Gina Richard

Star City Middle School
Star City School District
Star City, Arkansas
gina.richard@starcityschools.org

As principal of Star City Middle School (SCMS) in rural Arkansas, Gina Richard sees herself as “lead learner,” a role which she embodies by building sustainable systems of distributed leadership and decision-making. In her four-year tenure at SCMS, Richard has led the redesign of the school’s PLC model and implemented multiple programs to provide holistic academic support for Star City’s 329 sixth- through eighth-grade students, over half of whom receive free or reduced-price meals. This work has led to state recognition for against-the-odds growth in literacy and math. Recognizing the importance of strong peer networks and individualized advocacy, Richard’s team has implemented a C.A.R.E. advisory period to promote positive character development and one-on-one support for all students. The model has been so successful in implementing the Energy Bus for Schools leadership principles that the school received the first in the nation “Best in Class” award for demonstrating excellence. In addition to serving as principal, Richard also leads secondary STEM curriculum for her district, which has gone on to earn state and national recognition. Under her leadership, SCMS will become the state’s first School of Innovation, rolling out embedded STEAM curricula over the next three years. Richard has undertaken advanced leadership study at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where she also holds a Masters of Educational Leadership and a B.A. in Middle Level Education.