In a unanimous vote during the November regular school board meeting, Montgomery ISD trustees named Dr. Mark Ruffin as the lone finalist for the district’s new superintendent of schools.

Dr. Ruffin is currently the superintendent in Normangee ISD, a role he has held since 2018. Under his leadership, Normangee ISD achieved academic improvements, and voters in the district passed a bond referendum in May 2022 to enhance district facilities and expand resources available to students.

Prior to his service as superintendent in Normangee ISD, Dr. Ruffin served as Normangee High School principal and worked in Humble ISD where he served as an assistant principal and math teacher at Kingwood Park High School. He began his career as a special education and math teacher in Centerville ISD.

Dr. Ruffin earned his doctorate in education from West Texas A&M University, his master’s degree in education from University of Texas at Tyler, and his bachelor’s degree from University of Texas at San Antonio. He is currently a member of the Texas Association of School Administrator’s Commissioner’s Cabinet and a superintendency mentor for the Region 6 Education Service Center.

“I am both humbled and thrilled to join the Montgomery ISD community and be a part of this district’s tradition of excellence,” Dr. Ruffin said. “I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees and the outstanding teachers and staff in this district to continue moving Montgomery ISD forward as an exceptional school district in the state of Texas. My family is excited to call Montgomery our new home.”

The district’s search for the new superintendent began in July when the board hired former Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Moses and David Thompson, a highly regarded educational leader in Texas, to conduct the process. In October, the search firm hosted several focus group meetings and conducted an online survey to gather community input about the desired qualities for the new leader.

“Dr. Ruffin brings valuable leadership experience, dedication, and heart to this role. After starting as a classroom teacher, he quickly ascended to leadership where his high standard of excellence and values ultimately led him to being named a superintendent,” Board President Laurie Turner said. “Our community and staff told us they wanted an educational leader who is passionate about teaching and learning, an outstanding communicator and has a strong ability to connect with people. We have found that leader in Dr. Ruffin and we cannot wait to welcome and introduce him to our MISD family.”

Montgomery ISD board trustees made the following comments about Dr. Ruffin and the district’s process for hiring a new superintendent.

“Throughout this entire process, Dr. Ruffin’s leadership style, core family values and passion for kids really shined through,” Board Vice President Nate Robb said. “He has a true desire to make meaningful connections with people and the community. He is also well-versed in the challenges facing public school districts across the state. He is a dynamic educator and leader, and instilled confidence in our board that he is the right person to take Montgomery to the next level. “

“This is one of, if not the most, important decisions made by a school board,” Trustee Eddie Winn said. “We have devoted a tremendous amount of time, thought, and discussion in seeking the right person to be our next superintendent. Dr. Ruffin holds every quality and characteristic our board and community desired in our next leader. We are extremely excited to announce Dr. Ruffin as our lone finalist.”

“Our district has been moving in a positive direction in managing growth, improving academic outcomes for students and confronting other challenges facing public schools, not only in Montgomery County but across the state of Texas,” Trustee Trey Kirby said. “With the growth we continue to experience across our district, it is important to us that Montgomery ISD maintains a culture of community and continues to reflect the values and beliefs of the people who live and work here. We believe that Dr. Ruffin will fit into this role seamlessly, and we are confident that under his leadership we will maintain the culture our outstanding leadership team has established.”

“Dr. Ruffin exudes the qualities and characteristics of this town,” Trustee Matt Fuller said. “A top priority for our board was finding a strong educational leader who would immediately connect with students, parents, teachers, staff and community members in our district. We have found that leader in Dr. Ruffin.”

“His passion for building meaningful connections with people and his focus on ensuring all students succeed are qualities that I know our community will immediately recognize,” Trustee Shawn Denison said. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact Dr. Ruffin’s leadership will have on Montgomery ISD students, teachers, and staff.”

“Dr. Ruffin is all about community, communication, and setting high standards and expectations to ensure that all students succeed,” Trustee Linda Porten said. “These leadership values will only enhance the already strong culture in Montgomery ISD, which will support our vision that every student receives a premier education, reaches their full potential, and is prepared for future success.”

The Board of Trustees also expressed their gratitude for Dr. Amy Busby, who has served as Interim Superintendent since July.

