Splendora High School

Leadership Team

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Principal

Molly Buford, M.Ed
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Molly Buford is honored to serve as the Principal of Splendora High School beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, transitioning from her role as Principal of Splendora Junior High, which she has held since 2023. A dedicated educator with Splendora ISD since 2003, Buford has spent over two decades serving the district's students, teachers, and families across multiple instructional and leadership roles.

Buford began her career at Splendora Middle School, teaching sixth-grade English before moving to Splendora Junior High School, where she taught seventh and eighth-grade English, Language Arts, and Reading. During her tenure at the junior high level, she expanded her impact by serving as a department chair and mentor teacher. Transitioning into administration, she served as a Reading Specialist and Instructional Specialist for three years before being promoted to assistant principal, and ultimately, Principal of Splendora Junior High School.

A dynamic leader with a strong instructional background, Buford bases her educational philosophy on the belief that every student possesses unique strengths and talents. She is deeply committed to designing high-quality, meaningful learning experiences that empower students to find value in their educational journeys while ensuring every student is prepared for success in their chosen path of college, career, or military. Buford holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Sam Houston State University and earned a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Lamar University in 2021. She and her husband, Stacy, are the proud parents of two daughters, Morgan and Falon, who both attended Splendora ISD from Pre-K through graduation.

Expressing gratitude for her ongoing journey within the district, Buford states that she is "truly honored and humbled by the opportunity to continue serving the community, families, and students as she steps into her new role at Splendora High School."

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Associate Principal of Operations

W. Clay Davis, M.Ed
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Clay Davis has been in public education since 1996. Before joining Splendora ISD, he taught and coached at Tatum, Jasper, and Hardin-Jefferson ISDs. As an educator, he taught Communications, Leadership, Health, and Physical Education, and worked closely with the Life Skills programs at Jasper and Hardin-Jefferson. Davis has coached basketball, cross country, tennis, and football.

He earned his Master’s in Education Administration and Principal Certification in 2005. Clay Davis has now been named Associate Principal for Operations at Splendora High School, where he looks forward to supporting students, staff, and the Wildcat community.

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Associate Principal of Academics

Brittany Ricci, M.Ed
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Brittany Ricci is an experienced educational leader currently serving as Humanities Coordinator at Splendora ISD, where she supports curriculum implementation across Social Studies and ELAR. She brings a strong background in instructional leadership, having previously served as a Coordinator of Learning Acceleration Initiatives, an Assistant Principal, and an Instructional Coach/Dean of Instruction. Brittany holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Lamar University and a Bachelor’s in Education from East Texas Baptist University. Her career reflects a commitment to student achievement, data-driven instruction, and continuous school improvement. We are excited to have Brittany join the SHS team and look forward to the leadership, expertise, and support she will provide to our staff and students.

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Assistant Principal

Lee Allen, Sr., Ed.D.
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Dr. Lee Allen, Sr. joins Splendora High School as an Assistant Principal, bringing 25 years of experience in education and educational leadership. Most recently, he served for seven years as an Assistant Principal at Liberty North High School in Liberty, Missouri, where he focused on building a positive school culture, supporting academic excellence, and fostering strong relationships with students, staff, and families.

Throughout his career, Dr. Allen has served in a variety of roles, including Math Instructor, Dean of Students, Assistant Athletic Director, Coach, and At-Risk Specialist. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Kansas, an Education Specialist degree and Master of Education from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Virginia State University.

Dr. Allen is passionate about helping students reach their potential and looks forward to building strong connections with the Splendora community to ensure every Wildcat is supported and empowered to succeed.

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Assistant Principal

Ashley Cranney, M.Ed.
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Ashley Cranney proudly serves as Assistant Principal at Splendora High School. A 2001 graduate of SHS, she began her career in education in January 2009, teaching 8th-grade science. Over the years, her roles have included high school biology teacher, Secondary Science Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal at both the elementary and high school levels, Campus Assessment Coordinator, and SHS Dean of Instruction, which gives her a deep understanding of curriculum, assessment, and student learning.

Cranney earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science Education from Sam Houston State University in 2005 and completed her Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2016.

Deeply rooted in the Splendora community, Cranney is passionate about supporting students, staff, and families in the district she calls home. She is honored to serve the place that shaped her and remains committed to helping every student reach their potential.

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Assistant Principal

Shelby Gann, M.Ed.
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Shelby Gann is honored to return home to Splendora ISD as an Assistant Principal and serve the community that helped shape who she is today. As a second-generation Splendora graduate, she finds it especially meaningful to come back and support students, staff, and families.

She brings 12 years of educational experience serving as a Teacher, Coach, Social Studies Instructional Specialist, and Assistant Principal. Throughout her career, Mrs. Gann has been passionate about building strong relationships and creating a positive school culture where all students can thrive.

Mrs. Gann and her husband are excited for their two children to become part of the Splendora family, and she looks forward to partnering with students, staff, and the community as they continue the tradition of excellence in Splendora ISD.

Campus Leadership