After years of dedicated leadership at Texas High School, head principal Ben Renner steps into a new role within Texarkana Independent School District as Chief of Secondary Schools. In this position, Renner will apply his extensive experience to support and mentor administrators across the district’s secondary campuses.
Though his departure from Texas High marks the end of an era, Renner’s lasting impact on the school community, through his commitment to students, staff and the development of future leaders, continues to shape its culture and spirit.
“My new position is Chief of Secondary Schools, and it is just to use my experience to help the leaders in those secondary schools,” said Renner. “I had a friend of mine tell me this position was open to somebody, [and] I did my research.”
Renner’s passion for East Texas extends past Texarkana, drawn by the region’s towering trees and countless nearby lakes. After researching the city, he discovered an even deeper admiration for Texarkana Independent School District.
“This school, beyond any school, has taught me that there is a leader in everyone,” Renner said. “There is such a commitment through our student programs and the adults who work in the school.”
Though Renner stands above everyone on campus as principal, he expresses the need for his coworkers, looking to them for guidance. The students at Texas High also hold a special place in his heart.
“The kids here are great,” Renner said. “They are really a lot of fun, and I’ve had more fun working here than any place I’ve ever been.”
Among the many accomplishments during his years at Texas High School, one memory sticks out the most.
“[I am proud] that I made it all the way through the tuba dance,” Renner said. “That thing is long and I am old. I feel younger.”
Senior Student Body Vice President Charles (Griffin) White appreciated Renner’s presence and his dedication to giving students an enjoyable high school experience.
“It was a lot of fun, especially dancing with a faculty member, because usually they are standoffish and don’t really like to join in on what the students are doing,” White said. “It was pretty cool.”
Renner only planned to be a high school principal. Now, even with this new job ahead, he still plans to attend extracurricular activities.
“I am still going to go to the games and things like that because I love it,” Renner said. “I love watching [students] compete and perform.”
Emotions ran high across campus as news of Renner’s upcoming departure spread among students and staff.
“When I heard that Mr. Renner was leaving, I felt really sad,” White said. “What I’ll miss is a lot of the hands-on that he had with the Student Council and various clubs at our school.”
After speaking with Renner, White learned that he plans to remain within the district, assuring students that the district will remain in capable hands.
“He would try to help and get things done and help with planning and programming, and it was just really nice to have a teacher like that,” White said. “I think the school will hopefully change for the better because Mr. Renner is a natural born leader, and I’m hoping that the next principal takes after him in a lot of ways and is very hands-on.”
Biology teacher Amy Baker shared the students’ feelings about Renner’s departure.
“I’m happy for him. It’s a move up and a promotion, but I’m also kind of sad because I think he’s done a good job as a principal here at Texas High,” Baker said. “We’ve had a lot of different principals, [and] I hope the next person is going to be [just] as good.”
Not surprised by the news, Baker found it reassuring that Renner would remain within the district.
“I was happy to hear that he’s still going to be in the district because I didn’t know if he would be leaving Texarkana,” Baker said. “[I was] not necessarily surprised because I know he’s not from here originally, so I kind of figured there would be some point when he would move on.”
Renner leaves behind a legacy of genuine listening, consistently making it a priority to hear both teachers and students.
“Not every principal that we’ve ever had has really listened, but I think he does,” Baker said. “I think fairness and transparency is very important.”
Baker emphasized the importance of equality and openness that stands out as the most important qualities she hopes the new principal will demonstrate, along with a commitment to building future leaders among students and staff.
“It really is just about growing leaders because we cannot be everywhere and do everything,” Renner said. “If we grow leaders, like many of our programs do, what a great place [Texas High will be.]”
