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Memorial Drive Bridge Closure Set for April 11

April 4, 2016, 12:53 pm
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Memorial Drive in Bunker Hill Village will close on Monday, April 11, at 9 a.m. for reconstruction of the bridge over drainage ditch W-151, just east of Frostwood Elementary and the Memorial Forest Club and between Plantation Drive and Strey Lane.

The bridge is scheduled to reopen in August before the start of school. The April-August timeframe was selected to accommodate the schedules for Frostwood and Bunker Hill elementaries.

Traffic will be detoured via Briar Forest Drive on the south and Barryknoll Lane on the north, connected by Gessner Road on the west.

Local traffic, defined as anyone who has a destination in the area, such as residents and visitors, schools and churches, will be allowed and all streets, homes, churches and schools will continue to have access. The closure of Memorial Drive is at the bridge.

Both the vehicular and the pedestrian bridges will be closed for the duration of the project.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will be managing this preventative maintenance project. The original bridge was built in 1965.

Bunker Hill Village officials say they understand the inconvenience that will come with this project but hope residents will understand the need to ensure the safety of roadway and bridge structures.   The new bridge will last another 50 years or more, officials said.
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SBISD Board of Trustees Election Update

April 4, 2016, 2:59 pm
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One position on Spring Branch ISD’s Board of Trustees will be contested in the May 7 district Board election. Two separate positions held by incumbents aren’t being contested.

Competing for Trustee Position 5 are J. Carter Breed, a local Realtor, and Julie Jaehne, an educator. Current Trustee Bob Stevenson is not seeking re-election.

Drawing no opposition for re-election to Trustee Positions 6 and 7, respectively, are incumbents Pam Goodson, a community volunteer, and Karen Peck, a local attorney. All positions are for three-year terms.

All registered voters who reside in the school district are eligible to vote in Board of Trustees Elections.

A PTA sponsored Candidates Forum will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, in the Fellowship Hall at Pines Presbyterian Church, 12751 Kimberly Lane. All four Trustee candidates are expected to attend, organizers report.

Early voting by personal appearance will begin on April 25 and conclude May 3. A Voting by Mail option is available, but deadline for receipt of ballot applications is April 26. Deadline for receipt of mail ballots is Election Day, Saturday, May 7.

Early Voting

Early Voting Locations April 25 – May 3

Wayne F. Schaper, Sr. Leadership Center, 955 Campbell Road, Houston TX 77024
April 25 through April 29 – Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
April 30 – Saturday, 8 a.m. until Noon
May 2 and May 3 – Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Don Coleman Community Coliseum, 1050 Dairy Ashford, Houston TX 77079
April 25 through April 29 – Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
April 30 – Saturday, 8 a.m. until Noon
May 2 and May 3 – Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7901 Westview, Houston TX 77055
April 25 through April 29 – Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
April 30 – Saturday, 8 a.m. until Noon
May 2 and May 3 – Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

City of Piney Point Village, 7676 Woodway Suite, #300, Houston TX 77063
April 25 through April 29 – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
April 30 – No voting at this location on Saturday
May 2 and May 3 – Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Voting By Mail

Spring Branch ISD
Applications of ballots for voting by mail may be submitted to the Clerk for Early Voting by mail or common or contract carrier at Post Office Box 19432, Houston TX 77224-9432, by telephonic facsimile machine at (713) 251-2217 or by electronic transmission of a scanned application containing an original signature to the following email address: elva.dickens@springbranchisd.com. Applications for ballots by mail must be received no later than April 26 by 5 p.m.

Early Voting Clerk

Spring Branch ISD
Carolyn Green
955 Campbell Road
Houston TX 77024

For more details on May 7 Election Day voting site locations, hours and related information, please visit the SBISD Board of Trustees website at www.springbranchisd.com.

For additional questions, please call 713-251-2217.
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Support Student Artists at Newspring Art Auction

April 6, 2016, 1:27 pm
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The ninth annual student Newspring Art Auction will take place this year at the Queensbury Theatre located in Town & Country Center.  Please join us on Thursday, May 19, to support student artists and view their amazing artwork in the exhibit.

All proceeds benefit the education of student artists.


Balance (left) and Revolve (right) by Alejandro P.

May 19, 2016
6:00 - 8:00pm
12777 Queensbury Ln
Houston, TX 77024

Visit the Newspring website >>
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Spring Branch Education Foundation Young Leaders Cook for a Cause

April 6, 2016, 1:43 pm
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Spring Branch Education Foundation Young Leaders are hosting Cookin’ for a Cause, the Foundation’s first-ever BBQ Cook-off on Sunday, May 15. BBQ teams are invited to sharpen their knives, tweak their recipes and compete for bragging rights for the best BBQ in Spring Branch ISD.

Young Leaders co-chairs Laura Stein and Vincent Montalbano, both SBEF board members and Memorial High School graduates, are anticipating a mouth-watering competition at the SPJST Lodge, 1435 Beall St. Entry fees for teams of four are $300 and cover three categories: pork ribs, chicken and open. Teams will receive a 20X20 cooking area with electrical power, eight wristbands for lunch and four cook-off aprons. Judging will take place mid-afternoon, with winners announced at 5:45 p.m.

“We’re accepting teams on a first-come, first-served basis,” said Montalbano. “It’s gratifying how many teams have already signed up. It looks like SBISD alums are still eager to compete, and our competitive spirit will fill the coffers of the SBEF Young Leaders Scholarship Fund. We’re grateful for the opportunities SBISD gave us – now we are paying it forward.”

“Families will love this event,” Stein added. “Along with good food and friendly competition, we’ll have lots of activities for kids of all ages and raffle tickets for some great prizes. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.”

Tickets to the event will be available at the gate, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; they are $20 for adults and $6 for kids; kids under 6 are free. Lunch will be provided by Goode Company BBQ. Chris Johnson and The Imports will perform throughout the afternoon.

