Superintendent

Tabitha Branum is an experienced leader and motivated educator with 27 years of experience in Texas addressing the needs of students through research-based and innovative programs and practices.

In August 2022, Branum was named RISD’s 20th superintendent since 1900. 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.

As deputy superintendent, she oversaw the curriculum, instruction, and operations of RISD and led the development of the five-year strategic plan.

Branum served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, technology leader, and curriculum leader prior to joining RISD. She began her teaching career in Coppell ISD in 1997, and a decade later, led the design and opening of New Tech High School in Coppell. She is a valued presenter and effective grant writer. Branum has led and supervised instructional improvement efforts in Coppell and Richardson. She co-wrote “Digital Learning: Meeting the Challenges and Embracing the Opportunities for Teachers.”

Branum and her family live in RISD with two children enrolled in district schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and master’s in educational administration from the University of North Texas and is pursuing her Ed.D. in educational administration at Dallas Baptist University. In 2022, she received the National PTA Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2023 was named an Altrusa International Outstanding Woman of Today.

Branum is a member of the UIL Region 20 Music Executive Committee and is a Director for TAS/MUS (Texas Association of Suburban and Mid-Urban Schools). She is on the Board of Advisors for Phone Free Schools Movement and is a member of the SMU Master of Public Policy Advisory Committee. Branum serves as a Director on the Texas Academic Decathlon board.

She is passionate about public schools and knows what it takes to ensure all students graduate prepared to navigate a future they create.