Sunday, April 28, 2024
GISD Superintendent Barrett Pollard with Ronnie Russell and GISD Transportation Director Kris Raney. (Jeff Osborne photo)
For nearly half a century, Ronnie Russell has been a mainstay for education in Gatesville, and he was recently honored during the Gatesville Independent School District’s Board of Trustees Staff Spotlight.
Russell began a career in education in 1973, and after working for a year at the State School for Boys, he began working for GISD in 1974. After working as a junior high girls coach early in his career, he made the switch to teaching physical education and health. He worked with students in grades 6-8, but most of his career was spent working with sixth graders.
Russell retired in May 2013 with 39 years of teaching experience, but he continued to work for GISD as a bus driver, something he has done now for nine years.
In 2023, Russell will mark his 50th year in education – with 49 of those years being with GISD.
“He’s been driving a bus for eons and he’s still driving a bus,” said GISD Superintendent Barrett Pollard. “This is an amazing accomplishment.
“We appreciate all you do, and we hope you are able continue doing this for a long time,” Pollard told Russell.
“I hope so,” Russell said.
