New Superintendent and Lots of Student and Staff Recognitions on RUSD Monthly Board Meeting Agenda

Ripon Unified School District’s monthly board meeting is set for tonight at 6:00 PM in the City of Ripon’s Council Chambers at 259 N Wilma Ave. The meeting will feature both a formal welcome for incoming Superintendent Rusty Clark and a slate of student and staff recognitions.

Clark is stepping in for Superintendent Ziggy Roberson, who announced her retirement earlier this year after more than a decade leading the district.

The agenda includes a closed session covering a range of topics, such as employee discipline and evaluations, student discipline, negotiations, and ongoing or potential litigation.

The board will also spotlight outstanding achievements across the district. Students who earned the California State Seal of Biliteracy and the Pathways to Biliteracy Award will be honored. Winners of the South San Joaquin Irrigation District Vehicle Wrap Art Contest—including grand prize recipient Aubree Betschart (5th grade) and runner-up Macy Nan (4th grade), both from Colony Oak Elementary—will receive recognition for artwork which will be displayed on South San Joaquin Irrigation District vehicles.

Several Ripon Unified students will be celebrated for their success at the Best of San Joaquin Middle and High School Art Show. Notable honorees include Emiley Wang (Summer Institute Scholarship recipient), Gia Grewal (1st place, Best of Intro Studio), Citlhali Martinez (3rd place, Best of Advanced Studio Art), Beshoy Danial (1st place, 3D), Emily Brannon (3rd place, 3D), and Heart Lopez (3rd place, Graphic Computer Design).

Athletic achievements will also be highlighted. The Ripon High School Boys Varsity Golf Team, fresh off their victory at the 2025 CIF Sac-Joaquin D5 Section Golf Championship, will be recognized. Team members include Andrew Bogetti, Alan Bunchien, Ivan Castillo, Richard Hughes, Kalvin Martin, Cru Sullivan, and Vincent Uecker.

Three students—Lucas Fountain Gilbert, Jacob Gilbert, and Melissa Montiel Serrano—will be presented with the Heroic Citizen Award for their actions during a bus incident in March.

Additional recognitions include retiring Student Board Member Isaiah Green, English teacher David Yonan (recipient of the 2025 Crystal Apple Award), and district employees marking 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service.

The district will also honor the retirements of Superintendent Dr. Ziggy Robeson and Director of Student Services and Special Education Lisa Mazza.

The evening will feature a musical performance by the Ripon Unified Mariachi Band, who are set to perform “Cerca del Mar” and “Porque me Haces Llorar.” Band members include Daniela Elisa Cabello, Fatima Calderon, Maillin Contreras Herrera, Kade Guzman, Malakai Guzman, Olivia Paulina Jauregui, Olivia Morrow, Isidro Navarrete, Melyssa Lucero Romero, Emalene Sheets, Nayeli Torres, and Liam Valdez Bejasa.

The full agenda is available at www.riponusd.net.