Dr. Gene Burton
Superintendent of Schools
Educational leader and chief executive officer of the school district.

Gene Burton was born on October 5, 1953, in Dallas, Texas. He attended the Irving public schools and graduated from Irving Nimitz High School in 1972. Burton holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Christian University and a Master of Education Administration degree from Texas A & M University-Commerce. He has just recently received his doctorate degree in Educational Administration from Texas A & M University – Commerce. As a TCU baseball player, he received many awards, including earning the title of “All Southwest Conference”.

Dr. Burton brings an innovative approach to educational issues with his background of related training. His practical knowledge regarding the needs of public schools results from years of service as a teacher/coach in the Waxahachie School District and as Superintendent of the Frost and Giddings School Districts. Burton’s career in the Rockwall Independent School District began ten years ago as the Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations, then as Deputy Superintendent. In May 2001, Burton was named Superintendent of Rockwall Schools.

Spending quality time with family and friends and playing golf are hobbies of Dr. Burton. His wife, Julie, is Director of Personnel for the Highland Park Independent School District. Dr. Burton has one daughter, Cecilia, 25, who also graduated from Texas Christian University and is currently employed by Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc., in the Human Resources Division.

Memberships:
Dr. Burton is past president and current member of the Board of Directors of the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation. In addition, he is also a member of the Rockwall Noon Rotary Club and attends Lake Pointe Church. Dr. Burton played an instrumental role in forming the Rockwall Independent School District Education Foundation, Inc., where he currently serves as secretary.

Sheri S. Fowler, Executive Director of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing, has been with the Rockwall Independent School District since November of 2006. Ms. Fowler has been involved in journalism and communication for almost twenty years. She holds degrees in Journalism and Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas, Austin. She is a former assistant editor with Texas Monthly magazine and has served as a freelance writer and columnist for numerous publications including The Dallas Morning News.

Memberships:
In addition to extensive writing and public relations experience, Ms. Fowler has served Rockwall County through partnerships with numerous non-profit organizations including the following: The Rockwall County Historical Foundation, Rockwall County Friends of the Library, Rockwall County Alliance for the Arts, Rockwall Independent School District Education Foundation, Boy Scouts of America and the Rockwall County Historical Commission.
 

Greg Carver
Executive Director of Facilities, Planning & Construction
Oversees new building construction and manages all existing facilities in Rockwall ISD.

Greg Carver joined Rockwall ISD in February, 2008, bringing a vast assortment of knowledge, skills, and experiences with him from his work in previous fast-growth districts. Prior to coming to Rockwall, Greg held the position of Executive Director of Maintenance and Operations in the following districts: Katy ISD, McKinney ISD, and Richardson ISD. He served as Assistant Director of Maintenance and Operations in Irving ISD. In addition to his work in school districts, Greg owned and led his own contracting businesses, served as the Facilities Manager for Neiman Marcus, held the positions of Educational Manager and Director of Sales and Operations for Service Master/ARAMARK, worked for Kansas Farmers Insurance, and served in the US Navy.

Greg’s broad-based background has prepared him to work with large bond projects, manage substantial budgets, and to interact with a variety of personnel on a daily basis. In his current position as Executive Director of Facilities Planning and Construction, Greg’s responsibilities include overseeing land acquisitions, facility designs, new construction, and renovations. In addition, he oversees the District’s Maintenance, Custodial Operations, Environmental/Energy and Grounds Departments.

Memberships:
Greg is currently a member of Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) and the Council of Educational Facilities Planners International (CEFPI).

Mike Singleton
Chief Financial Officer/Operations
Manages the district’s financial and operational functions, including cash, debt, investment, and budgeting, and supervision of Risk Management, Child Nutrition, and Transportation departments and the Print Shop.

Mike Singleton is a Certified Public Accountant and is a Registered Texas School Business Administrator. He joined the district in February, 2003, and has helped the district achieve outstanding financial performance and reporting. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Abilene Christian University, and has worked over 12 years in public accounting. With over 19 years in public school expertise, Mr. Singleton is known for his management and communication skills in administering the district’s finances. Through his leadership, the district has been awarded “Superior Achievement” by the Texas FIRST financial accountability rating system.

Debbie Koehn
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
Manages design and implementation of all curriculum and instruction in the district.

Dr. Koehn serves as the district’s top manager of curriculum and instruction.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Development, a Master of Arts Degree in Reading, and a Doctorate of Education Degree in Educational Administration.  In addition to numerous teaching certifications and experience in elementary and secondary teaching and administration, Dr, Koehn holds Principal and Superintendent certifications in the State of Texas.  Dr. Koehn uses her experience as a facilitator and director of short and long-term projects that ultimately enable academic success of students.  Some of the resources and programs she administers include online library resources, best practices in teaching and resources, and continuous improvement in educational methods.