Balfour Yearbooks has stepped up to the BBQ plate as the event’s first sponsor. Other sponsorships are available at the $750, $1,500, $3,000 and $5,000 levels. Sponsors receive meals, reserved seating and drink tickets. The $5,000 Pitmaster Sponsor will also receive naming rights.

Deadline for team sign-up and sponsorships is May 3.

More information and registration forms >>

About Spring Branch Education Foundation:
Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting SBISD students and educators. It partners with the district and community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare students for the future. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $9 million to the district. In 2015, dewey & associates ranked SBEF 17th in the nation among K-12 education foundations and number one in its division of foundations with $1 million to $1,999,999 in revenues. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.
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School closed on Tuesday, April 19.

April 19, 2016, 2:51 am
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Based on our continued monitoring of weather, road and flooding conditions throughout the Greater Houston area, all SBISD schools and district offices will be closed on Tuesday, April 19, 2016.

In making this decision, we have considered the safety and security of our families and our staff, many of whom travel from various areas of the Greater Houston community to serve our students.

Again, all SBISD schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, April 19.

All after school activities are also cancelled.

Please continue to monitor the SBISD website at www.springbranchisd.com, social media, and local news media. 

The safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority.
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All SBISD schools and offices will be OPEN Wednesday, April 20.

April 19, 2016, 7:29 pm
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ALL SBISD SCHOOLS & OFFICES REOPEN WEDNESDAY APRIL 20

Dear SBISD Families,

All SBISD schools and offices will be OPEN tomorrow, Wednesday, April 20, for a regular school day.

SBISD Transportation will run regular bus routes as close to our normal schedule as possible. Please be understanding if buses run late, as we will be operating with a smaller staff than normal. If you have concerns about your child’s bus, please contact SBISD Transportation at 713.251.1060.

Your child’s safety is our priority. Please notify your child’s school if your family has suffered flooding or other extenuating circumstances as a result of yesterday’s storms, or if your child will not be at school tomorrow. We want to be able to support your child and your family and assist in any way we can. 

If your home has sustained flood damage, Harris County asks that you visit this website to register with the County:www.readyharris.org .  

We thank you for being part of our SBISD family and for your support and patience during this severe weather and flooding event. This has been an unprecedented storm that has created hardships for so many across our Greater Houston area.

Thank you,
SBISD Communications


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Early Voting Underway for Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees

April 25, 2016, 11:56 am
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Early voting by personal appearance is underway through May 3 to determine one contested position on the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees. Two positions are not being contested. Election Day voting will be held on Saturday, May 7.

Competing for Trustee Position 5 are J. Carter Breed, a local Realtor, and Julie Jaehne, an educator. Current Trustee Bob Stevenson is not seeking re-election.

Drawing no opposition for re-election to Trustee Positions 6 and 7, respectively, are incumbents Pam Goodson, a community volunteer, and Karen Peck, a local attorney. All positions are for three-year terms.

All registered voters who reside in the school district are eligible to vote in Board of Trustees Elections.

A Voting by Mail option is available, but deadline for receipt of ballot applications is Tuesday, April 26.

Early Voting Locations:

April 25 – May 3

Wayne F. Schaper, Sr. Leadership Center, 955 Campbell Road, Houston TX 77024
April 25-April 29 – Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
April 30 – Saturday, 8 a.m. until Noon
May 2-May 3 – Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Don Coleman Community Coliseum, 1050 Dairy Ashford, Houston TX 77079
April 25–April 29 – Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
April 30 – Saturday, 8 a.m. until Noon
May 2-May 3 – Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7901 Westview, Houston TX 77055
April 25-April 29 – Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
April 30 – Saturday, 8 a.m. until Noon
May 2-May 3 – Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

City of Piney Point Village, 7676 Woodway Suite, #300, Houston TX 77063
April 25-April 29 – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
April 30 – No voting at this location on Saturday
May 2-May 3 – Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Voting By Mail:

Spring Branch ISD
Voting by mail ballot applications may be submitted to the Clerk for Early Voting by mail or common or contract carrier at Post Office Box 19432, Houston TX 77224-9432, by telephonic facsimile machine at (713) 251-2217 or by electronic transmission of a scanned application containing an original signature to the following email address: elva.dickens@springbranchisd.com.

Applications for ballots by mail must be received no later than Tuesday, April 26, by 5 p.m.

Early Voting Clerk:

Spring Branch ISD
Carolyn Green
955 Campbell Road
Houston TX 77024

For more details on May 7 Election Day voting site locations, hours and related information, please visit the SBISD Board of Trustees website at www.springbranchisd.com.

For additional questions, please call 713-251-2217.
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Trustees Approve District of Innovation Plan

April 27, 2016, 7:33 am
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April 26, 2016 – For Immediate Release

Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees has approved unanimously a local innovation plan as defined in House Bill 1842. With the approval of this new plan, SBISD becomes a District of Innovation, making the school district one of the first in Texas to gain true local control and autonomy, as well as greater flexibility and freedom in many education related areas.

The 84th Texas Legislature created the new District of Innovation local control option when it approved House Bill 1842 (HB 1842) in June 2015.

The Trustee vote was conducted during its April 25 monthly meeting. It was preceded by a 26-0 vote for the same plan by the SBISD District Improvement Team (DIT) on April 21. Under the law, both DIT and Board of Trustee approvals are required before a District of Innovation status is designated.

As a District of Innovation, SBISD can potentially be exempt from some state education rules. However, Trustees have included a two-thirds affirmative Board vote for policy changes that activate any exemption.

Unfortunately, the District of Innovation status doesn’t change SBISD’s state funding formula, including an increasingly onerous “Robin Hood” recapture system siphoning millions of dollars from SBISD classrooms to the state’s spending budget. However, it is possible that the district may be able to control some of its state funding now in new ways under local use options.

SBISD must still meet state academic and financial accountability standards, and the district is held to requirements such as STAAR assessments, curriculum and graduation requirements, bilingual and special education rules, and the public records and open meetings laws now in effect.

