Board of Trustees

Shannon Braun

Shannon Braun

(President, 2024-2025)
Place 1

May 2024 - May 2027
shannon.braun@gcisd.net

Biography

Shannon Braun was first elected to the Board in June of 2021 and is honored to serve alongside her fellow trustees for a second term. She served as Board Vice President in 2022-2023 and Board President in 2023-2024. As a Colleyville resident for 43 years, she and her family are heavily invested in this community. Shannon’s primary goal as a trustee is to foster academic excellence in the district. It is her hope that bringing a new voice and perspective to this board will help facilitate that goal.

Shannon and her family moved to Colleyville when she was starting seventh grade. She and her husband, Bob, attended Colleyville Middle School and Grapevine High School, graduating in 1989. They are high school sweethearts and have been married for 31 years. Shannon attended Texas Tech, transferred, and then graduated from the University of Maryland in 1993. Bob graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served two tours in the Persian Gulf. They have two children, Taylor and Jackson, both of whom are former GCISD students. Taylor played soccer at the University of Kentucky and the University of Texas. Jackson played baseball at the University of Texas and Navarro Jr. College. She is a “Pippi” to a granddaughter, Lizzie, and has another on the way.

Shannon has vision and is an out-of-the-box thinker. As the district has become built out, she will focus on the next generation of GCISD students and become a future model for education, paving the way financially as well as academically. Excellence is the motivator. The community, relationships, history as a district, and the GCISD legacy are the keys to the future of the district. GCISD has complicated challenges ahead, but the community has the resources, talent, and initiative to elevate the district to the next level.

The future is bright for GCISD and Shannon is excited to serve in creating that future!

Dalia Begin

Dalia Begin

May 2024 - May 2027

Place 2
dalia.begin@gcisd.net

Biography

Dalia Begin, elected to the board in May 2024, is not just a passionate educational advocate, but also a member of our community. Her journey is a testament to her strategic leadership, community service, and unwavering commitment to shaping the future for our children. Dalia and her husband, Michael, have been married for 16 years. Their decision to move to Colleyville was driven by a desire to provide their daughters with the best education. Sophia, a 7th grader at Colleyville Middle, and Laila, a 4th grader at Bransford Elementary, attend GCISD schools. Dalia's investment in the District's future is deeply rooted in her family's commitment to our community.

As a corporate business executive, Dalia doesn't just lead; she strategizes. Her adept leadership skills, honed over two decades of experience, inspire results and foster cohesion within a complex matrix environment. She brings valuable insights in strategic planning, finance, organizational management, people leadership, and decision-making, instilling confidence in her ability to guide our community.

Dalia's dedication to community service is not just a statement; it's a proven track record. At Bransford Elementary, she led the PTA to remarkable success, raising over $200,000 from 2021 to 2023 and earning BES its first School of Excellence designation from Texas PTA. As a member of the GCISD 2023 Long Range Planning Committee, she played a pivotal role in shaping GCISD's long-term vision. She also served as the PTA Legislative Advocate, Council Delegate, and School Board Liaison. During her term as the GCISD Council of PTA's 2nd VP of Programs, Dalia's impact extended beyond individual schools. Her active involvement is a testament to her unwavering commitment to GCISD's success.

Dalia's educational journey spans continents. She attended a British International School abroad, broadening her global perspective. After graduating from Pantego Christian Academy, she developed a solid foundation to earn her bachelor's degree in International Business from The University of Texas in Arlington.

Dalia firmly believes that schools hold the key to shaping the next generation. Equipping students with essential skills for their future professions is paramount. Her unwavering commitment lies in ensuring our children's education and success in today's rapidly changing world. Dalia Begin's leadership, community engagement, and passion for education make her an invaluable asset to GCISD, and a reassuring presence for our children's future.

Tammy Nakamura

Tammy Nakamura

May 2022- May 2025

Place 3
tammy.nakamura@gcisd.net

Biography

Tammy Nakamura was first elected to the Board in May of 2022. She and her husband Yuki have been married for 37 years and have lived in Colleyville for over 23 years.  Both of their children are proud GCISD graduates.  Tammy has a long history of community and GCISD service ranging from six years on Colleyville City Council to former PTA President. 

