Superintendent

Renee Smith-Faulkner has served as CISD's Associate Superintendent since 2017, and she is known as a visionary district administrator with a laser focus on student achievement and educational equity. Among her key achievements are leading the efforts to raise district accountability from a "C" rating to a "B" in one year and the "Digital Equity for All" program for students. Her 34 years of experience with Castleberry ISD, from a teacher's role to an administrator's role, gives her a unique perspective on how to lead the district in which she has dedicated her entire career. She is a homegrown Lion, attending CISD from first grade until her graduation from Castleberry High School in 1982. Smith-Faulkner earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1991 from Texas Christian University and a Master of Science in Learning Technologies from the University of North Texas in December 2016.

"As a strong believer that education must evolve to keep up with the twenty-first century student, I worked to implement strategies that offer personalized digital learning opportunities as far back as 1999," Smith-Faulkner stated. "This vision and forethought would play a huge part when the pandemic hit in March 2020. Positioned for success, our district did not scramble for an online solution like most."

In 1991, Ms. Smith-Faulkner started her career as a middle school English teacher at Irma Marsh. By the next decade, she was promoted to the district's first Director of Technology Services and oversaw the charge for integrating technology into the modern classroom. As her role transformed into Assistant and Associate Superintendent, her vision for creating a 21st century learning environment led to multiple district innovations. She guided the reorganization of curriculum and technology staff into a cohesive functioning team, increased grant funds from state and federal sources, streamlined the PLC (Professional Learning Community) process both campus and district wide, and initiated the reorganization of the school calendar to maximize student learning potential.

Ms. Smith-Faulkner is known for her gift of building positive and trusting team relationships that foster professional growth for all stakeholders. As an active member of the community, she has pioneered the development of the Castleberry ISD Education Foundation, which has brought together businesses, industry, religious, and civic organizations to advance district goals. Her reach for innovation does not stop at the walls of the school district. Fundamentally, she understands the impact and values of the importance of community partnerships that help Castleberry students and families build a better future.