Dr. Scott Muri, who became SBISD Superintendent in July 2015, called for leveraging HB 1842 benefits as he led a full review to identify the district’s strengths and priority areas for improvement. SBISD’s highly supportive community and dedicated employees were identified as key district assets in his review. The district continues its commitment to continual improvement for Every Child, one of SBISD’s Core Values, and to its families and employees.

“With the challenges facing Spring Branch ISD, it is imperative we take advantage of every opportunity to improve student achievement,” Board of Trustees President Chris Vierra said. “We look forward to local control afforded through the District of Innovation law that can benefit our schools.”

SBISD’s T-2-4 goal was foundational in pursuing District of Innovation status. Under T-2-4, the district aims for all its graduates to complete either military training, a technical certificate, or two- or four-year college degrees.

Superintendent Muri said that the April Board Meeting with its recognition of students and teachers, principals and schools, public testimony and District of Innovation vote reflected the great learner’s journey ahead.

“[The Strategic Plan] is an opportunity for our community to take control over the education we provide our 35,358 children and improve their experiences so that Every Child has an opportunity to achieve success, to achieve their aspiration, to achieve the life appropriate for them, and fulfill their dreams whatever they may be,” Dr. Muri said.

He said the next steps would include creation and design of a plan “roadmap” with clear and measurable objectives and tactics.

SBISD’s Board of Trustees adopted a resolution on Sept. 28, 2015, allowing the district to initiate the state designation under HB 1842. In the months since, the Board of Trustees has:

  • Held a public hearing to consider development of a Strategic Plan (Local Innovation Plan) for designation of as a “District of Innovation.”
  • Approved a 90-member Strategic Planning Committee composed of students, parents, teachers, administrators and community residents to develop a Strategic Plan (Local Innovation Plan). Starting in November, the Strategic Planning Committee met five times to develop a Strategic Plan (Local Innovation Plan).
  • Voted March 28 to notify the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner of its intention to consider and vote on a Strategic Plan.
The community-based DIT met monthly from October through April to conduct regular business, which often included a Strategic Planning update and discussion.

Board of Trustees Vice President Karen Peck thanked the community for its depth of engagement and involvement with the plan, and Wayne Schaper, Sr., talked about community pride.

“Our goal is still T-2-4, but with this Strategic Plan we will be able to tailor our instructional styles to individual students, and be advocates for each PreK-12 student,” said Board Secretary Schaper. He has known seven superintendents and is celebrating 56 years in the district. “It’s going to be great. Everybody will be coming to look to see what Spring Branch is doing next.”

Board Member Katherine Dawson, who served as the DIT Board Liaison, said “approving the Strategic Plan provides the direction and expectations for the district, charging us to tactically move along a path built on a solid foundation, void of barriers and full of flexibility and potential.”

For many years, Trustee Pam Goodson has advocated for local control with the Legislature.  “Now we have the freedom and flexibility we wanted. This is a huge win for our kids as we decide what’s best for our kids,” she said.

Local control means that teachers and principals have the ability to make the best decisions possible for students and families, Trustee Chris Gonzalez said. “We will be able to put the control back where it belongs, with the family and the school,” she said of the plan.

Retiring Board Member Bob Stevenson said the District of Innovation will be for a greater good, for the entire district. “This is about staff and families doing what’s best for children. We’re handing you the ball . . . now run for the end zone!”

SBISD joins several other Texas school districts in approving District of Innovation plans, and more than two dozen other districts are reportedly reviewing the option.
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Six SBISD schools make Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll

May 2, 2016, 9:45 am
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Board President Chris Vierra (left) and Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri (right) recognize principals of Spring Branch ISD schools making the Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll. From left are Jennifer Jordan, Memorial Drive Elementary; Jennifer Collier, Westchester Academy of International Studies; Ellen Green, Frostwood Elementary; Jill Wright, Cornerstone Academy; and Rian Evans of Wilchester Elementary. Not pictured is Dave Parker of Memorial Middle School.
Six Spring Branch ISD schools have been named to the 2015 Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll, including Cornerstone Academy, which made separate lists.

An alliance of business and academia dedicated to improving educational productivity and student success at all levels, ERP uses data and analytics to uncover successful schools and best practices, and the Honor Roll recognizes schools that consistently demonstrate consistently higher levels of student academic achievement in several metrics.

Named as Star Schools – high poverty, high performing, achievement-gap closing schools:

  • Westchester Academy for International Studies Middle School
  • Cornerstone Academy
Named as Scholar Schools – high performing schools without significant levels of low-income students:

  • Frostwood Elementary
  • Memorial Drive Elementary
  • Wilchester Elementary
  • Memorial Middle School
Additionally, Cornerstone Academy was one of only 49 schools in Texas named to the STEM Honor Roll for being a high poverty school with higher performance in math and science.
Honor Roll schools were recognized at the April Board of Trustees meeting.

For more information on the Education Results Partnership, go to www.edresults.org.
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Early Voting Ends Tuesday, May 3

May 2, 2016, 10:05 am
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Early voting by personal appearance will end Tuesday, May 3, to determine one contested position on the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees. Two positions are not being contested. Election Day voting will be held on Saturday, May 7.

Competing for Trustee Position 5 are J. Carter Breed, a local Realtor, and Julie Jaehne, an educator. Current Trustee Bob Stevenson is not seeking re-election.

Drawing no opposition for re-election to Trustee Positions 6 and 7, respectively, are incumbents Pam Goodson, a community volunteer, and Karen Peck, a local attorney. All positions are for three-year terms.

All registered voters who reside in the school district are eligible to vote in Board of Trustees Elections.