Tammy has a B.A. in Public Relations, Marketing, and Advertising from Eastern Kentucky University.  She has previously served as President and/or Vice of PTA at Glenhope Elementary, Cross Timbers Middle School and Grapevine High School.  Additionally she served on various booster clubs and other district-related organizations.  She was Colleyville Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2013.

Tammy believes that in order to make a positive impact on a community, you must give your time and serve where you are called.  Being elected onto the GCISD Board of Trustees is an opportunity to bring her vast experience to make impactful changes to GCISD, as well as drawing from her experience of being a small business owner for over 34 years.  

When the opportunity came along to join with other passionate board members fighting for change in the school district that has given so much to her family, she knew this was her calling.  Her goals are simple, to provide the best educational experience for the children and teachers; all while prioritizing a balanced budget, lowering taxes, and enacting cultural reform through transparency.  She feels all this can be accomplished through a collaborative approach.  She intends to draw from her many years of leadership accomplishments and work to make this community the best it can be.

Kathy Florence Spradley

Kathy Florence Spradley

(Secretary, 2024-2025)
May 2022- May 2025

Place 4
kathy.spradley@gcisd.net

Biography

Kathy Florence Spradley was first elected to the Board in May of 2022. She is a lifelong resident of Grapevine and comes from a long line of generations dedicated to GCISD and the community. A 1991 graduate of Grapevine High School, Kathy attended Cannon Elementary and Grapevine Middle School. Her husband of 22 years, Shawn Spradley, is a 1993 GHS graduate and attended Colleyville Middle School. Kathy and Shawn have two sons. Hudson is a 2023 GHS graduate and current Texas Tech Red Raider. Nash is a junior trombone player at GHS. Both are fifth-generation GCISD students. Kathy serves on the GCISD Walk of Honor Board of Directors. She chaired the publicity committee, is the former Vice President of the board and is currently chair of the selection committee. She is active in the GHS Alumni Association, serving as a judge in the homecoming parade each year. Kathy was inducted into the GHS Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Alumni in 2023. Very involved at her church, Kathy has served on the Endowment Fund Board and the Adult Council Youth Ministry, helped pioneer the student leadership team, volunteered for youth mission trips, and taught high school Sunday school. While serving her family and community, Kathy has worked for an international apparel company for 22 years in many capacities including field staff management, field marketing management, omni retail execution management, and, most recently, U.S. wholesale operations management.

In 2005 and in honor of their middle son who tragically passed away due to SIDS, Holton Spradley, Kathy and Shawn founded Holton’s Drive for SIDS, a non-profit dedicated to fighting Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Holton’s Drive for SIDS and the City of Grapevine’s festivals have partnered in raising thousands of dollars to combat SIDS and to help other families avoid the sudden and tragic loss of a child and provide resources and comfort to those who are affected by SIDS.

Kathy feels passionately about family, faith, students, and her community. Her parents, David and Darlene Florence, are GHS graduates, class of ’66. Her mother was an elementary teacher and her father served on the Grapevine City Council and then as the City of Grapevine municipal judge from 1980-2015. Kathy’s parents led by example in serving the community, instilling pride, and demonstrating that it is an honor to give back to the amazing place where they live.

Kathy is honored to serve the students, staff, and greater community as a Trustee for GCISD. The community has faced unprecedented challenges, but Kathy has proven over and over that she can build meaningful relationships and can face challenges with grace and without hesitation. She has a knack for turning difficulties into constructive and productive projects. GCISD’s mission is education. Kathy is proud to have helped to ensure that our students get the best education possible and that GCISD overachieves its mission. Honoring our legacy, achieving excellence, and equipping for the future are the things to which Kathy is wholeheartedly dedicated.

A.J. Pontillo

A.J. Pontillo

May 2023 - May 2026

Place 5
aj.pontillo@gcisd.net

Biography

A.J. Pontillo was elected to the board in May 2023. A.J. has called Grapevine home for over 30 years, attending Timberline Elementary, Colleyville Middle and graduating from Grapevine High School in 2001. A.J. graduated from Texas Christian University (TCU) in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Minor in Criminal Justice. A.J. has been active in the community, volunteered at his daughter's school and coached her basketball and volleyball teams.

