Spring ISD staff who are members of the cohort enrolled in the Houston Baptist University leadership program, along with district administrators, gather for a celebratory photo with the 10 grant winners.

HOUSTON – June 21, 2018 – As part of an initiative to grow its own future leaders, Spring Independent School District recently announced that 10 staff members are each receiving a $10,000 grant to be used for a leadership program at Houston Baptist University.

A Principal Preparation Grant, awarded to the district in April, made the individual scholarships possible for staff members who competed for the opportunity through a rigorous selection process.

“We see this as an investment in our future, as we must get school leadership right to impact student outcomes,” said Dr. Laquita Carter, assistant superintendent of performance management. “As part of our strategic plan, Every Child 2020, we are focused on developing our staff to their fullest potential in order to maximize student achievement.”

The grant recipients – Francisco Turrubiates, LeFondria Scroggins, Rasheda Malveaux, Akira LeBlanc, Christine Hurley, Qwendalyn Grant, Keterah Goosby, Karol Gillum, Jamie El-Aazami, and Breanna Wilson – along with 30 other Spring ISD staff began the year-long, challenging academic program with HBU this month.

Along with their academic courses, the cohort students will have relevant and practical experiences within the district to help them fully understand the expectations and role of an administrator, including the Spring Way core values. Carter said the candidates are also learning to “navigate as leaders through personal one-on-one coaching.”

“We are proud to say that in June 2019 we will have nearly 40 of our staff with their Master’s Degree in Administration, as well as their Principal Certification,” Carter said.