MFISD announces new elementary assistant principals
The Marble Falls Independent School District on May 28 announced the transitions of two staff members into assistant principal positions at Highland Lakes and Colt elementary schools starting in the 2025-26 academic year.
Kathy Payson will join the leadership team at Highland Lakes Elementary in Granite Shoals, while Lauren Berkman is headed to Colt Elementary in Marble Falls.
KATHY PAYSON
Highland Lakes Elementary School assistant principal
Payson received both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in teaching from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Her early education career experience includes working as a teacher’s assistant in Sweden and teaching math and science in Puerto Rico.
After earning her master’s degree in 2006, she co-founded the third-grade curriculum at an urban charter school in Rhode Island that focused on empowering students, teachers, and families to create positive change in their communities. In 2013, Payson and her family moved to Marble Falls, where she has since served in a variety of roles for MFISD, including classroom teacher at Marble Falls Elementary, instructional coach at MFES, Spicewood Elementary, and Colt Elementary, and, most recently, assistant principal at Colt. She has over 20 years of experience in education, including 10 years as a classroom teacher, six years as an instructional coach, and four years in campus leadership.
Her husband, Alex Payson, is president of the MFISD Board of Trustees and owner of Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. Their twin children, Magnolia and Zellam, attend Marble Falls Middle School. Their family enjoys spending time outdoors, running long distances together, and connecting with their extended family.
“I believe that every child has great potential, and working together to create a sense of belonging helps everyone thrive,” said Payson in the MFISD media release. “I am blessed to have served the communities at three of our elementary schools, and I look forward to engaging all students, teachers, and families as we unite at Highland Lakes Elementary.”
LAUREN BERKMAN
Colt Elementary School assistant principal
Berkman is a third-generation Marble Falls native who began her education career in 2009 as a paraprofessional at Marble Falls Elementary School while completing her bachelor’s degree at Texas Tech University. In 2012, she returned to MFISD as a classroom teacher and cheer coach at Marble Falls High School, a role she held until 2019. She then transitioned back to Marble Falls Elementary, where she served as an instructional coach before joining campus leadership as assistant principal in 2022.
Berkman’s 17 years in education include 11 years in the classroom, three years as an instructional coach, and three years as an assistant principal.
Her husband, John Berkman, is a teacher and coach at Marble Falls High School, and their four children are all MFISD products: Mya (MFHS Class of 2018), Alyssa (MFHS Class of 2023), Beckett (a rising junior at MFHS), and Collins (a rising eighth-grader at Marble Falls Middle School).
Outside of school, Berkman is often found in the stands supporting her children, husband, or former students at sporting events. She also enjoys working out, teaching a functional strength-training class, crafting, and reading.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have leaders like Mrs. Payson and Mrs. Berkman—educators whose roots run deep in our district and who are deeply committed to the communities they serve,” said MFISD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Gasaway in the media release. “Their long-standing dedication to Marble Falls ISD is a powerful testament to the kind of continuity and care we value. I’m confident that their leadership will continue to shape and strengthen our campuses for years to come.”