Spring ISD held its final Central Office Staff Meetings for the 2023-24 school year on May 1, with Central Office staff members attending one of two meetings at the Family and Community Engagement Center to hear district news and updates, along with recognitions of outstanding staff members. 

The staff members who were recognized for their work exemplifying the Spring ISD Leadership Definition included:

• Dr. Joe Clark, Performing and Visual Arts, has been a longtime staple of the arts community in Spring ISD. As both a subject-matter expert and a vital connecting point between people and programs all across the district, he has worked tirelessly, collaborating with other departments and campuses to offer students amazing experiences and opportunities, and to ensure that our programs stay accountable and data-driven. As Director of Performing and Visual Arts, has created criteria that has become a model that many districts in the state use as a starting point to guide their own programs. 
• Sana Fakes, Communications, was honored for her longtime dedication to Spring ISD. As the Spring ISD Print Shop Specialist, trusted business partner for many people in the Central Office and on district campuses, as well as outside vendors. She was recently praised by an outside vendor who went out of his way to submit feedback saying that she has been the best he’s worked with throughout his career. 
• Mike King, Technology, was called a fixture of integrity and leadership in the district, building trust with coworkers through actions and words. Called the “ultimate team player,” he displays a spirit of teamwork and good attitude to ensure the success of meetings and events all across the district. As an A/V Technician, his work is often behind the scenes, but his contributions have significantly elevated all the excellence on display across our district.
• Dr. Tameka McKeithan, Human Resource Services, was recognized for her work as the district’s Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. She was credited with always pushing the department’s thinking forward, as well as constantly providing feedback when needed and celebrating success in her department. She was also recognized for “leading from the front,” as well as building up those under her leadership for their own future roles as district leaders.
• Derrell Oliver, Athletics Department, was honored for his role in stepping up to lead the Athletics Department, one of the district’s most high-profile student-focused programs. His contributions have not only elevated Spring ISD students’ lives, but have also nurtured an environment of professional growth for staff. As the first African American Athletic Director in Spring ISD, he is also dedicated to continuing the strong legacy of athletics in this district.
• Dr. Felicia Thomas, Health and Medical Services, was recognized for her role in providing consistent excellence in care as the Director of Health Services. She was praised for her help in establishing region-wide health standards and promoting consistent excellence in care, while also producing informative videos sent directly to parents via text and email, effectively disseminating screening results and immunization information to foster a healthier school community.

Dr. Hinojosa gave several updates on Spring ISD, including an update on the budget for the upcoming 2024-25 school year, as well as possible steps to make up for the forecasted deficit. 

Staff members were also updated on the “triple threat” of excellence in Academics, the Arts, and Athletics. This included the 19 district seniors who recently received up to $20,000 each in scholarship funds from Huntsman Corporation, the Westfield High School Theatre students who are headed to the state level in the UIL One Act Play competition, and the trio of athletes that made it to the state level in their respective sports.