Dr. Mary Duhart-Toppen Appointed Interim Superintendent of Judson ISD, Bringing Experience, Continuity, and Community Focus
Judson Independent School District has named Dr. Mary Duhart-Toppen as its new Interim Superintendent, a move aimed at providing steady leadership and continuity during a pivotal time for the district. The appointment was made by the Judson ISD Board of Trustees on February 4, 2026, and formally announced the following day.
In a message shared with the district community, Dr. Duhart-Toppen acknowledged the responsibility of the role and the trust placed in her leadership. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and remain fully committed to supporting our district community,” she said, emphasizing that her focus will remain on students, staff, and the families Judson ISD serves.
The district also took time to recognize the contributions of Dr. Lacey Gosch, who served as Acting Superintendent in recent weeks. Dr. Duhart-Toppen expressed appreciation for that leadership, noting, “Her service and steady guidance helped ensure continuity for our schools and central office teams, and I am thankful for her commitment to Judson ISD.” District officials echoed that sentiment, highlighting the importance of a smooth transition and consistent direction.
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With nearly three decades in public education, Dr. Duhart-Toppen brings deep institutional knowledge and experience to the interim role. She has spent 28 years in education across Texas and Louisiana, including 25 years within Judson ISD. Her career has spanned the classroom and district leadership, with roles including English teacher, department chair, curriculum specialist, academic dean, assistant principal, principal, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, and most recently Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. “My passion is rooted in teaching and learning, supporting students, and developing leadership capacity in others,” she shared.
Dr. Duhart-Toppen’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, a Master of Education from Lamar University, and a Doctorate of Education from Walden University. Beyond her professional life, she describes her family as central to her work, expressing gratitude for the support of her husband, Anthony, and their two children, Gabriel and Courtney, both proud Judson ISD alumni.
Looking ahead, Dr. Duhart-Toppen underscored the district’s collaborative spirit and shared purpose. “We remain confident in the strength of our teams across the district,” she said, adding that Judson ISD will continue to prioritize educating students, supporting staff, and serving families. As she steps into the interim superintendent role, her message to the community is clear: Judson ISD will continue to foster a welcoming learning environment where every student feels valued and supported in their academic, emotional, and social growth.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
