Congrats to Roy Sprague
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD COO Roy Sprague, a longtime CHPS board member, is retiring after 26 years with the district.
(Note: CHPS Board Vice-Chair Roy Sprague is retiring in summer 2023 after 26 years with the Cypress-Fairbanks school district. He will continue working with the CHPS board. The following is an appreciation by fellow board member Irene Nigaglioni.)
I have had the pleasure to know Roy Sprague for over 25 years, and am excited for him in his retirement as he is the hardest working person I have ever met. Roy has set the standard for school planning, design, construction and operations, creating innovative environments, with a keen eye for ensuring all details are addressed, and always focused on student success and community inclusion in the process. Due to his long lasting impact on improving the places where students learn, he was recently named the namesake for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD’s newest middle school (pictured below with principal Elizabeth Bradley). Working with Roy was by far the best education I have ever received, and I consider him my biggest mentor, and dear friend.
Roy is not only a great friend, but an amazing husband, father and grandfather. He and his wife Cindy have been married for 39 years, have two sons, Tommy and Michael, and one grandson, Evan. He was born in New Orleans (which is why we call him the Crazy Cajun) and attended LSU where he earned his architectural degree. Roy got to Texas as fast as he could, and has been working in the Cypress Fairbanks School District since 1997, which is when we first met. Our first opportunity to work together was a little rocky, as we were wrapping up construction on Cypress Springs HS, which he felt was not substantially complete while I thought it was. Of course, Roy won that battle, and has won every battle ever since!
Roy has served and chaired several educational facility organization boards, sharing his leadership and expertise on educational facility planning and operations. His expertise was recognized as he earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern Region of the Association of Learning Environments (A4LE). He also earned fellow status from A4LE. Roy is an avid golfer and bowler. Chances are that if you travel to a conference with Roy in the state of Texas, he will probably have his bowling ball and shoes in the car in case an impromptu bowling game happens! Just know he doesn’t like to share his bowling ball or shoes with others.
Many people are curious about what Roy will do next, as he is always busy and willing to do more. I know he is not a fan of snakes, so perhaps he’ll spend some time escaping possible snake attacks (there have been some sightings at his home), or perhaps he will spend some time golfing with his close friends. One thing is for certain: Roy will enjoy quality time with his family and enjoy his new role as a grandfather. On behalf of the CHPS Board, we wish him the best and congratulate him on a long, successful and very impactful career.
Roy Sprague in front of his namesake school with principal Elizabeth Bradley.