Early Voting Locations:

April 25 – May 3

Wayne F. Schaper, Sr. Leadership Center, 955 Campbell Road, Houston TX 77024
April 25-April 29 – Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
April 30 – Saturday, 8 a.m. until Noon
May 2-May 3 – Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Don Coleman Community Coliseum, 1050 Dairy Ashford, Houston TX 77079
April 25–April 29 – Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
April 30 – Saturday, 8 a.m. until Noon
May 2-May 3 – Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7901 Westview, Houston TX 77055
April 25-April 29 – Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
April 30 – Saturday, 8 a.m. until Noon
May 2-May 3 – Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

City of Piney Point Village, 7676 Woodway Suite, #300, Houston TX 77063
April 25-April 29 – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
April 30 – No voting at this location on Saturday
May 2-May 3 – Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Election Day

Saturday, May 7, 2016 

Voting locations are based on middle school attendance zones and home street address:
  • Precinct No. 41 – Landrum Middle School, 2200 Ridgecrest, Houston, TX 77055
  • Precinct No. 42 – Memorial Middle School, 12550 Vindon, Houston, TX 77024
  • Precinct No. 43 – Spring Branch Middle School, 1000 Piney Point, Houston, TX 77024
  • Precinct No. 44 – Spring Woods Middle School, 9810 Neuens, Houston, TX 77080
  • Precinct No. 45 – Spring Forest Middle School, 14240 Memorial, Houston, TX 77079
  • Precinct No. 46 – Spring Oaks Middle School, 2150 Shadowdale, Houston, TX 77043
  • Precinct No. 47 – Northbrook Middle School, 3030 Rosefield, Houston, TX 77080

Sample Ballots

For more details on May 7 Election Day voting site locations, hours and related information, please visit the SBISD Board of Trustees website at www.springbranchisd.com.

For additional questions, please call 713-251-2217.
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Student Artists Recognized During Youth Art Month

May 2, 2016, 12:02 pm
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Board President Chris Vierra (left) and Superintendent Scott Muri (right), with elementary and middle school art students and teachers.
Vierra (third from left) and Muri (back row), with high school art students and teachers.
Spring Branch ISD trustees recognized student artists at the April Board of Trustees meeting. Winners of top awards in various competitions, including the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, these students perform at the very highest level. Visual arts coordinator Sally Doyle introduced the students and their teachers, who came forward for recognition. Students were from every school level – elementary, middle and high school.

View 2015-16 Visual Arts Honor Students presentation >>
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SBISD Board of Trustees Election Will Be Held This Saturday, May 7

May 6, 2016, 9:04 am
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Voting by personal appearance will be conducted at seven middle schools from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, for three positions on Spring Branch ISD’s Board of Trustees.

One position is contested. Competing for Trustee Position 5 are J. Carter Breed, a local Realtor, and Julie Jaehne, an educator. Trustee Bob Stevenson is not seeking re-election.

Drawing no opposition for re-election to Trustee Positions 6 and 7, respectively, are incumbents Pam Goodson, a community volunteer, and Karen Peck, a local attorney. All positions are for three-year board terms.

All registered voters who reside in the school district are eligible to vote in Board of Trustees Elections.

Voting will be conducted at seven SBISD middle school locations based on middle school attendance zones and home street address. For a full list of voting precincts,  school locations and school addresses, please visit the SBISD Election page posted at this location:https://cms.springbranchisd.com/trustees/Home/Elections

The SBISD Election page includes Sample Ballots in English/Spanish, Vietnamese and Mandarin Chinese.

For additional questions, please call Elections Secretary Diane Dickens at 713-251-2217. Her email is elva.dickens@springbranchisd.com

La elección de la Junta Directiva del SBISD se realizará este sábado 7 de mayo

La votación en persona se llevará a cabo en siete escuelas intermedias desde las 7 a.m. hasta las 7 p.m., el sábado 7 de mayo para las tres posiciones en la Junta Directiva de Spring Branch ISD.

Una posición es disputada. Compitiendo por la Posición 5 están, J. Carter Breed, un agente de bienes raíces local y Julie Jaehne, una educadora. El miembro de la Junta, Bob Stevenson, no busca la reelección.

Sin oposición a la reelección, para las posiciones 6 y 7, respectivamente, están los titulares Pam Goodson, una voluntaria de la comunidad y Karen Peck, una abogada local. Todas las posiciones son para términos de tres años.

Todos los votantes registrados que residen en el distrito escolar son elegibles para votar en las Elecciones de la Junta Directiva.

La votación se llevará a cabo en siete escuelas intermedias de Spring Branch en base a la zona de asistencia de la escuela intermedia y el domicilio. Para obtener una lista completa de los recintos de votación, las ubicaciones y las direcciones de las escuelas, por favor visite la página de Elección del SBISD, publicada en este lugar: https://cms.springbranchisd.com/trustees/Home/Elections

La página de elección del SBISD incluye las Boletas Muestra en inglés, español, vietnamita y chino mandarín.

Si tiene preguntas adicionales, por favor llame a la Secretaria de Elecciones, Diane Dickens al 713-251-2217. Su correo electrónico es: elva.dickens@springbranchisd.com
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2016 SBISD Teachers of the Year Named

May 9, 2016, 10:19 am
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SBISD Superintendent Scott Muri presented Teacher of the Year Gold Apple awards to Amanda Tysor of Northbrook High School (left) Teresa Dolan of Edgewood Elementary (right).
A teacher librarian at Edgewood Elementary School and an Algebra instructor at Northbrook High School have been named Spring Branch ISD’s Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year.

The annual awards were announced at the Service Awards employee recognition event held May 4 at the Omni Houston Hotel Westside.

SBISD Superintendent Scott Muri presented Teacher of the Year Gold Apple awards to Teresa Dolan of Edgewood Elementary and Amanda Tysor of Northbrook High School.

During the evening program, Vivian Pratts of Edgewood Elementary and Jennifer Parker of Spring Woods High School were also honored as Principals of the Year. 

Approximately 500 district employees and guests joined teacher of the year candidates and principals of the year for the dinner program, which also honored SBISD employees and retirees for their many years of public service to all students.

