Deputy Superintendent of Innovation, Business and Operations

Cecilia Davis has dedicated over 20 years of service to public education as a teacher, mentor, and district administrator. She joined the Judson ISD family in 2017 as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction. In that role, she provided leadership for various departments and led the development of a robust grass-roots curriculum and ensured the implementation of best practices through the facilitation of quality professional learning. Through her work, she has constantly advocated for reinventing and revitalizing practices for growth and student success. Mrs. Davis' experience and passion will provide Judson ISD with the direction to ensure excellence in everything we do. Outside of work Mrs. Davis enjoys DIY projects, anything science, and spending quality time with her family.

Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

For 24 years, Dr. Mary Duhart-Toppen has been a servant leader in education in Texas and Louisiana. During her 22 years in Judson ISD, she has held a variety of roles including English teacher, department chair, district curriculum specialist, academic dean, assistant principal, and principal. In 2021, she became the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Judson ISD. Toppen is a graduate of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi University (BA), Lamar University (M.Ed.) and received her Doctorate in Education from Walden University. She is passionate about teaching, learning, urban youth, and building leadership capacity in others. 

At the core of her heart is her husband of 22 years, Anthony, and her two children, Gabriel and Courtney. 

Assistant Superintendent of Operations

Daniel Brooks, a retired Air Force veteran, has dedicated nearly 21 years to military service before transitioning to education. Joining the Judson Independent School District in 2007 as a teacher, he quickly rose through the ranks, being named New Teacher of the Year in 2007 and eventually becoming Assistant Principal at Wagner High School. Eventually, he was promoted to the role of principal at Woodlake Hills Middle School, serving admirably for 8.5 years. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Brooks prioritized meaningful relationships with staff and the community. He champions the well-being of students, ensuring a quality education in a safe environment.  

Outside of work, he finds joy in golfing and cherishing moments with his family. Daniel and his wife, CisTavie, have been happily married since 1986, and together they have two children and four grandchildren.

Assistant Superintendent of Technology

Dr. Lacey Gosch comes to JISD as the Assistant Superintendent of Technology after serving the past seven years as the Chief Academic Officer for Navarro ISD. She has held a variety of roles in the corporate and education industries acting as the Senior Vice President of Nixon State Bank; and Executive Director of Technology and Director of Instructional Technology for Southwest ISD. She began her career as a high school teacher, serving Judson High School from 2001- 2003. She earned her undergraduate and Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Baylor University and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University. She completed her Educational Doctorate in Learning and Organizational Change at Baylor University in 2023.

Assistant Superintendent of Student Advocacy

Dr. Paula Johnson’s 27 years of service in education centers on improving equitable student outcomes and success opportunities for all students. She has served Texas public school systems as a high school teacher, department chair, academic coach, district curriculum specialist. Over the last 12 years, Dr. Johnson continued developing her expertise as a senior education associate for the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) here in San Antonio. Dr. Johnson has proudly served as director of the IDRA EAC-South for the last 4 years. She led efforts to build bridges among administrators, teachers, parents, students and community members so that all stakeholders can find that common higher ground where all students will benefit regardless of race, sex or national origin. In addition to her secondary teaching experience, she has held adjunct positions at UTSA and is currently an adjunct mathematics instructor at Prairie View A&M University.

 

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction

Dr. Kristin Saunders began her educational career in 1997 and has committed all 25 of those years to the students and families of Judson ISD. She has built relationships with this community as a teacher, Academic Dean, Assistant Principal, and Principal doing everything she can to positively influence the trajectory of children's lives. Dr. Saunders is a servant leader who is committed to giving back to the District, which has shaped her as a leader. In this role, Dr. Saunders will support the District's leadership definition and work with campus administrators to heighten their abilities to lead and initiate positive change on their campuses. She will also lead the charge for the recognition and reward for quality teaching performance through the Teacher Incentive Allotment program.

 

Assistant Superintendent of Employee and Public Relations

Dr. Nicole Taguinod began her educational career in Judson ISD as a student teacher at Miller’s Point Elementary School in 2002.  Most of her years in public education have been spent serving the community of Judson ISD as a teacher, campus administrator, and district specialist. She spent two years with San Antonio ISD as the Assistant Director of Testing before returning home to Judson to take on the role of Director of Accountability and Assessment in 2015. In 2020, she was named as the Chief Communications Officer where she leads efforts in providing information and inspiration to staff, students, families, and the broader community.