Ruskin Christian School, serving the South Shore community since 1968, was established under the direction and leadership of First Baptist Church in order to provide students with a quality academic education integrated with a Christian view of God and the world. The RCS staff is professional and called to serve families by teaching and modeling a Christ-centered life that glorifies Jesus Christ. Over the years the school program has expanded, but the mission remains the same.
The close personal instruction with a family atmosphere attracts parents who are seeking an accepting and friendly environment for their children. The faculty, who represents a variety of academic credentials and backgrounds, are selected on the basis of their Christian testimony, love and concern for children, professional training, and ability to teach. Our commitment to Biblical values, academic excellence, and community responsibility is reflected in the students who go forth from RCS to other institutions of learning.
Pastor Barry Rumsey – Superintendent
Dr. Barry Rumsey, Superintendent of RCS, attended the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo, Colorado, and the Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, where he met his wife, Vicki, and earned a Graduate of Music diploma, in 1978. The Rumsey’s were married in 1976. Pastor Rumsey served eight years in churches in Missouri, Ohio, and Illinois as a Music Director, Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, and Interim Pastor. In 1984, he was called to be pastor of the Community Baptist Church in Lenoir City, Tennessee. During his seventeen years as their pastor, he continued his education at the Covington Theological Seminary in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, earning a Bachelor of Ministry, and a Master of Divinity, in 1990. In 2001, he became the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Ruskin. While here, he has continued with his education, earning a Doctorate of Ministry in Bible in 2006. Dr. Rumsey and Vicki have four grown children: Joshua, Alisha(Williams), Jonathan, and Abigail. They now have eight grandchildren.
Tim Vanderveer – Administrator
Tim Vanderveer became the administrator at RCS in May, 2004. His prior teaching and administrative experience was spent at Temple Heights Christian School in Tampa, Texas Christian Academy, Arlington, Texas, and North Florida Christian School in Tallahassee. He earned his undergraduate degree at Baptist Bible College, Springfield, Mo., and completed his master’s degree in 1997 at Louisiana Baptist University. His wife, Debbie, also works at RCS. Their daughter, Tiffany and husband Josh and two grandchildren, Braxton and Kyson, live in Crawfordville, Florida.
Mike Melone - Secondary Principal/Athletic Director
Mike Melone has been involved in Christian education since 1999 and he has worked in three schools including RCS. He has taught Bible, Health, P. E., and has served as a school administrator. Mike currently serves as our Secondary Principal and Athletic Director. He has a B.A. from Bethany Divinity College and Seminary, an M.A. from Louisiana Baptist University, and an honorary doctorate from Northeast Baptist Bible College. Mike has been married to his wife Jennifer since 1993. They have three adult children, two of which are married. In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, riding his Harley, flying his drone, and playing with his two Labradoodles.
Lisa Heerdt - Preschool Director and VPK
Lisa Heerdt has been with Ruskin Christian School for over three years and has worked in early childhood for over 25 years. She has her Child Development Associate Credential and her National Administrator’s Credential. Lisa is married to her high school sweetheart David and is mother to three boys.