Author: Montgomery ISD

The MISD Minute- Friday, August 20, 2021

~ Montgomery ISD

Board of Trustees extends COVID leave for employees

This week, the MISD Board of Trustees approved our recommendation to extend COVID leave for employees an additional five days – for a total of 10. Employees may use these days if they have tested positive for COVID-19 cases or if they have come into close contact with an individual in their household who has tested positive for COVID-19. This action by our board continues a trend of our district taking a lead in prioritizing employee health and well-being throughout this pandemic. We were one of the first school districts in the state to extend COVID leave last year after the federal requirement expired on December 31 and we were one of the first in the region to extend such leave this year. We hope this action provides employees with some comfort as we continue to be challenged by the impact of this pandemic. 

I know that all of us hoped that with COVID rates declining over the summer and the availability of vaccines, that the impact of this pandemic would lessen this school year. Unfortunately, local and state positivity rates continue to climb. We will continue to follow our established health protocols and ask all staff and students to remember the most important aspect of these plans call for personal responsibility; if someone is sick, they should stay home. Additionally, we are doing everything we can with continuing to offer rapid testing and vaccination opportunities for staff and students. Research suggests that the most effective measures while indoors are to social distance as much as possible, wash hands frequently and wear a mask. While masks are optional in Montgomery ISD this year, we want to make sure all staff and students feel comfortable and supported in whatever decision they make.

At a time when these issues have become divisive, let’s demonstrate that we will come together as one team – one path forward.

Dr. Heath Morrison

District hires architectural firm to begin possible bond election

After completing the district’s facilities assessment this past spring, Texas-based architectural firm Huckabee has been selected as the building and planning partner while Montgomery ISD begins the process of preparing for a possible May 2022 bond election. The district will be creating a citizens’ advisory bond committee complete with MISD parents, staff and business and community leaders to help plan and create the scope for a potential bond.

The citizens’ advisory bond committee will meet often, research and assess our district’s needs, and collect data that will assist them in creating a schedule and a budget for potential projects to be considered. The committee will send surveys to all district families, continue to monitor the rapid growth and expansion in our community and seek to assure that any potential bond brought forward will positively benefit all of those working and attending schools in MISD.

As the planning continues and the real work begins, the district will seek transparency in the vision and prioritization and will make sure that any possible bond brought forward is not only the district’s bond, but also the community’s bond. As we seek to be the Premier school district in the state of Texas, it is important that our community is beside us and an integral part of any bond process.

MISD to adopt Culture of Respect: Be ONE Team

As explained at the board meeting Tuesday evening, in order to be successful in our mission as a district, we need our current staff to feel respected and heard and have confidence that each member is a contributing partner to ensuring that MISD has a strong employee culture of respect. Through interactions with staff of Montgomery ISD, many employees have brought up “culture” and “respect,” with many of the concerns being centered around respect. The different responses varied from how employees treat and speak to each other, as well as how individuals feel that their role in the district is valued. When employees have concerns, they need to feel comfortable sharing them, and confident that their concerns will be received with empathy and understanding. We need our district culture to be one that provides this level of respect that every employee is deserving of receiving.

Every single member of Team Montgomery matters, and we don’t just want those to be words. We want it to be known and felt by each of our employees. In the near future, we will be launching our awareness campaign with a committee formed consisting of all levels of our employee base. We will be listening first. Committee members chosen will be individuals who can be honest and open when reflecting on the data that is collected through surveys sent out district-wide. Our administration knows that there are employees who directly teach, and those who directly support the teaching that takes place in MISD. Our goal in this campaign is to make sure that the culture in Montgomery ISD provides security and affirms that the work our employees do, and the way they are made to feel while doing it, is always valuable.

District Highlight: Montgomery ISD Maintenance Department

As we have started a new school year, it’s important for us to make sure we recognize those groups that directly impact our ability to effectively educate the students of Montgomery ISD. At Tuesday night’s board meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Kris Lynn took the opportunity to recognize the district’s maintenance department and their Director, Joe Kinard.

