About Richardson ISD
Founded in 1854 to educate the children of local farmers, small business owners, and others who had settled near the railroad just outside of Dallas, Richardson schools have been a focal point of our community for 170 years. Although the world has changed dramatically since railroads were the newest form of transportation across our country, the importance of a strong educational
system that provides children with skills to be productive citizens in our society remains a priority for our community.
The Richardson Independent School District has a long-standing reputation for educational excellence, and our district is continually recognized at both the state and national levels.
Board of Trustees
Chris Poteet President
At Large Place 7
Megan Timme
Single-Member
District 1
2027 Board Goals
Adopted October 2022
Rachel McGowan
Vice president
Single-Member District 5
Vanessa Pacheco
Single-Member District 2
Debbie Rentería Secretary
Single-Member District 3
School boards and superintendents work as a team. Working together, board members set policies and priorities, and the superintendent and staff put those into action.
Regina Harris
Single-Member
District 4
Eric Eager
At Large Place 6
Richardson Independent School District voters elect board members to serve threeyear terms that are staggered to ensure the board always includes experienced members. Five trustees represent specific geographic areas (known as singlemember districts), while two at large trustees represent the entire district. Service on the board is voluntary, and members must complete an extensive orientation as well as continued training throughout their terms. RISD trustees consistently exceed the required number of state-mandated training hours.
The board of trustees has the executive power and duty to govern and oversee the management of RISD. Acting as a collective body, the board sets the direction for the school district. Some of the board’s general responsibilities include:
• Setting district policies and supporting administrators and teachers in the execution of those policies.
• Employing and evaluating the superintendent.
• Adopting the annual budget.
• Levying/collecting taxes and issuing bonds.
• Performing specific duties imposed by the state.
The percent of students in third grade who score at the meets level or above on STAAR Reading will increase from 49% to 60% by June 2027.
The percent of students in third grade who score at the meets level or above on STAAR Mathematics will grow from 43% to 55% by June 2027.
The percent of graduates who meet the criteria for CCMR will increase from 55% to 70% by June 2027.
Leadership Team
Tabitha Branum
Superintendent
Tabitha Branum is a proven leader and motivated educator with more than 25 years of experience addressing the needs of students through research-based and innovative programs and practices.
Superintendent Branum began her teaching career in Coppell ISD in 1997, and a decade later, she led the design and opening of the innovative New Tech High @ Coppell. In 2014, she came to RISD as the assistant superintendent of secondary instruction and operations and in 2017 became the deputy superintendent. Branum was named interim superintendent in December 2021, and after a nationwide search by trustees to find the best superintendent for RISD, Branum was named superintendent in August 2022.
Superintendent Branum holds a bachelor’s degree in history and
Superintendent’s Cabinet
Dr. Matthew Gibbins Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services
Dr.
Henry
a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of North Texas. She is pursuing an Ed.D. in educational administration at Dallas Baptist University. Branum is a valued presenter and writer, and is the co-author of “Digital Learning: Meeting the Challenges and Embracing the Opportunities for Teachers.”
Branum’s tenure as superintendent has focused on academic growth for all students. She is passionate about public schools and knows what it takes to educate, nurture and prepare students to be productive and contributing citizens.
Leticia McGowan
North Star, Beliefs, and Strategic Plan Goals
North Star Goal
Every student, teacher, and leader will meet or exceed their academic growth goal.
Beliefs
To ensure academic success for all RISD students, we believe...
• In creating a safe learning environment that empowers every student in RISD to take risks, be creative, find acceptance, and grow.
• That education is an effective tool that can prepare every student in RISD for life after high school including teaching life skills.
• That every student in RISD will have the capability and desire to learn and rise to the level of expectations for individual success.
2023-2028 Strategic Plan Goals
Goal
1: Individual Growth
We will design and implement systems that provide the necessary structure, support and tools to ensure that staff and students achieve individual growth.
Goal 2: Staff Recruitment and Retention
We will reimagine the way we recruit and retain quality staff through comprehensive strategies.
Goal 3: Curriculum and Learning
We will establish systems for curriculum and learning experiences which support, the individual growth goals of all students and staff.
Goal 4: Community Engagement
We will create opportunities to ensure engagement with community members in RISD.
Goal 5: Financial Stewardship
We will increase efficiency and effectiveness in operations and personnel and seek additional fiscal resources to accomplish our call to action.
