Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) is celebrating 20 years of SBISD Good Neighbors by sharing stories throughout the year that honor the many community partners and individuals whose generosity, kindness and support have positively impacted the district for decades.

Born from Grassroots Care

The Good Neighbor Program grew out of grassroots efforts as district and campus leaders, trustees, parents, local businesses, non-profits and faith communities were building bridges. Neighbors wanted to help  — stocking food pantries, mentoring students, and supporting families in myriad ways – and the Good Neighbor Program provided the structure, purpose and recognition opportunities to bring added meaning to their efforts.

One of the earliest models came from Westwood Elementary, where then-principal Cheryl Glasser’s “SWAN” (Spring Woods Area Network) group of area residents and businesses met monthly to identify ways to strengthen their school community.

A similar Community Action Network (CAN) was at work in the Landrum Middle School area, led by then-trustee Susan Kellner and Brenda Stardig, who, at the time, was part of Houston City Council Member Tony Lawrence’s Apartment Taskforce working to increase collaboration in the area. Another CAN was engaged in the Stratford area. 

Building on this momentum, in 2005, the district was approached by these and other dedicated community members to develop a recognition program that would encourage civic engagement and strengthen our collective sense of community. 

With their input, and with initial funding from the Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF), SBISD launched the Good Neighbor Program to promote, support and recognize broad-based community engagement efforts to strength and unify the SBISD community, promote civic pride and increase support for SBISD schools.

The aim was to recognize what neighbors and schools were already creating together — built on the belief that we truly are better together.  

The premise then, as now 20 years later, is that our schools and our communities are inextricably linked, with each dependent on the success of the other. The greater aim was, and remains, for the 44 square miles that encompass the SBISD community to be THE place in Houston to live, work, play, raise a family and educate children. 

Growing Together

From its first class of 55 Good Neighbors, the program has expanded into a thriving network of more than 200 active partners —corporations, local businesses, faith communities, nonprofits, civic organizations, and individuals who stand alongside SBISD schools.

Under the leadership of Linda H. Buchman, Associate Superintendent for Communications & Community Engagement, the program has grown with the same philosophy that inspired it: elevating relationships, celebrating stories, and weaving community into the fabric of education.

Lasting Impact

The Good Neighbor Program has:

• In partnership with SBEF,  yielded millions of dollars in scholarships and grants, helping students achieve their dreams.
• Distributed thousands of books to young readers through literacy initiatives.
• Supported families with year-round food pantries, clothing drives, and holiday gifts and cheer.
• Opened doors for students through SpringBoard and Collegiate Challenge mentors, Reading Buddies, CTE partnerships, and career pathways.
• And so much more! Read about our latest 2025 Class of Good Neighbor efforts here. 

“These partnerships are proof that when our community and schools work together, amazing things happen,” said Buchman. “The Good Neighbor Program is a reminder that the heart of education is not just found in classrooms, but in the connections that sustain them.”

Please join us as we thank and celebrate the Class of 2025 Good Neighbors and all those who have partnered with SBISD to have a lasting and immeasurable impact on our students, staff, schools, and community. We are forever grateful. 

For more information, visit www.springbranchisd.com/goodneighbors.