Dear Big Springs Elementary Staff, Families, and Community:
I would like to express how deeply honored and grateful I am to introduce myself as the new principal of Big Springs Elementary. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to this wonderful community and work with you to ensure that every child is successful academically, excited about learning every day, and collaborating with others to achieve their goals.
I have spent my 19 year educational career in Richardson ISD. I began as a special education resource teacher at Yale Elementary and Bowie Elementary and eventually became a 6th grade math and science teacher at Jess Harben Elementary. I then spent three years at Dover Elementary as a math specialist. Subsequently, I was given the opportunity to be an assistant principal, first at Skyview Elementary, and most recently at Richardson Terrace Elementary where I have spent the last seven years.
I grew up in the Dallas metro area and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas, and later a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University. When I got my first job in the Richardson ISD, I bought a house and moved to the Berkner Learning Community to raise my family. My oldest two daughters are graduates of the Berkner High School classes of 2019 and 2021, and my twin son and daughter are both beginning their junior year at Berkner for the upcoming school year.
I am driven by cultivating opportunities for students, staff, and the entire community to build relationships and support one another as we fulfill our goals of academic growth and enable dreams for the future. I look forward to transitioning into my new role and planning for an outstanding start to the 2024-2025 school year. I am committed to making myself available for questions, ideas, and feedback. I am so excited to connect with each of you to learn how I can best serve the Bobcat community and support you throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Grant Bortnem
Principal
Big Springs Elementary
Grant.Bortnem@risd.org
