The Cuero ISD Education Foundation recently honored the remarkable life and legacy of Debra DeVon Baros with the dedication of a memorial bench at the Cuero ISD Administration Building and a bronze plaque beneath a newly planted oak tree at Hunt Elementary.
Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow educators, the ceremony served as a heartfelt tribute to a woman who dedicated more than four decades to education and community service. Her husband, David Baros, and son, Kendrick Baros, were present for the special moment honoring Debra’s lifetime of contributions to Cuero ISD and beyond.
The bronze plaque beneath the oak tree reads, “A woman who wore many hats,” — a nod not only to the countless roles Debra held in service to her community, but also to her signature flair for wearing hats that matched her vibrant personality.
“Debra was not just a visionary, she was a catalyst for change,” said Darwin Koenning, president of the Cuero ISD Education Foundation board. “Her legacy is more than her titles or accomplishments— it’s the ripple effect of every book handed to a child, every grant won, every door she opened for others. This memorial ensures her memory will live on in Cuero for generations to come.”
Debra’s long and impactful career in education included roles as a teacher, curriculum director, principal, Assistant Superintendent, and founder of the Cuero ISD Education Foundation. Her initiatives— like the Reading Is Fundamental program, the CISD Family Center, and the unforgettable Word War—touched thousands of lives and left an enduring impact on generations of students.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Debra was a published poet, author, entrepreneur, and community leader. She held leadership roles in numerous organizations, hosted countless gatherings, and brought joy, creativity, and dedication into everything she did. Her vibrant personality, boundless energy, and generosity brought people together and made a lasting impression on all who knew her.
As Cuero continues to celebrate her impact, reminders of Debra’s influence can be seen throughout the district— from the programs she started to the lives she changed—a fitting reflection of someone who spent her life believing in the power of education and community. That legacy will now be marked in a lasting way with a memorial bench at the administration building and a bronze plaque beneath an oak tree at Hunt Elementary, honoring her enduring presence in the place she loved most.
Debra DeVon Baros may be gone, but her spirit lives on in every student encouraged to dream big, every educator inspired to lead with heart, and every community member moved to serve. Her legacy will continue to shape Cuero for generations to come.
