GRAHAM ISD

Dr. Mary Johnston, Superintendent of Schools
 

Dr. Mary Johnston is a passionate educational leader whose career spans more than three decades of impact, from classroom teaching to her current role as Superintendent of Graham ISD. She is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and also holds a Master of Educational Administration from Texas Christian University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Dr. Johnston is recognized for her transformative leadership, strategic innovation, and deep commitment to students learning at high levels. Since joining Graham ISD in December 2024, she has focused on building upon the district’s strong tradition of academic and extracurricular excellence. Dr. Johnston quickly engaged with the community to develop a shared vision for the district’s future. Through meaningful collaboration with educators, families, students and civic leaders, she led the creation of the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, adopted by the GISD Board of Trustees.

 
Dedicated to talent development and student engagement, Dr. Johnston created a Superintendent Student Leadership Council at Graham High School in January 2025. Dr. Johnston is looking forward to next steps in Graham ISD, including beginning the Emerging Leaders Academy to grow leadership within the district, as well as initiating the Graham ISD Parent Leadership Academy and the Silver Steers and Lady Blues.

Before joining Graham ISD, Dr. Johnston served as the Chief Academic Officer in Rockwall ISD, where she led 16 elementary campuses and managed academic programming, personnel and budget oversight including special and federal programs for over 9,000 students K-12. She played an integral role in the passage and implementation of a $478.8 million bond referendum that included the construction of five new campuses. Her previous leadership roles include Executive Director for Special Programs at Carroll ISD, where she managed programming for over 1,900 students and a $9 million budget, as well as serving as principal, assistant principal, department head, and teacher across various K–12 settings.

Dr. Johnston's contributions have been recognized at the regional and state level. In 2024, she was honored as the Region 10 TEPSAN of the Year. She received the Outstanding Principal Award in 2008 and Outstanding Assistant Principal Recognition in 2003. She has delivered presentations on leadership development, school culture and data-informed decision-making across the country. She has shared her expertise as a university adjunct professor, having taught courses in educational law, curriculum, special programs, and school leadership at institutions such as the University of North Texas and Emporia State University.

Deeply committed to servant leadership, Dr. Johnston actively contributes to the Graham community as a Graham Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Graham Area United Way Board Member, Education in Action Board Member and Graham Rotarian. She believes that strong schools contribute to strong communities and is honored to serve the students, staff and families of Graham ISD.