Ms. Renee Hill to Succeed Dr. David Hansen as Superintendent of the Riverside Unified School District
Chief Academic Officer Renee Hill will succeed David C. Hansen, Ed.D. to serve as the next Superintendent of Schools for Riverside Unified School District (RUSD). Ms. Hill’s promotion received a unanimous vote of support from RUSD’s Board of Education on February 4, 2021. Ms. Hill will begin as Superintendent on July 1, 2021, following the retirement of Dr. Hansen.
“Ms. Hill is a proven, trusted, and beloved member of the RUSD team,” said Tom Hunt, President of the Board of Education. “The Board of Trustees believes that making this important leadership decision at this time will allow Ms. Hill and Dr. Hansen ample time to orchestrate their transition so RUSD may remain firmly focused on service to students.
“Strong, focused leadership is always important to the health of an organization, but with all the uncertainty related to COVID-19, we felt an increased obligation to avoid a gap in our leadership team,” explained President Hunt.
Ms. Hill’s career began as an elementary teacher in RUSD. This is her 28th year of dedicated service to public education in RUSD. She currently serves as the District’s Chief Academic Officer, a position that requires her to work with all school principals and District departments to ensure that people and resources are optimally focused on the District’s critical goals of student learning, equity across programs and services, and continuous skills development for the District’s education professionals.
“I am deeply touched and genuinely inspired by this vote of confidence,” said Ms. Hill. “In 1984, when I began teaching at Longfellow Elementary School, I recall standing nervously before my students, hoping that my work with them would be successful. I looked at their young faces and thought to myself, ‘What a remarkable opportunity teachers have every day. We can choose to positively influence and contribute to our nation’s future.’ I will bring this sentiment to my work as a Superintendent, as I strive to serve all our employees so they can be their own personal best and they can do their best for our students.”
“Personally and professionally, this announcement brings me great relief,” said Dr. Hansen. “I know our District’s values and commitment to provide educational opportunities and emotional support to all students will continue with Ms. Hill at the helm. She is smart, kind, and capable of building consensus around shared purpose. This is great news for the Riverside school community.”