The Spring ISD Board of Trustees met at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11, in person, and streamed via video conferencing, to address items on the agenda. President Justine Durant called the meeting to order. The Spring High School Navy JROTC led the presentation of colors, with Cadet Lt. Junior Grade Cassidy Layne leading the pledges to the flags. Carrying the U.S. Flag was Cadet Cmdr. Kaleb Ward. Carrying the Texas Flag was Cadet Master Chief Petty Officer Noah O’Neal. The U.S. Rifle Guard was Cadet Lt. Cmdr. Aidan Jordan. The Texas Rifle Guard was Cadet Capt. Carolina Viney. The Spring High School Navy JROTC Program is under the direction of Master Chief Mark Clarke.

Points of Pride

Since January 1984, the Board has recognized students and staff for major accomplishments beyond the District with Points of Pride awards. ABCD awards are presented to individuals or groups that go Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.

Spotlight – 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month Student Contest Winners

The Board recognized award-winning projects from across the district created by Spring ISD K-12 students in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The theme for this year’s contest was “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” Students in Kindergarten through second grade submitted art projects, while students in third grade through high school were invited to enter artwork or writing submissions for the contest.

Nehemiah Bourgouin

Trustees welcomed two students who were both invited to read their award-winning poems, which took first place in their respective grade-level categories in this year’s contest. The students who recited their compositions were Booker Elementary fourth grader Nehemiah Bourgouin and Carl Wunsche Sr. High School junior Kendra Perez.

Diana Fernández-Sullivan, a program manager for Languages other than English (LOTE) in the Multilingual Department, introduced the students, and thanked the trustees for their continued support of diversity and equity initiatives in Spring ISD.

Kendra Perez

“Our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration was a huge success – we had 23 participating elementary schools, we had all middle schools participate, and all three comprehensive high schools participated,” Fernández-Sullivan told the trustees. “I really want to take a moment to thank you all for the support that you give us. None of what we do would be possible without your support.”

The winners of the 2022 contest are listed below, and a photo gallery from the Oct. 6 districtwide showcase event can be found here.

Art Winners, Pre-K–2:
1st Place - Anthony Aviles, Eickenroht Elementary (Kindergarten)
2nd Place - Cali Hayes, Cooper Elementary (Kindergarten)
3rd Place - Bhea Linantad, Meyer Elementary (Kindergarten)

Art Winners, Grades 3-5:
1st Place - Angely Fuentes, Northgate Crossing Elementary (Grade 5)
2nd Place - Aaron Carcamo, Eickenroht Elementary (Grade 4)
3rd Place - Zoha Naqvi, Beneke Elementary (Grade 5)

Art Winners, Grades 6-8:
1st Place - Lesly Villatoro, Wells Middle School (Grade 8)
2nd Place - Julieta Vargas, Dueitt Middle School (Grade 6)
3rd Place - Gustavo Rodriguez, Roberson Middle School (Grade 7)

Art Winners, Grades 9-12:
1st Place - Kensi Soler, Dekaney High School (Grade 11)
2nd Place - Giselle Corona, Dekaney High School (Grade 10)
3rd Place - Isaias Seda, Wunsche High School (Grade 11)

Art Contest Honorable Mention:
Angel Archila Quintanilla, Nestor Manuel Otero Mendieta, Karla Ticas, Ruth Perez, and Juan David Sandoval Castro (Westfield High School 9th Grade Center)

Writing Winners, Grades 3-5:
1st Place - Nehemiah Bourgouin, Booker Elementary (Grade 4)
2nd Place - Clara Burton, Northgate Crossing Elementary (Grade 4)
3rd Place - Kendallyn Dias, Cooper Elementary (Grade 3)

Writing Winners, Grades 6-8:
1st Place - Isaiah Zachariah Salinas, Claughton Middle School (Grade 8)
2nd Place - Jessica Celis, Wells Middle School (Grade 8)
3rd Place - Abigail Sanchez, Spring Leadership Academy (Grade 6)

