In a continuing effort to cover our area schools, while also introducing our readers to fellow members of the Lake Highlands community, LH Today recently launched a new series of interviews with school administrators.

Our hope is that everyone will enjoy the opportunity to learn more about these local leaders, each dedicated to steering our schools to continued success.

The first interview in the series featured a visit with Merriman Park Elementary principal, Laurie Taylor.

Our second interview features Stults Road Elementary principal, Darwin Spiller.

Voscia Walker recently sat down with Mr. Spiller to learn more about him and what Voscia calls "the best kept secret in Lake Highlands."

One of the luxuries of living in the Lake Highlands community is certainly its selection of great schools.

Spiller, originally from Chicago, has worked at Stults Road Elementary (SRE) for fourteen years.

For the last seven he has served as the principal and leader of this Lake Highlands school.

"I played school as a child," says principal Spiller.

"I love the fact that I am living out one of my long-term dreams."

Spiller attended graduate school at the University of Texas at Arlington and majored in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

When Spiller isn’t leading his teachers, encouraging his students, or meeting with parents, he enjoys exercising, working in his yard, and playing spades and dominoes with his friends.

When asked if he could go anywhere in the world, his response was simply "a resort on a remote island."

Throughout the hallways of SRE you will find, as Spiller explains, "expressions of high efficacy," including encouraging quotes such as "We have high expectations for both students and staff" and "We are fired up about what we are doing!"

In 2007, Spiller received notice that Stults Road had earned an exemplary rating for the first time since the school opened in 1961.

"When we made it across the line, we were worn out," says Spiller. "It was also exhilarating and rewarding. Our hard work had paid off!"

SRE has maintained its exemplary status for four consecutive years.

One might think that leading a school and striving to maintain this level of achievement would be enough to keep him busy, but Spiller also found time to implement the Stults Road Supplementary Mentoring Program for young men at his school.

"It breaks my heart to see young people misguided as they progress through life," he explains.

"I accepted the responsibility to provide a 'moment of significance' into the lives of these young people and to help them get their direction and focus back."

SRE also recently received national recognition, as it was named a 2010 National Title I Distinguished School.

Curious to know why the accomplishments at SRE seem to have been overlooked in the community, I asked for Spiller's insight.

"After May 27th, everyone will know about Stults Road Elementary!"

"It’s going to be a full day of celebrations! We're having a community parade, entertainment, and a presentation from the Texas Education Agency."

Following next week's celebration, Spiller just might need a trip to that remote island resort!

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Watch for more interviews with local school leaders coming soon to People & Places. Interested in seeing your principal featured? Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)