View all 2016 Campus Teachers of the Year >>

This Service Awards celebration set a milestone in partner awards to honorees:

·        For the first time, SBISD’s Principals of the Year each received a $1,000 cash award. This extra recognition was made possible through a partnership with Nexen, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital and an anonymous donor.
·        All Teacher of the Year finalists received a first-ever cash award of $250, while Teachers of the Year received a $1,500 cash award, largest ever for this honor. These cash awards were made possible through SBISD partners First Community Credit Union, a longtime donor to the Teacher of the Year awards, and Nexen and Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital.
·        Teachers of the Year will each enjoy a one-night stay at the Omni Houston Hotel Westside as a special gift from the event hotel.
·        In addition, the two Teacher of the Year winners will each receive a $2,000 stipend through the school district for professional development.

Elementary Teacher of the Year Teresa Dolan earned her master’s degree in library science last year from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She is a 2005 University of Houston graduate and she earned a masters of arts and teaching degree from UH, too.

“I feel honored to be sharing a stage with such amazing educators,” Dolan said at the Service Awards. “I feel very fortunate to work for a district that supports educators of all kinds. It’s a special place that encourages teachers to do all they can to help students, and I can’t wait to see how becoming a District of Innovation will continue this.”

Secondary Teacher of the Year Amanda Tysor is a proud product of SBISD. She attended Memorial Drive Elementary, Spring Branch Middle and graduated from Memorial High in 2008 before heading to the University of Texas at Austin. She returned to Northbrook High and her school district through Teach for America.

“I believe that the job of a teacher is to create an environment of support so that students can take risks and learn new content as they journey toward their future,” she said in her Teacher of the Year application.

“I get to be the positive adult that believes in them, cares about them and teaches them to advocate for themselves and their personal success. I create a culture in my Algebra classroom of hard work and hope for what is to come,” she also said.

As district Teachers of the Year, Dolan and Tysor will next represent the district in regional competition. If successful, they’ll compete later at the state and then at the national level.

In addition to these honorees, SBISD’s Teacher of the Year Finalists this year were Amanda Badrak of Spring Shadows Elementary, Stephanie Walton of Wilchester Elementary, Elaine Sorsby of Stratford High, Michael Ortiz of The Guthrie Center, and Jonathan Cook of Spring Branch Middle.

Serving as this year’s master of ceremonies at the dinner event was Scott Kennedy from the Stratford High Class of 2016.

Spring Branch Middle student and vocalist Decory Brown opened the event with a compelling performance of “The World’s Greatest” by R. Kelly.

The Landrum Middle School A Capella Choir  performed song selections during a Years of Service Recognition for longtime employees and retirees. The choir director is Jaime Trigo.

SBISD Community Relations Officer Linda Buchman honored retirees, while she noted that the group has a combined 2,506 years in public education service, with an average number of years in education of 25 years. A majority of those years in service are with SBISD students, or more than 2,000 combined total years.
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Stevenson Recognized for Service to District

May 12, 2016, 9:52 am
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Outgoing Trustee Bob Stevenson (center) with the Spring Branch Board of Trustees. From left are Karen Peck, Katherine Dawson, Chris Vierra, Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri, Stevenson, Wayne Schaper Sr., Chris Gonzalez and Pam Goodson.
Trustee Bob Stevenson, stepping down after two terms on the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees, was recognized at the Monday, May 9, workshop meeting for his time and dedication to the district.

Stevenson did not seek re-election this spring. His Position 5 was won by local real estate broker J. Carter Breed.

Stevenson was presented a “participation trophy” for his service on the Board of Trustees.

“We all know this is an important job,” said Board President Chris Vierra, “but we also know the time it takes away from family. It’s been an honor serving with you.”

A longtime district and community volunteer, Stevenson was first elected to the board in 2010, filling the seat vacated then by David Converse, who after three terms did not seek re-election.


Outgoing Trustee Bob Stevenson (center), flanked by daughter Elizabeth (left) and wife, Jeanmaire (right) with the Spring Branch Board of Trustees. From left are Karen Peck, Katherine Dawson, Chris Vierra, Elizabeth Stevenson, Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri, Stevenson, Jeanmarie Stevenson, Wayne Schaper Sr., Chris Gonzalez and Pam Goodson.
Superintendent Scott Muri, approaching his first-year anniversary in Spring Branch, said that his “favorite Bob moment” happened at his interview last spring. During a break in the interview session, Muri said, Stevenson followed him into the lobby continuing to tell him how great Spring Branch was and why he should consider coming here.

Board Vice President Karen Peck recalled that she and Stevenson have worked together since their children – now grown – were students at Bunker Hill Elementary and both were active in the PTA.

“You’ve done so much for the district through your work and you financing college sessions,” she said, referring to Stevenson’s talks around the district about navigating the federal financial aid process. He was known for the college talks before running for the board in 2010.

Trustee Pam Goodson, also first elected in 2010, to Position 6, said she and Stevenson ran from different perspectives. “His financial literacy has been invaluable,” she said.

Trustee Wayne Schaper Sr. said that Stevenson had been an “outstanding” board member. Trustee Katherine Dawson said that she admired Stevenson’s dedication and making every decision “for the kids.” Trustee Chris Gonzalez expressed gratitude for his service and said that Stevenson was always a “calming presence” on the board.

Stevenson is a CPA in private practice. He and his wife, Jeanmarie, have three children.
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Spring Branch Tracksters Among State Contenders

May 12, 2016, 12:21 pm
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By Jeff Jenkins/Chronicle Memorial Sports
Published May 10, 2016


Spring Woods High School students (clockwise from top left) Brianna Robinson, Toni Dada, Gabri'Ella Bonner and Stephine Mathis will represent Spring Woods on the 4x100- and 4x200-meter relays at the University Interscholastic League State Track and Field Championships on Friday and Saturday, May 13-14, at the University of Texas in Austin.