Each member of the maintenance team was recognized for their continued efforts and hard work ethic to get our campuses ready for the 2021-2022 school year. As a part of our Culture of Respect campaign, it’s important that we recognize all members of our staff and the work that it requires of each department to help a district be successful. The Montgomery ISD maintenance department is an exceptional group of men and women that we are thankful to have serving the staff and students in MISD.

House Bill 4545 adds accelerated instruction requirements to curriculum

This past summer, the Texas Legislature passed HB 4545 requiring accelerated instruction services for all students during the 2021-2022 school year, based on STAAR results from Spring 2021. For each of our students that did not take or meet requirements of the STAAR test in grades 3, 5 and 8, an accelerated learning committee must be formed including the student’s parent, the campus principal or their designee, and the teacher for the subject area in which the child did not pass. This committee is tasked with creating an accelerated instruction plan to best enable the student to perform on grade level by the conclusion of the school year.

The guidance laid out in HB 4545 for accelerated instruction will continue to take effect through subsequent school years and will require an intense look at master schedules, high-impact tutoring programs, and data systems used to track student success. As we take these steps to follow these guidelines and serve the students in our district that need this extra level of academic intervention, it’s important that we always continue to focus on educating the whole child, emotionally, physically, mentally and academically.

Our Curriculum and Instruction Team provided the Board of Trustees with an overview of the new law in a presentation during the Board Meeting on Tuesday. You can watch the HB 4545 presentation during the board meeting here.

Lake Creek Theatre Director receives Golden Apple award

Montgomery ISD is proud to announce that Lake Creek theatre director Mr. Ramirez has been honored by the Texas Thespian Board of Directors and has received the Golden Apple Award for leading a stellar theatre program. This award was established to honor those adults who have 10 or more years of service by dedicating themselves to promoting Texas educational theatre. The recipient of the Golden Apple is chosen for his or her dedication to theatre performance in Texas and to the aims and ideals of the Educational Theatre Association, as well as their contributions to continued standards of excellence in Texas theatre.

We are very fortunate to have Mr. Ramirez working with the students at Lake Creek High School and appreciate his dedication to his students and the theatre department.

Montgomery ISD board adopts lower district property tax rate

~ Montgomery ISD

Trustees also approve firm for professional architectural services, paving way for possible bond election in May 2022

The Montgomery ISD Board of trustees held a regularly scheduled meeting tonight and unanimously adopted a lower district tax rate.

There are two rates that make up a total tax rate for the district, Maintenance and Operation (M&O) and Interest and Sinking (I&S). The M&O tax rate provides funds for general maintenance and operations, like employee salaries and instructional costs. The I&S tax rate provides funds for payments on the debt that finances the district’s facilities.

The new Montgomery tax rates for the 2021-22 fiscal year are $0.8857 (M&O) and $0.3743 (I&S) for a total of $1.26 per $100 property valuation. The previous 2020-21 tax rate before tonight’s decrease was $0.9423 (M&O) and $0.3375 (I&S) for a total of $1.2798. In 2019-20, the district’s total tax rate was $1.3075 and in 2018-2019, the district’s total tax rate was $1.37 per $100 valuation. Over three years, the district’s tax rate has decreased 11 cents per $100 valuation.

It is important to note that taxpayers may still see an overall increase in their property tax bills due to increased property values, which are set each year by the Montgomery County Appraisal District.

“I’m very pleased that we decreased our district tax rate tonight,” Board Vice-President Gary Hammons said. “Providing students with an excellent education while exercising fiscal responsibility should always be our goal.”

Montgomery ISD trustees also approved the district administration’s recommendation to partner with the Texas-based firm Huckabee for professional architectural services. This action is the first of a number of steps toward the district planning for a potential bond election in May 2022.

Last year, Montgomery ISD contracted with a third party to conduct a demographic study of the district. The study projects a significant growth in the number of families moving into the district in the next 10 years.

“Growth isn’t just coming to Montgomery… it’s already here,” Board President Matt Fuller said. “Since the demographic study was completed this summer, our district has already enrolled more students than were projected to enroll in the next two academic years.  We have an obligation to our community to ensure we equip our staff and facilities with the tools and capacity needed to effectively educate students and serve families.”

Over the next several weeks, the district will form a citizens’ bond advisory committee and hold a number of planning meetings in anticipation of a bond election in May 2022. The committee will consist of MISD parents, staff, and business and community members.

