Executive Staff

Phyllis Geans, CPA, RTSBA

Assistant Superintendent of Operations (Chief Operations Officer)

As Assistant Superintendent of Operations (Chief Operations Officer), Phyllis Geans is responsible for administrative direction for all support services of the school district. This oversight includes services such as facility planning, construction, custodial services, maintenance, energy management, disaster recovery, safety management, shipping & receiving, child nutrition, technology, and transportation services. As the COO, she is responsible for actualizing the goals of the Board of Trustees and the Superintendent through district-wide planning, direction, program initiatives, benchmarking, and continuous improvement. Prior to holding this position with the district, Ms. Geans was the Assistant Superintendent for Business & Finance from February 2007 until May 2023.  Ms. Geans held the position of Budget Director for Lamar University prior to joining the PAISD team. She retired from Entergy Texas in December 2004 as the Business & Operations Manager reporting to CEO Joe Domino. She enjoyed a 26-year career at Entergy.

Ms. Geans earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Arkansas in 1985 and her Master of Arts degree in Information Systems Management from Webster University in 1991. She became a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1988 and graduated from the Wharton/Entergy Executive Program in 2002.  Outside of PAISD, Asst. Superintendent Geans has shared her talents in various capacities throughout the community. Among the organizations that have received her support are the American Red Cross, March of Dimes and the Cystic Fibrosis Association. She was recognized by the Beaumont YWCA in 2000 for her outstanding service and was the Beaumont Habitat for Humanity 2002 Barry F. Long Award recipient for Outstanding Volunteer. 

Asst. Superintendent Geans is a 2002 graduate of Leadership Southeast Texas and has held several positions on the advisory council, including Alumni Chair. She  is now serving as the Asst Treasurer/Secretary for the advisory council and was recently added in 2023 to the governing board. Ms. Geans was a member of the Lone Star Investment Pool Advisory Board from March 2010-March 2022. She also served as the Vice Chair for this Advisory Board from 2019 to 2021. Ms. Geans was on the board and finance committee for the Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center where she was the Finance Chair. In 2021, she became a member of the Foundation for Southeast Texas Board and is also serving on its Finance Committee.

Dr. Melvin Getwood

Assistant Superintendent - Programs & Post-Secondary Education

Port Arthur native Dr. Melvin Getwood is a graduate of Lincoln High School. The Assistant Superintendent earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and History from the University of North Texas (formerly North Texas State University) in Denton, Texas. He earned his Master of Education in Administration from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. Getwood earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. In addition to his certification as a superintendent, he is also certified as a teacher and principal.

Dr. Getwood has held positions as a teacher and coach at both the middle and high school levels. He most notably served as the 1st Varsity Assistant Coach to the legendary James Gamble at Getwood’s beloved alma mater, Lincoln High School. Under their leadership, Lincoln High School boys’ basketball team earned four state championships. Dr. Getwood also had the opportunity to serve as an assistant principal and principal at the high school. He is credited with expanding educational opportunities for students there. During his tenure, the Fine Arts and Athletics Departments received state and national recognition for student performance and competition. Lincoln received the Texas Successful Schools Award from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for improved Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) scores, as well as the Texas Monthly Five Star Award for overall academic success by its students. For these achievements and more, Dr. Getwood was recognized as the Region 5 Secondary Principal of the Year.

Beyond the classroom and basketball court, Dr. Getwood has shared his time and talents on committees of the regional and state Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and as a representative with the Texas School Improvement Initiative. Getwood was also elected Region 5 Director of the Association for Compensatory Educators of Texas (ACET). In that role, his primary duty was to keep Region 5 school districts aware of statewide policies and procedures. The wide range of positions held by Dr. Getwood, including Director of External Funding with PAISD, have required him to skillfully budget grants, implement Title I Programs and special services for students, and supervise curriculum and instruction.

Asst. Superintendent Getwood is an active member of the Southeast Texas community, with roles as a commissioner with the Port Arthur Housing Authority and member of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Disciplinary Review Board for Internal Affairs. Dr. Getwood serves as president of the Port Arthur West Side Neighborhood Association, committee member of the Port Arthur Industrial Group (PAIG), and sits on the advisory community board for Valero Energy, the world’s largest independent petroleum refiner. His dedication to athletics continues with his service as vice president of the Port Arthur American Little League Organization. In 2018, The Martin Luther King Jr. Support Group recognized his efforts in the community by naming him the MLK Man of the Year.

