001We're going to call the meeting to order. Notice that this meeting was given in accordance with the provisions of bylaw 0164B of the Riverside Local Board of Education, which was adopted in accordance with section 1.450 of the OC and the Ohio Administrative Procedures Act. Can you take roll call, please? >> Mrs. Krennki >> here. >> Mrs. Grassy >> here. >> Mr. Adino >> here. Mr. Vyers >> here. >> We have four present, one absent. >> Can we please stand for the pledge? >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I make a motion to adjourn to executive session. The Riverside Local School District Board of Education hereby recesses into an executive session
002for the purpose of one considering the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, demotion, compensation of a public employee or official under revised code 121.22G1 and two, confirming conferring with an attorney for public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are subject of pending or imminent court action under revised code 121.22 22 G3. Upon conclusion of this executive session, the board president shall gabble the board back into open session at this location. All matters discussed in these executive sessions are designated to the public officials and employees as confidential pursuant to revised code 102.03b. Because of the status of the proceedings andor the circumstances under which the information will be received in preserving its confidentiality is necessary to the proper conduct of government business. I get a second. I'll second. Thank you. >> And can you call roll,
003please? >> Yes, ma'am. Mrs. Graassie, >> I. >> Mr. Adino, >> I. >> Mrs. Kreninski, >> I. >> Mr. Vyers, >> I. >> Motion carries 40. >> Great. We will be back in a few at 7:40 a.m. Um, we do have a place for public participation on the agenda. So, anyone wishing to address the board of education will be recognized by the board president. Speakers are requested to identify themselves and their topic. Comments are limited to three minutes. Any public comment? We weren't sure if anyone would want to speak at 7 a.m., but we wanted to give the opportunity. All right, so that brings us to board of education business. Um, we have a resolution rescending the following resolutions. A, resolution approving pre-discipline pre-termination meeting conference demand dated November 26, 2025. B, resolution to declare
004intention not to re-employ the superintendent dated December 4th, 2025. C a resolution to declare intention to consider the termination of contract with full specification of the grounds for such consideration dated December 4th, 2025. D. Resolution directing the report of educator misconduct dated December 4th, 2025. An E. Resolution setting date, time, and place for RC 3319.16 termination hearing regarding Dr. Dr. Christopher Ratino dated December 15, 2025. and further authorizing and approving the employment restoration agreement with Dr. Christopher Ratino. >> Can I get a second, please? >> I will second. >> Thank you. Any discussion? >> M. Can I ask just one question? Sure. Um, it might be a Dan question. Uh the um item D is do do I need to send anything to OD? >> Yes, we Yes. >> So you'll tell me what I
005need to do. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Any other discussion? >> All right. Can you call the role, please? >> Mrs. Krenki. I >> Mr. Buyers >> I >> Mr. Adino >> I >> Mrs. Graassy >> I >> motion carries 40. So I do want to take a minute real quick um on behalf of the board and just make a quick statement. Um, the past several weeks have been difficult and highly public and the impact has been real. Our students, our staff, and our families have felt the strain of uncertainty and division, and that is not how a school district should operate. We know the strong emotions we've seen are a reflection of how deeply people care about this district. When families, staff, and community members speak passionately, it's because Riverside matters to
006them. Our responsibility as a board is to listen, communicate clearly, and lead in a way that restores confidence. To Dr. Aino 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. We recognize the personal toll it has taken and we are committed to moving forward in a way that restores stability and respect. To Mr. Scott, we want to thank you for stepping in and helping out as we went through this difficult time and we really appreciate the time you've given to the district. Well, thank you. Wonderful place >> to our community. We are sorry for the disruption and instability you have experienced. You deserve steady leadership, transparency, and a board that earns trust through professionalism and sound process. To our teachers,
007administration, and staff, we are sorry for the distraction and uncertainty that's created. You continue to show up for our students every day, and you deserve the board that supports the work of this district. This morning, the board took action to resend resend the superintendent suspension. That vote is an important step towards restoring stability and moving forward. We also recognize that one action does not instantly rebuild trust and trust will be built through consistent conduct meeting by meeting, decision by decision. Here's what you can expect from us going forward. A return to good boardsmanship, respectful dialogue, thoughtful deliberation, and decisions centered on students. Clear roles and teamwork. The board provides oversight and sets direction. The superintendent, the treasur, and the administration lead day-to-day operations. We will respect those roles. Improve process and communication so decisions are
008not rushed and the public understands not only what we're doing, but why. And a continued commitment to listen to staff, families, and community members, even when perspectives differ. And we want to close with what should guide every decision we make. Our motto, one community pursuing greatness and getting better every day. that must be reflected in how we lead, how we communicate, and how we work together, especially when challenge arise. To everyone who has felt discouraged or unsettled, we are sorry. And to our staff and families, thank you for continuing to serve and support our district. This is a moment to reset, and we are committed to moving forward together again as one community, pursuing greatness and getting better every day. Thank you. So, that brings us to our next meeting announcement. >> Mr. Kesky, can
009I speak? >> Oh, yeah. Sorry. >> Um, I I do have a few words. They are um they they echo a lot of what you said. Thank you very much. Um, I do want to briefly thank the board of education for the opportunity to continue serving this district and for the trust placed in me to move us forward. I'm also grateful for the support of my family, friends, and colleagues during the past month. In reflection, I'd be remiss if I did not sincerely thank our staff and our community. Over the past several weeks, you continue to do what you always do, show up for kids, support one another, and care deeply about this district. In the midst of uncertainty, you remain focused, professional, and committed. The messages, conversations, and quiet words of encouragement from staff
010and community members alike were deeply meaningful, and they reflect the strength and character that is Riverside. The past several weeks have not been easy. There have been uncertainty, frustration, and for some hurt. And it is important to acknowledge that listening truly listening to staff, families, students, and community members is essential as we move forward and we work to heal and rebuild trust together. At the same time, we have important work to continue. Our student, staff, and community depend on stability and progress. Our mission has not changed and and we must remain focused on what matters most. Supporting kids, strengthening our schools, and serving this great community. Our vision is one community pursuing greatness, getting better every day. Living that vision means balancing empathy with responsibility and focusing on what unites us. It means creating space
011for voices to be heard while continuing the work we have committed to as a district through thoughtful, transparent decisions centered on what's best for kids and Riverside as a whole. Healing and forward motion are not opposites. They go hand in hand. In the weeks ahead, my focus will be on listening, collaboration, and consistency. We will continue to set common goals, work to restore trust, and move forward with care and purpose. I am committed to doing work with humility, respect, and deep appreciation for the voices of this community. Thank you again for your continued dedication to our students and your belief in Riverside. I look forward to moving ahead together, united as one community, focused on the work before us, and committed to getting better every day. And I swear we did not collaborate before we
012said these things. >> Common themes. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you. >> Uh so next meeting announcement um board of education meeting January 22nd 2026 at 6 p.m. >> and we will make a motion to adjourn at 7:47 a.m. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> And can you call the role, please? >> Mr. Buyers. I >> Mrs. Grassy. I >> Mr. Adino. Hi. Mrs. Kreninski >> I >> motion carries 40 O