Mount Vernon ISD Superintendent Jason McCullough Announces Retirement

Mount Vernon ISD Superintendent Dr. Jason McCullough has announced his intention to retire effective December 31, 2026, marking the close of an education career rooted deeply in the Mount Vernon community. Dr. McCullough has served as superintendent for the past eight years and began his teaching career in Mount Vernon ISD nearly three decades ago.
 

Dr. McCullough said his decision comes with deep gratitude for the people and place that shaped both his career and his family.

“Being able to serve as superintendent in the district where my career began has been one of the greatest blessings of my life,” McCullough said. “Everything we have accomplished has been possible because of the people here. Our teachers and staff show up every day for kids, our students work hard and care about their schools, our families are supportive, and this community believes in public education. I am incredibly thankful for all of it.”

During Dr. McCullough’s time as superintendent, Mount Vernon ISD has seen meaningful progress in academics, facilities, and overall district operations.

Academic growth has been a defining outcome of Dr. McCullough’s tenure. Since Dr. McCullough joined the district in 2018, the elementary campus has demonstrated remarkable progress, improving from a D rating to an A rating by the 2024 school year. The high school achieved an A rating for the 2025 school year, and the middle school has consistently performed at a very high level. Under Dr. McCullough’s leadership, student performance on STAAR has shown significant growth. Currently, MVISD students exceed state and regional averages in 54 of the 60 measured indicators. Student success has continued to grow across MVISD, supported by dedicated educators and strong leadership on each campus. The work happening in classrooms each day reflects a shared commitment to helping students learn, grow, and prepare for their future.

The district also passed a $63.9 million bond to update and improve facilities across Mount Vernon ISD, including safety enhancements at the middle school and high school, improvements to academic buildings and administrative spaces, and new athletic facilities. Under Dr. McCullough’s leadership, the district strengthened its financial position, with the fund balance more than doubling, while maintaining a strong focus on supporting students and staff. He also led the district through the challenges of the COVID pandemic, keeping people and learning at the center of every decision.

Board President Leigh Anne Ramsay praised Dr. McCullough’s leadership and steady presence.

“Dr. McCullough has led Mount Vernon ISD with heart, integrity, and a genuine love for this community,” Ramsay said. “He has always kept students and staff at the forefront, and his leadership has helped move this district forward in meaningful ways. We are grateful for his service and for the strong foundation he leaves behind.”

Dr. McCullough is also known for his daily presence on campuses, often greeting students in carpool lines and taking time to visit with staff, families, and students. Under his leadership, Mount Vernon ISD has celebrated success beyond the classroom as well, including state championships in cheer and One Act Play and playoff appearances across multiple athletic programs. In recognition of his leadership, Dr. McCullough was named Region 8 ESC Superintendent of the Year for the 2021–2022 school year.

“I’ve always believed the work happens on campuses and in classrooms,” McCullough said. “My role has been to support the people doing that work and to make sure they have what they need to help students succeed.”

The Mount Vernon ISD Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, January 20, to formally act on Dr. McCullough’s retirement agreement. Dr. McCullough’s official retirement date is December 2026, and he will complete the 2025-26 school year as superintendent. The Board of Trustees plans to name the district’s next superintendent this spring, with the goal of having that leader in place for the start of the 2026–2027 school year. Once the new superintendent begins, Dr. McCullough will step into an advisory role, offering his support and knowledge to help ensure a smooth transition for students, staff, and the Mount Vernon ISD community.

“I will always be proud of Mount Vernon ISD,” McCullough said. “This district, this community, and these people will always be a part of who I am.”