As the 2021-22 school year comes to a close, Pearland Independent School District will bid farewell to longtime and cherished Senior Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education, Dr. Brenda Waters, who is set to retire.
After dedicating 45 years to public education, 39 of those with the district, Dr. Waters thinks of Pearland as home. She began her journey in education in Friendswood and joined Pearland ISD in 1983 as a math teacher at Jamison Middle School because of the unique concept the district offered to fifth and sixth graders. “Not many districts followed this rare concept of an elementary and middle school, for me, giving students the extra support before transitioning was something I felt very strongly about.” Growing up, Dr. Waters spent a lot of time helping other students in her neighborhood which is where the devoted servant leader first came to understand her true passion for education. “Teachers and students alike need hope, they need help. When you speak positivity into people’s lives and tell them they will succeed, it shows,” Dr. Waters said. “Parents are busier than they have ever been and it truly takes a village; Pearland ISD is that village.” Dr. Waters believes in building character and has devoted a majority of her time to various programs and clubs as a teacher, among her favorites were Celebrity Readers, RISE Mentoring and Math club, to name a few.
Following a decade of service in teaching, she accepted the role as assistant principal at Shadycrest Elementary where her daughter attended. In 1992, Dr. Waters went on to become the school’s principal.
Dr. Waters also left her mark and led the way for future leaders. In 2002, she worked with architects to design Silvercrest Elementary, serving as Silvercrest’s first principal. She was able to see the district grow and flourish from seven schools, an administration building and a transportation facility to 23 campuses, five facilities, two transportation buildings, one agricultural and one maintenance & operations facility, as well as an Education Support Center.
In 2003, Dr. Waters joined the administration team as Executive Director of Elementary Schools. During her tenure, she not only helped to rebuild the foundation of elementary education for the district, but she also served the community alongside her peers after catastrophic events such as Hurricanes Rita, Ike, Harvey and, most recently, witnessed the biggest change in education her career has experienced with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The strides of progress that started with Dr. Waters will continue forward under the leadership of Marlo Keller. “Her legacy that began in August of 1983 will be carried on – a legacy that has now impacted thousands of students and families,” Pearland ISD Superintendent Larry Berger said. “Her constant support and encouragement, her commitment to education and love for Pearland will truly be missed.”
Dr. Waters’ last day as Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Schools is set for the end of June. She looks forward to spending time with family and returning to the classroom, this time, walking the halls as a volunteer to continue serving her beloved district.
