Spring ISD to Rename Family and Community Engagement Center in Honor of Late Congresswoman Jackson Lee
A Spring ISD building will soon be renamed in honor of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The district’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved to name the Spring ISD Family and Community Engagement Center in her honor at their regular meeting last month.
Jackson Lee passed away in July, a few months after publicly announcing her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. She was elected in 1995 to the House of Representatives, where she served for 29 years until her death. Her district – Texas’ 18th Congressional District – encompasses northern parts of Houston, including much of Spring ISD.
“Her unwavering commitment to our community was evident through her work in securing vital federal resources for our schools, advocating for equitable access to education and supporting initiatives that uplifted our most vulnerable populations,” Board Secretary Kelly P. Hodges said in a statement proposing the name change vote. “Congresswoman Lee worked closely with local leaders, educators, and organizations to ensure that every child in our district had access to quality education and an opportunity to thrive.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
The Family and Community Engagement Center, located at 17125 Ella Boulevard about a mile north of Westfield High School and the district’s administration building, is home to many programs that serve Spring ISD students and families, as well as houses the Family and Community Engagement staff. Programs include The VINE mentoring program, Smart Start Early Learning program, and more.
The name change was unanimously approved by all seven of the board members, with many making remarks after the vote on Jackson Lee’s impact on Houston and Spring ISD in particular.
“In 14 years of being on the board, there has been one legislator who [continued] to come to our graduations to recognize our kids,” Dr. Deborah Jensen said. “And it’s Sheila Jackson Lee.”
Source: Spring ISD