If the district decides to pursue a bond, trustees will need to take official action no later than February 18, 2022. The citizens’ bond advisory committee would present recommendations to the Board in January 2022 regarding capital and infrastructure items to include in a bond election.

“Over the last several months, we have taken necessary steps to plan for the future of Montgomery ISD by listening, learning, asking questions and gathering important data needs,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “Before moving forward with any bond, we will continue to gather all of the necessary information for our voters to make an informed decision, and we will listen to all voices in our community to develop a plan that invests in the future of our growing district.”

The MISD Minute- Friday, August 13, 2021

~ Montgomery ISD

Welcome back MISD students

What a privilege it was to welcome over 9,000 students back to our 10 campuses across Montgomery ISD yesterday! The start of a new school year is always a beautiful opportunity to be reminded of why each of us chose this profession and the difference we can make in each of our student’s lives.

When I think back to starting the role of superintendent last year, I’m so proud of the work we have achieved. As a school district community, we have worked together to develop our Pathway to Premier Strategic Plan and our board of trustees approved raises for each of you after an immense amount of effort to balance the budget. I’m excited to continue the work necessary to make Montgomery ISD the Premier School District in the state of Texas on our journey from “Good” to “Great”.

-Dr. Morrison

Insights from professional development leading up to student return

District staff spent Tuesday, August 10th in professional development to prepare for the start of the school year.  Montgomery ISD administrators held trainings for teachers and staff that were divided by department, grade level and content areas.  The morning was spent doing a variety of activities including planning, reviewing content, and developing lessons. Collaboration across the district with professional development is one way we can focus on our mission of #OnePathTogether and striving to offer all students in Montgomery ISD the best education and preparation for the future!

Montgomery ISD continues to grow at a rapid pace

MISD finished the 2020-2021 school year with 9,031 students and as of today we have over 9,400 enrolled students. This growth rate is already exceeding the predictions made just a few months ago when Montgomery ISD received their demographic study and growth prediction from Population and Survey Analysts. This type of rapid growth brings both excitement and a few challenges, especially with so many students enrolling in the weeks leading up to school starting. With this unexpected increase in enrollment, you will of course see a few classrooms that have reached their capacity. It should come at no surprise that we have job postings for positions at many of our district campuses and are seeking to fill those positions quickly.

The exciting news is that people want to come to Montgomery ISD. It is clear that they want their students to be on our campuses and they believe that we have the best to offer their children. Rapid growth always comes with growing pains, and while we should accept those with grace and patience, we should also celebrate that the Pathway to Premier is going to be full of such amazing opportunity and everyone wants to be a part of it. If you’re new to the district, we welcome you, and we hope you will do your part to make this year a successful one!

Rapid testing, vaccine opportunity and the district’s COVID-19 tracker

Montgomery ISD has resumed free COVID-19 rapid testing at the Education Support Center for students or staff members wishing to be tested. To receive a test, appointments must be made online. You can schedule an appointment by clicking here.

Rapid testing is not required, but is a courtesy service being offered to our students and staff.

On Thursday, Aug. 19 and Friday, Aug. 20, Montgomery ISD will serve as a vaccination site for any eligible individual who would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine being administered will be Pfizer and they will be administered at the District Education Support Center, located at 20774 Eva St., Montgomery, TX 77356.

Links to sign up for the vaccine are below.

August 19: https://getthevaccine.dshs.texas.gov/txces/s/txsignup?language=en_US&eventId=a1L8y0000005L9pEAE

August 20: https://getthevaccine.dshs.texas.gov/txces/s/txsignup?language=en_US&eventId=a1L8y0000005LAEEA2

Receiving the vaccine is not required. This service is being provided as a courtesy to students, staff and members of the community.

As of yesterday, the district’s re-designed COVID tracker became available on our website at www.misd.org. The tracker will be updated daily and now includes the number of positive cases by day, campus and grade level.

You can review all of the district’s health protocols and see a list of frequently asked questions by clicking here.

MISD and Montgomery Area Chamber partnered for back to school prep

Please watch this video highlighting our back to school partnership with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. We continue to be thankful for their efforts in helping us prepare for a successful 2021-2022 school year.

