Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Spring Branch ISD Board President Lisa Andrews Alpe has released this statement on behalf of the SBISD Board of Trustees related to the contract extension for Superintendent Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D. 

“The SBISD Board of Trustees is pleased to announce their vote on Monday, March 3 extending the contract of Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools through June 30, 2030. This contract extension represents the maximum five-year term allowed by law.

"Dr. Blaine continues to lead SBISD with exceptional focus, clarity and commitment to Every Child. Her outstanding leadership over the past year and a half to keep student achievement at the forefront while navigating the most difficult budget challenges the district has faced in decades, affirms how truly fortunate we are to have Dr. Blaine at the helm of our school district.

“Last fall, the district proudly announced that SBISD has reached the 92nd percentile in District Relative Performance using STAAR and CCMR (College, Career and Military Readiness) data, our highest level since the Texas Education Agency (TEA) began tracking this data in 2013. This statewide comparison to nearly 100 districts with similar percentages of economically disadvantaged students underscores the impact of sustained focus on reading, math, student supports and Career and Technical Education - the priorities Dr. Blaine has emphasized consistently since becoming superintendent of schools in July 2019. 

"TEA-approved Industry-certifications earned by SBISD students soared to 1,666 last year, a record high, representing year-over-year growth of 25 percent. At the same time, the percentage of students earning a CCMR designation grew by ten percentage points, to 73 percent, also a new district record. This record of achievement and growth led to SBISD being named a 2025 CTE District of Distinction, an honor only bestowed on only 38 districts statewide.

“SBISD’s student achievement is also being recognized nationally. The district’s outstanding success was recently spotlighted by researchers at the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University and the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University in their Education Recovery Scorecard, based on the Spring 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). According to the Scorecard, SBISD was a national standout on the NAEP assessment and was listed in the report among districts with the “biggest gains” in both reading and math. Conversely, data for the state and similar Texas districts showed declines over the same 2019-2024 period.

“In addition to this national spotlight on SBISD, the district’s recent recognition as a 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Large District Finalist punctuates the continued growth and success our students and schools are experiencing under Dr. Blaine’s leadership. We could not be more proud. 

“Affirming Dr. Blaine’s commitment to well-rounded experiences for our students, SBISD was named a Texas Art Education Association District of Distinction for the fourth year in a row. 

“In expanded partnerships with higher education partners, under Dr. Blaine's leadership, SBISD launched the new RISE College Academy at Northbrook High School, affording high school students the opportunity to concurrently earn a two-year degree while also having a robust high school experience. In partnership with Houston Community College and UH-Victoria, SBISD launched THRIVE, a program through which 40 paraprofessionals will pursue degrees to become future SBISD educators. 

“Last year, while sustaining focus on academic achievement and student success, Dr. Blaine brought forward data-informed recommendations to close the district's $35 million budget gap. Dr. Blaine's methodical process to identify system-wide efficiencies and make budget reduction announcements as early as possible positioned SBISD out ahead of other districts in the region, where $850 million in collective cuts were ultimately announced last spring. Her budget-related communications and engagement earned her the 2024 National School Public Relations Association's Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award.

“Progress on SBISD’s 2017 and 2022 Bond programs continued as well, with four major rebuild/remodel projects completed on time, and punctuated with the ground breakings for the Guthrie Center and Agricultural Science Center last spring.

“Importantly, Dr. Blaine maintained a relentless focus on safety and security, the district's highest priority. Under Dr. Blaine's leadership, enhanced safety measures were identified and implemented, millions of dollars in safety-related grants were awarded, and the SBISD Police continued to expand the number of officers on the force.

"We are grateful to Dr. Blaine for her continued leadership, service and deep commitment to excellence on behalf of the students, staff, families and taxpayers of Spring Branch ISD.”

Dr. Blaine has been an educator for more than 34 years in roles including principal, associate superintendent over three different divisions, and now, superintendent.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education with a specialization in reading from the University of Iowa, and a master’s degree and a doctorate in educational administration and educational leadership, respectively, both from Sam Houston State University.

#SBISDProud