Dr. Kim Vine

Assistant Superintendent - School Leadership

Dr. Kim Vine has more than 28 years of experience in the field of public education. Her professional history reflects success in the following positions: General Education and Gifted/Talented Classroom Teacher, District Lead Reading Teacher, Grants Manager, Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Principal, Chief Academic Officer, and currently Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership.

Her Curriculum Vitae reflects the following degrees, certifications, and licenses: Bachelor of Science Degree (Majors: Education and English); Master’s Degree in Educational Administration; Doctorate of Education (Concentration in Educational Leadership); Superintendent’s Certification; Principal Certification; Lifetime Texas Teaching Certificate; Gifted/Talented Certification; Appraisal Certification; and Field Supervisor Certification through Region V ESC. 

Currently, Dr. Vine provides instructional leadership, direct supervision, and support to the District’s Elementary Schools and the Early Childhood Center. Additionally, she leads the District's Instructional Coaching Program, co-chairs the District’s Planning Committee, and serves as a District Coordinator of School Improvement.

She is widely known as a perpetual learner and problem solver. She holds herself highly accountable for creating the conditions for learning and instituting processes that promote instructional effectiveness. In partnership with the members of the Learning Community, she contributes to continuous improvement through data-driven actions and the standardization of transformative professional practice (PK-12).

Dr. Vine is truly grateful for the opportunity to serve, in Port Arthur ISD, as Chief Academic Officer, facilitating the growth and development of educators and children, in the name of educational equity and excellence for all. Excellence, she believes, when fully operationalized, elevates others and simply presents itself as service, support, and sacrifice.

Dr. Tatiana Morales Owens

Assistant Superintendent - Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Tatiana Morales Owens is the Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction, she led the district's Multilingual and Migrant Programs as Director. Dr. Morales Owens earned a Bachelor of Political Science degree and a Master of Education in Administration from Lamar University. In 2014, Tatiana earned a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership also from Lamar University. Dr. Morales Owens has been a public school educator in PAISD for over 23 years, serving in several capacities as teacher, facilitator and curriculum supervisor. She is certified in the state of Texas as teacher in various areas/levels, as Principal, and as Superintendent.

Dr. Morales Owens is a member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society and a member of the Leadership Southeast Texas Class of 2016. She is a member of Texas Association of Latinos School Administrators, and Texas Council of Women School Executives.

Dr. Morales Owens co-authored a chapter, "Latinas Overcoming Challenges to Become School Leaders" in the edited book Latinas Leading Schools, published in January 2021. A native of Nicaragua, Dr. Morales Owens immigrated to the United States at the age of ten as an English Learner. She is passionate about the state of Latinos/Latinas and English Learners in the United States, and women in leadership roles.

Dr. Erika Seastrunk

Director of Human Resources

Denise Davis

Chief Financial Officer

Denise Davis is a native of Port Arthur and a product of Port Arthur ISD.  She is a proud graduate of Lincoln High School.  After graduation she went on to earn her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Lamar University and then an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems (Software Developer) from Lamar State College – Port Arthur.  Mrs. Davis also holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University.

Mrs. Davis is an accounting professional with over 30 years of experience specifically in the fields of accounting, business, and finance.  She held the position of Finance Deputy for the Southeast Texas Workforce Development Board for approximately 17 years before joining the PAISD team in 2010.  She started in the District as an Accountant, was promoted to Comptroller and was later promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in June 2021.  The CFO position holds much responsibility.  This position not only provides financial oversight for the District but also supervises and oversees functions related to accounts payable, budgets, cash management, general accounting, mail room and payroll.

Mrs. Davis considers it to be an honor and a privilege to serve and add value to Port Arthur ISD.  She is an active member of her church where she serves with her husband Greg Davis.

Robin Rhodes

Director of Child Nutrition

As the Director of Child Nutrition, Mr. Robin Rhodes, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Child Nutrition Department. He is a transplant to Texas from NW Missouri where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Missouri Western State College.

He has spent most of his professional life in public service spending over eighteen years in Public Health, before transitioning to Child Nutrition. He began his career in Child Nutrition with the St. Joseph School District, but the call of the ocean and warmer climates guided him to Texas. Before coming to Port
Arthur ISD, Mr. Rhodes spent time in the private sector working with major school food manufacturers as a K12 Specialist at the Houston office of a large brokerage.

In his spare time, Mr. Rhodes loves to spend time at the beach fishing, swimming, or just sitting watching the waves. He likes to travel especially to spend time exploring National and State Parks in Texas and loves outdoor photography. Mr. Rhodes has also volunteered for HSPCA.