Dr. Morrison’s Interview on FOX 26

In case you missed it, Dr. Morrison was interviewed live on FOX 26 during the first day of school!

You can see the full interview here!

MISD and Montgomery Area Chamber partner to get schools ready for the 2021-2022 school year

~ Montgomery ISD ~ Leave a comment

Montgomery ISD welcomed back the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Get Back to Work” day on Friday, August 6th with volunteers from local businesses and community leaders working together to complete projects and task lists at all 10 MISD campuses. The day began with a breakfast and rally at the MISD Education Support Center before teams of volunteers were spread out around the district to deliver hospitality buckets and complete each campus’ needs list.

Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shannan Reid spent the summer coordinating local business owners and community members to create work teams for each campus. All 10 teams had a business sponsor, a hospitality coordinator and a team captain to make the work at each campus both efficient and beneficial. Each campus principal in MISD turned in a list of projects that needed to be completed.

“The community members and business owners in the Montgomery area are critical partners to everything we accomplish in Montgomery ISD,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “Whether they supported this effort financially, or showed up in person and worked through the heat with physical labor, our campuses are all ready to operate now thanks to their support.”

Campus projects included updating name plates for classrooms, assembling new furniture, textbook organization and delivery, as well as outdoor needs of spreading mulch, weeding gardens, and the painting of parking lots. On many campuses, individual teachers and program directors were given volunteers to get their classroom, theater or curriculum organized and ready for a successful 2021-2022 school year.

“The work completed on our campus today was so very important to every staff member and student that’s going to be on our campus this year,” Stewart Creek Elementary School Principal Michele Salter said. “As our administration’s to-do list grew through the summer months and we began counting down to the start of instruction, knowing that this project list could get completed by volunteers allowed our staff to focus on the most time sensitive work and trust our amazing community to come through for us.”

After completing their projects, all volunteers were welcomed back to the district office for a catered lunch and a thank you from Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, Kris Lynn.

Montgomery ISD has partnered with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce for “Get Back to Work Day” since 2017.

“The Get Back to Work Day is one of my most favorite annual contributions to the start of a Montgomery ISD school year,” Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shannan Reid said. “Watching the members of our chamber show up in such a necessary way, willing to do whatever is asked of them to help our district’s teachers get ready for the year, brings me so much joy!” All Montgomery ISD students return to school on Thursday, August 12.

The MISD Minute – Sunday, August 8, 2021

~ Montgomery ISD

Welcome Back, Team Montgomery ISD!

I am very excited to have our staff back on campuses, preparing to welcome students on Thursday. It’s been evident through our new teacher orientation on Tuesday and our Convocation on Thursday that all campuses and departments are ready to travel the #PathwayToPremier. We hope you enjoyed your summer and gathered the rest and motivation needed to bring your best to the 2021-2022 school year.

Last year was quite the challenge for educators and students all across our district and we are hopeful that this year will allow for more normal instruction and campus culture. You will be seeing a lot of new faces throughout our district this year and the administration team at the Education Support Center has worked hard this summer to make sure that leaders are in place to help you more than ever before.

Let’s have an amazing year!

-Dr. Morrison

#OnePathTogether Convocation

Thursday’s pep rally style convocation was a fabulous way to kick off this 2021-2022 school year with excitement. We hope that our staff and specials guests enjoyed the food truck lunch options and took the time to soak up the support that our community brings for our educators. This event would not have been possible without the help of our sponsors and donors.

“Get Back to Work” Day with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

We want to extend a huge thank you to the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and Shannan Reid for organizing and executing such a fabulous Get Back to Work Day for Montgomery ISD. The Chamber gathered over 100 volunteers from the area and brought teams of helpers to each of our 10 campuses to help get our facilities ready for the 2021-2022 school year. Our partnership with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce has been an ongoing gift to our district and we are thankful for this annual event that has been helping our campuses since 2017.

Campus projects included updating name plates for classrooms, assembling new furniture, textbook organization and delivery, as well as outdoor needs of spreading mulch, weeding gardens, and the painting of parking lots. On many campuses, individual teachers and program directors were given volunteers to get their classroom, theater or curriculum organized and ready for a successful 2021-2022 school year. Thanks to the donations of Montgomery area business owners and the time given by each volunteer, our campuses are ready to operate and welcome students on Thursday, August 12th. 

