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His name is Brad Richardson. He has been married to Carrie for 16 years, and has five children. He graduated from Campbell University and because his grandparents lived close by, to save money, he stayed with them while in college. Brad graduated and became a teacher. His grandfather, Gene Driver was also in education and had a tremendous affect on his grandson. He can be given a lot of credit as to how his grandson has evolved. Brad continued his education and has a Masters Degree from Gardner-Webb University and is also certified by the National Board for Teaching. Brad Richardson is a humble man and anything and everything in his professional life is all about the kids! This is certainly a great story about a man, his mission and his contributions.
This graduate of Burns High School started teaching in Rutherford County and became an Assistant Principal for four years, then a Principal at Forrest Hunt for six years and for the last two years, Principal at Forest City-Dunbar Elementary School. He was most appreciative of the appointment and saw it as a great challenge.
This past year he was nominated by his peers from every school in Rutherford County, high school, middle school and elementary school, for the North Carolina Region 8 Principal Of The Year. On the tenth of January, 2014 it was announced that he won! For him it was an honor to be selected. He credits everyone in the school and loves “the excitement of change!” However, there is more to this than his becoming Principal Of The Year in Region 8. He will be competing for statewide North Carolina Principal Of The Year this Spring and may very well win. But that’s not as important to Brad as his kids, not just as the father of five, but more specifically his 474 kids at Forest City-Dunbar Elementary.
When you enter Forest City-Dunbar Elementary school you immediately feel an uplifting and are impressed with a positive force. From administrative staff, teachers, teachers assistants, maintenance people and the kids, it is an atmosphere that goes above and beyond most schools. This school is filled with constant change and challenges. Brad will quickly tell you that “ Where are we and where do we want to be, is the challenge. There is no room for complacency.” He expects the best of himself and his entire staff. He is dedicated and is constantly seeking to create an atmosphere where every student can not only succeed, but excel.
If you talk to those who work with him and know him, all you get in response is admiration. The slogan embedded in this school is “Together We Can Make A Difference” Forest City-Dunbar Elementary School is definitely Home Of The Superstars! When you spend time with many of those who work at the school the comments you receive are a definite reflection of the man. Here are just some of what they say about him. “He is a constant professional who is able to look at the big picture but never lose sight of the individual child.” “He’s wonderful and brings good choices to the school.” “I respect him...he puts the kids first and wants to fulfill what the kids need.” “I think he’s an excellent educator and does a wonderful job!.” “His goal is to make kids get what they need to succeed.” “He’s a very organized individual. I’ve seen positive changes.” “He’s one of a kind!” “This place is his heart because he’s always thinking about the children.” Yet, he doesn’t like to be in the spotlight.
Thus far the changes for the good at the schools are exciting. The year round school program will begin this year with three week breaks and a school uniform program has been implemented. A 21st Century Grant was applied for an awarded. The four year grant gives $400,000 for two years drops by 20% the third year and 40% the fourth year. The grant allows more focus on reading, math and science for the kids. The grant was the result of the school having the highest rated score of all the applicants. He has also succeeded in getting parents involved.
He cannot say enough good things about his school, the staff, and those wonderful kids that drive him to succeed. Does he have any time for himself? Yes, he loves playing electric guitar, especially blues rock. He is inspired by Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He also loves cars. If you catch him eating out at lunchtime he will be having hibachi steak with a big glass of sweet tea from Akita Japanese Grill. Oh, by the way he also loves Mountain Dew!
In closing, may I add, it was a privilege to meet and spend time with Brad and his staff. Our research gave us insight to what unselfish dedication and determination can accomplish. The kids, parents, and teachers at Forest City-Dunbar Elementary are very fortunate to have him as their leader.
