In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy R. York Davoud sits down with Carrie Reed, Deputy Superintendent of Splendora ISD in Texas.

Carrie’s story moves from fourth-grade classroom teacher to principal, to briefly leaving public education entirely, and then returning with a renewed sense of purpose — now serving as deputy superintendent in the district where she once graduated and taught.

From opening a brand-new elementary school in the middle of the pandemic to reshaping Splendora’s strategic direction and community-based accountability system, Carrie shares how growth for every student, deep relationships, and authentic community voice guide the district’s work.

Key Moments

10:40 Why Carrie once took out TRS and said she was done with public education

20:18 Connecting growth measures, MAP, and accountability in a practical way

20:58 Implementing new curriculum, including Bluebonnet Math, with fidelity

27:17 Teacher collaboration structures: PLCs and dedicated lesson design time

27:52 Using internalization documents and shared planning to lift all classrooms

36:06 What makes Splendora ISD a special place for students and families

36:35 Carrie’s recruitment pitch from the restaurant table to the classroom

37:38 Gratitude: why she’s thankful for both family and opportunity

Why You’ll Love This Episode
Carrie brings honesty, warmth, and a deeply grounded perspective on what it means to lead at the district level and still see herself as a fourth-grade teacher at heart.This episode offers a powerful look at how one district is aligning systems, people, and heart so that every learner is better prepared for life after graduation.

Connect with Carrie Reed
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-reed
Website: https://www.splendoraisd.org/

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Wendy R. York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they’re turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

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