Spring Branch ISD Featured News

As the Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) controller, David Bender loves to crunch numbers and balance budgets.

David’s commitment to SBISD goes far beyond the bottom line; he has a deep-rooted passion for contributing to the community and ensuring students thrive. Understanding that every budget line and financial decision impacts the classroom, student programs, and essential resources, David is driven by a genuine desire to make a difference.

“It’s rewarding to know that our work in finance supports the district’s overall goals of setting up students for academic success. Every dollar managed wisely is an investment in students’ futures,” he said.

Before joining SBISD, David was a partner at a large accounting firm—a job that kept him busy but not necessarily fulfilled. Drawn by the opportunity to make a difference, he applied for the SBISD controller position and,13 years later, hasn’t looked back.

Aside from ensuring that all employees and vendors are paid and that budgets are created and closely monitored, he and his team carry out an even greater responsibility: to be wise stewards of taxpayers’ dollars so that students in SBISD receive a quality education.

“Our team has an obligation to be ethical and fiscally responsible with funds,” said David. “We are spending the public’s money, which should not be taken lightly. The community is counting on us to be smart with our resources so that students in the district receive the education they so richly deserve.”

Fueled by the critical work he and his team carry out for the district, David also draws energy from his colleagues and direct reports. Together, they find immense satisfaction in sorting through various challenges and putting everything together so that every corner of the district has what it needs to succeed and provide the best possible learning environments for students to excel.

Whether allocating funds for new technology, supporting extracurricular programs, or addressing facility improvements, he and his team aim to ensure resources reach the areas that can benefit students the most. This is not just about numbers; it’s about seeing how those numbers impact students and the SBISD community as a whole. It's about providing the best possible learning environments for students to excel and ensuring that every student in SBISD has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Beyond his immediate team, David attributes his motivation to SBISD’s supportive culture, which values collaboration and teamwork. He’s proud of the district’s mission to nurture each student’s potential, helping them soar and grow. It's this collaborative spirit that allows them to make the best use of resources and ensure that every student in SBISD receives the education they deserve.

“Every day, we’re building on the strengths of every child, instilling a belief that they can achieve more than they think possible,” he said. “I’m honored and proud to be a part of that process.”

#SBISDProud