Outgoing CFISD Superintendent Dr. Mark Henry Delivers Farewell Message
In his final community message, Dr. Mark Henry, superintendent of schools, reflects on successes from the fall semester and bids farewell as he retires following a 42-year educational career.
Message from the Superintendent
Dear CFISD Community,
We come to the end of another successful semester that showcased the best that we have to offer in CFISD.
Our high school athletics programs competed in the postseason in each sport, with cross country athletes from Bridgeland and Cypress Springs high schools concluding in the state championships. Cy-Fair High School senior quarterback Trey Owens was named the Touchdown Club of Houston 2023 Offensive Player of the Year!
Our Board of Trustees adopted the lowest tax rate our district has had since 1986 in October. We added 12 new Adopt-a-School partnerships with local businesses and faith-based organizations. Air Force JROTC units at both Cypress Falls and Langham Creek high schools have already earned the highest overall unit rating of “Exceeds Standards” during recent inspections and formal evaluations.
Our visual and performing arts programs continued to excel: marching bands from three high schools qualified for the UIL State Marching Contest in October, and more than 140 theatre arts students earned superior ratings at the 2023 Texas Thespian Festival in November. The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) named CFISD a 2023 District of Distinction winner, and Hairgrove Elementary School art teacher Gretchen Bell-Young was named the 2023 Texas Art Educator of the Year!
We officially opened the new CFISD Visual & Performing Arts Center (VPAC), and it has been a delight to see and hear our students perform in a world-class facility.
Every year since I came to CFISD in 2011, I have had the pleasure of bragging about the incredible accomplishments of our students and staff. And every year, it seems like the achievements surpass the year before. It has been such an honor to serve you as superintendent the last 12 ½ years.
Since arriving in this community, my family has grown from five to 17 members and counting! I feel blessed to have all my children and grandchildren living in the area; my life is filled with lots of love (and noise!) every time they come over. My wife, Cindy, and I are making Cypress our home. We think it’s the biggest small town in the state. We have made a lot of memories here, and we hope to make many more.
Thank you for all the support, prayers and friendship you have given me over the last 12 ½ years. It has been an honor to be associated with so many great educators, community members, faith-based leaders and friends. I will conclude my career as your superintendent on Dec. 31, but I will continue to be a CFISD cheerleader from the sideline!
I pray that this holiday season is a joyous time for you to share with friends and family. Enjoy your time off, be safe, and see you in 2024!
Sincerely,
Mark Henry, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Source: CFISD
