Latest News
- 2024-2025
Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) is committed to investing in its performing and fine arts programs, ensuring they remain among the best in the region and continue to serve the district’s students, families, and community.
As of October 2024, SBISD has made substantial progress under both the 2017 and 2022 Bond Programs.
Highlights under the 2017 Bond Program:
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New Musical Instruments for Secondary Campuses: SBISD has allocated $2,039,445 for new instruments—$1,815,445 for band and $224,000 for orchestra. This investment ensures that students have access to the quality equipment they need to succeed in music, both now and in the future.
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New High School Marching Band Uniforms: The district has spent $509,000 on new marching band uniforms for all high schools, providing a unified and updated look for students, enhancing their pride and presentation during performances.
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New Drill Team Uniforms: SBISD has invested $120,000 for new uniforms for all high school drill teams, ensuring students present a polished and professional appearance at competitions and performances.
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Stage Curtains Project: SBISD is now assessing the need for new stage curtains across its secondary campuses. The district has set aside $331,000 from the 2017 Bond for this project, which will further improve performance spaces for theater and fine arts students.
In addition to musical instruments and uniforms, the district has used interest earned from the 2017 Bond funds to purchase four trucks and four customized trailers to transport instruments to events. The total cost for these vehicles was $541,575, ensuring that the band program has the logistical support needed for performances and competitions.
Here is a breakdown of how SBISD has allocated funds for fine and performing arts through the 2017 Bond, unallocated interest, and the 2022 Bond:
- 2017 Bond Program: $24,249,445
- Stratford High School Auditorium Rebuild: $21,000,000
- Northbrook Middle School Auditorium Renovation: $250,000
- Secondary Band Instruments: $1,815,445
- Secondary Orchestra Instruments: $224,000
- High School Band Uniforms: $509,000
- High School Drill Team Uniforms: $120,000
- Auditorium Stage Curtains Replacement: $331,000 (estimated)
- Unallocated Interest, 2017 Bond: $776,617
- Trucks and Trailers: $541,575
- Spring Woods High School Auditorium Updates: $235,042
- Carpet and Painting: $86,486
- New Auditorium Seating: $148,556
- 2022 Bond Program: $959,693
- Cafetorium and Auditorium AV Upgrades
- Elementary Schools: $211,170
- Middle Schools: $533,172
- High Schools: $215,351
- Cafetorium and Auditorium AV Upgrades
For more information on the 2017 and 2022 Bond Programs, as well as updates on other district improvements, visit the SBISD website.
- Fine Arts
- 2024-2025
Spring Branch ISD Named Finalist for 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award in Large District Category
District recognized for commitment to academic excellence and innovative educational programs that drive achievement for all students.
Houston, TX – January, 2025 – Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) is honored to be named a finalist for the prestigious 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award in the Large District category. This recognition places SBISD among the top school districts in Texas, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence, high student achievement across the board, and innovative educational programs designed to serve the diverse needs of all students.
The H-E-B Excellence in Education Award is one of the nation's most esteemed honors for school districts, recognizing those that demonstrate dedication to:
- Driving student achievement through transformative and innovative programs
- Engaging families and the community to support student success
- Prioritizing professional development to empower educators and leaders
“We are incredibly proud of our educators, students, and staff,” said Dr. Jennifer Blaine, Superintendent of Schools. “This recognition reflects their hard work, dedication, and passion for student success. It is especially meaningful because it reflects the achievements of all our students, across every grade level and background. Our students’ accomplishments are a direct result of the collective commitment of our entire community to Every Child, Every Day."
SBISD’s focus on student-centered achievement is reflected in a broad array of programs and initiatives that ensure success for all students. From launching the innovative RISE College Academy at Northbrook High School to achieving top-tier performance on state and college readiness assessments, SBISD consistently demonstrates excellence in serving its diverse student body, ensuring that every student is equipped to succeed.
The Good Reason Houston Dashboard, also affirms SBISD as a leader in academic progress in the Houston area. The Texas Education Agency has ranked SBISD in the 92nd percentile in Relative Performance when compared to nearly 100 districts like SBISD. As evidence of the district's commitment to the whole child, SBISD has been named a Texas Art Education Association District of Distinction for four consecutive years (2021-2024).
"Being named one of only five finalists for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award is a significant recognition of our ongoing efforts to provide high-quality educational opportunities for every student in Spring Branch," Dr. Blaine added. "While we are proud of our progress, we are even more excited about the future and the opportunities ahead."