District Health Protocols

Montgomery ISD announced their health protocols for the 2021-22 school year. Click here for more information.

A Conversation with Dr. Heath Morrison- Season 2, Part I

Montgomery Jr. High teacher Dr. Meeker is back this year for Season two of Conversations with Dr. Heath Morrison. In this first episode of season two, Dr. Meeker and Dr. Morrison discussed all things relating to the 2021-22 school year!

Kerri Gilchriest named Region 6 Counselor of the Year

Montgomery ISD administration is very excited to announce that our very own Kerri Gilchriest has been named the Region 6 Counselor of the Year for the 2020-2021 school year. Mrs. Gilchriest is one of our district’s special education counselors and services children of all ages, on many campuses in our district. Kerri Gilchriest is known for going above and beyond to ensure all of the students she supports have access to the services they each individually need and is always making an effort to offer new opportunities.  She has introduced innovative ideas such as equine therapy for some of our students, who have since thrived and may not have had that chance otherwise. The love and care she has for each of her students is evident through her work each and every day and we are very proud to have her working with the students in Montgomery ISD.

Montgomery ISD to offer breakfast and lunch at no cost for all students during 2021-2022 school year

~ Montgomery ISD ~ Leave a comment

Montgomery ISD announced today that for the 2021-2022 school year, healthy meals will be offered every school day, to every student, at no cost.

In a typical year, a student’s household must meet income eligibility requirements to qualify for free or reduced-priced meals. Due to the recently issued guidance by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Montgomery ISD can now offer meals to all students at no cost for the entirety of this school year.

 “This is a fabulous opportunity for all MISD families, and we are thrilled that all children can receive healthy meals, at no charge, every day,” Montgomery ISD Child Nutrition Director Lena Neugebauer said. “We encourage our families to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure children are provided meals that empower them to flourish in the classroom.”

The traditional Free or Reduced-price Meal Application will not be required to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. The district will still offer a la carte items and snacks available for purchase.

Kerri Ashlock named Principal of Lincoln ES

~ Montgomery ISD

MISD Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison has selected Ms. Kerri Ashlock as the next principal of Lincoln Elementary School.

Ashlock holds eight years of experience as an elementary school assistant principal, most recently in the Katy Independent School District.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to serve the students and staff of Lincoln ES,” Ashlock said. “I look forward to joining the LES Bear family and working alongside our teachers and staff to ensure that every child who enters our school is thriving academically and socially.”

Ashlock succeeds Mrs. Courtney Dyer as principal of Lincoln Elementary School. Dyer recently accepted the role of Director of Community Services within Montgomery ISD.

Following Dyer’s appointment as Director of Community Services, a team consisting of district leadership, teachers and parents began the search for the principal of Lincoln Elementary school. This process included meetings with Lincoln Elementary School staff and parents to discuss the experience, qualities and characteristics desired in their next leader. 

During the interview process, Ashlock described herself as relationship-driven and systems based.  She incorporates a leadership style based on a coaching approach that focuses on data driven decision-making and instructional best practice and prides herself in assuring decisions are made in the best interest of students.  Ashlock has extensive training in Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports and the Professional Learning Community process and is eager to share this knowledge with others.

Ashlock begins her new role as principal of Lincoln ES on Wednesday, July 14. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M Commerce and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Sam Houston State University.

“We’re excited about the experience, vision and leadership Kerri will bring to Lincoln Elementary School,” Morrison said. “I am extremely confident that under her leadership, Lincoln families will continue to be served with excellence and academic outcomes will be raised to even greater heights.”

Montgomery ISD trustees adopt balanced budget for fiscal year 2021-22

~ Montgomery ISD

Board also approves Superintendent’s appointment of district’s next Executive Director of Specialized Learning

Montgomery ISD trustees adopted the district’s 2021-22 Fiscal Year budget during a special board meeting on Tuesday, June 29.

