New Smith County District Clerk Outlines Goals After Predecessor's Resignation

Gaye Boynton takes over the role following Penny Clarkson's exit, vowing to restore public trust and implement changes.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:22am

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty courthouse hallway with warm, golden light streaming through the windows and long shadows cast across the floor, creating a contemplative and transitional mood.The changing of the guard at the Smith County district clerk's office signals an opportunity to restore public trust in the local judicial system.Tyler Today

Gaye Boynton was sworn in as the new Smith County district clerk on Monday, replacing former District Clerk Penny Clarkson who resigned earlier this month. Boynton, a paralegal, won the March Republican primary and was appointed by the Smith County Council of District Judges to fill out the remainder of Clarkston's term. Boynton said she is ready to get to work and plans to focus on training the office's staff of over 20 people, identifying areas for improvement, and restoring public trust in the office.

Why it matters

The district clerk's office plays a crucial role in the local judicial system, managing court records and overseeing administrative duties. Clarkson's resignation amid scrutiny over her handling of court costs bills has raised concerns about the office's operations, making Boynton's transition an important moment for restoring confidence in the district clerk's functions.

The details

Boynton, a political newcomer, won the Republican primary against the incumbent Clarkson. She was then appointed by the Smith County Council of District Judges to fill out the remainder of Clarkson's term after Clarkson resigned earlier this month, citing family reasons. Clarkson had also faced scrutiny for not properly preparing bills of costs for court cases. Boynton said she wants the public to see positive changes in the office within a few months, and plans to focus on training the existing staff, identifying areas for improvement, and restoring trust in the office.

  • Gaye Boynton was sworn in as the new Smith County district clerk on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Penny Clarkson resigned from the district clerk's office earlier this month, in March 2026.
  • Boynton won the March 2026 Republican primary against the incumbent Clarkson.

The players

Gaye Boynton

The new Smith County district clerk, a paralegal who won the March 2026 Republican primary and was appointed by the Smith County Council of District Judges to fill out the remainder of the previous district clerk's term.

Penny Clarkson

The former Smith County district clerk who resigned earlier this month, citing family reasons, and had faced scrutiny over her handling of court costs bills.

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What they’re saying

“It's certainly been a roller coaster of emotion and excitement. I am ready to go to work, so I just get to do that a little sooner.”

— Gaye Boynton, New Smith County District Clerk

“I want the public to know within a few months they'll see a change for the better.”

— Gaye Boynton, New Smith County District Clerk

“They are the experts and I'm here to learn, to help them grow, and to move forward.”

— Gaye Boynton, New Smith County District Clerk

“We will restore that trust if anyone has lost that. We will have to get equipped with things such as training and we have to identify the areas of improvement that may have been needed for some time.”

— Gaye Boynton, New Smith County District Clerk

What’s next

Boynton is up for election in November 2026 and currently does not have an opponent.

The takeaway

Gaye Boynton's appointment as the new Smith County district clerk following her predecessor's resignation presents an opportunity to address concerns over the office's operations and restore public trust in its functions. Her focus on staff training, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing positive changes in the coming months will be critical to rebuilding confidence in the district clerk's office.