Principal for a Day 2025 offered the community a rare, inside look at what teaching and learning truly look like across New Caney ISD and Splendora ISD. What began as a simple morning gathering quickly became a meaningful bridge between schools and the broader business community—one that left guests impressed, inspired, and eager to stay involved.

Participants arrived early at Randall Reed Stadium’s Community Room, greeted by a warm check-in and a breakfast prepared by Splendora High School’s culinary students. Many guests admitted they weren’t entirely sure what they had signed up for. That uncertainty didn’t last long.


Cady Mulkey arrives ready for the day and boards the bus headed to Splendora Junior High School

Greater EMC Chamber President & CEO Mark Linabury opened the morning with a welcome, followed by remarks from New Caney ISD Superintendent Matt Calvert and Splendora ISD Superintendent Dr. Dustin Bromley. Afterward, attendees boarded school buses and headed to their assigned campuses: Peach Creek Elementary, Splendora Junior High, Highlands Elementary, and West Fork High School.
What greeted them was far more than a tour.


Cheerleaders and Basketball players from Splendora Junior High enthusiastically put their school spirit on full display for the arriving Principal for a Day visitors

From drumlines and cheer squads to student-led panels, schools put their best forward—but they also showed their real, everyday work. One participant remarked, “It was so much more than I expected,” noting the intentional design of classrooms, sensory-support areas, and hands-on learning spaces. Another said, “I was overwhelmed by the amount of opportunities the school district has given students with their career paths.”
 

Splendora Junior High students share their student experience with community members in a student led panel discussion

The most memorable interactions came from students themselves. At several campuses, confident fifth-grade leaders greeted guests with firm handshakes, poised communication, and surprising maturity. “All of them said, ‘I think respect encompasses everything,’” one attendee shared. “They looked us in the eye. They treated us like adults.”

For business leaders, these moments weren’t just impressive—they were eye-opening. Many employers in attendance already hire graduates from these districts and spoke to the strong preparation they see. “They come prepared for the interview, they know the company, and they show real enthusiasm,” one business owner said. “That’s rare today.”

Campus tours highlighted robust academic programs, CTE pathways, and leadership opportunities. Guests appreciated seeing firsthand how facilities support a range of learners and future professions. These weren’t generic classrooms; they were purposefully designed environments where students explore interests and build real-world skills.


Culinary Program students from West Fork High School proudly stand behind a lunch buffet they prepared and are ready to serve to the Principal for a Day group as they return from their campus visits

After the campus visits, buses returned participants for lunch prepared and served by West Fork High School’s culinary students. Over their meals, guests shared reflections. One attendee put it simply: “They were very real with me. I felt like they weren’t just putting on a show—we were seeing their day-to-day life.”


Michael Aybar sentimentally shares his noteworthy reflections from the day with other program participants

By the end of the experience, several themes emerged: transparency builds trust, direct engagement changes perceptions, and schools are developing students who are ready—truly ready—for life and work. District leaders, campus staff, and attendees all expressed excitement about continuing and expanding Principal for a Day in the years to come.

For more information about Principal for a Day or other Chamber events, contact:

Tracie Kamenoff, Director of Events and Marketing
Tracie@gemcchamber.com
281-354-0051
 
This event and all Chamber events are proudly supported by funding from EMCID’s Community Development Grant.