Martha Reid

Martha Ann Reid was born Nov. 20, 1934, in Paris, Texas, to Buford and Jo Vaughan and graduated from Paris High School in 1953. Mrs. Reid graduated from East Texas State University in 1957 with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in business administration. Upon graduation, she began teaching in DeKalb ISD from 1957 to 1958. She also taught at schools in other states, including Florida, before moving back to Texas.

In 1966 , Mrs. Reid came to Mansfield ISD as a full time teacher. During her time teaching in Mansfield, she taught at Erma Nash and Alice Ponder Elementary schools. Mrs. Reid received her master's of education from Texas Women's University in 1974 and did post graduate work to receive administrative and superintendent certifications. Mrs. Reid became principal of Tarver Rendon Elementary in 1976 and remained there until her retirement in 1997.

Mrs. Reid's love of learning was contagious and influential to others. In her 31 years with MISD, Mrs. Reid was instrumental in not only educating students, but also encouraging staff and parents to continue their education. Many went on or back to school to complete their degrees because of her support and encouragement.

"She always was encouraging," said Ruth Anne Walters, Reid's former secretary at Tarver Rendon. "She encouraged me to do things that I didn't know I could do!"

She was always quick to volunteer to try new programs that might benefit the children and secure training opportunities for her staff. She always worked to get what was needed for those entrusted to her care.

"Martha was always willing to listen and had vast knowledge, not only of the students, but of their family situations outside school. Whenever I would carry a concern to her, she would provide a framework to better understand and help the child," said Sharman Miller, who worked under Reid at Tarver Rendon.

Mrs. Reid is known for being caring and interested in people's personal needs and celebrating their personal victories. She even follows up with former students. Every year Reid would receive dozens of high school graduation invitations from her former students.

"She believed in us before we believed in ourselves," said Charles Willcoxon, retired Tarver Rendon teacher who taught under Mrs. Reid for 21 years. "As the first female principal in the district, it is fitting that she should have a school named after her to recognize her contributions to education in MISD."