(Geronimo) — Citing strong progress across the district, the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously extended Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley’s contract for an additional three years.
The vote was made during a special board meeting following Dr. Epley’s annual performance evaluation. Five of the district’s seven trustees were present for the meeting,
The board’s evaluation found that the district made significant progress toward goals established by the board, including teacher retention, student achievement, employee satisfaction and long-term planning for the district’s continued growth.
Among the highlights, Navarro ISD reported an estimated teacher turnover rate of just 6.4 percent, well below its goal of keeping turnover under 15 percent. The district also maintained a 100 percent graduation rate for the 2025-26 school year while increasing its College, Career and Military Readiness rate from 71 percent to 95 percent.
Student participation also increased in several programs. Fine Arts enrollment at the secondary level grew by 14 percent, junior high Career and Technical Education participation increased by 45 percent, and high school students earned 186 industry-based certifications compared to 95 the previous year.
Employee surveys also reflected strong support for the district, with 98 percent of staff reporting they are proud to work for Navarro ISD and 94 percent saying they would recommend the district to others.
Board President Melissa Sartain says the board believes Dr. Epley’s leadership has helped move the district forward.
Sartain says the board’s evaluation showed Dr. Epley continues to deliver results while keeping students at the center of every decision. In a written statement to the Seguin Daily News, Sartain says “Dr. Epley has systematically addressed actions that move us toward meeting or exceeding established goals. Where we have room to refine, Dr. Epley already has shared targeted action plans to continually improve. She has fostered a culture of student-focused outcomes for their whole Navarro experience.”
Dr. Epley says she is grateful for the board’s confidence and remains committed to serving the district.
“I’m very blessed to be able to continue to serve this amazing community. I’m thrilled to continue being the superintendent of an amazing fast growth community that is still very much attracted to the traditional values and historical roots of this community. And to be able to be a steward of that is just an amazing responsibility and something that I’m very proud of,” said Epley.
Epley says the contract extension reflects the teamwork that exists throughout Navarro ISD.
”It is a confirmation that the listening and collaborating that has been done not only with our staff and our families and the community, but also with the school board to create a very transparent set of visioning statements, commitments, and ultimately this year we started our first board and superintendent goals. And will be continuing to adapt those to continue to excel once we meet a goal, challenge ourselves to the next goal. And that collaborative process, I think, has really given us confidence to know that we’re all rowing in the same direction, you know, as a community, as a staff, as leadership, and I include our board in that,” said Epley.
Epley says part of the success for the district is also embracing the challenges that come with moving forward.
“It’s a celebration, but it’s also a challenge to take it to the next level. And that’s something I take very seriously. I know our whole team does that we are stewards of the great traditions that are Navarro ISD and how we maintain those, how we expand those for our kids and the future families that will join this great district. That’s a tremendous mission for us. And I think we’re all excited to continue on that journey with a consistent leadership team,” said Epley.
The board also noted that Dr. Epley’s influence is growing beyond the Navarro ISD. She was recently elected by fellow superintendents to serve on the Region 20 Executive Regional Advisory Council, appointed to a two-year term on the Texas Association of School Administrators Professional Learning Committee, and accepted into the prestigious 2026-27 Superintendent Academy.
Epley began her career as the superintendent for the Navarro ISD in April of 2023.