Since its founding, the Richmond Children’s Foundation (RCF) has led a strategic effort to revitalize the Nystrom neighborhood located in Richmond, California. This neighborhood was chosen because of its need and its assets.

The heart of our effort has been the Richmond College Preparatory Pre- and Elementary School. Working from a community centered school model, RCF has witnessed this model evolve into a high performing preschool and K-5 charter school.

In light of our vision and success, RCF created Richmond Elementary School, Inc. (RES), a nonprofit organization comprised of parents, businesses, and education and community leaders. The RES philosophy is much like RCF’s – to be successful, the schools must be owned and operated by the community.

Today, RES has sprouted wings and continues to fly with the capability of operating successfully on its own. And RCF is pleased to announce because of its vibrancy and success, RES is now operating independently from RCF.

We will continue to work with RES as a partner and collaborator, working together to ensure continued student success and achievement. This collaboration allows RCF to continue its important mission of revitalizing and improving the Nystrom neighborhood as a whole.

We congratulate the RES, Inc. Board, RES administration, teachers, staff and students on its success and we look forward to many years of partnership in educational excellence.

As RES, Inc. grows, so will the RES, Inc. website. Please check back in the coming months for RES, Inc. information and updates.

Sincerely,

Richmond Children’s Foundation

Peppina Chang
Director, Richmond Preparatory School

Born in Guatemala City, Central America, Peppina came to the United States in 1978.

Graduating with a degree in Philosophy and Letters from the Catholic University Rafael Landivar in Guatemala, she returned to school and attended UC Berkeley Extension. Under the auspices of Contra Costa College, Chang obtained her Montessori Certification in 1988. She began her educational career at El Sobrante Elementary School as a teacher's aide and in 1990 she moved to Seaview Montessori Elementary School and enrolled at JFK University in Orinda where she obtained her BA in Liberal Studies with emphasis in Multicultural Education. At the same time, Chang was granted her Multiple subject Credentials and BCLAD credentials. Awarded with the Urban Teaching Scholarship, Chang graduated with honors .

From 1994 to 1998, Chang taught fourth, fifth and sixth grades at Seaview Montessori Elementary School. In 1998 she began teaching Early Childhood Education at Martin Luther King State Preschool. Eventually, she opened the only Montessori Dual Immersion State Preschool in WCCUSD.

Chang has conducted several workshops in Parent Education and taught CBET (English as a second language) at the Richmond Library, and still works in cooperation with WCCUSD and CC College.

In the summer of 2004, she founded the Richmond College Prep Preschool, and in 2006, the Richmond College Prep K-5 Charter Elementary School.

A mother of six successful professionals, Chang is dedicated to eliminate the educational inequalities in Richmond by educating the human potential of every child that enrolls in the school. Her motto: An educator removes obstacles in the life of the children.

Fernando Johnson
Director, Richmond Elementary School

A proud father, dedicated husband and accomplished educator, Fernando Johnson grew up in Panama and came to the United States to pursue a degree in Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Johnson holds a Master’s degree in Education from Hayward State University and obtained his teaching credentials from St. Mary’s College. To further his education, Johnson earned his Administrative Credentials from Laverne University, and a certificate in family counseling from the University of Navarra, Spain.

Along with the breadth of educational experience achieved, Johnson also brings a multitude of experience in the administrative field of education. He has worked with the Oakland Unified School District for more than 35 years in a variety of different roles ranging from teaching elementary level, teacher on special assignment, assistant principal and principal, as well as elementary and adult education, all which have contributed to his educational and administrative experience and expertise.

Johnson was honored to serve in the US Marine Corps from 1965 to 1968 and is a US Vietnam Veteran with honorable discharge. He has been married for 35 years to his wife Elizabeth and together they have eleven children.