The balanced budget includes $79.5 M in district general fund revenues and $79.3 M in spending for the district’s upcoming fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2021. Throughout the 2020-21 school year, Superintendent Heath Morrison and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Kris Lynn held a series of town hall meetings and discussions with district staff and stakeholders to solicit feedback from the public and provide updates during the development of the budget.

“The process for developing this budget began as soon as I joined Montgomery ISD as superintendent last summer,” Morrison said. “The board and community made a clear charge to balance the district’s spending and identify the funds necessary to improve employee salaries. This budget accomplishes both.”

Trustees also approved $4.6 M in student nutrition fund spending ($4.7 M in revenues) and $23.6 M in debt service fund spending ($24.1 M in revenues) for FY 2021-22. A school district’s debt service fund pays principal and interest for district debt used for new facilities and facility upgrades.

“This budget reflects the priorities of our community,” Board President Matt Fuller said. “Additionally, the budget was developed throughout the past year in an open process with widespread stakeholder input. The work to balance our district budget has been a group effort that was successful thanks to the many people in our district committed to operating in a more efficient manner.”

The adoption of the FY 2021-22 budget finalizes the raises approved by trustees in a new district compensation plan, which featured $3.8 M in salary and stipend increases across all employee groups. In April, trustees approved an additional 5% raise for teachers and 3% raise for all other employees. This raise was on top an across-the-board 2% raise authorized by the board in October 2020. From the 2020-21 school year to the start of the 2021-22 school year, current Montgomery ISD teachers will have received an approximate 7% total pay increase, or a total of $4,055, with all other employee groups receiving a 5% total raise. A first-year teacher entering Montgomery ISD will now have a starting salary of $54,450. The previous salary for a first-year teacher in Montgomery ISD was $51,000. 

“Developing a school district budget should be a transparent and collaborative process, not one single event,” Board Vice-President Gary Hammons said. “I’m very pleased that we have adopted a balanced budget for the next fiscal year that prioritizes teacher salaries.”

During the meeting, trustees also approved Morrison’s selection of Ms. Cortney Clover as the district’s next Executive Director of Specialized Learning. Clover holds 23 years of experience in public education, with 10 in special education leadership. Before joining Montgomery ISD, Clover served in Little Elm ISD and Brazosport ISD. Clover has extensive knowledge and experience in special education and specialized instruction, having taught in specialized behavior programs, life skills classrooms, reading language arts inclusion, co-teach, & resource.

“Ensuring the educational needs of all students are met should always be a top priority for us as a district,” Trustee Linda Porten said. “I’m excited about the experience, vision and leadership Ms. Clover will bring to our district’s special education programs to ensure all of our learners in Montgomery ISD are thriving.”

Trustees also approved the district’s recommendation to partner with K-12 Insight to conduct stakeholder engagement and satisfaction surveying for key performance indicator monitoring as part of the district’s “Pathway to Premier” strategic plan. K-12 Insight is a comprehensive research-based consulting company with more than 15 years of experience working with school district administrators across the nation. The national K-12 education partner specializes in collaborating with school districts to strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Montgomery ISD announces district leadership changes

~ Montgomery ISD

Montgomery ISD Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison has announced changes to district leadership. 

Lincoln Elementary School Principal Courtney Dyer has been selected as the district’s Director of Community Services. 

In this role, Dyer will cultivate and promote positive partnerships between families, educators, and the community to ensure the district is improving student achievement by addressing the various non-academic and social and emotional needs of our students and families. She will serve as the district’s homeless and foster care liaison and coordinator of pregnancy-related services. Dyer will also oversee and coordinate services with campus counselors and lead the district’s mentor program.   

“We’re excited about adding this important role to our district,” Morrison said. “Educating the whole child by addressing needs they may have outside of the classroom has become a critical function as it relates to ensuring students have the necessary supports to excel academically.” 

Dyer has served as the principal of Lincoln ES for the previous three years. Before this, Dyer spent seven years as an assistant principal, six years as a school counselor and six years as a classroom teacher. Dyer holds a Bachelor of Science in Academic Studies and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Sam Houston State University.  

Dyer will begin her new role in July. A broad search for the next principal of Lincoln Elementary School begins immediately with a goal to name the next campus leader in July. 

