Dr. Robert "Bob" Branch, who served as Sacramento County Superintendent from 1983 to 1984, passed away Saturday, March 13. Dr. Branch came to SCOE in 1970 as a consultant in educational research, eventually becoming SCOE's Director of Research and Data Processing. He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent, Business, and County Board of Education negotiator. He had already announced his retirement in June 1983 when County Superintendent William Cunningham unexpectedly resigned. Dr. Branch was asked by the County Board of Education to remain as County Superintendent. He filled the post until Dr. Nick Floratos assumed the position of County Superintendent in September 1984.
Among the many contributions made by Dr. Branch to SCOE in his one-year term of Superintendent were expansion of the Regional Occupational Program and Friday Night Live, and implementation of Community Schools. He also took a lead role in technology development for SCOE. He was regarded as a caring, committed person and has been sincerely missed since his retirement from SCOE.
Dr. Branch is survived by his wife, Dorothy, daughters Barbara Branch and Theresa Maas, and two grandchildren.
In accordance with his wishes, the Branch family convened a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to the American Heart Association: (800) 242-8721.
American Heart Association
Dr. Robert Branch Memorial
1710 Gilbreth Road
Burlingame, CA 94010
The American Heart Association requests that family contact information be provided along with all donations. Please reference Barbara Branch, 9296 Linda Rio Drive, Sacramento, CA 95826.