Administration Bios

Superintendent Team

Dr. Marc Faulkner

Dr. Marc Faulkner is a West Texas native, graduating from Permian High School. After high school, he attended Tarleton State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education in 1997. He received his master’s degree in Education and principal’s certification from Tarleton State University in 2003. In 2007, he completed his superintendent certification through Tarleton and received his doctorate degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2013.

Dr. Faulkner’s educational experiences include teaching 9-12 grade Agricultural Science for four years, serving as a high school assistant principal for three years, serving as the China Spring High School Principal for five years, serving as the assistant superintendent for CSISD for three years, and serving as superintendent of China Spring ISD since December of 2012.

One of his most honorable accomplishments in education was being named "Region XII Principal of the Year in 2008". He also has fond memories of leading his high school campus to an Exemplary rating from TEA. In 2017, Dr. Faulkner was named by the Education Service Center Region 12 as the "Superintendent of the Year" and represented the region in the state level Superintendent of the Year selection.

In his spare time, he likes to spend time with his very active children Raelynn and Brayden. Dr. Faulkner also enjoys hunting and watching sports.

Dr. Kevin Pitts

Dr. Kevin Pitts began his educational career in 1997 and became a China Spring Cougar in 2007. Prior to being named Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Pitts served China Spring as a biology teacher, coach, assistant principal, and Principal of CSHS. His previous experience includes teaching and coaching positions at Cibolo Steele HS, Mansfield HS, Duncanville HS, and Galena Park HS.

Dr. Pitts is a Waco native and a member of the 1990 graduating class of Connally ISD. Kevin received a B.S. from Texas State University in San Marcos and his Masters and Doctorate from Lamar University in Beaumont.

Kevin has been married to his wife Jennifer since 1998 and they have two children; Jaxson and Jordan . Dr. Pitts spends his time away from work relaxing with family and friends, playing golf, and fishing.

Dr. Leslie Smith

Leslie Smith has worked for China Spring ISD since 2017. Her educational experience started while teaching middle school math in Irving ISD in 2000 and continued with teaching at the intermediate school level in Kaufman ISD. Dr. Smith and her husband moved to Waco in 2011 where she served six years as teacher, behavior coach, and assistant principal at Woodgate Intermediate School in Midway ISD.

Dr. Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree from Abilene Christian University in 1999 and her Masters of Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2011.

Dr. Smith and her husband, Cory, have been married since 1996. They have a daughter, Kimberlyn, and a son named Jace. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with family, cheering on the Baylor Bears, and attending her children’s extracurricular events.

Leadership Team

James Slater

James Slater brings more than 20 years of experience in business and finance, including 14 years in Texas public school finance. He most recently served as assistant superintendent for business and operations and CFO at Connally ISD, and previously held leadership roles in Mexia ISD and Copperas Cove ISD. Throughout his career, Slater has managed multimillion-dollar budgets, led finance teams, and implemented strategic policies to support responsible spending and long-term growth. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Keller Graduate School of Management. Slater and his wife have two children, and he enjoys spending time with his family in his free time.

Kristen Dutschmann

Kristen Dutschmann has worked for China Spring ISD since 2016. Her educational experience began while teaching and coaching in Missouri in 2008. She and her husband moved to Texas in 2010 and decided to plant roots in China Spring. Upon moving to Texas, she has worked in various educational roles at La Vega ISD and Lorena ISD prior to joining the China Spring ISD family.

Mrs. Dutschmann grew up in southwest Missouri. She graduated high school from Monett High School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, and she received her Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Tarleton State University in Stephenville.

Mrs. Dutschmann’s husband, Chris Dutschmann, is a China Spring graduate and a math teacher at China Spring Middle School. They have two sweet children: Autumn and August. When not at school or school-sponsored events, Mrs. Dutschmann loves spending time hanging out with her family, cheering on their favorite sports teams (Go Chiefs!), and cheering on their kiddos in their various activities!

Dr. Nickolas Smith

Dr. Nickolas Smith has over 20 years' experience in public education. During his career, Dr. Smith has served at every level of public education including stops at elementary school, middle school, high school and central office. He began his career as a middle school teacher/coach in Midway ISD and also served that community as an elementary assistant principal and intermediate principal. Dr. Smith also served as a high school principal in Comal ISD, a principal with Gatesville ISD, and a principal in Killeen ISD, where he also served as a Director of School Improvement.

Dr. Smith grew up in Houston, Tx. and attended Baylor University to earn his Bachelor of Science in Education degree. He obtained his Master's in Educational Administration degree from Tarleton State University and completed his Doctorate in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Smith is married to Alison Smith, who also serves as an administrator in a neighboring school district. The Smiths have 4 children, and they enjoy getting outdoors as a family and attending their kids' sporting events.

Scott Tyner

Scott Tyner is the executive director of technology at China Spring ISD. With degrees in Computer Maintenance and Networking & Systems Administration from Texas State Technical College, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Tarleton State University, Scott has skillfully navigated his career from technical roles to his current position at the district.

Tyner has been with China Spring ISD since 2014 and is committed to the district's vision of striving for educational excellence and its mission to create individualized learning experiences. His recent promotion to Executive Director of Technology highlights his dedication to these principles and his commitment to the community, ensuring that technology continues to be a cornerstone of student success and district growth.

Emily Corntassel

Emily Corntassel is the director of public information and communication at China Spring ISD. Corntassel is responsible for internal and external communication strategies, social media development, webpage management, and media inquiries. Before joining the district, she worked in enrollment management at Baylor University. At Baylor, she was responsible for developing strategic communication campaigns, creating marketing materials, and representing graduate education to prospective students.

Corntassel graduated, with honors, from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts in strategic communications. After working in the industry, she decided to pursue a Master of Arts in organizational communication from Baylor University. Her research focuses on email behavior and organizational culture.

