Spring ISD Kicks Off School Year with a Focus on Unity, Accountability, and Small Actions That Drive Big Change
The start of a new school year often brings a mix of excitement and expectation—but in Spring ISD, it’s also bringing a renewed sense of urgency.
On September 24, Central Office staff gathered at the district’s Community Engagement Center for their first meeting of the year. Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar led the morning with a clear message: every person in the district—regardless of title—plays a part in improving outcomes for Spring ISD’s 33,000 students.
“I’m honored to be here with you,” Cuellar said. “But I want to be clear, every single one of us has a part to play in the success of our students. That means pushing ourselves just one degree harder.”
That idea—just one degree harder—was the theme of the day. Framed around the concept of 212°: The Extra Degree, Cuellar used the metaphor of water boiling at 212 degrees (but not at 211) to underscore the power of small, intentional actions.
“That single degree makes all the difference,” he said. “That’s what I’m asking of us. One more phone call to a family. One more refinement to a process. One more act of support for a campus. Small actions equal big results.”
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A Plan of Action, Not Promises
Dr. Cuellar’s message wasn’t just motivational—it was strategic. He outlined a focused 100-Day Turnaround Plan, designed to tackle some of Spring ISD’s most pressing priorities: accelerating academic performance, improving high schools, restoring staff morale, and rebuilding community trust.
“This is not a two- or three-year runway,” he told staff. “I believe we have the right people, right now, to do this work.”
From improving internal systems to making it easier for families to connect with schools, the plan calls for immediate action—without losing sight of long-term impact.
Perspectives from Across Central Office
A panel of department leaders shared their own perspectives on what accountability and excellence mean in practice. Panelists included Lisa Gonzalez from Family and Community Engagement, Mysty Mayshack from Human Resources, and financial leaders Cyndi Tesori and Othneil Lindie.
“Accountability starts with ourselves,” Mayshack said. “Before we can hold others accountable, we must hold ourselves accountable, because at the end of the day, we’re all here for the children.”
Gonzalez spoke about the importance of transparency in family-facing work. Tesori emphasized clear, respectful communication across departments, and Lindie encouraged staff to take personal ownership in creating a stronger district culture.
Their examples reflected what many in the room were feeling: real change comes from every corner of the organization.
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Looking Ahead, Listening First
Before closing, staff received updates on bond-funded projects, fall events, and an internal recognition initiative that invited employees to share how they prefer to be acknowledged. A simple QR code made it easy to respond—yet another example of how small changes can make systems more inclusive and responsive.
Dr. Cuellar left staff with one final thought:
“Every great transformation begins with a single genesis moment, the decision to no longer accept things as they are, but to lead with courage toward what they can become,” he said. “Each of us has that power. Together, with one extra degree, we will move this district forward for our 33,000 students.”
A Meaningful Start
As staff returned to their offices and departments, there was a sense that this meeting wasn’t just the start of a new academic calendar—it was the beginning of a shared commitment. The goal isn’t perfection overnight. It’s progress, driven by consistent, focused effort.
And in Spring ISD, that starts with one extra degree.
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.
