Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone had faced some push-back from parents this year who objected to the district's mandatory mask policies and the district's racial equity policies.
Stone announced last month that the final mask mandate covering elementary schools would expire at the end of the fall semester, which is December 17th. She said the district would continue to encourage students and employees to wear masks indoors.
But at a school board meeting last night most who signed up to speak were angry the board didn't do more to back Stone.
The board voted 6-0 to accept Stones resignation. The interim Superintendent will be Deputy Superintendent Tabitha Branum. “The board will begin its search for a new superintend so as to not disrupt the district’s operations,” said President Regina Harris.
In 2019 Dr. Stone was named Texas' Superintendent of the Year and was praised for putting students and academics first and for standing with parents, according to NBCDFW.com.
With Dr. Stone steping down, this marks the second major change in a Richardson ISD leadership position this fall. Previous RISD board president Karen Clardy stepped down in September.
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