The business cards on the desk are not very different from what they were last year. The title, the business address, contact information and the first name, Charles, are all the same. But the last name makes all the difference in the world.
Principal Charles Bruner was born in Kerens, Texas, and attended Hillsboro High School in Ferris. The son of a car dealer, Bruner vividly remembers the effects of the ’73 and ’79 Oil Crises on the car business, and his childhood.
“Some months were really great,” Bruner said. “Other months, we made most of our money on car service rather than actual selling of cars. Depending on the time frame, our income would fluctuate.”
In high school, where Bruner believes students truly begin to explore their interests and identity, he was deeply involved in activities. His own interests in high school ranged from sports to administrative positions, playing on both the football and baseball teams, participating in student council and becoming president of his senior class as well as of the Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Bruner attended Baylor University then graduated from Tarleton State University, majoring in education. He spent the next 22 years working in schools – 17 years as a building administrator and 5 years as a teacher. Last year, Bruner became the RHS principal after working in two 5A high schools, Burleson and Cedar Hill.
After more than two decades in education, Bruner said he’s ready to take what he has learned and make RHS better.
“I’ve found that Mr. Bruner asks thoughtful questions, focuses on solutions, approaches challenges with an open mind, and values and solicits input,” RISD Superintendent Kay Waggoner said.
For now, Bruner is taking a step back, observing and studying how the school runs.
“Until I have a good understanding of the school, how do I make things better?” Bruner said. “That’s why right now, I’m being very slow in making moves.”
However, school plans have not been completely static. Including the new annual Back-to-School Picnic, Bruner has already begun to leave his mark. The senior class has gained seven parking spots this year, and $1000 have been allocated for school renovations.
“Mr. Bruner is the ideal person to take up the legacy what Mr. Pickitt left behind, and he’s already done an amazing job,” Senior Class President Thabit Pulak said. “I look forward to having a great year with him as our principal.”
Another change is a policy establishing a weekly “team day” when teachers wear department shirts, giving them an opportunity to wear jeans every Thursday.
“Something students don’t understand is that teachers are humans too,” Bruner said. “We need to keep our employees happy and teachers really like opportunities to wear jeans – that’s like ‘the big thing.’”
Among Bruner’s goals are increasing students’ academic achievement and closing the achievement gap between the different student populations. Ultimately, Bruner hopes to send every student to either a college or a career. For students who will begin working immediately after graduation, Bruner hopes to get them certified for their profession through CATE before leaving school.
“I anticipate Mr. Bruner will be innovative and creative in seeking ways to support, improve and expand programs and services which are currently in place,” Dr. Waggoner said. “I know he will challenge and support students in the academic arena, promote and model respect and courtesy, and focus on preparing all students for success after graduation.”
Bruner hopes to keep the student body’s opinions heard while supporting the staff and providing teachers with everything they need for students to be successful. Bruner likes to focus on the individual, believing in allocating as much effort as possible to help students excel in their areas of interest.
“My first impression of Mr. Bruner was that he was the complete opposite of Mr. Pickitt,” Assistant Principal Michael Westfall said. “Mr. Bruner is a “hands on leader” while Mr. Pickitt was more of a collaborative, keep-me-updated type of leader. Both styles can be successful, but its been an adjustment.”
5 Bruner Facts
Loves paintballing
Still has memorized the FFA creed
Grew up all his life around women, having 2 sisters and now 2 daughters. (Does not claim to understand women yet)
Certified by the state of Texas as a field sobriety test practitioner
Big John Grisham fan, having read all but two Grisham books