During his time in CFISD, he was named Region 4 Education Service Center Superintendent of the Year and was a finalist for Texas Superintendent of the year. Henry has been heavily involved in the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce and has served as a trustee for the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation Leadership Committee as well as for HCA Houston Healthcare. In late 2021, the board unanimously voted to name the newly opened administration building after Henry.
Henry has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, a Master of Education in administration and a Doctor of Education in administration. He has been an educator for 42 years—32 of which were as a superintendent—and joined CFISD in 2011. Henry and his wife, Cindy Henry, a retired middle school principal, have three children and seven grandchildren.
What will you miss most about serving as superintendent of Cy-Fair ISD?
That’s easy! All of the people and relationships that make up this incredible district—our students, parents, staff and community partners.
How has the district changed since you took on the role 12 years ago?
- Growth—from 107,995 students and 83 campuses to 118,500 students and 95 campuses; very little undeveloped land left
- More diversity
- Formation of district police department and increased focus on school safety
I am proud of so many of our achievements during the past 12 years. These are just a few.
- Although CFISD is the third-largest district in the state, we continue to have a strong sense of community with our neighborhood schools. This was exemplified when the district came together to support the community during Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
- Additionally, the Superintendent’s Fun Run collectively raised more than $1 million for CFEF student scholarships in the past 10 years. This endowment will positively impact students for years and years to come.
- Passing nearly $3 billion in bonds in 2014 and 2019 to significantly address student growth, facility renovations, transportation upgrades, and safety and security enhancements
- Received largest “A rated” district in Texas recognition in 2022
I feel an enormous sense of responsibility for the 118,000+ students and 19,000+ employees all day, every day, and the potential impact of the decisions I make on each of these individuals. Whether I am in the office or on vacation, I am working with and for our district.
What notable challenges stand out in your mind as you reflect on your career in CFISD?
- COVID[-19] pandemic: extremely stressful time to lead a school district as the superintendent, as none of us had ever weathered a global event like this, and local, state and federal leaders were not always in agreement. We were literally building the plane as we flew it while shouldering an enormous responsibility to educate students and ensure the physical and mental health and safety of everyone in our schools and facilities.
- Safety and security concerns: Mass shootings at schools around the nation, such as Sandy Hook, Santa Fe and Uvalde, led to the need to review, evaluate and improve our safety protocols and facility improvements, such as the formation of our own police department and adding secure vestibules, classroom phones, lockdown buttons, playground fencing, etc.
- Value of public education: continued fight to ensure that the public understands the importance of educating all children
This is my home! My three children and (soon to be) eight grandchildren all live in the area. From the high quality of the hospitals, to the strong business relationships, to the active involvement of the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, Cy-Fair is where I chose to work, and it’s where I choose to retire. Cindy and I are also proud to have a strong church family at Bear Creek Baptist Church. I always say “Cy-Fair is a destination district.”
Why did you decide to retire now?
I’ve had a 42-year career in education with 32 years as a superintendent. All of my retired superintendent friends told me I would know when the time was right—I know I’ve reached that time.
What are you most looking forward to in this next stage of life?
- More freedom to travel
- Continuing to support public education in a different role, though not as a superintendent
Focus on people. Students, staff, families. A superintendent is a relationship person. If you continue to keep people first, you build trust, you navigate challenges better, and you ultimately have success.
What are your hopes for the future of the school district?
- Development of students into good citizens
- Strong academics and a rich array of extracurricular activities
- Employees who continue to have a passion for serving students
