Spring Branch was organized into an independent school district in 1946, shortly after Superintendent H.M. Landrum returned from World War II. This moment set the course for a remarkable period of growth for the newly-minted Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD).
Under Dr. Landrum’s tenure, SBISD became one of the most innovative school districts in the state and the nation. A combination of leadership, vision, and innovation led to peak enrollment in 1976 of just over 41,000 students – up from 350 students in 1946. The student population grew quickly; SBISD opened at least one new school every year to keep up.
Enrollment dipped through the 1980s to approximately 24,000 in 1988 but has risen and remained between 33,000 and 35,000 the past few years.
SBISD embraces a range of diverse school communities in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas. District schools educate children from all over the world, and student populations reflect the increasing diversity of Texas and the nation. The district encompasses 44 square miles of wooded suburbs and vibrant business and retail districts west of downtown Houston in Harris County along I-10, the Katy Freeway.
Throughout its history, Spring Branch ISD has remained committed to the legacy established by Dr. Landrum. From volunteer support at campus and district levels to district bond programs that have rebuilt many of SBISD’s schools and facilities, providing an excellent educational experience for Every Child remains a touchstone of the SBISD experience.
