An update regarding the Governor’s Executive Order

I wanted to provide you with an update on Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order No. GA-34, which rescinds the statewide mandate regarding the required use of face masks or facial coverings. The Executive Order takes effect on Wednesday, March 10.

On Wednesday, March 3rd the Texas Education Agency issued further clarification regarding the Governor’s Executive Order. TEA clarified that the use of a mask or facial covering is still required when inside a school building, school facility, and facility used for school activities. TEA also stated that a local school board may modify or eliminate any existing district mask-related requirements by taking a formal action.

The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees will have this issue as an agenda item when it meets for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 23. Until then, Montgomery ISD will continue to follow its existing health and safety protocols requiring face masks or facial coverings on all district campuses and facilities. 

It’s important to note that the TEA guidance did not change – or address – how removing a mask requirement would impact required close contact tracing, social distancing and CDC-required quarantining. This presents challenges in scenarios where campus administrators need to determine close contacts to an individual who tests positive for COVID-19.

For example, under the current close contact and quarantine requirements, in a scenario where an individual wearing a mask or face covering tests positive for COVID-19, only those individuals not wearing masks or face coverings determined to be in close contact with the positive person would be required to quarantine. Conversely, in a scenario where an individual not wearing a mask or face covering tests positive for COVID-19, all individuals – whether they were wearing masks or facial coverings or not – determined to be in close contact with the positive person would be required to quarantine. This scenario has the potential to result in large numbers of required quarantines impacting classrooms, sports programs and even an entire campus. We are currently seeking to gain further clarification from the TEA on quarantine requirements for districts considering removing mask-wearing requirements.

We understand that our community feels very passionately about all sides of this issue. Please know that as a district, our top priorities are the health of our students and staff and ensuring that in-person learning can continue without closing schools or quarantining a large number of students, sports programs or entire classrooms. 

I want to thank our staff, students, and parents for their flexibility and understanding throughout this challenging school year. I am proud of not only how we successfully reopened schools for in-person instruction in August, but also of how we have ensured that our campuses have been able to stay open without any major disruptions due to the spread of the virus. While the state is averaging approximately 56% of students engaged with in-person instruction, MISD has over 94% of our students choosing in-person learning as their preferred method of instruction. We are proud of our students, staff and community.

Again, thank you for your patience as we continue to confront unprecedented challenges.

Sincerely,

Dr. Heath Morrison

Superintendent

Montgomery ISD

School District Personnel Now Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine

I am very thankful that our educators, campus staff and other district personnel are now on the COVID-19 vaccine priority list.

We are working diligently to ensure that any employee who wants to receive a vaccine will have access to one. On Monday, March 22 there will be an opportunity for employees who would like the vaccine to receive the here at the MISD ESC. Please know that we will work with your campus principal or supervisor to ensure your duties are covered during the time you need to travel to the MISD ESC to receive the vaccine. More information will be shared in the coming days.

Once again, I want to reiterate that the vaccine is optional. While we are working to provide vaccines as a courtesy to our staff, receiving one will never be a requirement for employment in our district.

Second MISD Strategic Plan Town Hall

Thank you to all who participated in our second Strategic Plan Town Hall meeting at Lake Creek High School on Thursday, March 4.

During this Town Hall meeting, strategic plan task force leaders shared results of each SWOT analysis performed in the first Town Hall meeting in January at Montgomery High School. It was important that each task force do a “deep dive” on perceived strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats relating to each of the five Board goals before starting to develop district initiatives and strategies aimed at targeted and measurable improvements in various areas.

Town Hall attendees also had the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions to discuss possible district initiatives and strategies addressing the district’s five goals: academic achievement, school safety, district finance and operations, human resources, and communications and customer service. I am both excited and thankful for the level of community support and participation in this process. Our five task force committees have grown in number of participants considerably since we first started this work back in December. It has been a true privilege for me to see first-hand the authentic work happening with the ultimate goal of evolving our great school district into the “premier” school district.

We will hold one final Strategic Plan Town Hall meeting in April before finalizing a draft plan to present to the MISD Board of Trustees.

Communication Council Conversation on Budget and Pay Raises

This week I met with our elementary and secondary communications councils to provide them with an overview of the district’s budgeting process for the 2021-22 school year and share with them what is being discussed as it relates to improvements to employee compensation. I also shared with them that it’s our intention to take a district compensation plan to the Board of Trustees for approval in April, meaning that you will have a clear understanding of your salary before signing a contract for the next school year.

As I stated to them during our discussion, we are committed to complete transparency as we develop budget options that provide our employees with well deserved pay raises. Over the next several weeks, I will be meeting with all staff from each campus to discuss our budget plans and answer any questions you may have about this process.

I look forward to engaging in these important discussions with you.

Superintendent Shout-Out – The MISD Fishing Team

I want to give a shout-out to Coach Mark Hooker and the MISD Fishing Team!

