The Spring ISD Board of Trustees on Aug. 18 unanimously voted to name Dr. Kregg Cuellar as the lone finalist for superintendent of the Spring Independent School District.
Cuellar, who currently serves as Interim Superintendent, would officially become superintendent after the required 21-day waiting period designated under statute. Cuellar succeeds Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, who announced her retirement in May 2025.
Spring ISD Board President Justine Durant personally thanked Cuellar and said he stood out among the candidates, citing over two decades as a public education leader as well as his deep commitment to serving students first.
“I am truly honored to announce this appointment,” Durant said. “Over the past several months, we conducted a nationwide search to find a leader who could meet the unique challenges and opportunities facing our district. Through that process, it became clear that the best candidate we had was already right here with us.”
Cuellar has served as Spring ISD’s Chief of Academics and School Leadership for the past three years, and Durant said during his short time as interim superintendent, he has already taken bold, decisive steps—making key staffing adjustments, advancing College, Career, and Military Readiness initiatives, and addressing challenges impacting morale and student outcomes.
“We are fully aware of the urgency before us,” Durant said. “The state accountability ratings have made it clear that we must act with focus, transparency, and commitment. The Board believes in Dr. Cuellar as our next leader to guide Spring ISD through this critical moment and into a future where our students achieve success at the highest level.”
Trustee Winford Adams echoed Durant’s remarks, while also thanking her for dedication during the superintendent selection process.
“I want to commend Dr. Cuellar for his work on the theme of culture and accountability,” said Adams. “I also want to highlight the incredible work of our board president, who guided this process. The district is under some pressure—the pressure to get it right was tremendous. I continue to be impressed and inspired by the leadership of our board president. Her experience as a board member shows up in ways you can’t imagine, and I feel privileged.
Trustee Dr. Deborah Jensen stated that despite the challenges the district is facing, the board fully supports Cuellar for the hard work ahead.
“I want you to know that the board is with you all the way,” said Jensen. “We are here to support you to bring our district up to all it can be.”
Cuellar thanked everyone in attendance and online for their support and belief in serving as the next leader of Spring ISD.
“You are the heart of this district, and I can feel all of your energy. Thank you for believing in me,” Cuellar said. “To the board–the ‘Team of Eight’–thank you for trusting me with this enormous responsibility—to take care of 34,000 students and over 5,000 staff members—I promise you, with everything in me, that I will give it my all to ensure we are on our way to an ‘A.’ I will not stop until every child has the most optimal learning experience throughout our district.”
He also acknowledged the room full of Spring ISD staff in attendance, thanking them for their quality committed service and leadership, and all that they do for students and school communities.
“I always say this at the top of my lungs, we have the best staff here in Spring ISD,” Cuellar said. “ All of you are truly a joy to work with each and every day, and you all are the difference makers in the lives of all of our kids.”
Cuellar wrapped up his moment directly addressing the community with the new district’s motto for the school year.
“Parents, community members and business partners, thank you all for your support. Let’s do it together—in culture, together in accountability.”
About Dr. Kregg Cuellar
Dr. Cuellar previously served as Chief of Academics & School Leadership for Spring ISD and has been in this capacity for the last three years, overseeing the district’s overall academic programs, including curriculum and instruction, and the day to day leadership of the schools. He brings more than 20 years of experience in public education, having previously served as Deputy Superintendent at Midland ISD, where he led the Office of School Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Special Services, Student Programs, Research and Evaluation, and Federal Title Programs.
His career also includes roles as Deputy Superintendent for Portland Public Schools in Oregon, Community Superintendent at Baltimore County Public Schools in Maryland, and Assistant Superintendent in the College Readiness Department at Houston ISD. Dr. Cuellar earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master of Education in Administration & Supervision from the University of Houston-Victoria, and his Doctor of Professional Leadership from the University of Houston. Most recently, he completed his Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership from Harvard University. As Interim Superintendent, Dr. Cuellar worked closely with district leadership to ensure a smooth transition and continued focus on student achievement and a great start of the school year.
About Spring ISD
Spring Independent School District serves over 33,000 prekindergarten through 12th-grade students in a diverse district located 20 miles north of central Houston. From high-quality early childhood programs to college preparation courses and career pathway exploration, there are programs and services designed to meet the needs of every Spring ISD student. The district currently has 43 campuses that include 25 elementary schools, nine middle schools, six high schools and three ninth-grade centers. In addition to bilingual instruction and English as a Second Language programs, which have been well-established for many years, the district has added STEM-Focused Elementary Schools( Reynolds, Clark, Thompson, and Heritage Elementary schools), International Baccalaureate program, free full day pre-K at all of its elementary school campuses and Pre-K3 at six campuses.