Yvonne Brandon isn't going to settle for simply filling in.

When she becomes Richmond's interim school superintendent Aug. 1 -- the School Board voted unanimously in her favor last night -- she's going to push hard to put into action programs she has worked on during her six years as an assistant and deputy superintendent.

"I'm looking forward to working with the School Board to build some bridges," she said last night after making her way through a hug-happy crowd after a brief board meeting. She said she hoped to push "the New Direction from theoretical plan to a plan of action."

New Direction is a plan to improve education opportunities systemwide. It is based in large part on a plan developed by Deborah Jewell-Sherman, who is leaving at the end of the month after six years in charge to become co-director of the Urban Superintendents Program at Harvard University.

"We will certainly miss the superintendent, but we won't lose a beat," said School Board Vice Chairman Lisa Dawson.

Dawson said she had seen "a palpable sigh of relief" from parents recently when they heard Brandon would be in charge while the board searches for a permanent replacement.

"Figuratively, she has big shoes to fill," School Board Chairman George P. Braxton II said. "I'm looking forward to working very closely with her."

Brandon has been the presumptive choice since last month, when Braxton said she was the only candidate the board was considering.

Her selection drew a standing ovation from the board and audience, the second of the evening after Braxton's impromptu farewell to Jewell-Sherman.

Except for a one-year stint at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1990-91, Brandon has worked for the Richmond school system since 1977. She was a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, principal and director of instruction before becoming an associate superintendent in 2002. She was promoted to deputy superintendent two years ago.

. . .

The School Board last night also approved Thomas Beatty as principal at Richmond Community High School, where he'll replace Howard Hopkins, who is retiring. Beatty had been principal at Thompson Middle School.

Rickie Hopkins will take Beatty's place at Thompson. Hopkins spent 21 years in the school system before working the past two years as a principal in Westmoreland County.
Contact Zachary Reid at (804) 775-8179 or zreid@timesdispatch.com.