Trustees adopt 2022-23 course selection guide for secondary students

During the November regular meeting of the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees, district leadership announced that MISD has earned a Superior Achievement rating from the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the 2021-2022 school year. The Superior Achievement rating is the state’s highest, demonstrating the quality of Montgomery ISD’s financial management and reporting system.

“Goal three of our district strategic plan focuses on efficient use of our resources, and we are extremely pleased and excited to be awarded a ‘Superior’ rating in this year’s FIRST system,” Board Vice President Laurie Turner said. “This achievement highlights the district’s commitment to responsibly managing the funds we receive from our hard-working taxpayers.”

The primary goal of FIRST is to achieve quality performance in the management of school districts’ financial resources; a goal made more significant due to the complexity of accounting associated with Texas’ school finance system.  The FIRST ratings ensure that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices and that they improve these practices. The system is designed to encourage Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.

“This rating shows that Montgomery ISD is accountable not only for student learning, but also for achieving these results cost-effectively and efficiently.” Trustee Mike Hopkins said. “A superior rating is a testament to our thoughtful use of district funds to ensure excellent learning outcomes for every MISD student. For us, this recognition is especially meaningful, given that our district receives significantly less funding per-student funding versus the state average. Strong fiscal management is critical to the success of our district as we are constantly challenged to do more with less, continually striving to meet and exceed the educational needs of our students and families.”

Also, during the meeting, trustees adopted the secondary student course selection guide for the 2023-24 school year. Updates to the course selection guide include the addition of new dual credit and AP courses, and new courses within the CTE Pathways. One notable change for 2023-24 is making the EMT certification program available through the Practicum of Health Science course at Montgomery High School.  

“We are excited about the district’s continued focus on expanding Career and Technical Education course opportunities for students,” Trustee Shawn Denison said. “Many of these outstanding programs offer students the ability to obtain certifications that will allow them to pursue high paying jobs after graduation.”

Montgomery ISD voters approved the construction of a centralized Career and Technical Education Center serving both high schools. The CTE Center, which is part of the district’s 2022 bond program, is scheduled to open for the 2025 school year.

“In Montgomery ISD CTE programs, students can explore options outside of traditional four-year colleges and get a head start on finding a career suitable for them,” Career and Technical Education Director Amy Vance said. “Even if a student ultimately does not pursue a career after high school in the CTE program of their choice, they’ll be able to utilize valuable critical-thinking and problem-solving skills learned in CTE courses as they enter another field or go to college.”

Trustees also recognized MISD students who participated in the global Destination Imagination competition last spring. Oak Hills Junior High was represented by their team “The Naked Eyes”.  They competed in the scientific challenge and were coached by Wendy Jebousek. Lincoln Elementary’s team “DoNutMessWithUs” competed in the fine arts challenge and was coached by Kristen Watkins. Madeley Ranch Elementary’s team “Salty Popcorn” earned the top score in the improv instant challenge at the global competition. They were coached by Robin Riley and Laurel Plunk. 

The meeting also included a combined performance from Montgomery High School and Lake Creek High choir students. Both choir programs were named National Winners in the Foundation for Music Education’s 2022 Mark of Excellence project. Montgomery Madrigals Choir earned the recognition in the high school mixed choir category. Montgomery HS Chorale Women and Lake Creek HS Chorale Women received National Winner honors in the high school open class.  MHS Choir Director Heather Orr and LCHS Choir Director Cameron Carnley led the combined performance.

“I am so proud of these amazing students for representing Montgomery ISD on a global and national level,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “These accomplishments speak volumes about the talents of these students and the leadership of the coaches and directors of these remarkable MISD programs.”