National School Foundation Association names Spring ISD's Rodney Watson 2021 Superintendent of the Year

The National School Foundation Association has named Spring ISD's Rodney Watson its 2021 Superintendent of the Year, SISD officials announced in a news release Feb. 24.

According to the release, the award is designed to recognize a superintendent "whose visionary leadership and collaboration develops a partnership with their education foundation which provides every student the opportunity for success."

"Dr. Watson has been great to work with," said Sandra Harper Scott, executive director of the Spring ISD Education Foundation, in a statement. "His partnership and support has been invaluable to the Foundation as we continue to reach out to Spring ISD staff and our community for support. He leads by example when it comes to giving and supporting all of our fundraising efforts. He has allowed the Foundation to expand our visibility and become an active organization within the district and community."

According to the district's website, Watson became the superintendent of SISD in July 2014. Per the release, some of Watson's notable accomplishments over the past six years include the execution of a $330 million bond referendum approved by voters in November 2016, the districtwide launch of full-day prekindergarten, and an increase in the percentage of district students who take Advanced Placement exams, among others.

"Dr. Watson has excelled in all categories that create a wonderful superintendent for not only the district, but also the community," NSFA President Toba Cohen-Dunning said in a statement. "After learning the accomplishments of Dr. Watson over the past six years, we are not only proud to name him NSFA Superintendent of the Year, but to nationally recognize his inclusivity of equality, support and dedication."

Watson was selected from among 21 nominees submitted by school district education foundations across the U.S. He will accept his award at the NSFA's 16th annual national conference Feb. 26.

"This is truly an honor and reflects the strength of our partnership with the Spring ISD Education Foundation, as well as the leadership of our trustees, who have always shared my belief that the school district is only as strong as the community and the community is only as strong as its schools," Watson said in a statement. "We have achieved much by working together and I know we'll continue to make progress by keeping our focus on how to best serve our students, families and community."