10th - 12th Grade Center Administration
10th-12th Grade Center
Executive Principal - Dr. Djara Patton
Dr. Djara Patton is the Executive Principal at North Forney High School and is housed on the 10-12 Campus. She graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelors in Business Administration and graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a Masters in Educational Leadership along with her Superintendent Certification. She received her Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. She began her teaching career in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. In her years of experience, Dr. Patton has served as a Business Education teacher/assistant basketball and track coach, Instructional Technology Specialist, District Testing Coordinator and Dean of Instruction. Prior to arriving in Forney ISD, Dr. Patton served as House Principal at Lowery Freshman Center in Allen ISD. Since joining the Forney Family, Dr. Patton has served as an Assistant Principal and Principal as North Forney High School. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and watching sports.
Epiphany Mercadel - Dr. Patton's Secretary
Email: ebmercadel@forneyisd.net
ASSOCIATE Principal of operations - de'andrea smith
De'Andrea Smith is the Associate Principal of Operations at the North Forney High School. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelors of Arts and a Master of Science in Criminology. She began her teaching career in Mesquite ISD. Ms. Smith served as a Special Education and Credit Recovery teacher prior to arriving in Forney, TX. This will be Ms. Smith's 6th year at North Forney High School. The first three years at North Forney, Ms. Smith served in the role of School Counselor. In her spare time, she loves reading and spending time with her daughter.
Jessica Thompson - Ms. Smith's Secretary
jdthompson@forneyisd.net
Associate Principal of learning - Christopher polk
Christopher Polk is the Associate Principal of Learning at North Forney High School. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelors in Applied Arts and Sciences and holds dual master’s degrees in Curriculum & Instruction (Mathematics) and Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. Mr. Polk is currently a doctoral student in the PK-12 Educational Leadership program at Southern Methodist University. With a passion for empowering learning communities, Mr. Polk has served as an assistant principal, blended learning site coordinator, master teacher/instructional coach, and math & science teacher providing targeted support in data-driven instruction, blended learning integration, professional development, and community engagement. He is known for his ability to inspire, build strong stakeholder relationships, and foster environments where students and staff can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Prior to arriving in Forney ISD, Mr. Polk served as an assistant principal at DeSoto High School. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.
Jessica Thompson- Mr. Polk's Secretary
Email: jdthompson@forneyisd.
Assistant Principal - JEREMIAH STEWART
(Serving 10th - 12th Grade Students With Last Names: A - Do)
Jeremiah Stewart is an Assistant Principal at the North Forney High School 10th-12th Grade Campus. Mr. Stewart arrives with a wealth of knowledge, bringing over 30 years of experience in education. He began his career as a teacher for 13 years after earning his B.A. in English Education from Alabama State University. His passion for leadership led him to administration, where he went on to earn a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Prior to North Forney, Mr. Stewart honed his skills as an Assistant Principal and Principal at various schools in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ever committed to growth, he is currently working toward his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Lynn University. Mr. Stewart is eager to connect with the students, staff, and families of North Forney. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling around the world and listening to music for spiritual growth.
Betty Belknap - Ms. Kelly's Secretary
bjbelknap@forneyisd.net
Assistant Principal - Joneita Kelly
(Serving 10th - 12th Grade Students With Last Names: Dr - Ke)
JoNeita Kelly is an Assistant Principal at the North Forney High School 10th-12th Grade Campus. She graduated from Texas A&M University - Commerce with a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies and earned her Master of Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Educational Leadership from The University of North Texas. She began teaching in Terrell ISD and continued teaching in Quinlan ISD and Allen ISD before moving to Forney. Ms. Kelly taught a variety of Social Studies subjects and coached cheer and drill teams throughout the course of her career. Her passion for curriculum & the study of history led her to serve as the Texas History Day local coordinator and History Club sponsor while in Quinlan. Prior to becoming a member of the administration team, Ms. Kelly was on the Social Studies Leadership Team at North Forney and also served as the campus Instructional Technology Specialist. This will be Ms. Kelly's 7th year at North Forney High School. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, listening to audio books, and spending time with her son.
Betty Belknap - Ms. Kelly's Secretary
bjbelknap@forneyisd.net
Assistant Principal - laashawn guillory
(Serving 10th - 12th Grade Students With Last Names: Kh - Q)
Laashawn Guillory is an Assistant Principal at the North Forney High School 10th-12th Grade Campus. She is a proud graduate of Louisiana State University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies. She holds two Master's Degrees: One in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Mathematics from Concordia University Portland, and another in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University. Ms. Guillory began her career in education with Dallas ISD as a mathematics teacher and Girls Basketball Coach. Her passion for instructional growth led her into leadership roles as an Instructional Coach and later as an Assistant Principal. In her free time, Ms. Guillory enjoys curating music experiences, exploring new places and spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite quotes is: "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." - Maya Angelou.
Shantell Oyedokun - Ms. Guillory's Secretary
Assistant Principal - Dr. Janis M. Grace
(Serving 10th - 12th Grade Students With Last Names: R - Z)
Dr. Janis M. Grace is an Assistant Principal at the North Forney High School 10th-12th Grade Campus. She graduated from the University of North Texas and earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science, with emphasis on Mediation, Behavior Science, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. She earned her Masters of Education Leadership and Policy Studies from The University of Texas at Arlington. Dr. Grace earned her Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership from Walden University. Her teaching and coaching career began in Richardson Independent School District. She taught Social Studies courses, coached basketball and volleyball, and was the director of her own track club for ages 4-21 sanctioned by the Texas Athletics Amateur Federation and US Junior Olympics. Before arriving at Forney Independent School District, she served as Assistant Principal intern in Richardson Independent School District. This will be Dr. Grace's 9th year at North Forney High School. Her hobbies include officiating sports, emerging herself in spiritual enrichment, and indulging in self-care. Her long-standing hero is her mother.
Shantell Oyedokun - Dr. Grace's Secretary
