RISD has been in need of a permanent superintendent since December when the board of trustees accepted the resignation of former Superintendent Jeannie Stone. The board named Tabitha Branum as the interim superintendent for the remainder of the school year after accepting Stone's resignation.
During the meeting, the board voted unanimously in support of Branum, citing her past-experience with the district.
“Tabitha Branum demonstrated that her unique leadership capabilities and track record of success in RISD were exactly what the community was looking for,” board President Regina Harris said. “Ms. Branum can relate to RISD, has shown leadership in building community consensus, is transformative, and has a strong academic conviction.”
With her appointment, Branum will become RISD’s 10th superintendent since 1946. According to district officials, Branum has been a Texas educator for 25 years, with service as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, technology leader, principal and curriculum leader.
“I am honored and humbled to continue my service to RISD as superintendent,” Branum said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the trust that our board has placed in me, and I accept this responsibility with great excitement for the future of Richardson ISD, our students, our staff, and our community.”
Branum joined RISD eight years ago as assistant superintendent before becoming the district's deputy superintendent.
“I am fully confident that Tabitha Branum is the absolutely right person for RISD,” trustee Megan Timme said. “[She] is the person who can build upon our current successes and take us to the next level.”
Branum can not be officially hired by the district for 21 days, according to Texas state law. The board plans to appoint Branum ahead of its Aug. 9 meeting before the 2022-23 school year that begins Aug. 16.
