Mr. Ellis is beginning his 21st year in public education and 12th year in CSISD. The 2025-2026 school year is his first year as principal of China Spring High School. Before becoming CSHS principal, he served 3 years as principal at China Spring Middle School (2022-2025). He served 4 years in assistant principal roles in CSISD at both the middle school (2021-2022) and high school (2018-2021). Before becoming an administrator, he taught English and was the head boys basketball coach (2014-2019). Prior to moving to Texas, he served in the Peoria Unified School District in Arizona from 2005-2014 where he taught English and coached several sports at Ironwood High School.

Mr. Ellis grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and attended Arizona Christian University where he received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education. He graduated from Lamar University in 2017 with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Mr. Ellis is married to Ashley and they have 3 children who attend CSISD schools. In his spare time he loves to play golf and be with his family at home or at the beach.

Hi, I’m Ray Conley, one of the Assistant Principals here at China Spring High School. I’m proud to be part of a campus and community that values excellence, tradition, and strong relationships. Before coming to China Spring, I served as an assistant principal in another Texas district, where I focused on supporting students, families, and teachers through leadership, structure, and encouragement.

I believe every student deserves to feel known, supported, and challenged. My goal each day is to create an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. I strive to live by the words of Rita Pierson, who said, “Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists they become the best they can possibly be.” That mindset shapes the way I lead and support the students and staff at CSHS.

At China Spring High School, I help support student discipline, instructional leadership, campus operations, and extracurricular programs—and I’m always working to build positive, respectful relationships with everyone on campus.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, fishing, and cheering on my favorite sports teams. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the students and staff of China Spring High School and excited about what we’ll accomplish together.

Sara Odajima is excited to serve as Assistant Principal at China Spring High School, bringing 27 years of experience in education. Throughout her career, she’s had the opportunity to work with students from elementary through high school and has taught every grade level in some capacity. These experiences have helped shape her passion for supporting students at all stages of their academic journey and building strong school communities. She has been a proud member of China Spring ISD for the past 12 years.

Mrs. Odajima holds an Associate of Arts degree from Kilgore College and both a bachelor's and master's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. She completed her principal certification coursework through Lamar University. Her professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and to helping students reach their fullest potential.

Outside of school, she enjoys reading, playing the flute, watching documentaries, and traveling whenever possible. She has been married to her husband, Sam, for 25 years, and together they have three children, two in college and one currently a sophomore at China Spring High School.

Mrs. Odajima is proud to be part of the Cougar family and is excited about the opportunities this school year will bring. She looks forward to working alongside students, families, and staff to make this an incredible year. Go Cougs!