In October of 2022, I had the privilege to sit down and speak with faculty members Mr. Lou Tanner, Dr. Nell Halladay, and current Head of School Dr. Sara Johnson. We discussed the history of RS and 418 E. Jefferson St., as well as their experiences as long-time faculty members at the school. I have selected various moments from the interview that I feel capture their stories, and included them below. Enjoy!
Introductions
Downtown Mall Campus
What can you tell me about the original RS campus on the Downtown Mall? What was the space like? How did students and faculty interact with it?
Village School & RS Identity
Why do you feel that the connection with Village School did not develop? Did RS struggle to define its identity in the first few years of the school?
Faculty Experience
What is the greatest effect that working at RS has had on your life and career?
Student Memories
Are there any memories of students or the school that stand out? What have been some of your favorite experiences at RS?
RS Twenty Years On
When you look back at 2002 vs. 2022, what would you say has been then biggest change in the school? What has remained most constant?