Jill Gaston Award
Lufkin ISD proudly celebrates Jill Gaston, Deputy Superintendent, on being named Deputy Superintendent of the Year by Education Insider Magazine!


We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Gaston and this well-deserved recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to education. Her career reflects a deep passion for serving students, supporting educators, and helping school districts reach their fullest potential.


Mrs. Gaston’s journey in education began in the classroom, where she spent more than 12 years teaching students in grades 3–12 across multiple Texas school districts. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including principal, director, instructional coach, technology specialist, superintendent of Wells ISD, and Chief Financial Officer for Lufkin ISD before stepping into her current role as Deputy Superintendent. Her diverse experiences have given her a well-rounded perspective on the many facets of education and the importance of strong, student-centered leadership.


As a lifelong Lufkin native, Mrs. Gaston’s connection to Lufkin ISD runs deep. With both her parents and grandparents graduating from Lufkin High School, she takes great pride in serving the same community that helped shape her life. As a parent of two Lufkin ISD students, she also understands firsthand the importance of providing exceptional educational opportunities for every child. Her commitment to students, staff, and families is evident in the work she does each day to strengthen our district and support student success.


In her feature article with Education Insider Magazine, Mrs. Gaston shares insights into leadership, reflects on the experiences that shaped her professional journey, and discusses how she arrived at the position she holds today. Her story highlights the value of lifelong learning, perseverance, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to serving others.


This recognition is a celebration not only of Mrs. Gaston’s professional accomplishments but also of the heart, experience, and dedication she brings to Lufkin ISD. We are honored to have her leadership helping guide our district forward and are excited to celebrate this incredible achievement with her!


Congratulations, Mrs. Gaston! Thank you for your continued dedication to Lufkin ISD and for making a difference in the lives of our students, staff, and families. We are Panther proud!


Read the full article here: