Elysian Fields ISD is proud to announce the 2021 Distinguished Jacket, Ms. Fran Ruben! Fran was honored during last week’s Homecoming festivities in Jacket Stadium.
Fran is the fifth of eight children born to William “Tom” and Arnella (Leffall) Black, and she is a 1967 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. She spent most of her 45-year career in mental health services and public education serving as a psychologist, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Educational Diagnostician. After retiring she started her own business, Franz Events, a beautiful venue for weddings, anniversaries, school reunions and birthday celebration for up to 200 people. She loves helping people and providing hospitality.
Fran has always been civic minded and served the communities where she has lived from Virginia to California and places in between in various capacities, including:
• Cedar Hill School Board
• Community Education Advisory Council
• Community Development Boards
• Campus Improvement Committees
• Harrison County judicial appointment to Community Healthcore Board of Trustees
• Elysian Fields IDS Community Advisory Committee for the bond program
• Library Boards
• Community College Advisory Council
Fran is currently serving as a surrogate parent for the Marshall Independent School District, providing educational representation for children whose parental rights have been severed.
Fran’s most prestigious award was being named Outstanding Texan in the field of Education by Texas Legislators, and her most outstanding honor was being the First African American elected official in Cedar Hill History.
Fran was joined on the field last week by her daughters, Rhonda and Diamond, grandchildren, Dewey IV and Dallas, and brothers & sister-in-laws, Edward Black, William & Shirley Black, and Rick & Audrey Black. EFISD Superintendent Mr. Maynard Chapman presented her with the official Distinguished Jacket certificate.
Congratulations again to 2021 Distinguished Jacket, Fran Black Ruben!