Navarro Independent School District

GERONIMO, TX – May 27, 2026 – Navarro Independent School District (NISD) gathered on May 22 to celebrate the dedication and exceptional service of its staff at the annual Service Awards Breakfast. The event honored tenured employees, welcomed new team members, and celebrated this year's retirees.

The celebration opened with a warm welcome from Dr. David Kauffman, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and School Leadership, and Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley who expressed profound gratitude for the collective efforts in helping students learn, excel, and achieve. The Navarro ISD Board of Trustees were also recognized for their volunteer leadership and commitment to the district’s growing community with Assistant Secretary Dan Reinhard, Becki Stephenson, and Secretary Donna Gilliam in attendance. 

A highlight of the morning was the recognition of employees reaching significant service milestones. 

• 30 Years of Service: Gracie Lopez, Child Nutrition
• 25 Years of Service: Angela Morales (Elem) and Jason Magin (JH)
• 20 Years of Service: Amy Dahlke (JH) and Michele Hansen (HS)
• 15 Years of Service: Jennifer Reinhard (Special Education) and Dora Rojas (Custodial)
• 10 Years of Service: Kelly Cisneros (Elem), Jennifer Spreen and Kelly Thibodeaux (Int), Sarah Haltom (HS), Ingrid Davenport (Academic Services), and Kari Whitlow (Special Education)
• 5 Years of Service: 28 employees celebrated their five year milestone representing every campus as well as Special Education, Transportation, Technology, Child Nutrition and Maintenance departments. 

Navarro ISD also took a moment to celebrate twelve of its newest educators with the "Survived and Thrived" award, recognizing first-year teachers who navigated their initial year with passion and grace. Over 80 new members with a variety of years of experience joined the "Panther Family" throughout the academic year, celebrating their successful first year of service in the heart of Geronimo. The district also honored its Very Important Panther Substitutes (VIPS), whose dedication led to an impressive 90.3% fill rate, ensuring instructional consistency and stability across all campuses. 

The district bid a heartfelt farewell to two dedicated professionals embarking on retirement. 

• Gracie Lopez, a Production Assistant for Child Nutrition Services, retiring after 30 years of service—all within Navarro ISD.

"You first came to Navarro as a student, and over the years you watched your children — and now your grandchildren — walk these halls,” said Carlette Drabek, Director of Child Nutrition Services. “From washing dishes just a few hours a day to becoming a cafeteria manager, you have accomplished so much through hard work, dedication, patience, and heart. I’ll always treasure the memories we shared — especially those coffee breaks that somehow turned into therapy sessions and helped us get through even the toughest days." 

• Sara Elley, a 4th-grade teacher at Navarro Intermediate, who retired in December with 29 total years in public education, including 11 years at NISD.

Excellence was further celebrated with the celebration of the 2025-2026 Campus Award winners:

 

 

Additionally, Hannah Dreibrodt was cheered as the 2026 Navarro District Teacher of the Year who will represent NISD in the Region 20 selection process.

In closing the event, Dr. Kauffman shared a message of deep appreciation for the entire staff, "The commitment, resilience, and heart you bring to Navarro ISD are remarkable. You are the reason our students thrive, our schools succeed, and our community flourishes. Thank you for your tireless efforts, your unwavering dedication, and for being an integral part of the Navarro ISD family."