Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Spring Branch Elementary Principal David Rodriguez and Spring Woods High School Principal Jennifer Collier were recently named Spring Branch ISD’s Elementary and Secondary Principals of the Year.

On Feb. 14, Dr. Jennifer Blaine, SBISD Superintendent of Schools, revealed the two winners during a surprise announcement at a monthly principal’s meeting.

Watch the special announcement:

Principals of the Year from SBISD on Vimeo.

Special thanks to SBISD partner Sterling McCall Auto Group/Group 1 Automotive for providing the Principal of the Year winners with special gift boxes in appreciation of their work to further education in and outside the classroom.

SBISD Principals of the Year are nominated by their principal peers, based on several key criteria:

• Concern for all staff and students and the ability to inspire both groups
• Ability and willingness to work cooperatively with all staff and administrators
• Proven drive to initiate and implement effective strategies supporting continuous improvement in student performance
• Ability to work with diverse community groups and all district stakeholders
• Proven desire for continuous personal and professional growth
• Ability and willingness to make meaningful contributions to education

Daily, these principals demonstrate not only exemplary leadership but also a commitment to Every Child they serve. With their love, pride and dedication, these leaders are the embodiment of the district's Core Values and model the Core Characteristics of a T-2-4 Ready Graduate that SBISD aims to instill in students.

Elementary Principal of the Year

David Rodriguez, Spring Branch Elementary

In his third year as principal of Spring Branch Elementary (SBE), David Rodriguez continues leading the school to new heights, getting daily inspiration from the teachers and staff. 

“They are dedicated, hardworking educators who care to make a difference and are changing the trajectory of our students' lives,” he said. “Our goal is to change the world together.”    

His entire 27-year career spent in Spring Branch ISD, Rodriguez has previously served as a teacher at Housman and Shadow Oaks elementary schools, reading interventionist and assistant principal at Treasure Forest Elementary and principal at Buffalo Creek Elementary.

On being nominated as Elementary Principal of the Year by his peers Rodriguez shared, “I am in awe of the amazing work my colleagues do for their schools and students. To be selected by them to represent the elementary principals is quite an honor.”

While there are many things to love about SBE, Rodriguez claims, “Our students are what I love most about our school! Every year I make sure to tell them that they are my favorite part of being a principal. I explain that it’s because I amazed by their capacity to learn every day to do and be their best. They will grow up to change and lead the world. We just need to be sure to tap into that capacity daily, so they reach their potential. I love being a part of that!”    

Rodriguez holds a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Houston and a bachelor’s degree in theater from Angelo State University.

Secondary Principal of the Year

Jennifer Collier, Spring Woods High School

A 19-year veteran of Spring Branch ISD, Jennifer Collier has spent her entire professional career in the district. For seven of those years, she has served as principal of Spring Woods High School (SWHS), working to foster a school culture that embodies their campus motto, All Means All.

Prior to becoming the principal of SWHS, she held several roles including teaching at Memorial and Spring Forest middle schools, assistant/associate principal at SWHS and principal/director of Westchester Academy for International Studies.

“This is an incredible honor, especially since the award is from my colleagues whom I respect and look up to,” Collier noted after the surprise announcement. “It is an amazing recognition because it really recognizes the incredible work that happens within the walls of SWHS daily. The teachers and children are AMAZING, and I am so honored to receive this award as it is a reflection of them and the incredible work they do with and for children daily.”

Collier was also previously named Spring Branch ISD’s Secondary Principal of the Year in February 2020.

Daily, her inspiration to excel in her role comes from her students. “Their future is so bright, and the fact that I can play any part in their journey is what drives me to continue each day,” she noted. “To see our Tigers become successful and the best version of themselves is just an incredible honor.”

Collier holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Houston and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Lamar University.