New district leadership appointments

Tyler – Tyler ISD has announced several district leadership appointments for the 2026-2027 school year. The appointments reflect the district’s continued commitment to developing leaders from within while attracting experienced educators and professionals who will help advance student success across the district, according to a news release.

“We’re excited about these new leadership assignments for the 2026-2027 school year,” said Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford. “Whether through our strong leadership succession strategy or by attracting proven, high-quality educators to our hometown school system, Tyler ISD continues to bring outstanding leaders of integrity and excellence who are committed to serving our students, families, teachers, and staff.”

District Leadership

Brady Beddingfield, Chief Operations Officer – Beddingfield has served Tyler ISD since 2017, most recently as Deputy Director of Facility Services after eight years as Construction Project Manager. He has overseen many of the district’s largest bond projects, including the transformation of Tyler High School and construction of Hubbard Middle School.

Rachel Sherman, Chief Innovation Officer – Sherman most recently served as Executive Director of School Leadership, supporting Tyler ISD campuses. She previously served as principal of Three Lakes Middle School and Owens Elementary School and held administrative positions in Jacksonville ISD and Center ISD.

Student Services & Academic Support

Jarrod Bitter, Executive Director of College and Career – Bitter returns to Tyler ISD after serving as Superintendent of Carthage ISD. He previously held several leadership positions in Tyler ISD, including Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Innovation and Executive Director of School Improvement.

Justin Simmons, Director of Support – ESE and ESE-Aligned Schools – Simmons most recently served as principal of Boulter Middle School and previously led Hogg Middle School. In his new role, he will support campuses implementing Tyler ISD’s Evergreen Systems of Excellence model by helping remove operational barriers, coordinating district support, and ensuring school leaders have the resources they need to focus on teaching and learning.

Jessica Bentley, Director of Guidance and Counseling – Bentley joins Tyler ISD from Bullard ISD, where she served as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She brings experience in counseling, instructional leadership, and student support from several East Texas school districts.

Operations

Kayce Fillip, Director of Transportation – Fillip has served Tyler ISD since 2009, beginning as a custodian and advancing through several leadership roles. Most recently, she served as District Supervisor of Custodial Services, bringing nearly two decades of operational leadership experience to her new position.