LEAD Spring members Melanie Garnett, from left, Shimona Eason, Tyroda Mott, Elisa Cole and Ciani Williams are ready to be introduced to the Spring ISD Board of Trustees.

HOUSTON – Sept. 21, 2016 – The Spring Independent School District recently launched a new program called LEAD Spring that is designed to identify and develop future school leaders from within the district.

“Our strategic plan, Every Child 2020, outlines a plan to develop a culture of excellence through the establishment of a rich talent pool. The participants will receive coaching and training from current district leaders and follow a robust curriculum that incorporates a collegiate-style learning format, hands-on experiences, action research projects and portfolio-building opportunities,” said Superintendent Rodney E. Watson.

Members of the first cohort were selected from a very competitive pool of more than 84 employees from across the district who met certain requirements before going through a lengthy, selection process that began in February.

“We’ve worked hard to identify a group of individuals who not only know but understand the district’s vision and mission and are fully committed to the initiatives of Every Child 2020,” Watson said.

The LEAD Spring cohort members are Elisa Cole, Lewis Elementary assistant principal; Shimona Eason, Burchett Elementary assistant principal; Melanie Garnett, Claughton Middle School assistant principal; Tyroda Mott, Meyer Elementary fourth- and fifth-grade English language arts and social studies teacher; and Ciani Williams, Link Elementary student support specialist.

Elisa Cole has been with Spring ISD for a total of eight years. Prior to her current assignment at Lewis Elementary assistant principal, she served as Coordinator for Elementary Intervention Programs, Dyslexia Coordinator, and Director of Title I. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Wiley College and a Master of Education in educational administration from Texas A&M.

Shimona Eason has spent her 12-year career with Spring ISD. This is her second year as Assistant Principal at Burchett Elementary. She began her journey at Thompson Elementary as a teacher and was also at Claughton Middle School and Jenkins Elementary where she has held the roles of Testing Coordinator and Accountability Specialist. She received her bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Texas Southern University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University.

Melanie Garnett is going on her third year with Spring ISD. Although she started at Booker Elementary, she currently is the 6th grade Assistant Principal at Claughton Middle School, and has also served as Testing Coordinator and English Language Arts Instructional Specialist at Claughton. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Southern University at New Orleans and a master’s in educational management from University of Houston, Clear Lake.

Tyroda Mott has been at Meyer Elementary for two years. During her time with Spring ISD she has been both a fourth- and fifth-grade English language arts and social studies teacher. She has prior experience in three other Texas school districts, with additional roles that include Gifted and Talented Project Coordinator and Team Leader. She received her bachelor’s degree in business from the University of North Texas and a Master in Business Administration in organizational psychology and development from American Intercontinental University.

Ciani Williams has been in Spring ISD for seven years with her entire service at Link Elementary. Currently, her role is Student Support Specialist, and she has held additional roles at Link as the girls’ basketball coach, art club facilitator, CHAMPS trainer, and fine arts team leader. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Sonoma State University and a Master of Arts in education from Mills College.