“Serving as the principal of Lincoln Elementary School was an honor and I will dearly miss my Bear family,” Dyer said. “However, I am thrilled for the opportunity to expand my role to one that will allow me to support even more students and families across our district.”  

Jaimie McCallister has been named the district’s Elementary Instructional Coordinator and Megan Evans has been named the district’s Secondary Instructional Coordinator.  

The elementary and secondary curriculum coordinators will work with department directors and campus principals to develop instructional programs and curriculum guides and oversee testing programs and staff development. 

McCallister brings over 20 years of experience to the position, having most recently served as Elementary Instructional Coach at Madeley Ranch ES. She also has experience as an elementary school principal. Evans is joining the district from Katy ISD where she spent the previous six years as a high school instructional coach.

Elissa Cross has been named the district’s Director of Transportation. Cross takes over as leader of the MISD Transportation Department from Mike Foster, who recently retired after 12 years of service to the district. Cross joins the district from Klein ISD where she most recently served as Operations Manager, directly supervising staff in the transportation department.  

Montgomery ISD trustees approve district strategic plan

~ Montgomery ISD

Montgomery ISD trustees approved a new district strategic plan during their regular monthly board meeting for June. 

The strategic plan, named the “Pathway to Premier”, is the product of a six-month-long districtwide effort to collaborate with all district stakeholders and identify existing district strengths and areas for improvement. The strategic plan focuses on the Board of Trustees’ five district goals and contains measurable key performance indicators in targeted areas. The plan also lists initiatives and strategies the district will use to meet or exceed targets outlined in the key performance indicators. 

The board-approved district goals are: 1) Academic Achievement; 2) School Safety; 3) Finance and Operations; 4: Human Capital; and 5) Communication and Customer Service.

Dr. Heath Morrison, who is entering his second year as the superintendent of Montgomery ISD, emphasized the district’s intense focus on developing the strategic plan through collaboration with the community. 

“My time of entry as superintendent of Montgomery ISD was spent doing a significant amount listening and learning,” Morrison said. “Conversations with hundreds of district stakeholders identified many strengths we have as a district, but also opportunities to improve. It was a priority for us to ensure the development of the strategic plan authentically represented all voices in our community. Hundreds of voices were involved in this process.”

To develop the strategic plan, the district formed a large task force consisting of five committees, each focused on one of the goals. The task force committees were comprised of district leadership, principals, teachers, counselors, parents, students and community members. The task force committees spent several months examining district functions and developing key performance indicators and district initiatives and strategies to be included in the final strategic plan. The district also issued a communitywide survey and held three town hall meetings during the strategic plan development process to gather public input. 

“As a Board, our vision for the district is clear: We want Montgomery ISD to be the Premier School District in the state of Texas,” Board President Matt Fuller said. “We are excited about the direction of our district with this strategic plan as our guiding document. I would like to thank all staff, parents and community members who participated in this process.”

In total, the strategic plan consists of 66 key performance indicators addressing various areas within the five district goals. The task forces identified 121 initiatives and strategies during the development of the plan. Increasing and enhancing Career and Technical Education opportunities is a district initiative under district goal one.

“This strategic plan is comprehensive, starting with ensuring strong academic programs are in place for our youngest learners all the way up to our students ready to take on college, career or military opportunities,” Trustee Shawn Denison said. “I’m especially excited about the increased focus on expanding CTE options and programs for our secondary students.”

Beginning in the 2021-22 school year, the Board of Trustees will receive monthly updates from task force leaders and department directors regarding the district’s progress in various areas of the strategic plan.

“With the strategic plan, our board and community will have a clear understanding of where the district is excelling and where there are growth opportunities,” Trustee Linda Porten said. “This not only brings about greater transparency into district functions, but it also provides guidance on academic, operational and financial aspects of district decision-making.”

Morrison emphasized the district’s desire for the strategic plan to reflect the values, wishes, and desires of the entire Montgomery community. 

“Our Board of Trustees and community expect consistent greatness from Montgomery ISD, and our students deserve nothing less.” Morrison said. “We are a very good school district. However, we cannot let ‘good’ be the enemy of ‘great’. This strategic plan truly serves as our pathway to being the premier school district in Texas.”

The Pathway to Premier can be read here.