Leadership Team

Molly Buford, M.Ed.
mbuford@splendoraisd.org

Molly Buford has been an educator at Splendora ISD since 2003. She began her career at Splendora Middle School, where she taught 6th-grade   English. She transitioned to Splendora Junior High (formerly the high school) the following year. She taught 7th and 8th grade English, Language   Arts, and Reading for several years before becoming a department chair and mentor teacher. Mrs. Buford served as a Reading Specialist and   Instructional Specialist for three years before becoming an Assistant Principal.

Mrs. Buford has a heart for supporting students, teachers, and parents and truly loves junior high. As a dynamic leader, her educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to develop a solid educational philosophy of understanding that all students have strengths and talents and deserve to be exposed to high-quality learning experiences. She is dedicated to providing learning opportunities where students find   meaning and value in their educational journeys.

Mrs. Buford earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Sam Houston State University in 2003 and a Master's in Educational Administration from Lamar University in 2021. She and her husband, Stacy, have two daughters, Morgan and Falon, who attended Splendora ISD from Pre-K through graduation. 

She states, "I am truly honored for this new opportunity to serve as Principal of Splendora Junior High, and I am grateful for my experiences in Splendora ISD." She is eager to begin this new journey and humbled by the opportunity to serve the community, families, and students.

Johnathon Andrews, M.Ed.
Student Alpha (A-G)
jandrews@splendoraisd.org

Johnathon Andrews graduated from Splendora High School in 2007. He began his career in education as a paraprofessional at Splendora Junior High in 2009. After graduating from Sam Houston State University in 2013, Andrews started teaching 6th-grade math at Peach Creek Elementary. In 2021, he transferred to Splendora High School as a Math RTI Specialist, and in 2022, he began his leadership role as one of the Assistant Principals at Splendora Junior High. He has been married to his wife, Wrigley, since 2018. Together, they share one black lab named Mae, who ironically is afraid of water.

Clay Davis, M.Ed.
Student Alpha (Q-Z)
wdavis@splendoraisd.org

Clay Davis has been in public education since 1996. Before joining the Splendora Junior High team, he taught and coached at Tatum ISD, Jasper ISD, and most recently, Hardin-Jefferson ISD.  As an educator, he taught Communications, Leadership, Health, and Physical Education and worked closely with the Life Skills programs at Jasper and Hardin-Jefferson.  Davis has coached basketball, cross country, tennis, and football.  He earned his Masters in Education Administration and Principal Certification in 2005. He and his wife, Staci, have been married for 24 years and have two sons, Jaystan (22) and Clayton (20). During his spare time, Davis enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and staying active.

Nichole Gardner, M.Ed.
Student Alpha (H-P)
ngardner@splendoraisd.org

Nichole Gardner began teaching in Splendora ISD in 2009 at Greenleaf Elementary. She served as a special education teacher for three years, taught 5th-grade reading for two years, and then transferred to Splendora Junior High. During her time at SJH, Mrs. Gardner has had the opportunity to serve as a special education inclusion teacher, a special education behavior teacher, and a cheerleading coach. She also served as Engagement Leader for the Special Education Department, a Design Team member, an Assessment Focus Group member, and participated in Exceptional Leaders Academy I & II.

Mrs. Gardner earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Sam Houston State University in 2007 and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Lamar University in 2022. She and her husband, Grant, have two sons, Gunner and Graham, who attend Splendora ISD.

Amanda Harris, M.Ed.
aharris@splendoraisd.org

Amanda Harris graduated from Lamar University with her bachelor's degree in 2005. She began teaching later that same year at West Orange-Stark CISD. Harris and her family moved to the Splendora area in 2015, where she started teaching at Greenleaf Elementary. In 2018, Harris graduated from Lamar University with her master's in educational leadership. Harris was an instructional coach in Cleveland ISD before coming back home to Splendora ISD in 2023. She is delighted to be able to support and serve the students at Splendora Junior High.

Harris has been married to her husband, Chris, since 2005. They have a daughter, Aubrey, who will be a 8th grader at SJH.

Wendy Mitchell, M.Ed.
wmitchell@splendoraisd.org

Wendy Mitchell is thrilled to join Splendora Junior High. She began her teaching career in 2006 with Willis ISD, then taught middle and high school mathematics in New Caney ISD. In 2019, she became the Math/Science Instructional Specialist for Cleveland High School, then became the Secondary Mathematics Content Specialist in 2020. Mitchell obtained her bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University in 2006, and her master's from Western Governors University in 2012. Mitchell has been married to her husband, Stephen, for 12 years. Together they have three children, Cassidy, Callen, and Chaylee, who will attend Piney Woods Elementary.