Writing Winners, Grades 9-12:
1st Place - Kendra Perez, Wunsche High School (Grade 11)
2nd Place - Sebastian Pastrana, Wunsche High School (Grade 10)
3rd Place - Brandon Alvarez, Westfield High School (Grade 12)

Writing Contest Honorable Mention:
Melany Valderrama, Smith Elementary (Grade 5)

ABCD Award – Natasha Miller (Transportation Department)

The Board recognized Transportation Bus Driver Natasha Miller with a Spring ISD Above and Beyond the Call of Duty (ABCD) award. Specifically, Miller was recognized for her actions on August 25, 2022, when her courageous response helped ensure the safety of the students on her bus during a potentially dangerous incident.

“In responding to an angry community member whose actions and demeanor threatened the students on her bus, Ms. Miller more than rose to the occasion,” Executive Chief of District Operations Mark Miranda told trustees during his remarks. “She put herself in potential harm’s way and successfully de-escalated the situation, and kept her cool despite finding herself in the middle of a very tense and stressful ordeal.”

In recognizing Miller, Miranda and the trustees thanked her for her professionalism and dedication on behalf of students.

“Ms. Miller truly went above and beyond the call of duty to protect the children on her bus,” Miranda said. “Her response was student-focused, and her actions exemplify her commitment to her students and the Spring ISD community.”

Spotlight – McNabb Elementary

The Board recognized McNabb Elementary School for being spotlighted by Good Reason Houston.

During a special regional event on Sept. 29, Good Reason Houston celebrated schools across the Houston area – including McNabb – that are beating the odds and promoting success for their students. Good Reason Houston’s “Honor Roll”  schools all serve a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students and, despite challenges, received an A or B overall rating and an A or B in Student Achievement in the Texas Education Agency’s Accountability Rating System.

Under the leadership of Principal Melissa Warford, McNabb achieved an A rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for 2021-22, as well as an overall A for the 2018-19 school year, the last year for which ratings were given before TEA paused ratings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trustees and members of the administration congratulated McNabb Elementary for making this year’s Good Reason Houston list, including Assistant Superintendent of Administration Kimberly Fonteno, who praised Warford and credited her with building a culture of shared accountability and common purpose at the school.

“I see commitment, flexibility, but more important I see teamwork across the whole entire campus,” Fonteno said during her remarks. “Everyone involved takes ownership for the excellence on this campus.”

Board President Justine Durant also thanked Warford – who attended the meeting remotely – and offered congratulations on behalf of the Board for everything accomplished at McNabb.

“We want to again just say how much we appreciate your hard work and dedication, especially in an unprecedented time,” Durant said. “You know, she’s been able to achieve this through a pandemic, a winter storm, hurricanes, and still, despite all those obstacles, we continue to shine at McNabb, so amazing work.”

Spotlight – Spring ISD Police Chief Ken Culbreath

The Board recognized Spring ISD Police Chief Ken Culbreath for his participation in recent school safety panels assembled by state legislators.

Following the tragic events at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022, the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA) was asked to participate in a number of panels assembled by state legislators. TPCA members provided testimony in both the Senate and the House on a wide range of topics, especially on the measures needed to keep schools and students safe.

For House testimony on June 23, TPCA was asked to assemble a group of police chiefs, including representatives from school district police departments. Chief Culbreath was asked if he would participate, and he readily agreed to take part and share his expertise with the legislators regarding school safety and the important role district police departments can play in ensuring it. 

Current TPCA President and North Richland Hills Police Department Chief Jimmy Perdue, in a letter sent to Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, said the following regarding Chief Culbreath’s testimony:

“He was called upon several times during our almost four hours of testimony to answer specific questions or comments made by the representatives. Each time he was able to speak directly to their concern or issue and provide them with an answer or at least an excellent commentary. I was very proud to have Ken as part of our group and am grateful for your willingness to allow him to participate in these proceedings.”

During her remarks to the Board, Hinojosa thanked Chief Culbreath and commended him for his contributions as Spring ISD Police Department Chief.

“At a time when school safety is of the utmost importance to families in Spring ISD and elsewhere, the district is grateful to have Chief Culbreath’s dedicated leadership, his professional expertise, and his generous spirit in support of the Spring ISD Police Department and all those it serves,” Hinojosa said.

