Leadership Staff

Paula Lashley | Principal

With 19 years in education, Mrs. Lashley has a passion for helping students and teachers grow. She started her career as an English teacher in Gunter ISD and later in Frisco ISD, where she loved connecting with students through reading and writing.

Her leadership journey continued as an assistant principal in Celina ISD, gaining valuable experience supporting teachers and building a positive school culture. In 2024, she became the proud principal of Howe Intermediate where she continues to inspire excellence and foster a nurturing learning environment for all students.

Above all, she believes in creating a school where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to do their best

Matt Boykin | Assistant Principal

903-745-4203
Email Matt Boykin

Mr. Boykin joined Howe ISD at the start of the 2015-2016 school year as Assistant Elementary Principal. He leads an Early Intervention team, is 504 Coordinator, is Campus Testing Coordinator, assists with curriculum and discipline, tracks textbooks/consumables, and helps with the teacher evaluation process. Prior to joining Howe Elementary, he served in an administrative capacity for one year at Richardson ISD. He also served was an educator for eleven years within Tom Bean ISD. He was a state convention presenter on CSCOPE, and was videotaped for Region 10 Transformational Teacher Cadre. Mr. Boykin earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Elementary Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce. He completed his Principal Certification at Lamar University. Mr. Boykin and his wife are the proud parents of a daughter.