Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Superintendent Meets the Student Press

Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri briefed student journalists recently on district academics, the bond program and safety and security.

High school and middle school journalists gathered in the boardroom at the Wayne F. Schaper Sr. Leadership Center to hear Dr. Muri’s briefing and to ask questions of the superintendent.

Those questions ranged from the bond to safety and security to student “vaping.” Specific questions included:

• What do you think is the cause of the recent spike in mental health issues?
• Who funds CIS counselors?
• How will we make sure our staff mirrors the diversity of the students?
• How do we make sure that those who are economically disadvantaged aren’t disadvantaged in the classroom?

During his briefing, Dr. Muri told the students that despite some setbacks – such as Hurricane Harvey – SBISD had a good year academically, exceeding state and national averages on the ACT and SAT and closing gaps between groups of learners.

The 2017  bond program, he said, includes a technology device for every secondary student, new musical instruments and turf fields at the four comprehensive high school in addition to the schools that are being replaced. The bond program also provides for enhanced safety and security measures across the district through technology and renovations – and brighter lighting in parking lots and other outdoor areas.

Beyond that, he said, are other safety and security measures including an additional police officer for each comprehensive high school and Westchester Academy for International Studies, vigilant social media threat monitoring and an increased emphasis on mental health issues and the social/emotional needs of students.

Dr. Muri generally holds a fall and a spring news conference with student journalists.