Madison superintendent to retire in June

After six years as top school administrator for Madison County Public Schools, Brenda Tanner is ready for retirement.

Tanner, 56, confirmed the news Wednesday via e-mail to the Star-Exponent that she plans to retire at the end of June.

“At this time, I do not have any other employment plans,” Tanner said.

Tanner is married to Russell James, dean of business and workforce services of Germanna Community College’s Daniel Technology Center in Culpeper.

“My husband and I plan to continue to be members of the Madison community,” Tanner added.

Tanner, a Fredericksburg native, has more than 30 years experience in education serving as a teacher, staff developer, administrator, and assistant professor.

Before Madison, Tanner served as chief academic and personnel officer for Horry County Public Schools in South Carolina, a school division with 31,000 students and 4,000 employees.

She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Lynchburg College, her master’s in early childhood education from the University of Virginia and her doctorate from U.Va.