Coach Hooker and his anglers know what it takes to build a successful team. Over the past several years, The MISD Fishing Team has achieved historic success, winning several conference titles over nearly 50 competing districts, cementing Montgomery ISD as THE top program in the State!

Check out this awesome feature on these talented students and watch the video below to hear what “victory” means to them!

MISD Education Foundation “Together We Grow” Fundraiser

On Saturday, April 24, the Montgomery ISD Education Foundation is host its first “Together We Grow” community fundraiser on April 24 in downtown Montgomery from 7-11 pm. This is going to be a casual, adult night out with live music featuring the band Rapture, and a BBQ dinner catered by our locally owned Jr’s. Please mark your calendars and make plans to attend!

The goal of the MISD Education Foundation is to support each of our 10 campuses through scholarships, grants, special projects and other financial matters, and this event is a great way to be a part of all that we are doing for MISD schools!

You can purchase tickets for the event here.

A Conversation with Dr. Meeker – Part III

Please take some time to watch my latest conversation with Montgomery Jr. High School’s Dr. Meeker!

In this edition, we discuss the Governor’s new Executive Order, our recent inclement weather closure days, the MISD Strategic Planning and 2021-22 budget development processes, our work to improve employee compensation across the district and the upcoming MISD Board of Trustee elections!

Stepping up for one another in times of need – The Montgomery Way

Thank you all for your flexibility and diligence to ensure we could offer in-person instruction beginning on Monday following last week’s inclement weather. Last week presented historic weather-related challenges and damage to our region, causing many of us to lose power and water for an extended amount of time. I’m proud to be a part of a community that continually helps one another during times of need. Through hurricanes, pandemics and now, snow storms, members of this community always support one another through extraordinary circumstances. I’ve quickly learned that this is The Montgomery Way.

With that said, each of you continue to step up daily for students and their families, despite the numerous challenges that have been thrown at you this year. I could not be more appreciative of your continued dedication to our students. On top of your already busy workloads, you’ve been asked to persevere in ways like never before – and you continue to do so with determination and courage.

Please see below a few important district updates, including a summary of this week’s Board of Trustees meeting, which included important items supporting district employees.

With appreciation,

Dr. Heath Morrison

Superintendent

Montgomery ISD

Operation Connectivity laptop distribution for teachers

I’m excited to announce that every MISD teacher will be offered a laptop from the district. We’re thankful for the opportunity to provide this benefit to teachers at no cost to the district through a partnership with Operation Connectivity and Montgomery County with the support of County Judge Mark Keough.

In addition to every teacher having the option to utilize a district-issued laptop, seven campuses due for a “refresh” will receive an allotment of new laptops for student use, also thanks to Operation Connectivity and Montgomery County. More information will be provided through your campus principal.

Laptop distributions to campuses for teachers and classroom use will begin in the coming weeks.

MISD Board of Trustees February Meeting

On Tuesday the MISD Board of Trustees met for its February regular meeting.

The Board took several noteworthy actions that benefit MISD employees and students, including the adoption of a Board Resolution urging the Governor of Texas to include school district employees on the list of those eligible to receive of COVID-19 vaccine and a Board Resolution approving employee compensation during the district’s inclement weather closure from Feb. 16 through Feb. 19. Trustees also authorized the district to accept missed school day waivers from the Texas Education Agency for last week’s inclement weather closures. This means that the district will not need to add any school days to the current academic calendar to make up for the missed instructional minutes. With that said, we’ll always work to ensure students are provided academic opportunities to make up for missed instructional time during closures.

Regarding the COVID-19 Board Resolution adopted by Board, I want to reiterate that we would never make it a requirement for any employee to receive the vaccine once they are made available. The district and Board of Trustees felt that, given the resilience and hard work this year to keep schools open, it was appropriate to request to the state that public school district personnel be included in the definition of “frontline workers” for purposes of COVID-19 distribution.

Additionally, during the meeting trustees received a report on a study of the MISD Human Resources Department by the Texas Association of School Boards. The report identified areas of strength and opportunity for HR-related functions within the district. Like in any organization, Human Resources plays a key role in how we recruit, retain, grow and support our employees. It’s always important to have a third-party share insights on how to improve and provide affirmations of your strengths.

Trustees also gave a special recognition to our school counselors. Each year during the month of February, school counselors are recognized during National School Counseling Week for their unique contributions and positive impact on helping students achieve success in school and plan for their future. Trustees gave a special thank you to our dedicated school counselors for the support they provide our students not only academically, but also and socially and emotionally. A video was shown highlighting the contribution of school counselors. You can view the video below:

Next Strategic Plan Town Hall Meeting – March 4

As a reminder, due to last week’s inclement weather, the next Strategic Plan Town Hall meeting at Lake Creek HS has been pushed back one week to Thursday, March 4 at 6 p.m. I encourage you all to attend and share your thoughts and input on district initiatives and strategies to be included in the Strategic Plan.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to observe our Strategic Plan Task Force Committee meetings at the District ESC. I was incredibly encouraged to see first-hand such enthusiasm toward developing an outstanding strategic plan for our district and students during these meetings.