The RISD Graduate Profile
Students in RISD will develop competencies in the areas of:
Financial Literacy
• Comprehend financial skills and available resources such as earning, spending, saving/investing, borrowing, and protecting money.
• Apply knowledge of financial skills to real life situations learned through simulations/experiences.
• Demonstrate the use of critical thinking, math skills and technology as tools to analyze financial reports/scenarios.
Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving
• Undertake risks with thoughts and ideas and learn through mistakes in a supported environment.
• Analyze problems, evaluate options and apply solutions.
• Exhibit curiosity, tenacity, resourcefulness, and innovation in and out of school.
Real-World Connections
• Communicate and collaborate effectively.
• Advocate for self and others.
• Adapt and be flexible.
Effective Communication
• Engage in multiple methods of communication including oral, written, and non-verbal, where all participants feel heard, valued, and understood.
• Understand the audience and the situation and identify the appropriate response.
• Communicate professionally using a variety of methods and technologies.
Emotional Intelligence
• Develop a positive self-worth and increase belief in one’s self and one’s capacity to thrive in different situations.
• Advocate effectively for self and form resiliency in the face of adversity.
• Value others (cultural awareness, being open-minded).
Graduate outcomes
Through Cultivation of these Competencies, RISD Graduates will be Equipped with...
Problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity skills that have been developed and applied in real-world scenarios and experiences to achieve individual goals.
Meaningful and effective communication skills to address audiences appropriately in a variety of ways.
Tools to succeed in their choice of college, post-secondary training, or career post graduation.
Data from the 2024-2025 snapshot.
36,000+ Students
5,695 Employees
12,034 Emergent
Bilingual Students
RISD covers 46 square miles in Dallas County and includes portions of the cities of Richardson, Dallas, and Garland.
240,000
reside within RISD boundaries.
Fiscal Responsibility
PROPERTY TAXES
$0.7552
RISD’s overall tax rate is projected to be at its lowest level in more than 20 years.
RISD provides a 10% local optional homestead exemption in addition to the state required homestead exemption, which reduces the school district’s revenue. RISD is one of just three school districts in Dallas and Collin counties to still offer this optional tax break to homeowners.
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
BASED ON 2026 OFFICIAL BUDGET
RISD carries the highest available bond ratings for school districts in Texas:
Aaa from Moody’s Investors Service
RISD voters approved a tax ratification election in 2018, allowing the district to maximize state revenue and local property tax revenue.
More than 32,000 RISD voters participated in the election.
The RISD community can monitor progress on bond projects at www.risd.org/bond2025.
FIRST Rating
Since inception of the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, RISD has maintained the Highest rating every year.
RISD continues to adjust its teacher and staff salary ranges to stay competitive and uses the Teacher Incentive Allotment to provide additional funding for effective teachers. www.risd.org/tiaoverview
RISD Programs
Academic Competitions
RISD encourages and facilitates student participation in a variety of academic competitions each year, including:
• Academic Decathlon
• Campus and District Spelling Bees (English and Spanish)
• Destination Imagination
• RISD UIL A+ Competition
Advanced Learning Programs and Services
Each student should have the opportunity to maximize their potential ability, and RISD provides a flexible program that accommodates the special needs, abilities and interests of gifted students. Through the modification of depth, complexity and pacing in the general school program, the curriculum is appropriately differentiated for gifted students, connected across grade levels, and substantive in subject matter.
AVID - College Readiness System
AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an academic system dedicated to closing the expectation gap and opportunity gap so all RISD students are prepared for college and career. AVID began in RISD in 2003 and aligns with specific campus goals to accelerate and enhance the work already occurring daily.
Career & Technical Education
CTE prepares all students for the world of work through intentional and meaningful career focused programs of study. Students experience real-world learning environments in all of our industry specific programming.
Dallas County Promise
Dallas County Promise helps students at all four RISD high schools succeed in college and careers they’re passionate about, and helps students prepare to advance professionally. With tuition assistance, success coaching, and advising, the Promise is to support students in earning credentials in the form of a career certification, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.
DECA
DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.
Magnet Schools
RISD magnet schools serve to offer choices to families seeking educational alternatives or targeted programming not available at an attendance area school. Fundamentally, magnet schools share two characteristics: they accept students from across various attendance boundaries, and they enhance programs and extend specific curricula to attract families to the school.
