Rice has three children in the district and has lived in Ross Twp. for more than a dozen years.
Prior to taking the top job at Ross, which in the last decade has consistently been ranked by the state as the overall highest scoring school system in the county, Ross had been assistant superintendent at Fairfield Schools.
Rice replaced former Ross Superintendent Chad Konkle, who is now the Business Manager for Little Miami Schools in Warren County.
Rice describes Ross Schools - and its surrounding community of Ross and Morgan townships - as “a special place.”
His family roots are deep in the 2,800-student, largely rural school system. He is a member of the Ross Lion’s Club and the Rice family attends White Oak Christian Church.
Classes for the 2024-2025 school year recently started but Ross this week took some time from his hectic schedule for a “5 Questions” interview with the Journal-News.
1. Why did you seek the Ross Schools’ superintendent job?
“It may sound cliche, but it is a calling to be provided the opportunity to serve in the community you live in and the school your children attend.”
“I loved my time at Fairfield, there are amazing educators, administrators, and an amazing board of education there, so I was not looking to leave Fairfield. But when this opportunity to serve became available it was an easy decision. Ross and Morgan Townships are destination communities, where people are desperate to establish roots. I have met families that are 4th and 5th generation Ross Rams; that is special. So, to be able to lead in a community such as this, is humbling and a blessing.”
2. What are the top two or three issues you plan to focus on in your first year and why?
“As I begin my work is focused on recognizing the struggles and challenges the district, staff, and larger community have endured these last five years. From Covid, to three failed levies, to numerous leadership changes, there is a fatigue that sets in.
“I say all this, in recognition of the staff and their hard work to continue the history of excellence in the top-rated district in Butler County. That doesn’t happen by accident, it is because of the amazing teachers and administration in the district. So, this year is not about any new programming or changes, it is about an opportunity for me to learn about the culture of each of the unique buildings of the district, learn about what makes them special, and immerse myself in their ways. The district today is in great shape due in large part to the staff, Chad Konkle and the school board that saw the district through these challenge times.”
3. How would you describe your leadership style and what it will mean for Ross school families, students and staffers?
“I want build an environment of teamwork and mutual respect while maintaining a clear direction. I value input from team members who bring diverse perspectives, ensuring that decisions are well-rounded and inclusive.”
“Even with a collaborative nature, I am decisive and capable of making tough calls when needed, while guiding the team with a clear vision. I believe my calm demeanor helps to stabilize the team, especially in high-pressure situations, allowing them to manage challenges with grace and maintain focus on achieving goals.”
4. How do you plan to address the recent budget cuts in personnel and programs at Ross in the wake of the voter-rejected operating levies of recent years?
“Thanks in large part to Superintendent Konkle and the administration, who worked through these challenging times, the sacrifices our teachers and staff had to make, and the subsequent property tax revaluation, the district is in better shape financially than it has been in some years.”
“That being said, the goal moving forward is to provide the absolute best education for ALL of our students by hiring and retaining the best staff, all while being good stewards of the communities resources. The district’s Treasurer, Steve Castator and I will continue to look at all expenditures and work to ensure they are going directly to the betterment of our student’s education.”
5. What has been the biggest pleasant or otherwise surprise so far since you became the new leader of Ross Schools?
“We have three boys in the district, so every day I get to see them in their classrooms, learning from the best educators around, smiling, and enjoying their experiences is a blessing.”
“Over the years, as we have gotten to know families and their children. It is so fun moving through the halls giving those kids a fist bump or a ‘good morning,’ knowing they are receiving the same amazing educational experience as my own children. This community is a special place and I am just honored to be entrusted with the community’s most treasured resources and our future, the children.”
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