Superintendent's Report

Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa began by celebrating College Night, which happened on Oct. 6 at Carl Wunsche Sr. High School. The Spring ISD College Night gathered over 150 representatives from colleges, universities, military branches, businesses, and other agencies.

Representatives were available to answer all questions on post-high school life, from college admissions and programs to financial aid and post-education career opportunities. It was open to all Spring ISD students and parents.

“This event brings a wealth of information to our families shopping for higher education choices,” Dr. Hinojosa said. “It answers a lot of questions that they have around financial aid, the admissions process, and scholarship information.” 

Dr. Hinojosa then welcomed the Advisory Committee on Education (ACE) to the meeting.

The committee is made up of classroom teachers, campus professionals, community members, parents, and business partners. It helps advise the superintendent and the district on the direction of Spring ISD.

“They’re looking at the calendar for this coming school year,” Dr. Hinojosa said. “They advise us on our strategic plan. They were a big part in that development. Moving forward, they will continue to work with us. We are off and ready for an amazing year.”

The superintendent went on to mention that Spring ISD would be hosting, for the very first time, the UIL Regional Marching Band Competition on Saturday, Oct. 15. 19 schools from six different school districts will be performing at the competition.

“This is why facilities are so important. Because of our 2016 Bond, we were able to build the Planet Ford Stadium, which is now affording us the opportunity to finally be able to host this competition. It's about having the place, the facilities, that will support this. We want to invite everyone to come out and cheer on our schools and enjoy the performances from across our region.”

She also mentioned the ongoing community informational meetings on the Spring ISD Bond. There are three in-person meetings left, as well as a Facebook Live event on Friday, Oct. 21. She also reminded attendees that early voting begins Monday, Oct. 24 and continues through Friday, Nov. 4, with the actual election day being Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Dr. Hinojosa continued her remarks, going over the upcoming Charity Golf Tournament hosted by the Spring ISD Education Foundation scheduled for Oct. 24. She also thanked the golf teams from Westfield High School, Dekaney High School, and Spring High School for coaching her as she prepares for the tournament.

The superintendent then mentioned that the Spring ISD Child Nutrition department was highlighted on local TV news, as Assistant Director of Child Nutrition Kevin Truong spoke with KPRC2 about National School Lunch Week. 

Dr. Hinojosa finished her remarks by reminding everyone that October is National Principals Month.

“The month of October is set aside to honor our principals and to recognize the pivotal role they play in the lives of students, families, faculty, and staff,” she said. “Their inexhaustible devotion helps to secure a better, brighter tomorrow by investing in the children of today.”

Trustees Remarks

At each regular board meeting, during Opening Remarks, each board member is given the opportunity to share information with those present.

Deborah Jensen Position 1	Kelly P. Hodges Position 2	Justine Durant Position 3	Winford Adams Jr Position 4	Rhonda Newhouse Position 5	Carmen Correa Position 6	Natasha McDaniel Position 7

Dr. Deborah Jensen began the remarks by mentioning her involvement, along with Trustee Correa, with the Mexican-American School Board Association meeting. She spoke about the different sessions she attended, including one on “speaking across the divide” and another on equity between rural and urban school districts.

Vice President Winford Adams Jr. continued the Trustees Remarks by highlighting a few Spring ISD Performing and Visual Arts programs.He mentioned that he attended a performance by the Spring High School Lions Players Theater Company. He also mentioned a Hispanic Heritage Month performance at Meyer Elementary School.

“The talent in the children in this district is phenomenal,” Adams said. “I just want to make sure that the community knows that we need to nurture and promote that talent.”

Trustee Carmen Correa echoed Dr. Jensen’s early remarks about the Mexican-American School Board Association meeting. She also mentioned her participation in a session about Special Education identification, as well as one about reputation management.

President Justine Durant finished the remarks by mentioning the explainer video that was produced for the Spring ISD Bond Proposal. She introduced the video, which was then played for the audience. That video can be viewed on the district’s social media platforms.