Pre-K
High-quality Pre-K is a proven program to prepare students for academic and social success. RISD offers Pre-K opportunities at nearly every elementary campus.
P-TECH
The Texas College and Career Readiness School Models are open enrollment programs that blend high school and college coursework to help students develop technical skills, earn college credentials and degrees, and pursue in-demand career paths. RISD offers multiple high school pathways, including an associate degree in business, criminal justice, or applied science in construction technology; healthcare careers; and core college class completion.
STEM
In collaboration with community and industry partners, RISD provides students with advanced STEM-focused academics, STEM learning experiences, and the support needed to graduate high school more prepared for college and career success.
Student and Family Support
RISD offers a variety of supports for students and families in need of additional services or who have barriers to learning. Through the RISD Family Services Center, and in collaboration with community partners, the district provides assistance to families new to the area or country, or those in need of refugee services, homeless services, language services, and more.
Points of Pride
AcAdemics
• 286 RISD students earned 2025 College Board National Recognition Awards
• 5 RISD students named 2025 National Merit Semifinalists.
• 30 RISD schools earned 101 TEA Academic Distinction Designations in 2025.
• In the 2025 state accountability ratings, “A” rated campuses increased from 8 in 2024 to 11 in 2025.
• All high schools received an “A” or a “B” state accountability rating.
Athletics
• 71 student athletes signed to play at the collegiate level
• Multiple district and bi-district championships across football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, track, and other sports.
• ALL varsity football teams advanced in the playoffs.
• Dozens of athletes named to academic all-district and academic allstate teams.
• Lake Highlands, Pearce and Richardson high school tennis teams qualified for the UIL State Team Tennis Championships
Fine Arts
• RISD named a TAEA District of Distinction for the 5th consecutive year.
• The NAMM Foundation named RISD one of its “Best Communities for Music Education” in the country for the 14th consecutive year.
• RISD has been named a District of Distinction for Visual Arts for the 5th consecutive year.
• Pearce High School’s 2025 one-act play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (UIL) One-Act Play team advanced to the regional level.
stAFF And schools
• 1.54% - LOWEST employee turnover rate that the district has seen in the last decade!
• Moss Haven Elementary Coach Christina Fuller named 2025 Texas Elementary P.E. Teacher of the Year.
• Carolyn Bukhair Elementary Principal Dr. Anabel Ruiz named the Texas Principal of the Year by the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.
ClAss 2025
426 SENIORS RECEIVED THE TEXAS PERFORMANCE ACKNOWLEDGMENT IN BILINGUALISM AND BILITERACY
162 PTECH SENIORS
GRADUATED FROM DALLAS COLLEGE WITH LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION OR ASSOCIATES DEGREE
Connect with and Support RISD
RISD is committed to creating a multitude of diverse opportunities for community members to connect with us, learn more about us, and support our vision of growing every child, every teacher, every leader, every day. Whether you are here to learn or to contribute, as an individual or an organization, we welcome partnerships of all kinds. To learn even more ways to partner with Richardson ISD, visit www.risd.org/home/partner-with-risd
Become an RISD Ambassador
The RISD Ambassador Program is a free professional learning series designed to give participants a comprehensive overview of RISD. Program graduates will understand the impact of their own voice and be empowered to actively advocate for RISD’s students and staff. RISD invites community members, parents, PTA members, nonprofit partners, and area businesses to join!
Enrollment takes place in the summer and the course includes eight sessions held September through May. Session topics include school finance, accountability, leadership, academics, engagement, and much more.
START HERE: www.risd.org/ambassadors
Provide an Internship to a Senior Student
Join Platinum Club
Join the RISD Platinum Club today to receive free admission to RISD fine arts and athletic events as well as special invitations to other activities and learning opportunities throughout the school year.
Membership in the RISD Platinum Club is FREE for individuals who are at least 55 years old.
START HERE: s.risd.org/platinum
Volunteer with We Read Together
We Read Together is a literacy-rich mentor program that partners RISD’s youngest students with committed adults to regularly read, write, and learn together at school. Join us today to be matched with a student and make an impact in their literacy journey.
START HERE: www.risd.org/ wereadtogether
Open the doors to valuable learning experiences by offering semester-long internships to senior students who are ready to learn about a career they are considering. The Professional Internship Program (PIP) helps seniors gain practical skills, industry knowledge, and real-world exposure to set them up for future success.
