News & Announcements

RICHMOND (November 15, 2022) - Richmond Community Schools is pleased to announce that Patrick Crouch has been selected as a new assistant principal at Dennis Middle School. His position is a newly formed position to assist Dennis Principal Crystal Cooper and Assistant Principal Evan Grossman.
Mr. Crouch comes to Dennis Middle School from Mt. Vernon Middle School where he had served as teacher for eight years. While at Mt. Vernon, Mr. Crouch taught computer science, business and IT and Preparing for College and Careers. Mr. Crouch was dedicated to working with students and staff to provide great educational opportunities. He received his Masters Degree in Education and Building Administration and his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Ball State University. Mr. Crouch has earned numerous administrative and professional development certifications throughout his career.
Casey Dodd has been selected as a new assistant principal at Test Intermediate School. His position is a newly formed position to assist Test Principal Jamie Thomas and Assistant Principal Ashley Garard. Mr. Dodd comes to Test Intermediate School from Mt. Vernon High School where he had served as the principal. He received his Master of Science in Education Leadership from Western Governors University- Indianapolis and his Bachelor of Arts from Purdue University. Mr. Dodd has been named a Certified School Safety Specialist and has received his Indiana Professional Educator’s License in Building Level Administration and English Education.
“We are excited to welcome these new assistant principals to Richmond Community Schools. Mr. Crouch and Mr. Dobb bring a wealth of experience that will serve our students and community well,” said Dr. Curtis Wright, RCS Superintendent.

Brent Baker has joined the Richmond Community Schools (RCS) Leadership Team as the district’s Director of Student Achievement. He succeeds Mrs. Dawn Sonsini who has been named the RCS Assistant Superintendent.

As Director of Student Achievement, Baker will oversee all initiatives that seek to improve student achievement, including seeking resources to support students, analyzing and using data to identify and remove barriers to student achievement.

RCS is pleased to announce Steve Jones as the new principal of Charles Elementary School and Max Smith will succeed Jones as the new principal at Westview Elementary School.

Richmond Community Schools is pleased to announce that Jamie Bolser has been selected as the next Chief Human Resource Officer. Mrs. Bolser comes to RCS with over 20 years of diverse leadership experience. Mrs. Bolser was the Chief Financial Officer at Northwestern School Corporation for eight years while also serving as the president of the Howard County Council. While at Northwestern, Mrs. Bolser contributed to the success of the school corporation by balancing the budget and implementing a districtwide strategic plan that was student focused while partnering with various entities throughout the community. During her tenure as president of the County Council, Mrs. Bolser worked to improve community relationships, employee retention and recruitment, while working collectively with the various departments throughout Howard County. Under her leadership, Howard County was debt free, fiscally solvent, and created lasting partnerships with the City of Kokomo to aid in the recent $2.5 billion joint venture with Stellantis and Samsung SDI to locate the investment in Howard County. Mrs. Bolser also served two terms as the County Assessor. During her time as assessor, she was crucial in successfully negotiating a nationally recognized settlement with General Motors, Delphi and Chrysler during bankruptcy proceedings, recovering 100 percent of all taxes collected by the auto companies during a time when other states were settling for 10%.

Mrs. Bolser holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Indiana University Kokomo. After being a lifelong resident of Howard County, Mrs. Bolser along with her husband Clay Bolser, a 1994 Richmond graduate, have relocated to Richmond. "I am looking forward to joining the RCS team and the opportunity to be a part of the Richmond community. I was a lifelong resident of Howard County so the decision did not come easy. With that said, I am excited to build new relationships and my home in Richmond," Mrs. Bolser said. Clay and Jamie Bolser together have six children.

Richmond Community Schools is pleased to announce that Crystal Cooper has been selected as the next principal at Dennis Middle School. She replaces Andrew Graber who relocated back to his hometown as a result of familial factors outside of his control.

Mrs. Cooper comes to Dennis Middle School from Mt. Vernon Community Schools where she had served as an assistant principal for five years. While at Mt. Vernon, Mrs. Cooper contributed to a multitude of successes that were centered around student learning. Mrs. Cooper was also able to model with fidelity Mt. Vernon’s mission, vision, and core values. She received her Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from Ball State University and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Oakland University. Mrs. Cooper has also received numerous awards and certifications throughout her career.

Evan Grossman will be the next assistant principal at Dennis Middle School. Mr. Grossman comes to Dennis Middle School from MSD of Warren Township in Indianapolis. He received his Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from Butler University and his Bachelor of Science from Indiana University.

Superintendent Dr. Curtis Wright stated, “We are confident that Mrs. Cooper and Mr. Grossman have the qualifications, skill sets, and experience to build up the legacy of the outgoing leadership team there at Dennis Middle School. While we wish Mr. Graber and his family the best as they address familial factors outside of their control, we stand at the ready to provide support to Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Grossman, and the entire Dennis Middle School community.”