Ripon Area School District

- Ron Rivard
- Superintendent
- Email

Ron Rivard

Position/Department: Superintendent of Schools
Joined District: July 1, 2025

Welcome to the Ripon Area School District Website

Whether you are a long-time community member and supporter of the district, a family with students enrolled in one of our schools, or perhaps someone considering enrolling your child, the district has much to offer you. Our vision as one of Wisconsin’s finest school districts is to foster excellence in all through innovation.

From high-achieving academics to rich arts and exciting athletics, the Ripon Area School District provides something for everyone. The information found on this website represents just one way to stay informed. I invite you to follow us on Facebook, on Instagram, read our quarterly Tiger Update and review our Annual Report.

The strength of the district rests in the close connection maintained with community members. In fact, it is part of our mission: empowering learners, engaging the community, enriching the world. In addition to the communication paths mentioned above, I invite you to call, email or stop by for a visit. You can also talk to me at one of the many district and community events. I look forward to partnering with you to continue to provide the very best educational opportunities to all students in the Ripon Area School District.

Why Did I Choose Ripon?

The people of Ripon are what makes this community so special. Every interaction I have had with those who proudly call Ripon home reinforces the strong values of kindness and generosity that set Ripon apart. It is a place where innovation and excellence work in tandem to intentionally keep us forward-thinking while honoring our proud past, respectively. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Superintendent of the Ripon Area School District. I work in partnership with school district and community stakeholders who are deeply dedicated to prepare our students for postsecondary education and career success. We are focused on continuously improving our offerings and practices, maintaining our fiscal responsibility and relentlessly pursuing high levels of achievement for each of our students.

I have spent the vast majority of my life living in southeastern Wisconsin before relocating to Ripon. I have two adult children, Bryce and Rita. Bryce works as a carpentry apprentice for CG Schmidt, a general contractor in the Milwaukee area. Rita is a student at UW Green Bay where she is studying to be an educator. I chose to continue my career here in Ripon because of the district's rich tradition of achievement, strong educational program offerings, and long-standing history of community support. In addition to being one of the best school districts in the state, Ripon is a welcoming and wonderful community. I am fortunate to call Ripon home.

About the Superintendent

Prior to joining the Ripon Area School District, I taught middle school math and writing in Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District. I served as an associate middle school principal and as an elementary school principal in the Muskego Norway School District; as a high school associate principal and elementary principal in the School District of South Milwaukee; a secondary director of instruction in the School District of Waukesha; an assistant district administrator in the Waterford Graded School District; and most recently as the principal and curriculum director for the Randall Consolidated School District. I completed my undergraduate degree in elementary education with a minor in social studies from UW Milwaukee and hold a master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University. I earned my superintendent's license with credits from both Cardinal Stritch and Concordia Universities in December of 2023. In addition to my superintendent license, I currently hold Wisconsin licenses as a teacher, principal, and director of instruction.

Education is more than an occupation. It is the gateway to all other professions. I feel fortunate to have chosen a vocation as fulfilling as this which has consistently given me many reasons to be grateful over the past 28 years. During my career, I have had the great fortune to facilitate regional professional development sessions, teach college-level courses, provide coaching to new and seasoned administrators, and positively impact thousands of students.

Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Many of my favorite things to do occur outdoors which include running, hiking, hunting and fishing. Ripon provides many great opportunities to pursue all of my outdoor hobbies. In addition, I also like to spend time reading, writing and traveling.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. It is my hope that the information contained in our site assists you in learning more about the Ripon Area School District and each of our impressive schools. Please consider attending one of the many events and programs offered throughout the year. If you require additional information or have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 920-748-4600 or email me at rivardr@ripon.k12.wi.us.

Go Tigers!

Ron Rivard