 7% English language learners (representing 40 languages in the district), roughly 20% eligible for free or reduced‑price services, 4% identified as highly capable, and about 11–12% students with disabilities.

Nut graf: the district reported measurable academic improvements and program expansion amid fiscal pressure. Leach highlighted rising graduation rates at Cedar Crest High School and subgroup gains: Cedar Crest’s overall graduation rate rose 2.4 percentage points; English‑language learner graduation rose about 6 percentage points; students with disabilities rose about 4.2 points; low‑income students rose 4.7 points; and Hispanic students rose 3.2 points. The district also reported stronger SAT and MAP benchmark performance at Cedar Crest and higher percentages of elementary students at or above grade level in reading and math at several schools.

Leach credited changes in district practice for improvements: adoption of professional learning communities, stronger administrator data literacy, and use of interim diagnostic assessments (i‑Ready) to provide skill‑by‑skill data three times per year so teachers can intervene earlier. She said the district is also investing in instructional leadership and aligning curricula and supports across the district’s seven schools.

Financial picture and next steps: Leach said the district faces about a $4.5 million shortfall for the coming year; staff are targeting approximately $3 million in cuts now and will bring further proposals on how to balance the budget. She described ongoing capital‑planning work: a Capital Assets Advisory recommended a bond focused on middle‑school replacement and other facility needs, and the district’s bond planning committee is developing potential projects for the school board.

New revenue and program initiatives: Leach said the district will open a virtual academy to generate additional revenue by enrolling students statewide, and the district is expanding alternative learning programs that provide smaller, more supportive environments for students. The district also reported a state auditor stewardship award for financial practices and noted energy efficiency projects and building upgrades planned for summer 2025, including exterior renovations and freeze‑prevention work at Cherry Valley Elementary.

Council reaction and community engagement: Council members praised the district for the audit award and the graduation progress. Leach outlined community engagement she’s used — roundtables, superintendent student advisory, community advisory committees on capital and finance — and said the district plans to expand those advisory processes and hold monthly student advisory meetings next year.

Ending: Leach said the improvements reflect three years of work and that while student outcomes are improving, the district must now balance that progress with fiscal realities; she asked the council to note both the academic gains and the budgetary pressures as the district considers cuts and potential bond measures.