Edgar Redeaux

Director of Maintenance/Custodial

As the Director of Maintenance/Custodial for the Port Arthur Independent School District, Edgar Redeaux is responsible for directing, coordinating, and overseeing custodial services for all district facilities. Establish cleaning schedules and procedures to maintain a high standard of safety, cleanliness, and efficiency of building operations and grounds. Mr. Redeaux performs personnel functions (e.g. interviewing, evaluating, supervising, etc.) to maintain adequate staffing, enhance the productivity of personnel and achieve objectives within budget.  Mr. Redeaux researches new products, laws, regulations, etc., to recommend purchases, contracts, and maintain districtwide services. 

Before being promoted to the Director of Maintenance/Custodial, Mr. Redeaux worked as the assistant director of transportation insuring the department functions were supportive of instructional goals and objectives of the district.  Mr. Redeaux managed all district vehicles and buses' on-site inspections and vehicle repairs.  He prepared and updated bus routes and schedules, coordinated transportation for extracurricular activities and special programs.  Mr. Redeaux has also worked as an Automotive Technology Instructor for Port Arthur Independent School District.

Mr. Redeaux has knowledge of OSHA rules and regulations along with certifications from a variety of areas that complement his team management, leadership, strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. TASBO CEU Certification; Plant Maintenance & Operations, Environmental & Regulatory Compliance, Emergency Preparedness. Texas Association of School Boards (TASB Facility Services) Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Indoor Air Quality, and Asbestos Designated Person Certification; ASE Mechanical Certification; Completion of State of Texas Teaching Certification; Completion of Sears Management Courses I & II; Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) are a few of the certifications and courses Mr. Redeaux has completed.

Radermon Scypion

Director of Maintenance/Operations

As Director of Maintenance and Operations, Mr. Radermon Scypion is responsible for the management and the direction of maintenance and repairs of the district facilities, sporting venues, and other district properties throughout the city of Port Arthur. He ensures all district operational functions receive support while implementing policies and procedures. 

Mr. Scypion is a 22 year retired decorated United States Navy Construction Mechanic Chief Petty Officer; he was awarded three Navy Commendation Medals and three Navy Achievement Medals for exceptional skills and leadership in support of Naval Construction Forces (NCF), Special Operations Forces (SOF), Explosive Ordinances Department (EOD) and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU).

As a 14 year employee with Zachry Industrial Incorporated, he served as Equipment Superintendent, he managed project equipment budgets in support of 7 construction projects, 4 Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG), 2 Ryton plants, and 1 Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) plant.

Mr. Scypion manages a department of 45 employees, provides teachers, students, and staff, with a safe and productive learning environment, and maintains safety standards in conformance with federal and state regulations. He developed an equipment preventive maintenance and safety program, ensuring all equipment is in safe operational condition.

Debra Cartwright

Executive Director of Special Education & Dyslexia

Debra Cartwright, Director of Special Education, rejoined the Port Arthur ISD team in July of 2016. Previously, Ms. Cartwright worked as the Special Education Supervisor with Beaumont ISD in 2009. Additionally, she worked as Interim Special Education Director in Beaumont ISD, Director of Special Services in Channelview, Interim Special Education Director in Port Arthur, Interim Principal, Special Education Supervisor, Assistant Principal, and teacher. She received both her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Master of Education in Administration from Lamar University. She has been an educator for 34 years.

Ms. Cartwright is an active member of the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education (TCASE). She serves as the local face of TCASE in Region 5
on the House of Delegates committee.

In 2020, she became an active stakeholder in the Child Find, Evaluation, and ARD Support Statewide Technical Assistance Network. The stakeholder group consists of local, state, and national experts who have experience and expertise in topics related to special education.

Ms. Cartwright believes those who teach must continue to learn.

Naomi Knowlton

Director of Multilingual and Migrant Programs

Anthony Jackson, RTSBA

Director of Technology

Anthony Jackson serves as the Director of Technology for the Port Arthur School District. He brings his depth of experience, technical skills and management capabilities to his current position where he supports the administration and management operations as well as the district's instructional and learning activities and its educational mission.

Mr. Jackson is a native of Port Arthur and he graduated Cum Laude from Abraham Lincoln High School where he participated in extracurricular activities such as the one-act play and played on the 1988 state basketball championship team.

Mr. Jackson graduated with a bachelor's degree from Prairie View A&M University in Electrical Engineering Technology and is pursuing his master's in Business Administration, Technology Management.

