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 wife Amy and very active children Raelynn and Brayden. Dr. Faulkner also enjoys hunting and watching sports.

Dr. Kevin Pitts

Dr. Kevin Pitts is beginning his 18th year with China Spring ISD and his 28th year as a public educator. 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 a M.Ed. and Ed.D. from Lamar University in Beaumont.

Kevin has been married to Jennifer for 26 years and they have two children; Jaxson (23) and Jordan (20). 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

Logan Poteet

Logan Poteet was born and raised in Waco, graduating from Lorena High School in 2015. After high school, he attended McLennan Community College where he received his Associate’s Degree and then transferred to Baylor University where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 2019. He is currently finishing his Masters of Accountancy with Tarleton State University.

Immediately after graduating Logan began working as an audit associate working in the governmental auditing field. After one year he decided to begin his career in education and became the Business Manager of Bosqueville ISD. He then got an opportunity to become the CFO of China Spring ISD and is only in his second year of education. He is excited to be a part of the district and is looking forward to a great school year.

Kristen Dutschmann

Kristen Dutschmann has worked for China Spring ID 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

Dr. Max Rutherford

Dr. Max Rutherford has worked for China Spring ISD since 2005, and has been the principal of China Spring High School since 2016. Prior to being named high school principal, he served China Spring as a Social Studies teacher, coach, and assistant principal. Prior to coming to China Spring, he taught and coached for Troy ISD and St. Louis Catholic School.

Dr. Rutherford grew up in Clifton, TX and graduated high school in 1998. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Texas Tech University in 2002, and Master's in Education Administration from Lamar University in 2010. In 2013 Dr. Rutherford, completed his superintendent certification from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and in 2018 he graduated from Lamar University with his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lamar University.

Dr. Rutherford has been married to Jan, a 4th Grade teacher in China Spring, since 2002. They have two children, Mabry and Ben. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends when he is not at work.

David Ellis

Mr. Ellis is beginning his 20th year in public education and 11th year in CSISD. The 2024-2025 school year is his third as principal of the middle school. 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. April Harris

Dr. Harris 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. Harris 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. Harris 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. Harris 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. Harris 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 Peacock

Ashlee Peacock is a 2004 graduate of China Spring High School. She attended 1st- 12th grade right here in this district! Her mother also taught in the district for many years. Ashlee received her Bachelor Degree from Texas A&M Corpus Christi before pursuing her Master’s Degree from Lamar University. She began her journey into the world of education in 2010 and has taught in various districts including La Vega ISD, Dripping Springs ISD and Hubbard ISD before returning to her hometown in 2020 and is so happy to be back in Cougar Nation. Mrs. Peacock is married to Matt Peacock and they have 4 children, Brynn, Mattie, Bond and Hunter. Mrs. Peacock loves to travel with her family when she is not busy supporting her children in dance competitions, basketball, baseball, football, cheer and track! Mrs. Peacock strives to give our students a welcoming environment that promotes learning in a safe and hands on environment where we can all take chances, make mistakes and get messy!

Jennifer Sharp

Mrs. Sharp is beginning her 18th year in public education and 2nd year in CSISD. The 2023-24 school year will be her 5th year as a campus principal. Before becoming a principal, she served 3 years as an assistant principal in Waco ISD. Before becoming an administrator, she was an instructional specialist for 5 years. As a classroom teacher she taught grades K-5.

Mrs. Sharp grew up in a small town in California. She moved to Robinson, Texas in 2002 to be closer to her husband’s family. Mrs. Sharp attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where she received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She graduated from Tarleton State University in 2015 with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Mrs. Sharp has completed her course work for her doctorate and is currently writing her dissertation.

Mrs. Sharp is married to Scott Sharp and they have a grown son who lives in New Mexico. In her spare time, she loves to spend time in the outdoors hunting, fishing, and throwing the ball for their Jack Russel Terriers (Lily and Sofie).