Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Spring Branch ISD is home to amazing principals who lead their school’s students and staff to success daily.

During National Principals Month in October, we take the time to recognize their dedicated leadership to building a strong academic foundation for Every Child. 

Be sure to thank your principal for his or her leadership during National Principals Month and throughout the year! 

Celebrating the 2021 Principals of the Year

Two exemplary leaders in SBISD are our 2021 Principals of the Year, Hollibrook Elementary School’s Anabel Taylor and Stratford High School’s Raymorris Barnes. 

SBISD Principals of the Year are nominated by their principal peers based on several key criteria including, but not limited to, concern for all staff and students, the ability to inspire both groups, and willingness to make meaningful contributions to education.

Elementary Principal of the Year
Anabel Taylor, Hollibrook Elementary School

When surprised at her campus in early 2021 with the Elementary Teacher of the Year award, Anabel Taylor cried tears of joy as her colleagues surrounded her, cheering, and clapping.  

“I am honored. This is an amazing recognition that gives me an opportunity to shine some light on the work our teachers do each and every day,” she said. 

“Teaching gives us an opportunity to ensure a solid academic beginning for our young students. We empower young minds to create a vision for their future, and for a few years we guard and mold that vision. Our work guarantees the beginning of a successful and productive life while providing the best education we can possibly give students.”

Principal Taylor graduated from University of Houston-Downtown as a bilingual teacher and holds a master’s degree from University of Houston. A 21-year veteran of Spring Branch ISD, she has held several roles in the district including a middle school assistant principal and now, elementary principal. 

“My inspiration, motivation, and passion come from the students we serve. Every day they show us that even when life gets hard, everything is possible,” she said. 

Secondary Principal of the Year
Raymorris Barnes, Stratford High School

Since becoming the principal of Stratford, Barnes’ light has shined bright as he continues to lead his campus through a time of challenges and opportunities. 

“It is an honor to be selected [as Secondary Principal of the Year],” he said. “The resolve of our principals is tested every day we go through this pandemic while trying to educate our students and deal with the ongoing personal crisis many families are facing. I am humbled beyond words that my colleagues and friends thought enough of my body of work to nominate me for this award.”

A 10-year SBISD administrator, Morris has previously served in leadership roles as an assistant principal, principal and in the central office. He holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree, both from Rice University. 

Barnes credits the Spartan community for campus success. 

“The support and belief from our community that we have an incredible high school…that’s Spartan Pride! I love our potential to get better in every area. We recognize the high number of achievements our students reach  annually, but with the right motivation and a few strategic moves, we can definitely push Stratford higher on a national level. Our upside is tremendous, and I am excited to be a part of the new successes of Stratford High School.” 

List of all principals/directors by campus