Leadership Team

Harrison Gillaspy, M.Ed.
hgillaspy@splendoraisd.org

Harrison Gillaspy  began his career  in education working as an elementary Physical Education teacher in Fort Worth ISD. He then transitioned to the Houston area and became a secondary PE teacher and football coach in New Caney ISD. After three years in New Caney, he came to Splendora ISD and taught Social Studies at Splendora Junior High. He then took a role in Splendora as the After School Activities Coordinator where he created a district-wide after school program from the ground up.  

Mr. Gillaspy attended Texas Christian University (TCU) where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Physical Education. While at TCU, he was a member of the football team and played the positions of fullback and linebacker. He graduated from TCU in 2017. He completed his Masters of Educational Administration from Lamar University in June of 2023.

Mr. Gillaspy and his wife have one daughter who was born April 2023. He and his family enjoy volunteering at their church, going for walks, and hanging out with family.

Shannon Shumate, M.Ed.
Behavior and Safety Coordinator
sshumate@splendoraisd.org

Mrs. Shannon Shumate has lived her life deeply rooted in education, yet with a nomadic curiosity about the world, having been raised by an educator with over 30 years of experience and a commercial airline pilot. Born in Houston, Texas, but raised in Richmond, Virginia, she returned here as soon as possible. Mrs. Shumate obtained her Bachelor's degree from Radford University in Radford, VA, in Sports Leadership with a Minor in Theatre Arts & Production. She began her passion for positively impacting kids as the Youth Fitness Coordinator at the Briar Club in Houston, TX. She worked her way into all areas of the Country Club Industry, leaving as the Athletic Director and Assistant General Manager to be a stay-at-home mom and pursue alternative certification to teach in Texas. She has taught for Splendora ISD for the last five years at Piney Woods Elementary, where she serves as both an Art Teacher and a 5th- and 6th-grade teacher. She has served as Team Lead and been a member of numerous committees every year during her tenure at PWE. Mrs. Shumate is the Piney Woods Elementary School Teacher of the Year and Splendora ISD District Elementary Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. She also recently graduated with a Master's Degree in Education Administration from Lamar University. 

Her husband of almost 18 years, George, is a business owner and helps corral their three amazing kids, SHS junior Isaac, fifth grader Lucas, and fourth grader Lena. They are grateful to have all three enrolled in Splendora ISD, live and stay connected locally, and feel incredibly blessed to have found an amazing community to raise their family. They enjoy traveling to visit family coast to coast, boating on Lake Livingston, and spending time with friends when they aren't rushing to their kids' practices and games.

Above all else, Mrs. Shumate says her passion lies in finding positive and restorative ways to manage behavior, working with teachers on innovative classroom management techniques, and collaborating with students on tools for social-emotional well-being, as well as building relationships that last long beyond graduation. She truly believes it takes a village to instill in our youth the belief that they are capable of greatness, and that village requires clear and consistent communication, transparency, and teamwork. 

Although not a "true" Wildcat from the beginning, Mrs. Shumate would say she is as close to a Splendora Wildcat at heart as it gets for a "transplant" and looks forward to impacting every Piney Woods Wildcat over the 2025-2026 school year!

D. Kasey Black
dblack@splendoraisd.org

Deborah “Kasey” Black is an enthusiastic and dedicated instructional coach with a strong passion for reading and literacy development. With 11 years of experience in education, including her most recent nine years with Splendora ISD, she is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning.

Before entering the field of education, Black spent 13 years in human resources, adding a valuable layer of professional experience to her work in schools. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Sam Houston State University and is currently pursuing an additional master’s certificate in English composition and rhetoric.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Black is a proud mother of five children and cherishes the time she spends with her family.