Spring Woods is hardly a track and field powerhouse, but four girls have put the Tigers on the map.

Seniors Gabby Bonner, Stephine Mathis and Brianna Robinson and junior Toni Dada  will represent Spring Woods on the 4x100- and 4x200-meter relays at the University Interscholastic League State Track and Field Championships on Friday and Saturday, May 13-14, at the University of Texas in Austin.

When the quartet hits the track at UT's Mike A. Myers Stadium, it will be the first time a girls' relay from Spring Woods has competed at the state meet.

"It's really exciting, but it's hard to believe it's happening," Mathis said.

But Spring Woods head track and field coach Gary Derks may disagree with his athletes. At the beginning of the season, he fully expected the Tigers to make it to Austin.

"We keep breaking our school records and have a chance to do it again," Derks said. "These are a special group of girls that are taking the challenges in stride."

Spring Woods has plenty of momentum, sweeping both relays at the District 19-5A, District 19-5A/20-5A area and Class 5A-Region III meets and they enter state with confidence.

The Tigers' regional qualifying time of 47.21 seconds in the 4x100 relay ranks third overall, just behind Arlington Seguin (46.69) and McKinney North (46.75). Spring Woods sits in second place in the 4x200 relay after posting a time of 1:38.83, trailing only Arlington Seguin (1:37.56).

"We think we can win both races, but, hopefully, we can come home with two medals," Dada said.

Mathis, Robinson and Dada have been relay teammates for a few years, while Bonner, the lone newcomer, transferred to Spring Woods after moving back to Houston from South Carolina.

"I used to live here and Brianna and are friends," Bonner said. "It's stressful changing schools, but the girls made me feel welcome. We're all good friends and are having a lot of fun."

It's required dozens of hours of training and practice, both on and off the track. Robinson, though, attributes Spring Woods' success to Derks.

“Coach Derks is amazing. He makes us do things over and over until we get it right," Robinson said. "We've always had the speed, but he is the one who pushed us to get better and believed in us. He's the reason we've made it this far."

As a result, Bonner, Mathis and Robinson will run in college next year at Prairie View A&M University. Dada, who is a year behind them, has to wait one more year for the opportunity.

The girls are enjoying the attention they have received, both on campus and within Spring Branch ISD. They certainly don't want to disappoint this weekend.

"We've worked so hard for this moment and we want to soak it up," Mathis said.

Patel, others ready for state

Memorial senior Khayla Patel will make history this week at the UIL State and Track and Field Championships in Austin.

Patel is making her fourth straight trip to state in track and field. She accomplished the same feat in cross country, making her a perfect 8-for-8 in her career with the Mustangs.

"It feels really good to be going back to state for the fourth time," Patel said. "It's definitely something to be proud of."

For the second year in row, Patel qualified in both the Class 6A girls' 1,600- and 3,200-meter races.

Patel is seeded seventh in the 1,600 with a regional qualifying time of 4:57.82. However, she set a personal record in the race at the Class 6A-Region III meet last month.

"I PR'ed in the mile. I've been trying to break five minutes for a while," Patel said.

In the 3,200, Patel sits in last place with a 10:59.97, but there's an opportunity for her to move up.

Abilene's Ashton Endsley  is the pace-setter in both races with qualifying times of 4:45.16 and 10:34.77, respectively. But there's no shortage of challengers, with defending champion Julia Heymach of Lamar, Paige Hofstad of New Braunfels  and Madie Boreman of Leander Rouse in a tightly bunched pack.

"The competition in the distance events is tough," Patel said. "There are couple of girls who have been doing this for a while and they are all incredible."

Still, Patel, who will compete collegiately at Rice University next year, believes she can earn first state medal this weekend.

Memorial head girls coach Vicki Bevan is proud of everything Patel his accomplished with the Mustangs.

"Khayla is one-of-a-kind and I doubt I'll ever coach another athlete like her," Bevan said. "What separates her from the rest is her consistency. She's so disciplined and works really hard. It will be emotional seeing her compete for Memorial for the last time."

While Patel is accustomed to the pressure of the state meet, several other Spring Branch ISD athletes will make their state debuts.

Memorial senior Nicholas Hamiltom   qualified in the Class 6A boys' 800 race. Hamilton's time regional time of 1:53.04 puts him in seventh place, a few seconds behind leader Bryce Hoppel of Midland (1:50.89).

But Memorial head boys  coach Richard Ruez credits distance coach Brandon Clemmons for preparing Hamilton, one of the few Memorial boys' tracksters to get to state, for this moment.

“Coach Clemons and Nicholas have trained really hard to get here," Ruez said. "If Nicholas can drop a second or two, he can be in the (medal) hunt."

Hamilton is ecstatic about reaching state, which was one of his goals.

"I'm really happy. This is something my coaches and I have been working towards the last couple of years," Hamilton said. "It would great to be in the top five (at state), but I'll probably need to PR."

The lone Stratford runner at state is freshman Grace Custer, who qualified in the 5A girls' 1,600- and 3,200-meter races. Custer's regional times of 5:12.96 and 11:27.12 rank last in the nine-person field, but the rookie has room to move up.

Stratford head girls coach Josh Gossett said Custer, despite her age, hardly acts like a rookie.

"Some people are probably surprised to see Grace at state as a ninth-grader, but I'm not," Gossett. "She's really mature for her age. I expect her to give the older girls a run for their money."

Spartans advance

Stratford is through to the second round of the UIL Class 5A baseball playoffs.

The Spartans will face Bryan Rudder in a 5A-Region III area series this week.

The schedule has Game 1 at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at Bryan Rudder and Game 2 at 7 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Stratford. If there's a split, the Rangers would host Game 3 at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14.

Stratford head baseball coach Jason Willis compared Bryan Rudder to two of the Spartans' District 19-5A rivals.

"Bryan Rudder is really scrappy," Willis said. "They're a lot like Tomball Memorial and Magnolia West. Their pitchers are always around the strike-zone and they're very solid defensively."