START HERE: www.risd.org/cte/pip
Volunteer on a Campus
Whether it’s connecting to a specific project in the community, supporting teachers and students in the classroom, or providing volunteer support for a district event, volunteers are always needed. Register with Verkada and start finding volunteer opportunities in RISD.
START HERE: www.risd.org/volunteer
Opportunities for learners tailored to every style and ability.
Neighborhood schools that foster family-centered communities.
Experiences beyond the classroom that enhance learning!
www.risd.org or call your local school to schedule a tour!
Community Partnerships
We gratefully acknowledge and thank the following partners for their generous support of Richardson Independent School District. Together, our partners promote the mission and vision of RISD and bring value to all of our staff, students, and community!
Colleges and Universities
Corporations and Organizations
Careers with RISD
In Richardson ISD, we respect, value, serve and support all our employees.
RISD students flourish because they are exposed to inspired curriculum delivered by engaged and caring teachers who are supported by dedicated and quality-driven staff. RISD employees experience a variety of benefits including outstanding support, personalized professional learning, an engaging work environment and a fully invested school community.
“The value of our employees in Richardson ISD is priceless. We are committed to providing our staff with competitive compensation packages, a comprehensive support system, innovative professional learning, and quality incentives. We strive to show appreciation to educators who choose RISD as their work family and reward their commitment to our district North Star Goal for every child, every day.”
- Superintendent Tabitha Branum
2025-2026 Benefits and Incentives
Healthcare and Insurance
• Access to maternity, paternity, and bereavement leave
• Statewide healthcare plan and two dental plans
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Healthcare and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
• $10,000 basic term life insurance
• Retirement savings plan options and Teacher Retirement System
• Hardship pay and sick-leave bank for extended illness
Benefit Highlights
The starting teacher salary for 2025-26 is $63,000.
Stipends for Critical Needs Areas
Secondary Math/Science/LOTE ............ up to $2,000 Resource special education stipend ............. $2,000
• RISD Employee Acute Care Clinic with only $10 copay per visit (regardless of insurance)
• RISD Employee Daycare/Child Learning Academy ($400/ month)
• RISD Employee Pre-K ($200/month)
• Discounted after school program for employees
• Employee discount program with community partners
Professional Growth Opportunities
• First-Year Teacher Academy
• Professional Learning Communities
• National Board Certified Teacher Program
• Together We Grow Conference (annual two-day summer learning conference)
Teacher Incentive Allotment
The Teacher Incentive Allotment program allows RISD to reward highly effective teachers who teach at a high-needs campus. See www.risd.org/tiaoverview for program details.
• Job-embedded professional learning support
• Instructional coaching
• Mentor teacher for two years
Career Growth Support
• Master’s degree partner programs
• Multiple career pathways with stipends
• Leadership development academies for administration and campus-level leadership
Campus and Facility Directory
HIGH SCHOOLS
L.V. Berkner High School
1600 E. Spring Valley Rd., Richardson 75081 469-593-7000
J.J. Pearce High School
1600 N. Coit Rd., Richardson 75080 469-593-5000
Lake Highlands High School
9449 Church Rd., Dallas 75238 469-593-1000
Richardson High School
1250 W. Belt Line Rd., Richardson 75080 469-593-3000
JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Apollo Junior High School
1600 Apollo Rd., Richardson 75081 469-593-7900
Forest Meadow Middle School
9373 Whitehurst Dr., Dallas 75243 469-593-1500
Lake Highlands Middle School
10301 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas 75238 469-593-1600
Liberty Junior High School
10330 Lawler Rd., Dallas 75243 469-593-7888
