The morning buzzed with excitement and determination as Spring ISD’s Central Office staff came together for their first meeting of the school year on Sept. 24. The Community Engagement Center echoed with laughter and warm handshakes, but the mood sharpened when Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar took the microphone, channeling the room’s energy into focus and purpose.

“I’m honored to be here with you,” Cuellar said. “But I want to be clear, every single one of us has a part to play in the success of our students. That means pushing ourselves just one degree harder.”

One Extra Degree

The theme of the morning—212°: The Extra Degree—anchored Dr. Cuellar’s message. He described the difference between water at 211 degrees and water at 212: one boils, the other does not. One creates steam powerful enough to move a train.

“That single degree makes all the difference,” he said. “That’s what I’m asking of us. One more phone call to a family. One more refinement to a process. One more act of support for a campus. Small actions equal big results.”

Building Togetherness, Driving Results

Throughout the meeting, Dr. Cuellar outlined his 100-Day Turnaround Plan, emphasizing swift and strategic steps: driving rapid academic improvement, strengthening high school transformation, building morale, and re-engaging families and community with trust and transparency.

“This is not a two- or three-year runway,” he said. “I believe we have the right people, right now, to do this work.”

The meeting also featured a staff panel discussion with leaders from across Central Office, including Lisa Gonzalez from Family and Community Engagement, Cyndi Tesori and Othneil Lindie from Financial Services, and Mysty Mayshack from Human Resources. Each shared how they are personally advancing a culture of excellence and accountability.

“Accountability starts with ourselves,” Mayshack said. “Before we can hold others accountable, we must hold ourselves accountable, because at the end of the day, we’re all here for the children.”

Gonzalez spoke about transparency in her work supporting parents through the FACE Center, while Tesori highlighted the importance of respect and clear communication across all departments. Lindie stressed personal ownership, calling it the key to building a culture that lasts.

Their voices brought home the point that no role is too small to matter.

Looking Forward, Together

The meeting closed with updates on bond-funded projects, upcoming district events, and a new effort to hear directly from employees about how they prefer to be recognized for their work. Staff scanned a QR code to share their feedback, underscoring the meeting’s theme of inclusivity and collaboration.

Before dismissing the group, Dr. Cuellar left them with a final thought:

“Every great transformation begins with a single genesis moment, the decision to no longer accept things as they are, but to lead with courage toward what they can become,” He said. “Each of us has that power. Together, with one extra degree, we will move this district forward for our 33,000 students.”

As staff filed out, the atmosphere reflected a collective belief that the year ahead could mark the beginning of Spring ISD’s return to excellence.