Stratford (18-9-1) coasted in the bi-district round, blanking Austin 10-0 in a single game.

"I don't think we played particularly well," Willis said. "Austin gave a great effort and never quit, but I don't think we were mentally prepared. We've got to take it up a notch."

Senior pitcher Tracy Warren wasn't at his best, but he still tossed a one-hitter with 14 strikeouts in five innings.

Offensively, senior second baseman Kyle Davis was 3-for-3 with two doubles, while junior outfielder Will Mikula added a double.

District 18-6A champion Memorial wasn't as lucky as its Spring Branch ISD counterpart. The Mustangs (20-10) were upset by Cy Creek, the fourth seed from District 17-6A, in a 6A-Region III bi-district series.

After the teams split the first two contests the Cougars shut out the Mustangs 6-0 in Game 3 to clinch.

Stratford survives

Stratford will have to get past one of its District 19-5A foes to advance in the UIL Class 5A softball playoffs.

The Spartans will battle Tomball Memorial in a 5A-Region III quarterfinal series. Game 1 will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at Tomball Memorial. Stratford will host Game 2 at 5 p.m. Friday, May 13 and Game 3, if necessary, at 7 p.m.

Last week, Stratford pounded Waco University 23-7 in the area round last week.

Meanwhile, District 18-6A winner Memorial dropped its 6A-Region III area series against Katy Seven Lakes. The Mustangs won a slugfest 19-18 in Game 1, but they dropped the next two contests by scores of 9-5 and 8-6.
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Texas Supreme Court Upholds School Funding System

May 13, 2016, 7:51 am
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Texas Tribune
by Kiah Collier - May 13, 2016

The Texas Supreme Court on Friday issued a ruling upholding the state’s public school funding system as constitutional, while asserting it could be better. 

“Our Byzantine school funding ‘system’ is undeniably imperfect, with immense room for improvement. But it satisfies minimum constitutional requirements,” Justice Don Willett wrote in the court’s 100-page opinion, which asserted that the court’s “lenient standard of review in this policy-laden area counsels modesty.”

“The judicial role is not to second-guess whether our system is optimal, but whether it is constitutional,” the ruling said.

It is the first time the state has won a school finance case. Justices Eva Guzman and Jeff Boyd delivered concurring opinions.

Two-thirds of Texas school districts sued the state after the Legislature cut $5.4 billion from the public education budget in 2011.

Their lawyers argued the state's method of funding public schools was unconstitutional on a variety of grounds — that the Legislature had failed to provide districts with sufficient funding to ensure students meet the state's increasingly difficult academic standards; that big disparities had emerged between property-wealthy and property-poor school districts; and that many school districts were having to tax at the maximum rate just to provide a basic education, meaning they lacked "meaningful discretion" to set rates. That amounts to a violation of a constitutional ban on a statewide property tax. 

In a 2014 ruling, Travis County District Court Judge John Dietz — a Democrat — upheld all of those claims, siding with the more than 600 plaintiff school districts.

He ruled against two other parties in the lawsuit that did not represent traditional school districts.

In early 2012, a group representing parents, school choice advocates and the business community filed a suit alleging that the current school finance system is inefficient and over-regulated. The Texas Charter Schools Association also sued the state, arguing that a cap on charter school contracts and charters' lack of access to facilities funding was unconstitutional.

Then-Gov. Greg Abbott appealed Dietz's ruling directly to the state Supreme Court.

During oral arguments Sept. 1,state lawyers asked the court to dismiss or remand the case to a lower court so it may consider changes lawmakers recently have enacted to the state's school finance system. Last year, the Legislature increased public education funding by $1.5 billion and authorized another $118 million for a high quality pre-kindergarten grant program that Abbott championed.

Before issuing his ruling, Dietz reopened evidence for a four-week period so that he could consider changes made by the 2013 Legislature, which restored about $3.4 billion of the $5.4 billion in public education cuts made in 2011 and changed graduation and testing requirements.
Read more at the Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2016/05/13/texas-supreme-court-issues-school-finance-ruling/
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Preliminary Budget Built on Cost Efficiencies

May 13, 2016, 8:09 am
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Recapture or ‘Robin Hood’ climbs to $190 million over three years

During a May 9 Board of Trustees workshop, Spring Branch ISD leaders projected a preliminary Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Budget with revenues of $287 million, including a $4.9 million payment to the school district requested through a special filing for refund from TEA due to adjustments in property values. 

Despite a projected small increase in state funding, SBISD faces ongoing and serious challenges in the foreseeable future. The district does not benefit from higher property values, which may increase by 10 percent, based on Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) estimates for the year ahead. SBISD taxable values are expected to increase $28 million to about $305 million.

Under the state’s “recapture” law, also known as Robin Hood, the school district is considered property-wealthy, which will require state payments to double from $33 million to $66 million, and then go up to more than $90 million. 

Over three years, SBISD’s estimated Robin Hood payments to the State of Texas – not students or teachers in SBISD – are projected to skyrocket to a projected $190 million.

At Monday evening’s workshop, SBISD Trustees expressed deep displeasure over a continuing siphoning off of taxpayer dollars to the state through the State of Texas’ recapture system. 

“Sixty-six million [dollars in recapture] . . . this is not equitable,” said Karen Peck, SBISD Board of Trustees vice president. The dollar amount reflects 22 percent of district revenue. On hearing the recapture estimate, Trustee Pam Goodson said, “I’m mad. I’m just too mad to comment right now.”

Both the Superintendent, Scott R. Muri, and longtime Trustee and former administrator, Wayne Schaper, Sr., noted that the district faced serious issues if nothing changes soon. “If something doesn’t change, we’ll be looking at huge layoffs in two years,” Schaper said. 

Despite such difficult circumstances, SBISD leaders will budget $2 million or more to pay for an estimated 38 new teachers needed to match student enrollment growth. By 2017, the student count in Spring Branch may increase to about 35,700 pupils overall. 

