Has 25 years as teacher, counselor and administrator in JCPS
By Mark Hebert
August 31, 2023 - An assistant principal at Meyzeek Middle School is moving west for her next job - as the new principal of Lyman T. Johnson Traditional Middle School in West Louisville. Dr. Rhonda Branch said she’s excited about the opportunity to use her broad experience to lead a Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) school.
“I am thrilled and deeply humbled to have been chosen as the next principal of Lyman T. Johnson Traditional Middle School,” Branch said. “I am honored to carry on the legacy of Lyman T. Johnson and to work alongside the amazing Jaguar staff in creating a nurturing and empowering educational environment and inspiring students to reach their fullest potential.”
Branch began her career with JCPS in 1998 as a math teacher at Eastern High School. She also taught at Central High School and was a counselor at Louisville Male High School and the former Kennedy Metro Middle School before getting her first administrator job in 2015. She was an assistant principal at Minor Daniels Academy before moving to Meyzeek three years ago.
“Dr. Branch is a transformational leader with years of experience as a traditional student and leader,” said Rob Fulk, assistant superintendent of middle schools.”We are excited as she joins the Johnson family, as principal, to lead and foster the values of the traditional program.”
At Meyzeek, Branch provided instructional leadership for teachers that resulted in creation of inquiry-based classrooms where students are more engaged in asking and answering questions rather than memorizing facts. Branch has also helped implement programs to improve the culture and climate at Meyzeek and improve the sense of belonging for all students regardless of their racial, ethnic or economic background.
“Reflecting on the legacy of Lyman T. Johnson, I am reminded of his powerful words, ‘Education is the key to opportunity in our society, and the equality of educational opportunity must be the birthright of every citizen.’ These words resonate deeply with me, as they encapsulate the transformative power of education and the importance of providing our students with the tools they need to succeed.
Branch has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Louisville and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership Education from Spalding University in 2016. She begins her new principalship at Johnson on September 5.