Spring ISD board adopts new vision, limits superintendent hiring power and names interim superintendent

Spring Independent School District trustees on May 13 unanimously adopted a shorter, revised district vision, approved new board "guardrails," adopted a resolution requiring board approval for some hires, and voted to appoint Dr. Craig Cuellar as interim superintendent effective June 2, 2025.

The actions were taken during the regular board meeting convened at Duquesne High School's Star Theater. Board President Justine Durant read the proposed vision for the district as follows: “The Spring ISD District will be a district of choice, recognized for high quality instruction, strong community engagement, and a culture that celebrates growth and achievement, empowering every student, every teacher, every day.” The motion to adopt the revised vision was moved by Trustee Natasha McDaniel and seconded by Trustee Rhonda Newhouse; the motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: the board's changes set public-facing priorities for the district and tighten controls around some administrative authority at a moment of leadership transition. Trustees also moved to constrain the superintendent's hiring authority for assistant principal-level positions and above, and they named an interim superintendent and approved an agreement defining his duties.

Votes at a glance

- Revise district vision statement: Moved by Trustee Natasha McDaniel; seconded by Trustee Rhonda Newhouse; outcome: approved unanimously (Yes: Justine Durant, Natasha McDaniel, Kelly P. Hodges, Rhonda Newhouse, Dr. Deborah Jensen).

- Adopt board "guardrails" grounded in community values (including a requirement that at least 50% of board meeting time be invested in improving student outcomes): Moved and seconded from the floor; outcome: approved unanimously.

- Adopt resolution requiring board approval for hiring personnel at assistant-principal level and higher until the interim superintendent begins duties or the board terminates the resolution: Mover Trustee Natasha McDaniel; seconded Trustee Kelly P. Hodges; outcome: approved unanimously.

- Appoint Dr. Craig Cuellar as interim superintendent of schools effective 12:00 a.m. June 2, 2025: Moved by Trustee Kelly P. Hodges; seconded by Trustee Natasha McDaniel; outcome: approved unanimously.

- Approve supplemental duties agreement for interim superintendent (effective 05/13/2025): Moved by Trustee Kelly P. Hodges; seconded by Trustee Natasha McDaniel; outcome: approved unanimously.

- Approve the consent agenda (items discussed at prior work session): Moved by Trustee Kelly P. Hodges; seconded by Trustee Rhonda Newhouse; outcome: approved unanimously.

- Ratify retention of outside legal counsel firms and authorize superintendent or designee to negotiate engagement agreements (Thompson Horton LLP; Spalding Nichols; Lansburgh? [as listed]; Monty & Ramirez LLP; Bracewell LLP; Purdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott LLP): Moved by Trustee Natasha McDaniel; seconded by Trustee Rhonda Newhouse; outcome: approved unanimously.

- Accept superintendent's recommendation to terminate two probationary employment contracts (Josephine Tugenera and Janiyah Morgan), effective at the end of their contract terms, and authorize superintendent/designee to notify employees: Moved by Trustee Rhonda Newhouse; seconded by Trustee Natasha McDaniel; outcome: approved unanimously.

Discussion and public comment

During public participation, Melissa Hernandez, a junior at DeCane y High School, told trustees she has struggled for three years to have credits restored after absences and credited work she completed through Apex Learning and by exam. She said she had not received consistent follow-up from counselors and requested administrative assistance; district staff indicated someone from administration would follow up with her. Later, staff member Paul Trubinski addressed appraisal and records concerns at his campus and described pursuing open-records review; the board moved into closed session following public comment.

Process notes

Trustees recessed to a closed session under the Texas Open Meetings Act sections cited in the meeting; actions taken after closed session were announced in open session. All motions recorded in open session passed by unanimous voice/hand vote as stated on the record. The board scheduled discussion of normalized growth methodology for the June meeting and tabled that agenda item at this session.

Ending

After approving the consent agenda and several personnel and governance actions, the board adjourned at 10:17 p.m.