A Richmond resident with business management experience has been chosen to fill a school board vacancy.
During a special March 21 meeting, Richmond Community Schools’ trustees appointed Austin Brann to fill the recently vacated District 2 seat, representing its southeast section.
Brann’s term will expire on Dec. 31, 2024, but he could file later this year in the November election for a four-year term.
Brann is a market leader for Speedway/7-11. He has more than 20 years of management experience, handling labor budgets, inventory levels and expenses at both the corporate and private business levels.
“I am humbled and honored to serve on the RCS Board of Trustees,” Brann said in a news release. “This appointment allows me to continue serving others, and I am committed to exceptional learning opportunities for all students, taking care of our amazing educators and supporting our fantastic parents. I’m excited to get to work and I look forward to working with the board and district in the days ahead.”
Austin’s wife, Carla, is a first grade teacher at Charles Elementary School. They have two sons, a freshman at Richmond High School and a fifth grader at RCS’ Richmond STEAM Academy.
Kristen Brunton, board president, thanked those who expressed interest in serving.
“We look forward to the future contributions of Mr. Brann, whose passion for the district will serve us well,” Brunton said in the release.
Brann replaces board member Brad Walton. RCS hired Walton, who previously taught building trades at Richmond High School and Whitewater Career Center and owns W2 Construction, as its director of facilities.
Walton told constituents on his board member Facebook page that he loved his time on the board and will miss it.
“It is the most thankless yet rewarding job anyone can do, and it is truly selfless service,” Walton wrote. “As much as I do not like leaving the board, I feel the best way for me to serve RCS is with this new role.”
The next school board work session will be at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at RCS’ administration building, 300 Hub Etchison Parkway in Richmond.
A version of this article appeared in the March 27 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.