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Branum will become RISD's 10th superintendent since J.J. Pearce was named in 1946. She was named interim superintendent in December 2021, and has served RISD families for eight years, as assistant superintendent of secondary schools and most recently as deputy superintendent. Overall, Branum has been a Texas educator for 25 years, including service as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, technology leader, and curriculum leader prior to joining RISD.

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I don't know her, so I will try not to be negative. However, I can't help but be disappointed that RISD made a big deal out of a nation wide search to bring in a leader to make changes and ended up basically promoting from within. I hope she works out great, but getting someone from outside RISD with a fresh perspective to handle teacher pay scale and other issues would have been my preference. Any thoughts from the board?

This was a tough year to be hiring a super. Definitely a sellers market.

My limited interactions with her have been positive. I know that she's worked her butt off since Stone quit. Teachers on social seem happy.

Speaking largely from ignorance, admittedly, I don't see this a needle moving hire, in either direction.

Unfortunately this likely means more of the same from RISD.

Not necessarily. I am trying hard not to be negative here before we see what she does. But yeah.

You'll note that the mask mandate changed right after she took charge. I have no inside info on whether she pushed for a change; just that board didn't force things one way or the other.

Hmmmm….I grew up in Richardson (Pearce grad). Moved to Coppell as a newlywed in 1984. TB was in Coppell. She spearheaded a new HS (New Tech). My daughter was in the first graduating class & TB was the principal. TB had some pretty grandiose plans for the new school but most never came to fruition. My personal interaction with her was pleasant & she did work to resolve some serious issues. She did appear to have a genuine interest in the success of the students.