Mandy D. Epley, PhD, brings over 26 years of dedicated experience to educational leadership, characterized by a commitment to student success and community engagement. Beginning her career as a Theatre and English teacher, she served for 16 years in Friendswood ISD, SCUCISD, and Northside ISD, where she also held the position of Department Coordinator. This foundational experience provided her with a deep understanding of the critical role teachers play in student development and the importance of administrative support.
In 2013, Dr. Epley transitioned to administrative roles within Comal ISD, a fast growing school district spanning 589 square miles across five counties. During her tenure at Comal ISD, she progressively assumed roles of increasing responsibility, including Director of Fine Arts, Executive Director of Human Resources & Customer Service, Chief of Staff, Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Initiatives & Programs, Assistant and ultimately, Acting Superintendent. These positions enabled her to develop expertise in strategic planning, human resources management, operational oversight, and community relations.
Throughout her administrative career, Dr. Epley has been instrumental in advocating for comprehensive student development and experiential learning. Notably, she spearheaded the “Every Student Connected” initiative, which expanded access to extracurricular activities such as Athletics, Chess, Fine Arts, Student Leadership, and CTE, from elementary through high school. She believes that these opportunities not only foster skill mastery, enhance performance, and build confidence that directly contributes to academic success, but also create human connections that are critical in this digital world. Additionally, she led initiatives focused on managing district growth, developing service standards, and enhancing compensation through collaborative community and stakeholder feedback processes. Dr. Epley is a strong advocate for student voice and leadership, supporting Superintendent Student Advisory committees and incorporating student input into strategic planning.
Dr. Epley is deeply engaged in civic and community affairs, participating in organizations such as a Texas Lifetime Member of PTA, education foundations, and Lions Club. She is a member of professional organizations including the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators, Texas Association of School Administrators, and Texas Association of School Business Officials.
Her contributions to education have been recognized with numerous accolades, including induction into the Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key Honor Societies. She was also honored as the Texas Educational Theatre Association Secondary Educator of the Year (2013), Northside Independent School District Educator of the Year (2009), Brandeis Educator of the Year (2009), KENS 5 Educator of Excellence (2009), and Sam Houston State University Distinguished Educator of the Year (2025).
Dr. Epley completed her doctoral studies in School Improvement at Texas State University in May 2025. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University and a Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University.
In April 2023, Dr. Epley assumed the role of Superintendent of Navarro ISD, driven by a commitment to serving a growing district and fostering an exceptional learning environment for all students. She is dedicated to collaborating with the district’s educators and staff to achieve student excellence in all facets of school life and beyond the classroom walls. Dr. Epley values the strength of the district’s people and community and is committed to building upon the existing standards of excellence to ensure Navarro ISD is recognized as an exemplary institution.
She is married to Justin, a revenue accountant for an oil and gas firm, and is the proud Godmother of Lily, Everly, Emmy Lou, and Wylder.
Superintendent Contract
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