Leadership Team
Principal
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 working with junior high students. As a dynamic leader, her educational experiences have enabled her to develop a solid educational philosophy that emphasizes understanding all students have strengths and talents, and deserve to be exposed to high-quality learning experiences. She is dedicated to providing learning opportunities that enable students to 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 the opportunity to serve as Principal of Splendora Junior High, and I am grateful for my experiences in Splendora ISD." She is eager to continue this journey and humbled by the opportunity to serve the community, families, and students.
Assistant Principals
Nathan Bally
Student Alpha A-G
nbally@splendoraisd.org
Nathan Bally is transitioning from the District Alternative Education Program to Splendora Junior High School, where he will serve as Assistant Principal. Mr. Bally began his career with Splendora Independent School District in 2017, initially serving at Peach Creek Elementary. He has experience in a variety of roles, such as middle school teacher, assistant principal, and in digital learning. Mr. Bally earned his Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Abilene Christian University and his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University.
W. 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.
Davis earned his Master's in Education Administration and Principal Certification in 2005. He and his wife, Staci, have been married for 25 years and have two sons, Jaystan (23) and Clayton (21). During his spare time, Davis enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and staying active.
Kaley Jackson, M.Ed.
Student Alpha H-P
kjackson@splendoraisd.org
Kaley Jackson is excited to return to Splendora ISD and to join the SJH team as an assistant principal. She is a proud graduate of the University of Houston and holds a Master’s in Educational Administration from Lamar University. She began her teaching and coaching career in 2012 and served in Splendora ISD for six years in various roles, including assistant principal, girls athletic coordinator, coach, and PE teacher. She is deeply committed to servant leadership and believes in empowering others by fostering strong relationships, supporting growth, and helping individuals reach their full potential. In her free time, she and her husband, Shawn, enjoy playing golf and spending time in the mountains.
Program Facilitator
Jamie Dean, M.Ed.
281-689-4084
jdean@splendoraisd.org
Jamie Dean is excited to step into a leadership role at Splendora Junior High. She began her career in education as a math teacher in Cy-Fair ISD in 2006, and subsequently taught in New Caney ISD. In 2012, she became the Math/Science Instructional Coach for Shepherd Middle School. In 2020, Jamie joined Splendora ISD as a junior high math teacher. Dean obtained her bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2005 and her master's from Lamar University in 2023.
Dean has been married to her husband, Michael, since 2007. Together, they have two children, Kennedy, who attends Splendora High School, and Karsyn, who attends Splendora Junior High.
Instructional Coach
Wendy Mitchell, M.Ed.
281-689-4090
wmitchell@splendoraisd.org
Wendy Mitchell is thrilled to serve Splendora Junior High. She began her teaching career in 2006, teaching middle school before moving to high school in 2011, and to instructional coaching in 2017. 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 15 years. Together, they have three children, Cassidy, Callen, and Chaylee, who will attend Splendora Junior High and Piney Woods Elementary.