DARLA N. SAXTON, Ed.D.
Henderson,Texas
Summary
Experienced educational leader with 13+ years of progressive leadership in Texas public schools, including service as Assistant Superintendent of accountability, District Testing Coordinator, and Elementary Principal. Expertise in district accountability systems, assessment administration, school improvement planning, and organizational effectiveness. Proven record of improving student outcomes, increasing teacher retention, strengthening campus culture, and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements. Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Superintendent EC-12 certified.
Overview
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Superintendent of Accountability
Leverett's Chapel ISD
Laird Hill
07.2024 - 07.2026
- Directed district accountability systems and performance monitoring to ensure compliance with state and federal accountability requirements.
- Analyzed assessment and accountability data to identify trends, achievement gaps, and improvement opportunities.
- Collaborated with campus and district leaders to develop and implement strategic improvement initiatives aligned with district goals.
- Ensured compliance and effective implementation of Section 504 and Gifted & Talented Programs.
- Delivered data-driven recommendations to enhance instructional decision-making and continuous improvement planning.
- Evaluated program effectiveness and maintained adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.
District Testing Coordinator
Leverett's Chapel ISD
Laird Hill
07.2021 - 07.2026
- Managed district testing program and ensured compliance with state testing security requirements.
- Coordinated campus testing activities, training, and reporting.
- Analyzed assessment data to inform instructional practices and district goals.
Elementary Principal
Leverett's Chapel ISD
Laird Hill
07.2016 - 07.2026
- Reduced student discipline referrals by 41% through implementation of positive behavior supports and campus culture initiatives.
- Increased teacher retention rate by 44% through leadership development, collaborative decision-making, and staff engagement.
- Led campus improvement planning through comprehensive analysis of academic, behavioral, and attendance data.
- Supervised instructional programs, personnel, campus operations, and compliance functions to support continuous improvement.
- Designed and facilitated professional learning aligned with district goals and instructional priorities.
- Served as campus 504 Coordinator and member of the district leadership teams supporting accountability and improvement efforts.
Teacher
Leverett's Chapel ISD
Laird Hill
07.2013 - 06.2016
- Designed grade level curriculum for core subjects to meet each child's needs.
- Developed and assessed third grade benchmarks to define areas of strengths and areas of needs.
- Mentored grade level teachers in instructional strategies and curriculum development.
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators/staff.
- Created routines and expectations which taught time management, organizational skills, and responsibility at an early age.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
West Texas A&M
Canyon, TX12-2023
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX12-2016
Master of Science - Kinesiology
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX12-2004
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX05-2003
Skills
- District Accountability Systems
- Strategic Planning & School Improvement
- Data Analysis & Performance Monitoring
- Assessment Administration
- State & Federal Compliance
- Program Evaluation
- Organizational Leadership
- Instructional Leadership
- Leadership Development
- Change Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Federal Programs Oversight
- GT and 504 compliance
- Team Building and Talent Development
- Continuous Improvement
Certification
Superintendent EC-12, Principal EC-12, Generalist EC-6, ESL Supplemental EC-6
Accomplishments
- 41% reduction in student discipline referrals through implementation of positive behavior supports and campus culture initiatives.
- 44% increase in teacher retention through leadership development and collaborative decision-making.
- Led district accountability and assessment initiatives to improve student achievement and compliance.
- Oversaw district testing operations and maintained state testing security requirements.
- Directed implementation of 504, and Gifted and Talented programs.
- Developed and monitored district and campus improvement plans using data-drive decision-making.
- Built capacity in school leaders through coaching, professional development, and targeted support.
TRAINING
Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS), Advancing Educational Leadership (AEL), Crisis Prevention Intervention, 504 Legal Updates, District Testing Coordinator
Timeline
Assistant Superintendent of Accountability
Leverett's Chapel ISD
07.2024 - 07.2026
District Testing Coordinator
Leverett's Chapel ISD
07.2021 - 07.2026
Elementary Principal
Leverett's Chapel ISD
07.2016 - 07.2026
Teacher
Leverett's Chapel ISD
07.2013 - 06.2016
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
West Texas A&M
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
Stephen F. Austin State University
Master of Science - Kinesiology
Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
Sam Houston State University