Parkhill Junior High School
16500 Shadybank Dr., Dallas 75248 469-593-5600
Richardson North Junior High School
1820 N. Floyd Rd., Richardson 75080 469-593-5300
Richardson West Arts & Technology Magnet
1309 Holly Dr., Richardson 75080 469-593-3700
Westwood Math, Science & Leadership Magnet
7630 Arapaho Rd., Dallas 75248 469-593-3600
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Aikin Elementary
12300 Pleasant Valley Dr., Dallas 75243 469-593-1820
Arapaho Classical Magnet
1300 Cypress Dr., Richardson 75080 469-593-6400
Audelia Creek Elementary 12600 Audelia Rd., Dallas 75243 469-593-2900
Big Springs Elementary
3301 W. Campbell Rd., Garland 75044 469-593-8100
Bowie Elementary 7643 La Manga Dr., Dallas 75248 469-593-6000
Brentfield Elementary 6767 Brentfield Dr., Dallas 75248 469-593-5740
Canyon Creek Elementary
2100 Copper Ridge Dr., Richardson 75080 469-593-6500
Carolyn G. Bukhair Elementary 13900 Esperanza Rd., Dallas 75240 469-593-4900
Dartmouth Elementary 417 Dartmouth Ln., Richardson 75081 469-593-8400
Dover Elementary 700 Dover Dr., Richardson 75080 469-593-4200
Forest Lane Academy 9663 Forest Ln., Dallas 75243 469-593-1850
Forestridge Elementary 10330 Bunchberry Dr., Dallas 75243 469-593-8500
Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet 8301 Towns St., Dallas 75243 469-593-3900
Jess Harben Elementary 600 S. Glenville Dr., Richardson 75081 469-593-8800
Lake Highlands Elementary 9501 Ferndale Rd., Dallas 75238 469-593-2100
Mark Twain Elementary 1200 Larkspur Dr., Richardson 75081 469-593-4800
Math Science Technology Magnet 450 Abrams Rd., Richardson 75081 469-593-7300
Merriman Park Elementary 7101 Winedale Dr., Dallas 75231 469-593-2800
Mohawk Elementary 1500 Mimosa Dr., Richardson 75080 469-593-6600
Moss Haven Elementary
9202 Moss Farm Ln., Dallas 75243 469-593-2200
Northlake Elementary
10059 Ravensway Dr., Dallas 75238 469-593-2300
Northrich Elementary
1301 Custer Rd., Richardson 75080 469-593-6200
Northwood Hills Elementary
14532 Meandering Way, Dallas 75254 469-593-4300
O. Henry Elementary
4100 Tynes Dr., Garland 75042 469-593-8200
Prairie Creek Elementary
2120 E. Prairie Creek Dr., Richardson 75080 469-593-6300
Prestonwood Elementary
6525 La Cosa Dr., Dallas 75248 469-593-6700
Richardson Heights Elementary 101 N. Floyd Rd., Richardson 75080 469-593-4400
Richardson Terrace Elementary
300 N. Dorothy Dr., Richardson 75081 469-593-8700
Richland Elementary
550 Park Bend Dr., Richardson 75081 469-593-4650
RISD Academy
13630 Coit Rd., Dallas 75240 469-593-3300
Skyview Elementary 9229 Meadowknoll Dr., Dallas 75243 469-593-2400
Spring Creek Elementary 7667 Roundrock Rd., Dallas 75248 469-593-4500
Stults Road Elementary 8700 Stults Rd., Dallas 75243 469-593-2500
Wallace Elementary 9921 Kirkhaven Dr., Dallas 75238 469-593-2600
White Rock Elementary 9229 Chiswell Rd., Dallas 75238 469-593-2700
Yale Elementary
1900 E. Collins Blvd., Richardson 75081 469-593-8300
CHILD LEARNING ACADEMIES
Little Eagles 1231 W. Belt Line Rd, Richardson 75080 469-593-9200
Little Mustangs 2100 Copper Ridge Dr., Richardson 75080 469-593-6500
Little Rams & Little Wildcats at Springridge 1801 E. Spring Valley Rd., Richardson, 75081
CENTRAL PROGRAMS/FACILITIES
Administration Building
400 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson 75081 469-593-0000
Administration Annex 420 Greenville Ave., Richardson 75081 469-593-0000
Arzell Ball Center (ABC)
410 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson 75081 469-593-0000
Environmental Studies Center
3015 W. Campbell Rd., Garland 75044 469-593-8170
Family Services Center
1500 International Parkway, Richardson 75081 469-593-0390
Greenwood Hills Learning Center 1313 West Shore Dr., Richardson 75080
Newcomer Center
1500 International Parkway, Richardson 75081 469-593-9100
RISD Operations Center (ROC)
1123 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson 75081 469-593-0000
RISD Support Center 900 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson 75081
Spring Valley Learning Center 13535 Spring Grove Ave., Dallas 75240
Thurgood Marshall Student
Success Academy
9666 Ferris Branch Blvd, Dallas 75243 469-593-5800
