Kelly Castle
Executive Director
Kelly Castle is the Executive Director of the Jacksboro Education Foundation, Inc. A proud native of Fort Worth, Texas, Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Stephen F. Austin State University.
She is a passionate advocate for education and dedicated to helping students build strong career paths. Kelly’s commitment to the community extends beyond her role with the Foundation; she is also actively involved in various local organizations and currently serves on the Executive Board of the Jacksboro Elementary PTA.
Kelly is a devoted mother to a son who attends Jacksboro Elementary School, further deepening her connection to the local educational landscape.
Jason Johnson
President
Jason Johnson is a fifth-generation Jack County rancher and product of Jacksboro I.S.D., where his parents worked for a combined 57 years. He received his B.S. and Ph.D. from Texas Tech University and M.S. from Louisiana State University. For the past 28 years, Jason has worked as an Associate Professor and Extension Economist for Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
Jason is also a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Texas State Securities Board. He is married to Leann Johnson and they have three children Maxi, Justin and Garrison.
Brenda Tarpley
Secretary
Brenda Tarpley moved to Jacksboro in 1983 after marrying the love of her life, and lifelong resident, John R. "Randy" Tarpley. Together, they built a life in Jacksboro, raising their two sons, Clay and Justin Tarpley.
The Tarpley family has longstanding ties to Jack County, dating back to the early 1900s. Brenda has dedicated her career and community service to Jacksboro’s growth and development. She lives by the motto, “If not you, then who?” and encourages others to get involved, give back, and volunteer. Her current position as the Executive Director of the Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation has her seated in a role that she considers to be her dream job.
Brenda and Randy take great pride in their sons' achievements, crediting much of their success to the foundational education and support they received as students at Jacksboro ISD. When given the chance to join the Jacksboro Education Foundation, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to further contribute to Jacksboro’s future.
Brenda is passionate about being a part of the establishment of a foundation with the purpose of enriching the educational experience for Jacksboro ISD and the lasting impact it will have on generations of students to come.
Nuvia Salazar
Treasurer
Nuvia Salazar is a 1997 Jacksboro High School graduate, she is currently Assistant Vice President/Banking Center Manager for Prosperity Bank in Jacksboro, where she has worked for over 25 years. She is serving as Chamber of Commerce director, Lions Club member, Treasurer for the Jack County Long Term Recovery Committee and Treasurer for the Jacksboro Athletic Booster Club. Nuvia enjoys serving the community and volunteering to make a difference.
Reid Spiller
VP - Admin
Reid Spiller is a lifelong Jacksboro resident and a proud graduate of Jacksboro High School, Class of 2013. After earning his business degree from Baylor University, he continued his education at Baylor Law School. Reid now practices law in Jacksboro at Spiller & Spiller.
A dedicated advocate for education, Reid is committed to supporting the Jacksboro Education Foundation’s mission of enhancing opportunities for students in Jacksboro ISD. His connection to the district gives him a strong appreciation for the importance of quality education in the community.
Reid and his wife, Haley, live in Jacksboro with their two children, Carson and Campbell. They are proud to be part of the community and are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the next generation of students.
Jon Mathis
VP - Programs
A lifelong resident of Jacksboro, Jon Mathis have years of experience managing Oilfield Service Companies. Currently, he serves as Vice President of both Reach Wireline and Jacksboro Supply Company. Both Jon and his wife, Sara are both proud graduates of Jacksboro Independent School District (JISD). They have two daughters: Rylee, who graduated from Jacksboro High School in 2024, and Addy, who will graduate in 2029.
Jon's passion revolves around his family, supporting his daughters' athletic pursuit, and traveling. He also loves supporting the great kids at JISD!
Mallory Tolleson
VP - Programs
Mallory, JHS Class of 2006, is a fourth generation graduate of Jacksboro High School. After receiving her B.S. and M.S. at Texas A&M University, Mallory and her husband Ross lived in Texas, Georgia, and Alaska while Ross served as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army. With the addition of their daughter, Holland, the Tollesons moved back to Jacksboro in 2021 to continue the ranching legacy of Mallory’s family. She loves this community and is grateful to once again call it home.
