Although many of Spring ISD students are home for the summer, leaders from across the district gathered at Dekaney High School this week for the Summer Leadership Institute, a three-day event that features keynote speakers, breakout sessions, training, and networking.

The annual event first took place in the summer of 2021, as school administrators prepared for a full return to the classroom after the pandemic. 

The Summer Leadership Institute was kicked off Monday morning with a performance from the step dance team from Roberson Middle School, in a performance that Superintendent Lupita Hinojosa called “unstoppable.”

“This is where we bring teams together from every single campus and Central Office to take a minute to reflect on the year we just completed, and then begin planning for the next year,” Dr. Hinojosa said. “It is a time for us to reflect, prepare, and get ready to kick off a brand new school year.”

Each of the three days features a keynote speaker to kick off the day. Dr. Hinojosa was Monday’s keynote speaker. Dr. Adam Saenz – a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, author, and emotional intelligence expert who has worked in education, corporate, and non-profit sectors for over twenty years – was Tuesday’s keynote speaker. Baruti Kafele – a highly-regarded urban educator who led the turnaround of four different struggling schools – spoke Wednesday. 

Each of the keynote speakers, along with the individual learning sessions, were designed to equip educators and leaders from around the district with the tools they need to succeed in the next school year.

It’s an opportunity that Tim Livingston, a second-year principal at Reynolds Elementary School, said is vital to planning for the upcoming school year. 

“We have the opportunity to sit with our teams, and personalize what that plan might look like,” he said. “To have that information, to have that training, I appreciate the opportunity to just go into the workshops and to hear from professionals and experts in our field that meets my specific needs.”

A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers, attendees, presenters, and the Spring ISD Professional Learning Department for the impeccable organization of the Summer Leadership Institute.