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