HOUSTON – Nov. 15, 2017 – Trustee Rhonda L. Faust was lauded Tuesday night for her longtime service and commitment to the district during a special farewell celebration for the outgoing Spring ISD board member.

“I recognize you for really wanting to go to bat on a lot of issues,” Superintendent Rodney Watson told Faust at the Spring ISD Learning Center, where dozens of principals, administrators and fellow trustees turned out for the event. “I thank you for your service.”

Faust was first elected to the board in November 2011, re-elected in 2014 and served as president from 2013 to 2015. Her tenure as board president spanned two superintendents, including Ralph Draper, who left the district in January 2014, and his successor, Rodney Watson, who joined the district in June 2014.

“Hiring our new superintendent has been a significant responsibility, which we took very seriously. It is so important to every member of the board that we make the best possible choices for our children, and we feel confident that Dr. Watson is the best choice,” Faust said at the time.

On Tuesday, Faust was praised for her leadership and her dedication to the district. As several audience members pointed out, she is a proud alumna of Spring ISD, having attended kindergarten through 12th grade in the district. She holds a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law and studied business as an undergraduate. She works as a manager of law and contracts for Honeywell International.

“Rhonda led us through a transitional period that was a little painful,” said Trustee Justine Durant. “She may be leaving the board, but we’re not letting her go.”

Faust, who serves in Position 4, opted not to seek re-election this year. Her seat will be filled by Trustee-elect Winford Adams, who ran unopposed. In December, he will be sworn in.

Other trustees on Tuesday shared memories of working with Faust, including the time she bid on and won a puppy during a CTE fundraising luncheon, her love of Spring ISD performing and visual arts, and her penchant for farmers markets and canning her own produce.

Trustee Chris Bell noted Faust’s willingness to hear different perspectives. “She’s always been willing to entertain what I put out there, and I appreciate that,” he said.

As a thank you for her service, Faust was presented with a fruit basket and a special crystal award. She thanked the crowd for attending and urged everyone to help nurture a love of public service, especially among young people. She said she considered her many years on the board as time well spent.

“When there’s a cause that’s worthy of your time, it doesn’t seem like work,” she said.