The line started forming before the program even began. Parents with little ones in tow, students in their school shirts, campus staff, and longtime community partners wound through the lobby of the Randall Reed Community Center, each waiting for a turn to shake hands with Spring ISD’s new Superintendent, Dr. Kregg Cuellar, and snap a photo to mark the moment.
The meet-and-greet was less about speeches and more about connection. The heart of the evening lived in personal exchanges; handshakes, hugs, and quick conversations that conveyed both trust and expectation. For many, it was their first chance to meet the new superintendent who, after more than two decades in public education, now carries the responsibility of leading the district forward.
Board President Justine Durant opened the evening with a few opening remarks, expressing the depth of her and the board of trustees’ confidence in Dr. Cuellar’s ability to lead the district to an “A” in May.
“With Dr. Cuellar leading the way, we believe we have the right person to guide Spring ISD forward,” Durant said. “As a board we are committed to working alongside him — as a team of eight — to ensure positive outcomes for every student and every family we serve.
“My first job in education was as a teacher assistant in the special education program at O’Donnell Middle School in Alief ISD,” Cuellar said. “From day one, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. I even went home and told my mom, ‘You were right, education is meant for me.’ I’ve never looked back.”
He paused, scanning the packed room—families, teachers, principals, support staff, and district partners alike.
“Twenty-three years later, I have the opportunity of a lifetime.” He said. “Which is to make the dream real for every single child in Spring ISD. Thank you for trusting me with our 33,000 students.”
After closing his remarks to a round of applause, Dr. Cuellar was greeted with a surprise congratulatory video from area leaders, including Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent of Tomball ISD; Dr. Rodney Watson, Executive Director of Region 4; Dr. Jennifer Blaine, Superintendent of Spring Branch ISD; Dr. Jim Cain, former Superintendent of Klein ISD; and Kirsten Hund, Senior Manager at the Holdsworth Center.
The heartfelt messages added to the celebratory spirit of the evening, setting the tone for what followed — a room filled with connection and conversation as guests lined up to shake hands, share words of encouragement, and capture photos with Dr. Cuellar.
Springwoods Village Principal Joseph McClain spoke about his interactions with Dr. Cuellar, describing him as a man on a mission.
“He is a fearless leader,” McClain said. “People told me about him before I got a chance to build a rapport with him and they always sung his praises. I tell him each time I see him that I am highly impressed with the moves he’s made and we support his vision for the district.”
Spring ISD Education Foundation Executive Director Sandra Scott spoke about Dr. Cuellar’s love for the students and his ability to lead the charge forward towards a successful future.
“He has a heart for the kids,” Scott said. “He has a heart for education, and we are walking in lock step with his vision for the district. We will be an A just like he said, we are together in culture and together in accountability.”
Co-chair of the School Health Advisory Council, and parent Nancy Torres also voiced her pleasure with Dr. Cuellar.
“I have known him for a while before he was chosen,” Torres said. “I can definitely tell he is going to be a great choice for our district. I can feel that things have evolved and changed. I love the amount of parent involvement that schools have allowed, and I am grateful to help be a part of that change. I am so happy he is the new superintendent.”
Dr. Cuellar’s words summed up the spirit of the night; humble in origin, bold in purpose, and rooted in service. With families, educators, and partners by his side, the path ahead is lit by the same hope that filled the Randall Reed Community Center: a belief that every child in Spring ISD can and will thrive.