District Principals

David Ellis

Mr. Ellis is beginning his 21st year in public education and 12th year in CSISD. Before becoming a principal, he served 4 years in assistant principal roles at both the middle school (2021-2022) and high school (2018-2021). Before becoming an administrator, he taught English and was the head basketball coach in the district. Prior to moving to Texas, he served in the Peoria Unified School District in Arizona from 2005-2014 where he taught English and coached several sports at Ironwood High School.

Mr. Ellis grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and attended Arizona Christian University where he received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education. He graduated from Lamar University in 2017 with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Mr. Ellis is married to Ashley and they have 3 children who attend CSISD schools. In his spare time he loves to play golf and be with his family at home or at the beach.

Dr. Nancy Dominguez

Dr. Nancy Dominguez is a proud first-generation college graduate and former migrant worker, born and raised in Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2008, completed a Master of Education in counseling from Tarleton State University in 2011, and earned a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Tarleton in 2021.

With more than 17 years of experience in public education, Dr. Dominguez has served as a classroom teacher, school counselor, assistant principal and, now, principal of China Spring Middle School. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was named the 2025–26 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals.

Her work focuses on equity, restorative practices and building inclusive systems that support student success both academically and personally. She has led initiatives in credit recovery, student mentorship and staff development, all aimed at fostering supportive and high-performing learning environments.

Outside of her professional role, Dr. Dominguez enjoys spending time with her family. She married her husband, Justin, in 2009, and they are the proud parents of two sons, Aaron and Andrew, who are both active in sports and bring energy and joy to her life. In her leisure time, she also enjoys crafting and taking on creative DIY projects.

Dr. April Jackson

Dr. Jackson grew up in Waco, Texas, graduating from Robinson ISD. She attended Tarleton State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Studies. In 2015, Dr. Jackson earned her Masters of Education in Educational Technology and leadership from Lamar University and in 2022 completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Baylor University.

Dr. Jackson is entering her 16th year in education as the China Spring intermediate principal. She has served in many capacities over her educational career. She began her career in Louisiana as a high school science teacher and coach for 2 years. Dr. Harris moved back to Texas and served as a teacher and coach at China Spring middle and high school for 2 years, an instructional technologist at Midway for 2 years, an assistant principal at Midway high and middle school for 8 years, and returned to China Spring last year as the assistant principal for the intermediate.

One of her most honorable moments was in 2018 when she was awarded the region 12 assistant principal of the year for the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) and went on to be selected as the Texas assistant principal of the year for TASSP in 2019.

Dr. Jackson has two amazing girls, Tinley (12) and Elaina (8). They have lived in the China Spring community for 13 years and absolutely love the family atmosphere and culture of excellence exhibited in the schools and the community. Dr. Jackson enjoys being an active part of the community, attending her kids’ sports and activities, being on the river, and getting outdoors.

Heather Jenkins

Heather Jenkins came to China Spring ISD in 2012 to serve as China Spring Middle School Principal. Mrs. Jenkins came to us after serving two years as the Assistant Principal at Alta Vista Montessori campus in Waco ISD. She started her educational career in 1997 with Denton ISD teaching elementary Special Education classes. She then moved to Waco in 2002 and spent the next 10 years in various roles as teacher, technology facilitator and Assistant Principal.

Mrs. Jenkins received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Texas and her Masters of Educational Administration from Lamar University. Since she started at China Spring Middle School she has brought many different styles of learning that have helped students flourish.

Mrs. Jenkins currently resides in the China Spring community with her husband, Bryan and their three children Cameron, Emily and Reese. All of their children attend China Spring ISD and are very active in extracurricular activities.

Ashlee Duncan

Mrs. Ashlee Duncan is beginning her 20th year in public education as the proud principal of China Spring Primary. With a strong commitment to student-centered leadership, Mrs. Duncan brings experience from multiple leadership roles, including assistant principal and coordinator in Midway ISD and director of advanced academics in Waco ISD. She is known for fostering inclusive, innovative and high-achieving learning environments that support the growth of both students and staff.

A native of the Waco area, Mrs. Duncan earned a Bachelor of Science in applied sociology from Texas State University in 2005 and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University. She holds multiple certifications, including principal, gifted and talented, ESL and the Texas Reading Academy. A lifelong learner, she is passionate about empowering educators through mentorship, strategic support and professional development. Her leadership experience spans gifted and talented, ESL, federal programs, testing and compliance. She is deeply focused on instructional best practices, curriculum alignment and creating socially and emotionally supportive learning environments.

Outside of school, Mrs. Duncan enjoys life with her husband, Sam, and their two children, Brinlee and Grayson. Together, they love to travel and make the most of everyday moments. Mrs. Duncan is also actively involved in the community through organizations such as the Junior League of Waco and PTA. She looks forward to partnering with families and staff to build a thriving, student-focused culture where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to succeed.

Brooke Bartee

Sue Brooke Bartee proudly serves as the principal of the China Spring Alternative Education Center. With 20 years of experience in education, she brings a well-rounded background in teaching, counseling, and administration.

Mrs. Bartee began her career as a high school English teacher at Hawley High School before transitioning into school counseling at both the elementary and middle school levels in Hutto ISD and China Spring ISD. Most recently, she served as the assistant principal at China Spring Middle School, where she supported academic growth, student success, and campus-wide initiatives.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a master’s degree in education from Harding University. Mrs. Bartee is passionate about fostering a supportive, structured environment that meets students where they are and helps them grow both academically and personally.

She has been married to her husband, Kristopher Bartee, for 20 years. Together, they have three children who all proudly attend China Spring Schools. As both an educator and parent in the district, Mrs. Bartee is deeply committed to the success of the students and the strength of the China Spring community.