Senior Administration

Head of School – Mr. Stephen J. Novotny, J.D. has enjoyed a career of providing successful leadership to organizations in the fields of law, the military, business, and education. As Head of School for Cypress Christian School, Mr. Novotny emphasizes the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of the educational environment as the proper means to honor the Lord Jesus Christ.  Mr. Novotny has a track record of focusing on serving others and helping organizations achieve greater levels of effectiveness in their mission. As an attorney, Mr. Novotny has represented and advised corporations from the very top of the Fortune 500 list to small, privately owned companies. Prior to his work in law, Christian ministry, and education, Mr. Novotny served as an officer in the United States Army, leading and training combat arms units, and was also qualified as an Airborne Paratrooper.

  • Bachelor of Science, Liberty University
  • Juris Doctorate, Baylor University School of Law
  • Active Member of the State Bar of Texas
  • Active Member of the Washington State Bar
  • Admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Southern District of Texas
  • Admitted and qualified as an Attorney and Counselor of the Supreme Court of the United States
  • Distinguished Military Graduate, Liberty University
  • Honor Graduate, U.S. Army Air Defense Officer’s School

 
High School Principal / Chief Academic Officer – Dr. Glenn Holzman has over 35 years in public and private education as teacher, principal, and Head of School. Dr. Holzman and his wife Judy have two grown children. His heart for ministry and his academic credentials and experience (shown below) are an asset to the school.

  • Ph.D Educational Administration, Iowa State University
  • M.Ed Educational Administration, University of Wyoming
  • B.A. Special Education, 1976, University of N. Colorado
  • B.S. Business/Marketing, 1973, University of Colorado
  • Superintendent of Shiloh Christian School in Arkansas
  • Head of School for Northwest Academy, Houston
  • Adjunct professor for the Graduate School Education at Liberty University


Elementary School Principal / General Administrator - Mr. Robert White holds ACSI certifications as both a superintendent and as a principal, and he has served as an elementary principal, high school principal, and head of school for a multi-campus Christian school district of over 670 students. His strong experience at every level of Christian school administration enables him to effectively lead and to help organizations achieve excellence in their mission.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Pensacola Christian College
  • Master of Science in Educational Administration from Pensacola Christian College
  • Master of Ministry from Northwest Baptist Seminary
  • ACSI Certified as a Superintendent and Principal
  • Member of the Principals Association of Christian Schools


Middle School Principal – Mrs. Iva Nell Rhea serves in this capacity in addition
to teaching Middle School English. She has been affiliated with CCS in various roles since 1986. Mrs. Rhea has a special interest in and love for middle school students and enjoys seeing God work in them to produce young men and women of strong faith who can engage the world for Christ.Her credentials and experience are as follows:

  • Bachelor of Science from Carson-Newman College, a Baptist liberal arts college in Tennessee
  • Master of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX 
  • Master of Science in Reading Education from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, TX 
  • ACSI Certification in English and Reading
  • CCS (1986-1994) - Taught Middle School English and History
  • CCS (1992-1994) - Held Administrative Position
  • West Houston Homeschool Co-op (1995-2003) - Taught various English classes
  • Twenty years teaching experience


Dean of Students / Head Boys’ Basketball Coach – Mr. Craig Cleveland has served at Cypress Christian School since 2003 and is entering his fourth year as Dean of Students. Coach Cleveland oversees all disciplinary matters at the secondary level (Grades 6-12) which includes being a mentor/counselor for the students. He also assists Dr. Holzman and Mrs. Rhea in maintaining a positive, safe, and godly atmosphere for the entire campus.  His credentials and experience are as follows:

  • B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from Houston Baptist University
  • Member of Tulsa University Basketball Team
  • Member of Houston Baptist University Basketball Team
  • Athletic Director and Dean of Students at Encourager Christian Academy
  • Interim Principal at Encourager Christian Academy
  • Licensed and Ordained Minister
  • ACSI State of Texas Educators Certificate
  • ACSI Certified as a Secondary Principal


Director of Institutional Advancement / Head Football Coach -  Mr. Jacob Spenn is known to CCS families as an effective coach with a heart for Christian discipleship. In his role as Director of Institutional Advancement, Mr. Spenn works to advance the school’s advertising, fundraising, admissions, communications and development efforts. His academic and professional management background are as follows:

  • Bachelor of Science in Math and Physics/Environmental Science from Taylor University
  • Four-year letterman with the Taylor University Football Team
  • Master of Science from the University of Illinois in Civil and Environmental Engineering,
    specializing in environmental hydrology and hydraulic engineering
  • Texas Professional Licensed Engineer, who has served for more than eight years
    as a project manager with the Harris County Flood Control District overseeing
    major county infrastructure projects, as well as the public affairs and media
    coordination associated with these public projects 


Athletic Director / Coach - Mrs. Marsha Martin has served CCS since 1996.  Her love for the students of Cypress Christian is evident in her roles as Athletic Director, teacher, coach, and friend.  Her credentials and experience are as follows:

  • B.S. in Physical Education/Health Education/Secondary Education from Lamar University
  • ACSI Certification in Physical Education and Health Education
  • State Educators Certification in Physical Education and Health Education
  • Athletic Director (22 years)
  • Youth And Recreation Director at local churches (10 years)
  • Former Band, Bible, and History teacher
  • Former collegiate athlete in basketball and track and field


Business Manager - Mrs. Donna Rhodes, since coming to CCS in 1998, has used her vast experience and education to manage the school finances.  Her credentials and experience are as follows:

  • Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance from University of Houston
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Certified Internal Auditor
  • Employed in Public Accounting (performed audits of schools and not-for-profit organizations for 8 years)
  • Internal Auditor (2 years)
  • General Accounting (4 years)
  • Accounting Experience (Total of 36 years)

 Photos by Signature Studios and G. Michael Photography