Mr. Jackson has been working in the technology field for over twenty five years. After living in Chicago, IL, Phoenix, AZ, and Atlanta, GA areas Mr. Jackson returned to Port Arthur as the instructional technology supervisor and later promoted to the director of technology. He held a number of leadership positions working as a technical services manager, an information systems supervisor, and an information systems manager. In these positions he supported technology in multiple cities and states.

Mr. Jackson is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Southeast Texas (LSET).  He volunteers as a youth basketball coach and received the YMCA 2018 Volunteer of the year award for his dedication and support of the YMCA of Southeast Texas youth sports. He is a member of Strong Tower Ministries in Port Arthur, TX and serves as a deacon and on the audio and video ministry. He is proud to serve in the community he grew up in.

Mr. Jackson is married to Marlene and the parents of four, Anthony Jr., Bryanna, Cayden and Reuben.

Corey Metts

Director of Transportation

Mr. Metts is a 1994 graduate of Nederland High School and attended Lamar State College - Port Arthur. While attending college Corey started and operated his own business. 

In 2015 Mr. Metts went to work for Nederland Independent School District. After working in different positions with Nederland Independent School District he landed in the transportation department as a Mechanic until 2019. 

In December 2019 Corey left Nederland Independent School District and was hired as Assistant Director of Transportation for Port Arthur Independent School District. While as Assistant Director he was responsible for all district vehicles, assisted in the day to day operations of the transportation department. 

In April of 2021 Mr. Metts was named the Director of Transportation of Port Arthur Independent School District. He is responsible for moving nearly 2500 kids at nearly 500 bus stops. Mr. Metts manages the districts 60 buses and all the district vehicles. 

Adrienne Davis Lott, M.F.A., M.Ed.

Director of Communications Services

Adrienne is a proud product of PAISD. In 1981, she was chosen for the inaugural class of the district’s first magnet program, Summit I, at Washington Elementary. She matriculated through Summit II at Wilson Middle and ranked third the Abraham Lincoln graduating class of 1992, where she excelled in the Computer Science curriculum of Summit III. Adrienne was actively involved in a number of extra-curriculars, including Honeybee drill team, varsity cheer, journalism and mentorships.

Adrienne graduated magna cum laude from three universities. She earned a bachelor’s in Mass Communications-Broadcasting from Xavier University of  Louisiana; a master’s in Fine Arts from The Producers Program at UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television; and a master’s in Education-Counseling and Development from Lamar University.

Her professional career spans nearly 30 years and includes: corporate writing and editing; graphic design; newspaper, magazine and broadcast journalism; public relations; music, television and film production; adult and children’s fiction writing, editing and publishing. While living in Atlanta, New Orleans, and Los Angeles, Adrienne worked for BET, Qwest Broadcasting (Quincy Jones), NBC, HBO, Warner Bros., Disney, No Limit Records & Films (Master P), Soldier Books/St. Martin’s Press/Griffin Publishing, and Edmonds Entertainment (Tracey and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds). She’s completed projects with a myriad of entertainment industry titans such as: Jay Z, Nas, L.L. Cool J, Eminem, Master P, Diddy, Montell Jordan, Kenya Barris (creator of “Black-ish”), Monica, Usher, Brian McKnight, Rickey Smiley and more.

In 2002, Adrienne created the curriculum for the first ever high school Video Technology and Advanced Broadcasting courses in Beaumont ISD. She taught both subjects to students at Ozen and from West Brook and Central for ten years. At the same time, she and her husband owned and operated A.L.L. Entertainment, a boutique videography service for sports, weddings and special occasions.

Adrienne transitioned to PAISD in 2012 and was a school counselor at the Memorial 9th Grade Academy before moving to the same position at Travis Elementary. In January of 2021, she added author to her resume and became the owner of an online bookstore, Bug’s Book Bag. In the midst of a global pandemic, Adrienne used the pen name Taryn Tatumn and self-published her debut children’s book, “Go to Bed, Bug!” which sold nearly 500 copies in just a few months.

She and her husband are the proud parents of three daughters and one son; they are also grandparents of a precious little girl.

At the start of the 2021-2022 school year, Adrienne joined our administrative team as PAISD’s Media/Communications Specialist. Her goals are: to inform the public about our many programs that benefit students, families and the community; to grow our brand and strengthen our social media presence; to highlight the accomplishments of our alumni and promote all of the positive events happening daily throughout PAISD. Adrienne says she wants to make our school system the pride of our city.