Richardson Independent School District (RISD) superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone submitted her resignation.
The 2019 Texas Superintendent of the Year has been convening behind closed doors with RISD trustees and attorneys to negotiate a separation agreement.
The state Republicans have admonished RISD for using masks in classrooms to protect pupils from the coronavirus. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Richardson for imposing face coverings in violation of Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order.
“I will always fight to protect the individual rights of Texans to decide what is best for themselves and their families.” Attorney General Paxton said. “I will continue to oppose the Biden Administration as Democrats demonstrate their willingness to sacrifice freedom for government control.”
“While [RISD is] currently unable to discuss what may occur at a future board meeting, the district continues to focus on students’ academic progress and maintaining a safe and positive learning environment in their 54 schools,” district spokesman Tim Clark wrote in an email to the Dallas Morning News.
Kevin Brown, director of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), in a blog post last November said he had felt enormous empathy and appreciation for those in public schools who have endured COVID-19, multiple hurricanes, “Snowmageddon,” and the divisions that have percolated down from national and state politics into local communities.
“People go into education because they believe in helping children, and they believe in serving their communities,” Brown told The Dallas Morning News. “They didn’t sign up to be in the crosshairs of every wedge issue that faces our country.”
Stone is under contract with the district, and her salary is $327,087. She met with the school board on Monday, December 13. RISD School Board has since accepted her resignation with a 6-0 vote.
RISD and Stone released a joint statement:
Dr. Jeannie Stone has announced her resignation as Superintendent of Schools for the Richardson Independent School District. Dr. Stone and the board have reached an agreement that allows her to pursue other interests and permits the board to pursue hiring another superintendent. The board and Dr. Stone have entered into the agreement believing it is in their respective best interests and in the best interests of the district. Prior to the effective date of her resignation, Dr. Stone will remain employed in the district and will assist the interim or successor superintendent during that time.
On behalf of the entire district, the board of trustees expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Stone for her efforts while serving as superintendent and for the many achievements and accomplishments of the entire district team during Dr. Stone’s tenure as superintendent.
Dr. Stone thanks the present and past board of trustees for providing her with the opportunity to serve in the Richardson Independent School District and would like to express her heartfelt appreciation to the staff and community for their support of the district’s programs and services during her term as superintendent
Success requires hard work, dedication, leadership, and vision. The board and Dr. Stone wish to acknowledge and recognize the teachers, principals, administrators, staff, students, parents, and patrons who have contributed to the district’s success. The board extends its best wishes to Dr. Stone in her future endeavors. The board will begin its search for a new superintendent so as not to disrupt the district’s operations.
Also, at the December 13 meeting, the board voted to name RISD Deputy Superintendent Tabitha Branum to serve as the interim superintendent until a new superintendent is selected.
“I am honored to serve the students, teachers, and families of RISD as the interim superintendent,” said Ms. Branum. “We will continue the focus of serving all students and working to allow each of them to reach their full academic potential. I am grateful to Dr. Stone for her leadership and contributions, thankful to our Board of Trustees for this opportunity, and humbled to work in service of our amazing RISD students and employees.”