We have an important announcement to make regarding the future of our elementary schools that comes with both excitement for the future and appreciation for our past.
After more than a decade of planning and discussion, the Riverside Board of Education has taken a significant step forward in its long-term facilities plan. On May 29, 2026, the Board approved the final construction budget for the Buckeye Elementary School Improvement Project, paving the way for a transformational investment in our students, staff and community.
The project will include a 12-classroom addition, a brand-new gymnasium, and a complete renovation of the existing Buckeye Elementary building. Once completed in August 2027, Buckeye will provide modern learning spaces and enhanced opportunities for students while preserving the strong traditions that make Riverside special.
This project is being funded through a loan paid from the District's Permanent Improvement Fund and will be completed at no additional cost to taxpayers.
As this project moves forward, the District has made the difficult decision to close Melridge as an elementary school at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year.
This decision was not made lightly. We recognize that for many families, staff members, alumni, and community members, Melridge is much more than a school building. It represents decades of memories, traditions, relationships, and pride. Generations of Riverside students have walked its hallways, learned from dedicated educators, and called Melridge home.
The closure of Melridge has been part of the District's long-range facilities plan since 2015, with the goal of transitioning into three larger elementary schools that can provide equitable learning environments and opportunities for all students. Thanks to the additions at Buckeye Elementary and Riverview Elementary, we are now able to achieve that vision.
Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, Riverside will operate three elementary schools:
• Buckeye Elementary (Grades K-4) – fully renovated and expanded
• Parkside Elementary (Grades K-5)
• Riverview Elementary (Grades PK-5) - which recently completed an 8-classroom expansion
As part of this transition, elementary boundaries will be slightly adjusted for the 2027-2028 school year. As we work through this process of creating equitable boundaries, communication will be forthcoming with regards to your child’s elementary assignment for the 2027-2028 school year as soon as possible.
It is important to note that while Melridge is closing as an elementary school, the District plans to retain the building for future use to serve in some type of capacity down the line.
Over the next school year, we are committed to celebrating and honoring the remarkable legacy of Melridge Elementary, which was built in 1956. We want students, families, staff, alumni, and community members to have opportunities to reflect on the school's history and the impact it has had on countless lives. A Melridge Elementary Community Farewell Open House is being planned for the Spring of 2027, along with additional activities and celebrations that will be announced throughout the year.
While change can be difficult, our commitment remains the same: to provide every Riverside student with an exceptional educational experience in a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment. We believe these improvements will strengthen our District for generations to come while honoring the history that brought us here.
Thank you for your continued support of Riverside Schools.