Riverside Local board rescinds superintendent suspension, approves employment restoration agreement

The Riverside Local Board of Education voted early this morning to rescind a package of resolutions tied to the superintendent’s suspension and approved an employment restoration agreement for Dr. Christopher Retino.

The action, adopted by a 4-0 roll call vote, rescinded: (A) a resolution approving a pre-discipline/pre-termination meeting conference demand dated Nov. 26, 2025; (B) a resolution declaring the board’s intention not to re-employ the superintendent dated Dec. 4, 2025; (C) a resolution declaring the board’s intention to consider termination with specified grounds dated Dec. 4, 2025; and (D) a resolution directing the report of educator misconduct dated Dec. 4, 2025. The package also authorized and approved an employment restoration agreement naming Dr. Christopher Retino; the record shows a termination hearing had been set for Dec. 15, 2025 under RC 3319.16.

Why it matters: board leaders said the vote is intended to restore stability after several weeks of public controversy that, they said, had distressed students, staff and families. In a prepared statement the board president said the board recognizes the “personal toll” and pledged “a return to good boardsmanship, respectful dialogue, thoughtful deliberation, and decisions centered on students.”

Details of the vote and process: the board recessed briefly to executive session earlier in the meeting under Revised Code 121.22(g)(1) for personnel matters and 121.22(g)(3) to consult with counsel on pending or imminent court action; that motion passed 4-0. After the executive session the board considered the resolution package and, on a second and roll call, approved rescinding the prior resolutions and the employment restoration agreement by a recorded 4-0 vote. The clerk announced the motions carried 4-0.

During discussion a board member asked whether the resolution directing the report of educator misconduct requires notification to the Ohio Department of Education; an administrative speaker responded that ODE notification is required and said staff will advise the board on what filings are needed.

Direct statements from the meeting: the board president said, “To Dr. Christopher Retino and his family, it’s important for us to say that we regret the impact that these proceedings have had on you and your family.” An unidentified speaker who addressed the board after the vote thanked trustees for the opportunity to continue serving the district and said they would focus on “listening, collaboration, and consistency.” Both quotes are taken from remarks recorded in the meeting minutes.

Next steps: the board announced a regular meeting scheduled for Jan. 22, 2026 at 6 p.m. There were no other formal actions recorded in the transcript; the board adjourned at 7:47 a.m.