In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy R. York Davoud sits down with Harrison Gillaspy, Principal of Piney Woods Elementary School in Splendora ISD.

Harrison’s leadership journey moved quickly to four schools in one year giving him a unique, on-the-ground understanding of how systems, culture, and clarity impact student learning. Now in his second year as principal, he shares how Piney Woods is strengthening instruction, building alignment, and ensuring every student grows.

From lesson design days to student goal-setting, from culture-building to consistent expectations, Harrison offers a grounded look at what it takes to accelerate improvement while caring deeply for the humans doing the work.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome + Harrison’s whirlwind path to principalship

01:17 From coaching to the classroom — and into leadership

06:18 Remembering year one — blur, strength, and support

17:22 Understanding the school’s data journey

19:08 Refocusing from “bubble kids” to every student’s growth

21:37 Rebuilding grade-level teams for balance and collaboration

22:26 Culture: trust, transparency, and treating teachers as professionals

24:07 Rotating awards that celebrate staff strengths

25:11 The next step: consistency through every season

26:19 “Shocktober” and staying steady during tough months

27:22 How the district calendar supports rest and effectiveness

29:17 Where to learn more about Piney Woods and Splendora ISD

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Harrison brings humility, clarity, and practical insight from a fast-paced leadership journey. You’ll hear how Piney Woods Elementary is:

• Strengthening instruction through intentional lesson design

  
  

• Empowering students to understand and track their own progress

  
  

• Building teacher trust and collaboration

  
  

• Improving culture through transparency and meaningful recognition

  
  

• Staying aligned with district expectations while honoring teacher voice

This episode offers a refreshingly honest look at leading a campus through growth, reset, and renewed momentum.

Connect with Harrison Gillaspy
LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrison-gillaspy-0a3201247
Website: https://pineywoods.splendoraisd.org/

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Wendy 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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