Board of Trustees celebrated during School Board Appreciation Month

January 20, 2026 – During its January meeting, the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees approved the district’s academic calendar for the 2026–27 school year.

The calendar was developed by the Montgomery ISD District Advisory Committee (DAC), which includes district staff, parents, and community members. Each year, the district conducts a calendar characteristics survey that is shared with the entire community to gather input and feedback on priorities for the academic calendar. This annual survey serves as a foundational tool for the DAC as it begins its work.

This fall, there was strong interest and participation in the survey from both parents and staff, with clear feedback supporting an extension of the October fall break to a full week, consistent with several neighboring school districts. The DAC reviewed survey results, gathered additional stakeholder input, and met multiple times throughout the fall semester to analyze the data and develop draft calendar options.

When the committee narrowed its work to two final calendar options, members recognized that a full week fall break would represent a significant shift from the district’s current calendar structure. To ensure the broader community had an opportunity to weigh in, the district issued an additional survey focused specifically on those two options. Nearly 68 percent of all respondents, including 66 percent of parent respondents, indicated a preference for the option that included a full week fall break. Based on that feedback, the DAC finalized its recommendation and submitted the calendar to the Board of Trustees for approval.

Highlights of the MISD 2026–27 academic calendar include:

• First and last days of school: Classes begin Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and conclude Thursday, May 27, 2027.
• Academic days: A total of 174 days of instruction, compared to 172 in the current school year.
• Fall break: An extended fall break for students and staff. October 9 will be a staff work day and student holiday, followed by districtwide holidays for all students and staff October 12–16.
• Spring Break: Scheduled for March 15–19, aligning with the Lone Star College calendar.
• Early release days: Scheduled at the conclusion of both the fall and spring semesters.

The approved 2026–27 academic calendar can be viewed on the district website here.

“We are grateful for the time, care, and collaboration the District Advisory Committee brings to this process each year,” Superintendent Dr. Mark Ruffin said. “Developing an academic calendar requires balancing instructional priorities, student and staff needs, and state requirements. The DAC carefully considered community feedback and delivered a calendar that reflects the voices of our stakeholders while keeping students at the center of every decision.”

Board President Eddie Winn also expressed appreciation and emphasized the role of community input.

“This calendar is a strong example of how meaningful engagement shapes district decisions,” Winn said. “Our families and staff clearly communicated their desire for a full week fall break in October and for the school year to conclude before Memorial Day. The additional survey confirmed that support, and the DAC was able to design a calendar that responds to those preferences while also ensuring the calendar met state requirements and other community preferences. We are thankful to everyone who took the time to share their feedback.”

MISD Trustees Recognized During School Board Appreciation Month

During the January meeting, Montgomery ISD trustees were also recognized in honor of School Board Appreciation Month. Each January, school districts across Texas take time to recognize the dedicated community volunteers who serve on local boards of trustees and commit countless hours to supporting public education.

Serving as a school board trustee is a volunteer role that requires a significant investment of time, energy, and leadership. In addition to regularly scheduled monthly board meetings, Montgomery ISD trustees participate in sub-committee work, attend scheduled campus learning walks, and take part in numerous district and community meetings throughout the year. Trustees also represent the district at school and community events, legislative and regional meetings, and professional development opportunities. Collectively, these responsibilities require many hours each month devoted to serving students, staff, families, and the broader Montgomery community.

“We are always excited to recognize our school board members,” Superintendent Dr. Mark Ruffin said. “They truly reflect the values of our community and are united by their dedication to student success. Their leadership plays an important role in shaping a bright future for MISD students and staff, and we are thankful for the meaningful impact they have on our district and the Montgomery community.”

Police Departments Recognized

Members of the Montgomery ISD Police Department were recognized during the January meeting in honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Month. This recognition aligns with the district’s Safe Schools, Strong Community communications campaign, which highlights both the safety procedures in place across MISD campuses and the important role MISD police officers play in creating secure, welcoming learning environments.

Through this campaign, the district has emphasized that MISD police officers serve not only as protectors on campus, but also as trusted adults who build meaningful relationships with students. Officers are regularly visible on campuses, supporting administrators, engaging with students and staff, and serving as mentors and positive role models. Their presence helps foster a culture of trust, connection, and safety that supports both student well being and academic success.

MISD is grateful for the professionalism, dedication, and tireless efforts of its police officers, whose work ensures campuses remain safe places where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

“We want our MISD police officers to know how deeply grateful we are for their service,” Trustee Paul Cameron said. “They show up every day with a genuine commitment to protecting our schools and caring for our students. Our officers go above and beyond traditional law enforcement roles by building relationships, offering guidance, and being a steady, trusted presence on our campuses. Their work makes a meaningful difference for our students, staff, and families.”

In addition, the Tomball Police Department was recognized as an MISD Premier Partner for its collaboration with the district. In February 2025, Montgomery ISD purchased four used police vehicles from the City of Tomball, strengthening the MISD Police Department’s fleet and operational capacity.

“Partnering with the City of Tomball to purchase reliable, well maintained vehicles has had a meaningful impact on our district police department,” Trustee Shawn Denison said. “Having dependable equipment allows our officers to perform their duties more effectively and strengthens our presence across the district. This partnership was a smart and practical solution that benefited both Tomball PD and Montgomery ISD, while ultimately enhancing our ability to serve and protect our schools and community.”

MISD Teachers Earn National Board Certifications

In December 2025, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards released results from the 2024–2025 assessment cycle, recognizing educators who achieved one of the most rigorous and respected certifications in the profession. Montgomery ISD is proud to celebrate the first cohort of district educators to earn National Board Certification, a distinction held by fewer than one percent of teachers in Texas.

Four MISD educators successfully completed and submitted all required certification components, earning National Board Certification:

• Dannette Key, Teaching and Learning Department
  • Certification Area: Literacy – Reading Language Arts, Early and Middle Childhood
• Alicia Fowler, Stewart Creek Elementary
  • Certification Area: Literacy – Reading Language Arts, Early and Middle Childhood
• Shannon Wall, Keenan Elementary
  • Certification Area: Generalist, Early Childhood
• Leah Taska, Oak Hills Junior High
  • Certification Area: Science, Early Adolescence

National Board Certification is a multi year process that requires educators to engage in deep reflection, rigorous self assessment, and evidence based analysis of their instructional practices. Candidates must demonstrate a sustained commitment to student learning, professional growth, and the highest standards of teaching excellence.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for these outstanding educators,” Dr. Ruffin said. “Over the course of two years, they challenged themselves, reflected deeply on their practice, and demonstrated a clear commitment to teaching at the highest level. Earning National Board Certification places them among an elite group of educators statewide and truly sets the gold standard for the profession. We are incredibly proud to have them representing Montgomery ISD.”

This milestone reflects MISD’s continued investment in instructional excellence and professional growth, as well as the dedication of its educators to lifelong learning and student success.

Future School Board Meeting Locations

Trustees concluded the meeting by announcing that beginning February 17, 2026, monthly board meetings will be held at The DEN: Career and Technical Education Center (1520 Lone Star Pkwy).