From left: Texas ESGR Northern Region Director Wyvette McLendon, National ESGR Executive Director Retired Command Sergeant Major John Sampa, CISD Trustee and Board Secretary Jobby Mathew, Lieutenant Colonel Esther Gomez Splawn, Interim Superintendent Doug Williams and Texas ESGR Committee Chair Retired Major General Rick Noriega.

CISD Presented with U.S. Department of Defense Freedom Award on Sept. 16

Coppell ISD

September 17, 2025

Coppell ISD was recognized on Sept. 16 at the Irving Convention Center with the 2025 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest honor given by the U.S. government to employers who support members of the National Guard and Reserve. CISD is one of only 15 employers nationwide — and the only school district in the country — to receive this prestigious award, joining companies such as GE Aerospace, GM Financial and Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The district was nominated by Lieutenant Colonel Esther Gomez Splawn, a Coppell High School special education teacher and Marine Corps Reservist and Commander, for its strong commitment to supporting employees who serve. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Freedom Award, with nearly 1,700 nominations submitted nationwide.