California School for the Deaf, Riverside

History

On March 26, 1946, California Assembly Bill 75 was signed by Governor Earl Warren, future United States Supreme Court Chief Justice, authorizing appropriations to establish the Southern California School for the Deaf, later renamed the California School for the Deaf, Riverside. In May, 1948, the State Department of Education in Sacramento chose Riverside as the site for the new school on the Arlington Avenue agricultural property. The school began to accept students on February 2, 1953. Perry E. Seely (1886–1949) (himself deaf) is the founding father of today's CSDR.

In 1951, Dr. Richard G. Brill became the school's first superintendent, a position he served for 26 years. In 1958, the student population reached 500.

In 1977, Dr. Robert Lennan became the second school superintendent. He oversaw implementation of an individualized education plan (IEP) as required by federal law.

In 1989, Dr. Kenneth Randall took over as the school's new head.

In 2000, Dr. Rachel Stone, became the fourth school chief, and the first deaf superintendent.

In 2001, Mr. Harold Kund became the fifth school superintendent. His administration period was characterized by a rebuilding program on campus. Kund retired in 2005.

In 2006, Mal Grossinger was selected as the sixth superintendent of CSDR. He was the second deaf superintendent to lead CSDR.

From 2014 to 2016, Scott Kerby, division director of State Special Schools, served as interim superintendent. He implemented new programs while conducting an intensive superintendent recruit process.

In 2016, Dr. Nancy Hlibok Amann, through an extensive community-based interview process, was selected to lead the school as its seventh superintendent. Dr. Amann comes from one of the Deaf community's best-known and celebrated families.

Admissions

Students may attend the school if their local school district refers them to CSDR. 11 counties are in CSDR's eligibility area.

Campus

The school has dormitory facilities. Students are eligible if the commute to and from the school is over one hour per direction.

Athletics

The school has an American football team, which uses American sign language to communicate on the field. The 2024 book The Boys of Riverside tells the story of the deaf team's journey to state football championships in 2022 and 2023.

In 2021 Kelly Clarkson donated 25,000 dollars to the football team, funding the new football stadium.

The schools athletic teams consist of the cheerleading, cross country, varsity and junior varsity volleyball, boys and girls basketball, wrestling, softball, and track and field.

Notable alumni

• Sean Berdy, actor
• Ryan Lane, class of 2007; actor
• John Maucere, actor

References

References

1. Struxness, Kevin. ''The CSDR Story 1945-2003''. DeBee Communications, Inc., 2008. Page 18.
2. Struxness, page 35.
3. Struxness, page 58.
4. Gannon, Jack. 1981. ''Deaf Heritage–A Narrative History of Deaf America'', Silver Spring, MD: National Association of the Deaf, p. 55 ([http://saveourdeafschools.org/Deaf_Heritage_by_Jack_Gannon_page_55.pdf PDF] {{Webarchive. link. (2012-03-28 ))
5. "Deaf Person of the Month".
6. O'Connor, Rebecca K.. (2019-04-25). "California School for the Deaf continues creating community leaders". [[The Press-Enterprise]].
7. "Student Life". California School for the Deaf, Riverside.
8. Zaru, Deena. (2021-11-20). "Undefeated: Deaf football team brings triumph and pride to California community". [[ABC News (United States).
9. [https://www.pbs.org/video/the-boys-of-riverside-1728507395/ "Book chronicles deaf football team's rise to state champions"] (October 9, 2024), PBS.org. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
10. ''The Boys of Riverside'' by Thomas Fuller. {{OCLC. 1426300381.
11. Shin • •, Tony. (2021-12-20). "Kelly Clarkson Surprises Deaf Football Team From Riverside After Historic Run".
12. "California Athletics – Home of the Cubs!".
13. Davis, Rich. (October 18, 2008). "Crew films documentary on 19th century deaf baseball player 'Dummy' Hoy". [[Evansville Courier & Press]].