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Pearland ISD’s school board will have a new face after one of its trustees resigned earlier in June.
What happened
Robert Richter, 75, will take over for former PISD Trustee Lance Botkin, who announced plans to resign from the board at its June 13 meeting due to “personal and medical reasons,” Superintendent Larry Berger said at the meeting.
Richter was sworn in at the board’s special June 23 meeting.
Career history
Having lived in the area for more than 50 years, Richter worked at PISD for decades, starting out as a teacher but eventually being promoted to assistant principal, principal and as an assistant superintendent, he said.
To pair with his list of jobs, Richter also drove a school bus for the district at one point, he said. After retiring, he returned to fill spots of need within the district, which took him to every campus.
“If you have a list of about 20 things, I did them all,” Richter said.
Notable quote
After being nominated for the role at the board’s June 13 meeting, Trustee Kris Schoeffler said Richter was his principal at Jamison Middle School, where a picture of Richter hangs on the wall. He’s been a volunteer with the Pearland Lions Club as well.
“He’s one of those truly kind, compassionate, wonderful humans who’s put on Earth to serve,” Schoeffler said.
Looking ahead
Richter said on June 27 he has no intention to run for a full term and plans on leaving after the current term ends in May.
While in the seat, he wants to make sure teachers and employees are paid appropriately, he said. He thinks the district has done a good job of paying competitive salaries but wants a little more to be done.
He also wants to advocate for safe schools and a “good education” for all students, regardless of abilities or challenges.
“Pearland is a wonderful school district and a wonderful place to live,” he said. “I wouldn’t have wanted to work anywhere else.”