Here are a few photos of the task force committees in action!

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

I want to share with you that Dr. Sonja Lopez is stepping away from her role as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. We thank Dr. Lopez for her years of service to the district as both a campus administrator and district leader, and wish her the best as she moves on to the next stage of her career. A broad search will begin for the next leader of our Human Resources Department.

Superintendent Shout-Out: Lake Creek Boys’ Basketball

I’d like to give a special “Superintendent Shout-Out” to the Lake Creek Varsity Boys’ basketball players and coaches, who advanced to the UIL Area Playoff Round this week! On Monday, the Lions defeated A&M Consolidated 49-47 in the Bi-District Playoff Round in what was a thrilling finish, before coming up a little short on Wednesday in the Area Round. The Lions finished the season with an overall record of 17-9, with a 11-3 District record.

Congratulations to Coach Shannon Spencer and the Lions on a remarkable season!

The 2020-21 Lake Creek Lions Varsity Basketball Team

Debraun Hampton

Mason Moore

Trace Spencer

Jordan Fitch

Mitch O’Neal

Seth Cantu

Ty George

Logan Peterson

Charlie Johnson

Kaiden Wyszynksi

Skylar Mayweather

Hudson Boyd

Sawyer Matchett

Chase Brown

MISD Swimmers Head to State

Good luck to Lake Creek HS swimmer Jacob Whitaker and Montgomery HS swimmers Kendall Wilson, Kaitlyn Weightman, Kaelynn Miller and Reese Balkcom, who are all headed to the UIL State Swim Meet in San Antonio!

Prioritizing the Safety and Well-being of Students and Staff

Needless to say, this was a difficult, crazy week. I want to express my sincere appreciation for your patience, flexibility and understanding as we wrestled with making decisions around closing schools.

The decision to close schools, delay the start of schools or shift to an all-remote format is never easy. There are many factors we examine and discuss in detail, not only as a leadership team but also in conjunction with local officials and neighboring superintendents. But, the driving factor in these decisions is always the safety and well-being of students and staff.

Our decision to close schools entirely this week – with no remote instruction – was due to dangerous road conditions and also the fact that many families and staff members struggled with weather-related issues like power and water outages, pipe bursts, leaks and heating issues. Unfortunately, many are still trying to get their personal lives in order and dealing with the mess this severe weather is leaving behind. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together, and I’m proud of how our community has supported one another throughout this challenging week.

During this terrible weather event it was a source of pride to make Madeley Ranch ES available for sheltering impacted community members. In fact, Madeley Ranch ES served as the community’s primary warming center providing a number of families with a warm and safe place to stay as they faced power and water outages. It was a great example of the City of Montgomery and MISD working together to assist our community. A special thank you goes out to the Madeley Ranch ES staff, MISD PD and our maintenance team for making this possible. 

Our district maintenance team has been working hard to ensure all schools are ready to safely accommodate in-person instruction on Monday. Please exercise caution when entering buildings on Monday, as there may still be some ice near doors and in the parking lots. Also, please join me in thanking our maintenance team for their hard work this week to ensure our campuses are prepared for students and staff next week.

Again, I want to thank you all for your patience and flexibility this week. As I have mentioned before, we will always work diligently to provide weather-related school closure information as quickly as possible. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is always my top priority.

Enjoy a safe and restful weekend.

With Gratitude,

Dr. Heath Morrison

Montgomery ISD Superintendent

February Board Meeting Now Tues., Feb. 23

Due to inclement weather this week, the February Board of Trustees regular meeting has been rescheduled to 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the MISD Education Support Center.

As a recap of what I shared last week, during this meeting, trustees will give a special recognition to our school counselors in honor of National School Counseling Week, which was Feb 1-5. Thanks to all who joined us in celebrating our amazing school counselors last week.

During the board meeting, Trustees will also consider the adoption of a Board Resolution urging Governor Greg Abbott to prioritize school district employees in the next round of COVID-19 vaccinations. While we respect every individual’s right to make their own healthcare-related decisions, we believe that public school employees should be eligible recipients of the vaccines, given the magnitude and importance of their roles.

Strategic Plan Town Hall Meeting at Lake Creek Rescheduled to March 4

Due to several district events needing to be postponed or rescheduled, the next Strategic Plan Town Hall meeting scheduled at Lake Creek High School will be held Thursday, March 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

We look forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders through the district strategic planning process.

Superintendent Shout-out: Joe Kinard and the MISD Maintenance Team

I want to give a special shout-out to Director of Maintenance Joe Kinard and his entire team for their tireless work over the past few days. They have been incredible, working around-the-clock to ensure our campuses are ready for in-person instruction on Monday. They have also stepped up for families by helping with staffing our warming shelter at Madeley Ranch ES. Please join me in showing your appreciation for our awesome maintenance team!