The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, May 12, highlighted by the swearing-in of trustees, the announcement of the district’s new Executive Director of Teaching & Learning, recognition of the Lake Creek High School Girls Soccer Team’s historic state championship season, and celebrations honoring teacher and leadership development programs across the district.
Board Reorganization and New Trustee
During the meeting, Montgomery County Judge Wayne Mack administered the oaths of office to re-elected Trustees Eddie Winn (Position 1) and Shawn Denison (Position 2), along with newly elected Trustee Matt Mitchell (Position 3).
Mitchell fills the board seat vacated by Laurie Turner, who is retiring from board service after serving two terms, which included one year as board president and three years as vice president.
“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve Montgomery ISD as a trustee,” Mitchell said. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members and engaging with teachers, staff, parents, and community members as we continue moving MISD forward together. I’m eager to listen, learn, and help ensure Montgomery ISD remains a premier school district in Texas.”
Winn, entering his second term on the board, added, “It is a privilege to continue serving this outstanding community. I’m confident our board will stay focused on supporting students, uplifting our teachers and staff, and advocating for the high-quality education our families value and deserve.”
Denison begins his third term on the board.
“It continues to be an honor to serve Montgomery ISD and the families who place their trust in us,” Denison said. “I’m proud of the progress our district has made, and I look forward to continuing the important work of supporting students, strengthening relationships across the district, and helping Montgomery ISD grow and thrive for years to come.”
“On behalf of Montgomery ISD, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Laurie Turner for her dedicated service and leadership as a trustee,” Superintendent Dr. Mark Ruffin said. “Every decision she made was thoughtful and always centered on what would best serve students. Her commitment to MISD families, staff, and the entire community has made a lasting impact on our district. We are thankful for the time, energy, and heart she invested in MISD, and we wish her all the best in the future.”
See the trustee’s message to Laurie here:
Following the election, the board selected new officers to serve in leadership roles for the coming year
Eddie Winn, Board President
Paul E. Cameron IV, Board Vice President
Dr. Lizzy Ivey, Board Secretary
“It is an honor to be selected by my colleagues to serve as Board President,” Winn said. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow trustees and Dr. Ruffin as we continue investing in our people, supporting our students and staff, and building on the foundation that makes Montgomery ISD both strong and great. Together, we remain committed to serving our community and ensuring every student has access to a premier education.”
New Executive Director of Teaching & Learning Announced
C. Steele Hantgin was announced as Montgomery ISD’s new Executive Director of Teaching & Learning. Steele brings nearly 20 years of experience in public education to the role, most recently serving as Principal of Lake Belton High School in Belton ISD.
Throughout her career, Steele has served in a variety of leadership roles, including principal, associate principal, campus academic director, instructional coach, department chair, and classroom teacher. She has extensive experience in curriculum and instructional leadership, educator development, data-driven decision-making, and academic programming.
During her time at Lake Belton High School, Steele helped lead significant academic growth, including improving the campus accountability rating from a “B” to an “A” through strategic instructional alignment, focused planning, and expanded college and career readiness opportunities. She has also led initiatives involving Advanced Academics, CTE pathways, Early College High School programming, Dual Credit, and teacher development systems.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to join Montgomery ISD and become part of a district with such a strong reputation for excellence and student success,” Hantgin said. “I look forward to building relationships with teachers, staff, students, and families as we work together to continue supporting high levels of learning and opportunity for every student.”
“We are excited to welcome Steele Hantgin to Montgomery ISD,” Dr. Ruffin said. “She brings a strong background in instructional leadership, a passion for supporting teachers and students, and a proven track record of improving student outcomes. Her experience and vision will be a tremendous asset as we continue striving for excellence across our district.”
Lake Creek High School Girls Soccer Team
Members of the Lake Creek High School Girls Soccer Team were recognized for earning the 2026 UIL Class 5A Division II State Championship title after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Grapevine last month. The championship marks the first state title in program history.
“We are incredibly proud of the Lake Creek girls soccer team for an unforgettable season and historic accomplishment,” Trustee Mark Keelen said. “This championship reflects the dedication, resilience, and teamwork displayed by these student-athletes all year long. We also want to congratulate Head Coach Alyssa Maynard and Assistant Coach Will Davidson for the leadership and commitment they poured into this program. Their success is a tremendous source of pride for all of Montgomery ISD.”
MISD Ambassadors Recognized
The Board also recognized the district’s inaugural group of MISD Ambassadors, a group of nearly 30 parents and community members from across Montgomery ISD who participated in the district’s first-ever ambassador program during the 2025–2026 school year.
Throughout the year, the MISD Ambassadors met five times and participated in presentations, discussions, and behind-the-scenes learning experiences with district leaders, campus principals, school board members, and department representatives. Participants gained insight into the day-to-day operations of Montgomery ISD, district initiatives, academics, school finance, student programs, safety and security, and more.
The program was designed to strengthen relationships between the district and community while empowering participants to become informed advocates and ambassadors for public education in Montgomery ISD.
“As both a parent and member of the first MISD Ambassadors cohort, this experience gave us a deeper understanding of the incredible work happening across the district every day,” MISD Ambassador Sheremetria Davis said. “The program created meaningful opportunities to engage with district leadership, ask questions, and learn more about the decisions and processes that impact students and staff. The Ambassadors program truly helps turn district knowledge into community impact, and I’m grateful to have been part of the inaugural group.”
The district plans to continue the program during the 2026-27 school year with its second cohort of MISD Ambassadors. Information about the application process and participation opportunities will be shared with the community later this summer.
MINT Program Recognized
The Board also recognized members of the 2025-26 MINT Year 3 Cohort, honoring teachers who successfully completed three years of structured professional learning designed specifically to support educators during their first years in the classroom.
The MINT program is a key part of Montgomery ISD’s long-term commitment to developing and supporting high-quality teachers through intentional mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities. Throughout the program, participants engage in targeted learning experiences aimed at strengthening instructional practices, building confidence in the classroom, and supporting long-term success in the teaching profession.
District leaders shared that programs like MINT play an important role in both teacher development and retention by equipping beginning educators with the tools, support, and relationships needed to thrive early in their careers.
“The MINT program reflects Montgomery ISD’s commitment to investing in our teachers from the very beginning of their careers,” Trustee Dr. Elizabeth Ivey said. “By providing meaningful support, mentorship, and professional learning opportunities, the district is helping educators grow in confidence and effectiveness while also building a strong foundation for long-term success in the profession. These teachers are making a tremendous impact on students, and we are proud to celebrate their dedication and accomplishments.”
ElevateED Leadership Development Program
The Board also recognized participants in ElevateED, Montgomery ISD’s leadership development program designed to support and prepare aspiring leaders from across the district.
The inaugural cohort included 17 employees currently serving in a variety of roles throughout Montgomery ISD, ranging from classroom teachers to department coordinators. Throughout the school year, participants met regularly to engage in leadership development sessions focused on topics such as organizational structure, effective communication, strategic leadership, district operations, and professional growth.
The program provided participants with opportunities to collaborate with district leaders, gain insight into school leadership and decision-making processes, and further develop the skills necessary to serve and lead at higher levels within the organization.
“It is exciting to see a group of employees who are committed to growing professionally and expanding their leadership within Montgomery ISD,” Trustee Paul Cameron said. “Investing in leadership development is important not only for our staff, but for the continued success of our students and district as a whole. ElevateED is helping cultivate future leaders who care deeply about serving this community.”
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