Updates

Board Governance Committee provides update

Trustee Dr. Deborah Jensen delivered an update from the committee, where she noted they would be looking into the district’s board policy and safety personnel in comparison to advocacy priorities by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).

“[There are] certain parts of the law that the board has to address or follow, and I just want to make sure we’re in compliance,” Jensen said.

She continued, “I want to stress that Spring ISD develops their own, so it's nice to have suggestions from different organizations,” Jensen said. “In the end, we are going to be picking our own legislative priorities with input from our own community.”

Jensen wrapped up the update with a reminder to district and community members to continue to nominate Spring ISD staff for the Board’s Employee Excellence Award for the 2022-23 school year. The award, typically presented to a district employee each month throughout the school year, will be aligned with the Spring ISD Leadership Definition.

Community Engagement Committee provides update

Board Secretary Kelly P. Hodges explained that although the Community Engagement Committee has not yet met this month, there are upcoming events, including Every Mind Matters Summit on Oct. 22 at Booker Elementary School, hosted by the Spring ISD Guidance & Counseling & Mental Health department.

“Students are going to participate in workshops that address emotional well-being such as building and cultivating positive, healthy relationships, so our committee will support this event,” Hodges said, noting the event will focus on social and emotional learning (SEL) for students.

In addition, the committee is teaming up with the Spring ISD Family and Community Engagement department and Northwest Assistance Ministries to host a Fall Community Service Outreach Day on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m.-12 noon.

“Northwest Assistance Ministries has been doing great work in our community for several decades, and we want to continue to support them as they continue to support our community,” Hodges said.

The committee will also host a Community Resource Fair on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m.- noon. A location for the event will be announced soon.

*The Equity Committee did not have updates at the time of the meeting.

Action Items and Presentations

Board holds Public Hearing and approves 2022-23 Targeted Improvement Plans

The Board held a public hearing for the district's 2022-23 Targeted Improvement Plans (TIPs), during which stakeholders who had registered – per policy BED(LOCAL) – were invited to address the Board regarding the 2022-23 TIPs. Following the public hearing, the trustees voted in favor of approving the 2022-23 plans.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires campuses that received an overall D or F in 2018-19 and that were “Not Rated” in 2022 to continue to update their Targeted Improvement Plans (TIPs) to analyze areas of progress and address areas that require improvement.

The federal identification of Comprehensive Support is a two-year status for middle schools requiring that, regardless of the state rating, they must continue interventions, including a TIP and regular check-ins with TEA. Spring ISD has three affected campuses: Bailey Middle School, Claughton Middle School, and Dueitt Middle School.

Public Hearing: State Financial Accountability Rating

The Board also held a public hearing related to Spring ISD's State Financial Accountability Rating, during which stakeholders who had registered – per policy BED(LOCAL) – were invited to address the Board regarding the item.

The Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (“School FIRST”) was created when the 77th Legislature (2001) directed the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Comptroller’s office, to develop and implement a financial accountability rating system for school districts in Texas.

Spring Independent School District achieved a rating of “A” for “Superior Achievement” under Texas’ School FIRST financial accountability rating system for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The Superior Achievement rating is the state’s highest, demonstrating the quality of Spring ISD’s financial management and reporting system.

The most recent results were released by the Texas Education Agency for the year ended June 30, 2021. School districts are required to prepare an annual financial accountability report and present it in a public hearing.

In other action, the Board approved:

• The minutes from the Sept. 8, 2022, work session and the Sept. 13, 2022, regular meeting;
• Renewal of Dual Credit Partnership Agreement Between Lone Star College and Spring Independent School District (Recurring Item);
• Texas AgriLife Extension Renewal (Recurring Item);
• Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Local Match Contribution Agreement Renewal (Recurring Item);
• Vendor Approval for Off-Campus Physical Education Vendor AIM Athletics (Recurring Item);
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Testing Agreement Between New Caney ISD and Spring ISD;
• Request for Proposal (RFP) # 22-010 (SUP1) – Restaurants and Catering Services; and
• Taxpayer refunds (Recurring item).