SBISD's commitment to excellence is evidenced by the district’s outstanding performance across multiple academic indicators:
- Top Performance Across Multiple Measures: In 2024, SBISD outperformed both state and regional averages on STAAR, achieving up to 11 points higher in every subject tested. The district’s relative performance climbed to the 92nd percentile, its highest ever.
- Focused and Structured Support for Student Growth: SBISD’s robust system of assessments, real-time data analysis, and targeted interventions ensure that Every Child receives the necessary support to succeed. Formative assessments, personalized action plans, and continuous monitoring help track and guide student progress throughout the year.
- Early Literacy and College Readiness: SBISD’s early literacy initiatives have led to significant gains, including a 14-point increase in phonics decoding and an 11-point increase in phonics encoding for Kindergarten students. Additionally, the district’s college readiness programs consistently surpass state and national averages, with notable increases in PSAT, SAT, and AP/IB results.*
About the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
The H-E-B Excellence in Education Award is Texas' largest monetary awards program for educators. Since its inception in 2002, the program has awarded over $13 million to outstanding teachers, principals, school districts, and early childhood facilities across the state. The awards celebrate the dedication, innovation, and hard work of educators who are making a lasting impact on students' lives.
#SBISDProud
*Texas Academic Performance Reports
Read the H-E-B Press Release on this announcement here.
Contact: Linda Buchman
Associate Superintendent for Communications & Community Engagement
Spring Branch Independent School District
Email: linda.buchman@springbranchisd.com
Website: www.springbranchisd.com
- 2024-2025
Woodview Elementary Opens Its Doors with Grand Celebration
Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) celebrated the grand opening of Woodview Elementary on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Rebuilt under the district’s 2017 Bond Program, the new school boasts 104,094 square-feet of learning space in a beautifully designed structure reflecting earth tones and natural light. Students returned to their new campus on January 7, and this week’s Grand Opening Ceremony brought together a standing-room-only crowd to mark the completion of this long-anticipated project.
A Modern Campus for 700 Students
The newly rebuilt Woodview Elementary replaces the original structure from 1958, designed as a collection of separate buildings. The new footprint consolidates everything under one roof, offering a more connected and flexible learning environment. The school accommodates 700 students and includes 35 instructional spaces, including 32 classrooms and three special education classrooms.
“This new campus will provide our students with the modern spaces they need to succeed,” said Jennifer Blaine, SBISD Superintendent of Schools. “We’re excited to see how these new facilities will support learning, collaboration, and creativity.”
Design Focused on Flexibility and Collaboration
The project was a collaboration between SBISD, Stantec, and a Project Advisory Team made up of staff, parents, and community members. Brookstone Construction managed the project from start to finish.
The building features flexible classrooms with modern technology designed to enhance collaboration and support various learning styles. Located at the heart of the school, the Media Center connects to other grade-level classrooms and collaborative spaces. Large windows throughout the building provide views of the outdoors, helping to integrate nature with the learning environment. View project recap here.
A central courtyard offers a dedicated space for outdoor learning, with a covered pavilion and direct access to art and science classrooms. The design also preserves mature trees around the playground and playfield, creating a secure, inviting outdoor space for students.
Improved Traffic Flow and Community Connection
The new campus also addresses practical needs. Separate traffic flows for parents, buses, and visitors will reduce congestion on Bunker Hill Road. The school includes a Multipurpose Room for large events and ensures a safe, accessible environment for students, staff, and visitors.
“This campus is a huge step forward for our community,” said Travis Stanford, SBISD Associate Superintendent of Operations. “We’re proud of the work done here, and we’re excited to see how these new spaces will benefit our students and the larger community.”
A Ceremony to Remember
As guests entered the campus, they were welcomed by the Spring Woods High School Cheerleaders, Drumline and Pep Band, representing the Woodview feeder pattern. The ceremony featured Woodview Student Council members reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge as the Guthrie Center NJROTC Color Guard presented the colors. Over 120 Woodview Beagle Choir members from 2nd and 3rd grades performed musical numbers, and local elected representatives were on hand to offer congratulations. Dr. Blaine, Principal Irma Garner and other community members delivered heartfelt remarks and shared their appreciation for the community’s support of the 2017 Bond Project that made this possible.
Principal Garner expressed her enthusiasm for the new school. “This school is built for learning and community,” she said. “It’s a place where students can explore, collaborate, and grow.”
Following the ribbon cutting, attendees enjoyed refreshments and self-guided tours of the campus.
Visit the 2017 Bond page for more information on this project.
- Bond 2017