This year, SBISD used a modified zero-based budgeting process for central office to identify more than $1 million in cost savings or program modifications and stops.

SBISD leaders acknowledge that the current funding situation makes employee compensation a critical, but under-funded issue. Due to the state’s current funding model, SBISD can’t give and then sustain employee raises. Instead, the district proposes using remaining fund balance to pay for a one-time, 1 percent employee bonus to be paid in December 2016 and June 2017. A bonus of this size would cost the district about $2.5 million. 

Several Trustees have asked district leaders to explore additional compensation options as the preliminary budget moves through the annual review and public comment process. 

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Texas Supreme Court Says Current School Finance System Meets Constitutional Standards

May 13, 2016, 12:18 pm
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Texas School Coalition
Press Release - May 13, 2016

A dark day for Texas school children -
Texas Supreme Court Says Current School Finance System Meets Constitutional Standards

AUSTIN – The Texas Supreme Court today upheld the constitutionality of the state’s school finance system, overruling a challenge brought by over 600 Texas school districts, and ending the longest legal battle over school finance in state history.

The group of 88 school districts, known collectively as the Calhoun County ISD Plaintiffs in the lawsuit, were represented by Mark Trachtenberg and John Turner, partners with Haynes and Boone, LLP, who expressed disappointment at the Court’s ruling.

“This decision represents a dark day for Texas school children, especially given the Legislature’s repeated failure to adequately fund our schools,” Mr. Trachtenberg said. “Given the importance of education in the 21st Century economy, Texas simply cannot afford to be bringing up the rear among the states in financial support of public education.”

Added Mr. Turner: “We believe the trial court’s conclusion was correct: schools do not have the resources—or the local control over their tax rates—to meet the standards set forth in the Texas Constitution. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court justices did not agree. At this point, our districts can only hope that the Legislature will reverse course on its own, and make the changes needed to improve our system.”

The lawsuit began in 2011, after the Legislature cut $5.4 billion in public education funding from the state budget, and at the same time that the state’s more rigorous student performance standards were being implemented.

In its 100-page order, the Supreme Court reversed a trial court’s 2014 ruling that the school finance system violated several provisions of the Texas Constitution.

Prior to today’s ruling, the Supreme Court, in lawsuits dating back five decades, had consistently ruled in favor of Texas public schools in their on-going challenges to achieve funding that is in compliance with provisions of the state Constitution.

The Texas School Coalition represents school districts that return tax dollars raised from their local homeowners and businesses to the state. Since 1993, these revenue-contributing districts have provided more than $20 billion to the statewide school finance system, and they are now contributing about $1.5 billion annually.

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An Evening of STEM Featuring JASON Host Researcher from Texas Heart Institute

May 18, 2016, 1:37 pm
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Memorial High Students Bring the Peanuts Gang to the Big Stage

May 19, 2016, 12:27 pm
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Students are, left to right, Regan Hicks, Ty Sponsel, Julia Westwick, Patrick Greer, MItchell Dahmer and Kieren Cremins.
The Peanuts gang come alive May 19-21 when Memorial High School Theatre presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” 

Theatre students have been hard at work to bring the musical version of Charles Schulz’s lovable cast of characters to the stage – Charlie Brown dreaming of the Little Red-Haired Girl; Lucy wooing the indifferent Schroeder; Snoopy “fighting” the Red Baron; Sally pouting about a bad grade; and Linus thoughtfully philosophizing.  In the end, Charlie Brown and his friends discover what it means to be a “good man.”

Director Nicole Morgan said it’s one of her favorite shows to do.  “It speaks to all of us, because there’s a little bit of each of those characters in all of us.”

Senior Patrick Greer, who plays Charlie Brown, agrees.  “Everyone has a little Charlie Brown in them – we’ve all felt at some point that no matter how hard we try, we end up losing,” he said.  “But at the same time, it’s a light-hearted comedy, and Charlie Brown finds happiness in the end.”

The students have loved reaching back into their childhood to play the Peanuts characters.


Students Julia Westwick and Mitchell Dahmer play Lucy and Linus.
Senior Mitchel Dahmer plays the blanket-toting, thumb-sucking, and philosophizing Linus.  “The lisp is fun, and the blanket is very soft.  It’s also fun—at 6’3”—to be playing a very small character,” he said.

Julia Westwick, a junior who performs the role of Lucy, said “I like getting to act like a little kid again.  All of the emotions are heightened.  And it’s fun to be bossy!”

Schroeder is played by Kieren Cremins, a sophomore, who said the best thing about playing Lucy’s piano-playing love interest is “being smarter than everyone else.”

Ty Sponsel’s role as Charlie Brown’s loyal pooch is fun but challenging in a different way.  “I’m not speaking, so all of my reactions to the other characters’ dialogue have to be twice as big,” the senior said.  “I get to run around the stage and bark and howl, which is pretty interesting.”

People of all ages will enjoy the show, according to Regan Hicks, a junior who plays Sally.  “It’s a wonderful show, because the characters are so relatable and hilarious, and the music is fantastic.”

Shows are Thursday-Saturday, May 19-21, at 7 p.m nightly, with a matinee on Saturday, May 21, at 2:30 p.m. at the Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 935 Echo Lane.

Tickets are available at www.mhstheatre.com and at the door if available.

On Saturday, May 21, at 1:45 p.m., join Memorial High Theatre for Snoopy’s Bagel Bites and Biscuits, a character meet-and-greet for children of all ages.  Tickets are $10 and will include games, prizes, photo opportunities with the characters, and a pre-show snack.  The children then parade together into the auditorium for the 2:30 p.m. show.

Doors open at 1:30 for the Saturday show. Tickets are available at www.mhstheatre.com (purchase at the ticketing checkout page after selecting tickets), with a limited number available at the door.

For details, contact Nicole Morgan at nicole.morgan@springbranchisd.com, or call 713-251-2535.
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