Spring ISD Names Dr. Kregg Cuellar as Lone Finalist for Superintendent Following Unanimous Board Vote
The Spring Independent School District Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to name Dr. Kregg Cuellar as the lone finalist for superintendent, signaling a clear vote of confidence in his leadership as the district works to elevate student outcomes and rebuild momentum across its 43 campuses.
The decision, made during the August 18 board meeting, follows the May 2025 retirement of former superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa. Cuellar, who currently serves as interim superintendent, will officially assume the permanent role after the required 21-day waiting period under Texas law.
Board President Justine Durant said the vote came after a comprehensive nationwide search, but it was Cuellar’s leadership as interim and his deep-rooted commitment to student success that made him the standout candidate.
“Through that process, it became clear that the best candidate we had was already right here with us,” Durant said. “Dr. Cuellar’s bold, decisive actions these past few months—staffing changes, accelerating College, Career, and Military Readiness efforts, and boosting morale—reflect the kind of leadership our district needs right now.”
A District at a Turning Point
Located just 20 miles north of downtown Houston, Spring ISD serves more than 33,000 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade across a diverse footprint of neighborhoods. The district operates 25 elementary schools, nine middle schools, six high schools, and three ninth-grade centers.
Over the past decade, Spring ISD has expanded its offerings to include bilingual and ESL programs, four STEM-focused elementary schools (Reynolds, Clark, Thompson, and Heritage), a districtwide International Baccalaureate program, and free full-day pre-K at every elementary school. Recent investments in college and career pathways have also played a major role in shaping the district’s strategy moving forward.
But the past year has brought new urgency. Lower-than-expected state accountability ratings have made clear that the district must double down on transparency, academic rigor, and internal culture. Durant acknowledged that challenge head-on.
“We are fully aware of the urgency before us,” she said. “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."
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Trustees Rally Behind Cuellar’s Leadership
The board’s decision was not only unanimous—it was deeply personal. Trustee Winford Adams praised both Cuellar and President Durant for their leadership throughout the superintendent selection process.
“The district is under some pressure—the pressure to get it right was tremendous,” Adams said. “I want to commend Dr. Cuellar for his work on the theme of culture and accountability.”
Trustee Dr. Deborah Jensen echoed those remarks, pledging the board’s support in the challenges ahead.
“I want you to know that the board is with you all the way,” she told Cuellar. “We are here to support you to bring our district up to all it can be.”
Cuellar, visibly moved, addressed a packed boardroom filled with Spring ISD staff and community members.
“You are the heart of this district, and I can feel all of your energy. Thank you for believing in me,” he 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.”
A Proven Record of Academic Excellence
Dr. Cuellar’s leadership experience spans more than two decades in public education, including recent roles as Deputy Superintendent at Midland ISD and Chief of Academics and School Leadership for Spring ISD. Since 2022, he has led curriculum, instruction, and school operations for the entire district, working closely with campus leaders to align academic priorities.
His broader career includes positions as Deputy Superintendent in Portland Public Schools (Oregon), Community Superintendent at Baltimore County Public Schools (Maryland), and Assistant Superintendent for College Readiness at Houston ISD. He holds a doctorate in professional leadership from the University of Houston, with additional degrees from the University of Houston–Victoria, and a certificate in Advanced Education Leadership from Harvard University.
Throughout his interim tenure, Cuellar has worked to establish a steady and collaborative leadership presence—particularly as the district geared up for a smooth and successful start to the 2025–26 school year.
He concluded his remarks with a call to action for families, staff, and local partners alike.
“Parents, community members and business partners, thank you all for your support,” Cuellar said. “Let’s do it together—in culture, together in accountability.”
Looking Ahead Together
With the fall semester now underway, Cuellar’s official appointment is expected to be finalized in September. His message to the staff was one of gratitude and shared purpose.
“I always say this at the top of my lungs—we have the best staff here in Spring ISD,” he said. “You all are the difference makers in the lives of all of our kids.”
Community members throughout Spring and North Houston will be watching closely in the coming weeks as Cuellar transitions fully into the superintendent role. With strong board backing and an internal team aligned around shared goals, many see this leadership change as a hopeful and necessary shift.
As Spring ISD continues to invest in early childhood education, STEM, international programs, and college readiness, the district’s challenge will be sustaining that innovation while building a culture of high expectations and trust. Under Dr. Cuellar’s guidance, the path forward is clearer—and more united—than ever before.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