Memberships:

• American Association of School Administrators
• Texas Association of School Administrators
• Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
• Texas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

Dr. M. Joan Terry
Assistant Superintendent
Directs the districts policy implementation, strategic planning,  demographic research and zoning.

Dr. M. Joan Terry is Assistant Superintendent of Rockwall ISD’s Department of Policy, Planning, and Research. In this role, Dr. Terry oversees and maintains current and historical policy manuals, researches policy issues, and ensures that information in District handbooks is based on current law. Dr Terry leads District‐ and campus‐level planning committees according to state law and complies with state‐mandated planning and performance reports, including the District Improvement Plan. Other aspects of her role include facilitating the District Educational Improvement Committee, Attendance Zoning Task Force, Bond Election Steering Committee, Rockwall Higher Education Consortium, Strategic Plan Committee, and Administrator Retreat. Dr Terry collaborates with a research firm to administer annual campus, student, parent, graduate and exit‐employee attitude surveys. Additionally, Dr. Terry is District Administrator, Rockwall ISD Education Foundation, Inc.

Dr. Terry holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from Texas A&M University – Commerce and a Ph.D. from Texas Woman’s University withUniversity of the Netherlands, Wageningen: Post doctoral studies include TexStation; Texas and Salve Regina College, Newport, Rhode Island.

Appalachian House, Washington, DC; Director – International Study – Europe and Scandinavia. AppalachianState University was the third largest undergraduate program in North Carolina, included Lucy Brock Child Development Center and initiated the first International Study / Tour Program in North Carolina. Satellite campuses were developed in Washington DC and New York, New York. Dr. Terry represented University Alumni Affairs and Development Offices with external constituents and was Administrative Intern, North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction. Numerous regional and state conferences were initiatedplanned, organized, and developed. Professional responsibilities included national, regional and state positions.

Study – Europe. National professional activities include: officer and presenter, American Home Economics Association, Accreditation Team, National Council of Administrators of Home Economics, Select Committee National Home Economics Certification, Federation of Home Economics, and Southern Association of College and Schools. Numerous state and national juried research, publication, presentation, and projects were initiated. Additionally, she served as Chair and Board Member, Foundation Board – Texas State UniversitSan Marcos, Texas.

Memberships:
Centro, and Board Member Regional Chair – Texas Council of Women School Executives.

Marsha Mason
Executive Director of Human Resources
Manages the district’s personnel staffing for educators, paraprofessionals, clerical staff and support functions.

Marsha Mason brings a long history of management, recruiting and mentoring in the education sector. She is responsible for maintaining appropriate staffing levels for all areas in the district, in addition to managing a 10-person HR staff. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from West Texas State University where she minored in Psychology. She also holds a Masters of Education degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Texas Women’s University.   Mrs. Mason is responsible for the creation of several innovative personal and professional development initiatives in the district, including the CORE program which provides opportunity for teacher’s to obtain a Master’s Degree at Rockwall’s Education/Administration building in conjunction with Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Memberships:
TASPA (Texas Association of School Personnel Administration)
ASCD (American Society of Curriculum Developers)

Dr. Deborah Smothermon
Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services
Assists and supports campus administrators in all leadership roles, and serves as a liaison between central and campus administrators.

Dr. Smothermon provides leadership to campus administrators and the district as a whole for all administrative services.  As a Rockwall native and graduate of Rockwall High School, she has been continuously involved in education for over 30 years.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma, and both Master’s and Doctorate of Education degrees from Texas A&M University-Commerce.  In addition to numerous professional and academic memberships, she serves on a wide range of committees focused on improving learning for all students. With her long experience and superb leadership skills, she is a frequent speaker and presenter at education conferences as well as mentor to dozens of new and seasoned educators.

Memberships:
Texas Association of School Administrators
American Educational Research Association
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
Texas School Improvement Initiative (1995-1996)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Team member
Rockwall ISD Strategic Planning Committee (1995-1996)
 

Jeff Bailey
Deputy Superintendent
Directs day-to-day operations of the district.

Jeff Bailey is a long-tenured educator who has held such varied positions as teacher, assistant principal, director of personnel, principal, area assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent. Prior to being named deputy superintendent for the Rockwall Independent School District, he served as the deputy superintendent for the Plano Independent School District.

Mr. Bailey’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Educational Administration, both from East Texas State University. He began his educational career as a teacher and coach in Plano ISD in 1979. Subsequently, he served Plano ISD as an assistant principal, personnel director and principal. As the area assistant superintendent for the East Cluster from 1997-2007, his responsibilities included the instructional and operational management of 27 campuses in the fastest growing region in the Plano district. In 2007, he became deputy superintendent for Plano ISD, overseeing the day-to-day operations of 68 campuses.

Mr. Bailey joined RISD in the spring of 2009. His operational experience includes the management of rapid growth, enrollment fluctuation, new construction and renovation of facilities, bond program planning and implementation, and especially an unyielding commitment to academic achievement for students.