As a person with diverse experience in a variety of fields, A.J. will bring a common sense approach to complex challenges. A.J. has an abundance of knowledge in safety and security and is at the forefront of a rapidly evolving landscape. A.J.’s safety and security expertise is an asset to GCISD leadership in a time when it is needed most.

As an alumnus and current GCISD parent, A.J. is proud of GCISD’s continued successes and opportunities provided to all students. A.J. believes promoting collaboration, excellent communication and transparency builds unity and trust. A.J. believes the more parents get involved and support our teachers, the better our school systems operate.

A.J. is excited to give back to the school district that impacted him and wants to make GCISD the best district for all students. A.J. will bring to the board all the passion and pride of a GCISD parent, alumnus and community member.

Dianna Sager

Dianna Sager

May 2023 - May 2026

Place 6
dianna.sager@gcisd.net

Biography

Dianna Sager was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2023. She began her 33 year career in education in Birdville and Keller ISDs and served as the Head Girls Basketball Coach at Colleyville Heritage High School from 2002 until her retirement in 2022. She enjoyed many years of success, leading the basketball program to multiple district and tournament wins plus state playoff appearances for sixteen seasons. She proudly grew one of most successful athletic programs in the state during her twenty-year tenure at CHHS. An active and integral part of the CHHS campus leadership and a classroom teacher, Dianna has served on numerous district committees including curriculum implementation and as a department chair.

A Colleyville resident for over 15 years, Dianna and her husband Dave have a daughter currently attending CHHS. A member of the inaugural committee for the GCISD Walk of Honor, Dianna has served on multiple PTAs and district committees as a volunteer throughout the time she has served and lived in the district in addition to directing and facilitating numerous basketball clinics and camps. She also has served as coach and director for numerous entities including McDonald’s All-American Game, AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), BCI (Basketball Congress International) and AAU Junior Olympics.

Dianna attended Abilene Christian University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Educational Psychology, Educating Special Populations. She earned her Master of Education in Educational Administration from Tarleton State University, and she holds a Principal Certification.

Dianna’s strong connection to our district not only as an educator but as a parent, a coach, a volunteer and a shareholder mirrors the strength of our district which has long served to make our family and community foundations even stronger.

In 2018, the GCISD community surrounded Dianna with support at the beginning of her battle with brain cancer, imploring her not only to be strong, but to be SAGER STRONG. She is excited to serve this same GCISD community as their trustee. Remaining true to her resolve as an educator for over 33 years, she will be a dedicated voice for our teachers, a collaborative representative for our families, and a passionate champion for our students.

Mary Humphrey

(Vice President, 2024-2025)
May 2023 - May 2026

Place 7
mary.humphrey@gcisd.net

Biography

Education has been a primary focus for Mary her entire life. She taught in GCISD for 11 years and has been a volunteer in nearly every arena of GCISD for the past 27 years. She was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2023.

As a classroom teacher Mary taught all levels of high school English (including AP as a GT certified teacher), wrote curriculum, and designed new language arts classes. She also coached the GHS cheer program and directed a variety of extra-curricular activities, including Student Council, the yearbook, and UIL Ready Writing. She worked for GCISD as a substitute teacher for more than a decade.

As a volunteer, Mary was active in the PTA at every campus where her children attended, serving as president at two campuses, and was very involved in leadership roles for every booster club representing her children’s high school activities. She served on the board of the GCISD Education Foundation for a decade, including being president for two years, and was named the 2010 Distinguished Friend. Mary also helped form the GCISD Walk of Honor in 2017 and served as its president for 3 years, 2019-2021. Mary served on the 2010 steering committee for LEAD 2021, served on the District Excellence Committee, and served on the Campus Excellence Committees at both Timberline Elementary and Cross Timbers Middle School.

She has been married to her husband Steve for 37 years, and they are very proud of their three grown children who all went through GCISD schools. Mary and her family are tremendously invested in GCISD and their community with 13 GCISD graduates in her family, including her husband and children.

Mary graduated from Baylor University, Cum Laude, with a BS in Education including a concentration in English and Journalism. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a Master of Science in American Studies (American Literature and American History).

Mary is passionate about problem-solving to ensure GCISD provides a top-tier educational experience for our students, is a work place where teachers and staff can professionally thrive, and remains a destination district for the community. Mary has invested 39 years in GCISD and is dedicated to making it the best that it can be for years to come.