Spring ISD 2026 State of the District Showcases Momentum, Vision, and 'The Power of One Extra Degree'
More than 300 community members, business partners, faith leaders, elected officials, and education advocates gathered at the Hilton Houston North for Spring ISD’s 2026 State of the District, a spirited and student-centered event themed “212 Degrees: The Power of One Extra Degree.”
The theme—based on the idea that at 211 degrees, water is hot, but at 212 degrees, it boils—highlighted how small acts of extra effort can yield transformative results. Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar, in his first State of the District address since stepping into the role in September 2025, framed the metaphor around real results and renewed purpose across Spring ISD.
“We are ready, [and] Spring ISD is taking action to go beyond 212 degrees,” said Cuellar. “This fall, we saw real strength—not just in outcomes, but in practices, systems, and moments of impact, with campuses refusing to accept ‘good enough.’”
A Celebration of Student Voice and Success
From the outset, the event pulsed with student talent and leadership. Guests were welcomed by the smooth sounds of the Westfield Jazz Ensemble before Westfield High School seniors Jaliyah Muhammad and Lisabel Cantu took the stage as emcees.
“We stand together in culture and together in accountability,” Muhammad said. “By the time we finish today, you will understand why we are so excited about the power of one extra degree.”
Performances from the Dekaney Diamonds, Spring Starlettes, and Westfield Lariettes energized the crowd with a dynamic dance routine titled “The Heat Is On.” Student speakers shared how this culture of excellence was being lived out every day in classrooms, clubs, and across campuses.
Matthew Romero, a Dekaney High School senior and member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, described how academics are thriving across the district.
“Our academics are definitely moving,” said Romero. “Our classrooms are more engaging than ever, and our teachers are giving us real-time feedback to help us grow.”
Jasmine Carter, a senior at Westfield High School and a leader in academics, athletics, and student life, echoed the message of consistent effort and accountability.
“Whether in the classroom, on the field, or on stage, success comes from a little extra effort each day—that one extra degree,” she said. “Spring ISD students are turning culture and accountability into results.”
Moises Discua, a Spring High School junior and president of the Texas Association of Future Educators, pointed to the impact of strategic investments and community support.
“Innovation is alive and well in Spring ISD, thanks to our incredible community partners,” said Discua. “Students earned over $50 million in scholarships this past year, and the 2022 Bond is already transforming our campuses with new technology and safety upgrades.”
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Noteworthy Academic Gains and Districtwide Momentum
Dr. Cuellar’s remarks underscored how the district’s renewed focus on instructional coaching, student engagement, and performance metrics is already delivering results. Key academic gains included:
- Over 20% growth in early literacy
- 25% increase in pre-K math
- 7% overall improvement in K-12 math assessments
- Winter STAAR re-tester results exceeding Region 4 and state averages in Algebra I, English I & II, and U.S. History
Cuellar also celebrated the 14,000+ classroom walkthroughs conducted to improve instructional delivery, describing them as a key part of Spring ISD’s accountability culture.
“We invite you to partner with us—every partnership adds one more degree of effort,” Cuellar told the audience. “When we move together with purpose and accountability, we don’t just meet expectations—we change outcomes. We change futures.”
Community Partnerships and Corporate Support Power the Vision
The 2026 State of the District brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including the Spring ISD Education Foundation, CTE Advisory Board, Ministerial Alliance, and event sponsors. Corporate partners included ExxonMobil, Amplify, Koala Kare LLC, Bracewell LLP, Post Oak Municipal Advisors, iSphere, GTS Technology Solutions, and Spalding Nichols Lamp Langlois. Rep. Charlene Ward Johnson (TX House District 139) and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez were also among the dignitaries in attendance.
Alvin Abraham, president of the ExxonMobil Foundation, praised the district’s vision and commitment to growth. “We firmly support Dr. Cuellar’s efforts to bring the heat in Spring ISD and ensure that every single student grows and achieves at the highest levels,” Abraham said.
Local architect Lina Sabouni of AUTOARCH and board member of the Spring ISD Education Foundation added: “There is strong buy-in from the community, a clear vision, and trust in Dr. Cuellar’s leadership. His impact on amplifying student voices is truly powerful.”
A Unified Vision for Spring’s Future
As the event wrapped up, the message was clear: the success of Spring ISD lies in the unity and shared effort of its entire community. The “Power of One Extra Degree” isn’t just a theme—it’s a call to action for residents, educators, and partners across Houston’s north region.
The State of the District gathering wasn’t just about sharing data—it was about creating belief. And in Spring ISD, belief is boiling over into action.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.