From The Superintendent

William J. Kearney

Last updated November 2018

On behalf of the River Valley School District, I would like to thank the River Valley community for supporting the District’s sinking fund millage proposal during the November election. The 0.75 sinking fund millage will begin in 2020 after our current sinking fund millage expires. This will allow us to continue to make improvements to our buildings over the next several years.

Congratulations to Dave Whitlow for his re-election to the School Board, and to Jennifer Alderink for her election to the School Board. Fred Knutel’s term on the School Board will end on December 31st. I would like to thank Mr. Knutel for his work and commitment to the River Valley School community during the 18 years that he has served as a Board member.

The fitness center in the Middle/High School is now open to community members Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. when school is in session. A waiver form will need to be completed prior to working out for the first time. The Middle/High School halls are once again open to walkers from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on days that school is in session. Signs indicating the routes/distances are posted in the halls.

With the arrival of colder weather, it is only a matter of time when a “snow day” is called. Parents are encouraged to access the School Messenger system to verify their communication preferences in the event of a school closing or delay. Please refer to the article on page 3 of this newsletter for more information.

I would like to welcome our newest staff members to River Valley—Candise Baiz, Ellen Cassidy, Karen Church, Janet Drews, Victoria Johns, Jason Kuntz, Kirsten Pagel, Jacqueline Rowlison, Chelsie Schmitt, Tim Williams, and Paul Zielke. I would also like to recognize Patrick Zuccala who moved from his fourth-grade teaching position to Three Oaks principal in August. With the addition of Mr. Zuccala as the Three Oaks principal, Mrs. Clark now serves exclusively as the Chikaming principal. This transition has already proven to be beneficial for both our students and staff.

Please contact me at 269-756-7675 if you have any ideas, thoughts, questions or concerns.

William J. Kearney