The administration and office staff, 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 lead.

Administration

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 have nine grandchildren.

Mike Melone - Administrator

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 secondary principal. Mike currently serves as our School Administrator. 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 whom 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.

Jennifer DeSanto - Guidance Counselor/ Assistant Principal

Jen DeSanto has been involved in Christian education since 2017 when she started at Ruskin Christian School. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Liberty University. Today, she serves as RCS’s Assistant Principal and Guidance Counselor, but has taught math, psychology, speech, and leadership and has been involved in the student leadership programs. Jen is married to fellow baseball fanatic, Anthony, and they have three daughters.

Alan Waddell - Dean of Students/ Athletic Director

Alan Waddell has been involved in Christian education since 2018. He was been the superintendent of a school in the Midwest for five years before coming to RCS. The subjects he has taught include Bible, Geography, Physical Science, and History. Alan currently serves as our Athletic Director, Dean of Students and Chaplain. He has a bachelor's in theology from Midwestern Baptist College and has 20 years' experience in the senior pastor position. Alan has been married to his wife Amy since July of 2000. They have three children, a son at Pensacola Christian College and two daughters who attend RCS. In his spare time, Alan enjoys spending time with his family, bicycling on trails, and travel.

Lisa Heerdt - Preschool Director and VPK

Lisa Heerdt has been with Ruskin Christian School for many years, has worked in early childhood for over 25 years, and has been involved in Christian education since 1990. 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.

Office Staff

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