Principal Grant Bortnem
My name is Grant Bortnem, and I am the Principal of Big Springs Elementary, and I am very glad you are visiting us here online. I have served in Richardson ISD since day one of being a brand-new teacher. Before becoming the principal at Big Springs Elementary, I was the assistant principal at Richardson Terrace Elementary for seven years. I was also an assistant principal at Skyview Elementary for three years, a math specialist at Dover, a 6th-grade math/science teacher at Jess Harben, and a special education teacher at Yale and Bowie. 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 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.
Assistant Principal Manina (Bonnie) Altimore
This is my 2nd year as Assistant Principal at Big Springs Elementary, and my 12th year in Richardson ISD.
Before coming to Big Springs, I was an Instructional Coach at Westwood Junior High, Campus Math Specialist at Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet, and a teacher at White Rock Elementary and Richland Elementary where I taught 1st – 4th grades.
I grew up in Richardson ISD where I attended Kindergarten – 6th grade at Richland Elementary, 7th – 9th grade at Richardson Junior High, and 9th – 12th grade at Berkner High School.
After I graduated, I attended The University of Texas at Dallas where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and The University of North Texas where I earned my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.