Miles Maddox
VP - Development
Miles Maddox is a real estate agent and broker for Maddox Realty based in Jacksboro, specializing in farm and ranch real estate. Miles is from Jacksboro and graduated from Jacksboro High School in 2006. He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2010 where he received his degree in Economics. Miles has 15 years of real estate experience, with 9 years being with Maddox Realty. He is a member of the Jacksboro Lions Club and services on the Board of Directors Concerned Citizens.
Michelle Roberts
VP - Development
With over 25 years of experience, Michelle has been helping businesses and non-profits grow through smart marketing, branding, and advertising. She’s worked across various industries, creating strategies that drive engagement, boost visibility, and make a real impact.
Michelle grew up in a small town in East Texas. She attended Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where she majored in Marketing and Advertising. She is passionate about quality education for rural communities and has helped develop multiple fundraising campaigns and community initiatives that connect organizations with the people who support them. .
Michelle currently lives in Jacksboro, with her husband Chris and their three kids, Brayden, Tyler, and Hailey.
Jill Payson
VP - Community Relations
Jill Payson, JHS Class of 1997, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Midwestern State University in 2001. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Chris Payson (JHS class of 1994), Jill taught reading and English at Bridgeport Middle School for many years.
Jill and Chris are the proud parents of two daughters, Abbie (JHS class of 2024) and Maggie (5th grader at JES). They also have a beloved son, Kain, who rests in heaven. The family has lived in various towns before returning back home to Jacksboro in 2018.
Deeply committed to her community, Jill volunteers and plays an active role in various organizations. She is enthusiastic about being a founding board member of the Jacksboro Education Foundation, where she looks forward to making a positive impact.
Melanie Belcher
VP - Community Relations
Born and raised in Lorena, Texas, Melanie graduated from Lorena High School before attending Howard Payne University, where she met her husband, Blake.
As a first-generation college graduate, Melanie earned her bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University. Her professional career began with the American Cancer Society, where she spent time in the income development and health initiatives departments, refining her skills in fundraising and community outreach.
Melanie then transitioned to Faith Community Health System, serving in the Marketing Department, further developing her skills, abilities and dedication to serving others.
The Belcher family, including their children Lando, Ellie, and Allie, have embraced Jacksboro as their home. Blake has also made significant contributions to the community through his coaching and teaching career at Jacksboro High School.
Jean Henderson
Steering Committee
Retired from Jacksboro ISD in 2006, Jean currently the president of the Jack County chapter of TRTA. She serves on the Board of Directors of Concerned Citizens and deliver Meals on Wheels weekly.
Both of Jean's children attended school in Jacksboro and graduated from JHS. Her husband, Jerry, is a rancher, Jacksboro native, and JHS graduate too.
Leslie Holman
Steering Committee
Leslie Holman have been married to her husband Larry, for 23 years. She has 3 daughters and 3 grandsons.
Leslie is a proud 1982 graduate of Jacksboro High School and a 1986 graduate of UNT. She taught and coached at JHS for 20 years (1987-2007) and Mineral Wells ISD for 8 years (2009-2017), and she retired from education in 2017 with 28 years of service. Together with her parents, the late Bill & Shirlene Hicks, and my sister, Lisa Richardson, they have dedicated over 100 years of service to Jacksboro ISD.
Leslie currently serves as the president of the JHS Ex-Students Association and treasurer of the Jack County Retired School Employees Association. Her family gives an annual scholarship in memory of their parents to a graduating senior each year. JISD is very near and dear to her heart and she loves serving and giving back to a school and community that has been her my home for 58 years.
Brian Isbell
Steering Committee
Brian Isbell believes that a quality, well-rounded education is essential for the sustained success of our society.
Although our schools are doing their best to provide students with the greatest opportunity for success in life, Brian is convinced that we must unite in our efforts to physically, emotionally, and financially support the Jacksboro ISD.
Brian is honored to be a part of a community that respects, and supports, our teachers and administrators in a manner befitting their level of commitment to our students.
© Jacksboro Education Foundation 2025
Jacksboro Education Foundation
750 W. Belknap, Jacksboro, TX 76458
940-567-7203