In an eff
ort to enhance education and unite the community, the Richmond Heights Local School District kicked off the 2024-25 school year with a fresh perspective and renewed focus on literacy. Under the leadership of new Superintendent Dr. Marnisha Brown, the district has adopted the motto “One Vision, One Mission, One Richmond,” signaling a commitment to collective progress.
Dr. Brown, who took the helm in January 2024, is building on the foundation laid by her predecessor, Dr. Renee Willis. Her approach includes a strong partnership with the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio, particularly in implementing new English language arts materials aligned with the Science of Reading. “Our focus on literacy is not just about reading words on a page,” Dr. Brown explains. “It’s about empowering our students with the skills they need to understand, interpret, and engage with the world around them. This initiative is a cornerstone of our vision for Richmond Heights’ future.”
The district has carefully selected new resources for its literacy program. Kindergarten through third-grade students will use the Wit & Wisdom curriculum, while fourth through eighth graders will work with the CKLA/Amplify resource. These materials, approved by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, were introduced in August 2023.
Elizabeth Taylor, principal of Richmond Heights Elementary School, has been at the forefront of implementing these new resources. Recognizing the need for additional support, the district partnered with the ESC to bring in multiple consultants. Additionally, Patrick Carpenter, a ReadOhio Literacy Coach, has been assigned to the district to further support the implementation of these high-quality instructional materials. “The partnership with the ESC has been invaluable,” Taylor notes. “Their expertise, combined with the dedication of our staff, is creating a powerful learning environment for our students.”
The elementary school is taking an innovative approach to integrating the new materials. Grade-level teams meet weekly to familiarize themselves with the resources, instructional strategies, and assessment tools. They’re going a step further by highlighting key components of each lesson in their Teacher Edition manuals, identifying crucial teacher and student actions that will lead to mastery of content standards.
This meticulous preparation is already showing results. Teachers report feeling more confident with the new program, and the benefits are becoming evident in the classroom. Carpenter is optimistic about the district’s direction. “Seeing the Science of Reading come alive in classrooms is energizing,” he says. “The staff at Richmond Heights Elementary is committed to strong literacy practices, and with these new tools, they’re set for future success. It’s a privilege to support a group so dedicated to student growth and achievement.”
As Richmond Heights Local School District moves forward under its new motto, the emphasis on literacy and unified vision promises to open new opportunities for students and the community alike.