The Award recognizes outstanding leadership in classroom achievement, educational leadership among peers, and success in developing strong community relationships that reinforce educational performance.

Keith Forte graduated from Southern Methodist University with a BA in Political Science and a minor in History. He has worked in DISD as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal. In 1998, RISD lured him away to become the principal of Jess Harben Elementary. He later moved to Spring Valley Elementary as principal and to Merriman Park in September, 2008. Keith and his wife Penny have been married 21 years and have an 18 year old daughter, Laren, a freshman at OU this fall.

Charles Bruner received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Science from Baylor University and a Masters of Education from Tarleton State University. He is a third generation Baylor Bear and has been a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal. Charles came to RISD from Cedar Hill in 2002 to serve as principal at Forest Meadow Junior High School. At that time, Forest Meadow was rated at low performing by the state accountability system, and under his leadership is now a State Recognized School! He and his wife, Cindy, a nurse at Balyor University Medical Center, have been married for 18 years and have two daughters, Baylor and Braedyn.

Attending the festivities, Steve Mitchell, Mayor of Richardson, presented Dr. Simmons, Superintendent of RISD, with a proclamation in recognition of outstanding educators. Dan Johnson, Deputy City Manager, congratulated the district on its outstanding record of achievement and Richard Ramey, former Chairman of the Richardson Chamber told the group that recruitment of companies to the Telecom Corridor is greatly enhanced by the quality of education received in the district. “We are educating leaders of the future, and companies depend upon a strong education system like RISD, to provide the professional and skilled workforce they need.” Dr. David Simmons congratulated the two recipients and paid tribute to the extraordinary talent and support of the Principals in RISD.

On behalf of the RISD Excellence in Education Foundation’s Boards of Directors, Staff and Volunteers, we congratulate you as recipients of the Foundation’s 2007-2008 STARS Award.  Your selection is testament to your dedication, skills, creativity, innovation, and care for the students of RISD.  Next to parents or significant others, nothing is more significant in a student’s educational experience than the influence of teachers who are highly competent in their chosen academic field, care deeply about student performance, and engender a love of learning that follows a student throughout his or her life.  RISD is fortunate to have each and every one of you.

As a separate 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, it is our privilege to assist the district education initiatives by raising funds to support awards such as the STARS, provide scholarships, and fund special programs that benefit students and teachers.   Our ability to fund such initiatives is a result of donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community organizations who value the superior education that RISD provides.  We are deeply grateful to these very special donors.

Thank you for all you do for the sons and daughters of RISD!  You daily impact the lives of each one by your attention to their individual needs, concern for their futures, and the quality of life that a strong foundation in education brings. 

Congratulations and well done!

2007-2008 RISD Excellence in Education STARS Award Honorees

Texas Instruments hosted the new TI STEM Academy Inductees on August 21st at its Forest Lane Facility. Richardson ISD’s Karrie Kellerman Looney, recipient of the prestigious Texas Instruments Foundation’s Innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Teaching Award (STEM), was inducted along with recipients from the Plano and Dallas School Districts. Recipients receive a $5,000 personal award and a $5,000 award to utilize for professional development, classroom equipment, or other needs that enhance the use of technology classroom teaching.

The new inductees will be a part of the prestigious STEM Academy directed by Torrence Robinson, Director of Public Affairs for Texas Instruments, Inc. The Academy provides opportunities for the recipients to network, learn new techniques in incorporating technology in classroom instruction, provide feedback to TI regarding new innovations in technology, and presenting at national seminars.

OUR CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE INDUCTEES!