“On behalf of the Board, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Busby for serving our district as interim superintendent during this important time,” Turner said. “Her deep knowledge of the district and steady leadership have been critical during this time of transition, guiding us as we have continued serving our students and families. She is a major asset to our district and the board is grateful for her dedicated leadership.”

In compliance with state law, a 21-day waiting period will now go into effect before the board will vote to offer a contract to Dr. Ruffin to serve as superintendent.

Trustees also receive update on 2022 bond program projects

During the October meeting of the Montgomery ISD school board, trustees voted to approve the 2024-25 course selection guide for junior high and high school students. Highlights in the course selection guide include the addition of a music fine arts course for 6^th graders, the addition of American Sign Language and updates to the Career and Technical Education programs of study including an Oil and Gas Production pathway, as well as Construction, Welding and Automotive courses.

You can view a full list of the changes to the existing secondary course selection guide here. The approved 2024-25 course selection guide will be shared with students and families through their campus counseling office.

In previous years, the MISD Board of Trustees did not approve the course selection guide for the following year until December. This year, to provide families and campus administration with the opportunity to start planning for the following year sooner, the course selection guide was recommended for approval in October.

“One area we have worked to improve in Montgomery ISD is the master scheduling process at the secondary level,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Busby said. “Starting this process for next year allows students and families to start thinking ahead in terms of their desired courses and also provides campus leadership teams with the ability to start planning ahead as it relates to looking at staffing and other items to meet the needs of our students.”

Trustees also heard a report about the district’s recapture obligation. Under a law often referred to as “Robin Hood”, Montgomery ISD must send a portion of its local property tax revenues to the state for redistribution. This occurs when the property wealth per student within a school district exceeds a threshold set by the state.

Montgomery ISD recently received notice from the Texas Education Agency that it would be required to pay $3.1 M in recapture for the 2022-2023 school year.  Purchasing attendance credits from the state serves as the mechanism for making the recapture payment. Trustees voted to authorize the purchase of attendance credits should the district be required to pay additional recapture dollars for the 2023-2024 school year. School districts that opt not to pay their recapture obligation are subject to the state detaching commercial properties from the district and annexing those properties to neighboring districts, effectively lowering the tax base for a district subject to recapture. 

“Recapture continues to be a huge concern for this town and our school district,” Trustee Matt Fuller said. “The state’s method of funding public schools is an enormous challenge for Montgomery ISD. Not only do we receive below the state average in per-student funding from the state… but also, under how the law is constructed, we’re required to send local taxpayer dollars back to the state’s general fund while lawmakers sit on a $30B budget surplus. These are local dollars that should be going directly to Montgomery ISD classrooms.”

Trustees also heard an update on projects funded by the district’s 2022 bond program.  New chillers are up and running at Montgomery High School, and the trustees approved the purchase of new chillers for Madeley Ranch, Stewart Creek and Lone Star Elementary campuses. The design for the district’s Career & Technical Education and Agricultural Science Center is nearing completion with dirt work to begin soon. Design work for renovations at Montgomery High School is also in the final stages.

“It’s very exciting to see more of the 2022 bond projects moving forward,” Board vice president Nate Robb said. “These needed capital improvements will benefit our students and staff members for years to come, and we’re firmly committed to continuing our focus on being transparent and sharing frequent updates about construction costs, progress and timelines with the community.”

Finally, in observance of National Principal’s Month in October, the trustees honored MISD’s principals for their leadership on campuses and commitment to students and staff members.

“We are so proud of the work our campus principals do every day, and look forward to this opportunity to celebrate them,” Board president Laurie Turner said.  “Each of our campuses is blessed by wonderful leaders who work tirelessly to meet the needs of teachers, students and families. We recognize that strong leadership is the foundation of a successful school, and that is why we are so grateful to each of our principals for their contributions.”

Montgomery HS, Lake Creek HS students move on to regional competition

Montgomery ISD students choir students completed the first round of auditions in the All-State selection process. Students from Montgomery High School and Lake Creek High School competed against talented singers from across the area. Montgomery High School advanced 30 students and Lake Creek High School had 31 students move on to the next round.   

“I am so pleased by our results, five students earned 1^st chair, three earned 2^nd chair and four earned 3^rd chair,” MHS Choir Director Heather Orr said. “The next step is the Region auditions on October 14 where 30 of our students will face other qualifiers from area schools.” 

The Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) choir auditions are a four-part process, with District, Region, Pre-Area, and Area auditions with the end goal being State. The TMEA audition process is designed to provide both recognition and meaningful musical experiences for Texas’ student musicians. Selection to a TMEA performing organization requires stamina, talent, and a strong work ethic.

“The Lake Creek choir program had a record-breaking 31 students advance to the Region audition. This is a huge accomplishment and speaks highly of the work ethic of our students,” Lake Creek HS Choir Director Cameron Carnley said. “We are so proud of all the students who learned this music and auditioned.”

Each fall, over 70,000 Texas high school students begin the All-State audition process. 1,810 are ultimately selected to rehearse and perform during the annual TMEA Clinic/Convention in one of 18 Texas All-State ensembles, including four choirs: Mixed Choir, Treble Choir, Tenor-Bass Choir and Small School Mixed Choir.

Congratulations to these talented students!

Montgomery High School:

Soprano 1

Alyssa Schelski – 3rd chair

Soprano 2

Mary Hoke – 1st chair

Sahely Sanchez – 6th chair

Reagan Mosier

Cali-Mai Vasquez

Alto 1

Catherine McCorquodale – 3rd chair

Raegan Sells – 3rd chair

Saida Bourque – 6th chair

Katherine Haldy

Kailey Rooney

Alto 2

Hannah Dobbs – 1st chair

Adelyn Rabel – 2nd chair

Jacqueline Lucas – 4th chair

Ella Grace Robertson

Tenor 1

Benjamin Barajas – 1st chair

Aiden Anderson

Logan McCall

Zach Smith

Tenor 2

Jack McCorquodale – 1st chair

Jarod Peschl – 3rd chair

Bass 1

Sam Siemonsma – 2nd chair

Mason Ainsworth

Brandon Klevenski

Baron Lockridge

Bass 2

Braedyn Ritchie – 1st chair

Joel Morgan – 2nd chair

Landon Davis

Grayson Moore

Jacob Morris

Jax Tweto

Lake Creek High School:

Soprano 1

Mia Pazderny – 2^nd Chair

Madelyn Fellman

Sarah Temple

Soprano 2

Molly Marshall – 2^nd Chair

Brooke Marshall – 4^th Chair

Jordan Burton

Abby Carswell

Jenna Fruge

Alexia Romo

Alto 1

Kimberly Boyd

Loren Flood

Jennifer Whitlock

Alto 2

Zoe Powell – 3^rd Chair

Payton Nichols

Madi Perry

Dakota Savadina

Evelyn Villarde

Niko Villarde

Tenor 1

Juan Flores

Tenor 2

Kenny Chalk – 2^nd Chair

Dalton Schany – 5^th Chair

Cooper Campbell

Tristan Luycx

Ezekiel Miller

Levi Turner

Bass 1

Caden McDonald – 5^th Chair

Keaton Anderson

DJ Haynes

Walker Littlejohn

Blayne Lusk

Bass 2

Donovan Miller – 5^th Chair

Five others named Commended Students

Lake Creek High School senior Brock Botard has been named a Semifinalist for the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Botard is one of more than 16,000 high school seniors moving forward in the competition. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

Semifinalists must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. From over 16,000 Semifinalists, more than 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation.

Additionally, five Lake Creek High School students – Emma Gearman, Blake Hayward, Grace Nichols, Elisha Rendall and James Warren –  have been named Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students across the nation who entered the 2024 National Merit competition by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Gearman, Hayward, Nichols, Rendall and Warren are among the nearly 34,000 of these high scorers who go on to receive Letters of Commendation from their schools and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in recognition of their exceptional academic promise. Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, some of these students do become candidates for other special scholarships.

“We are incredibly proud of these students,” Lake Creek Principal Tim Williams said.  “Each of them has gone the distance with academic rigor and commitment to their studies, resulting in highly successful performances earning nationally recognized distinction. We are honored to have students like them represent Lake Creek High School and Montgomery ISD.”

During the September meeting of the Montgomery ISD school board, trustees were presented a Best-In-Class recognition from Cenergistic, the district’s provider of energy conservation services. The recognition culminates a two years-long effort to create more energy-efficient buildings that has paid off financially for the school district.

Montgomery ISD has cut expected energy costs by 23% percent since partnering with Cenergistic in 2021. The Best-In-Class recognition celebrates the district’s success with the Cenergistic energy management program — a comprehensive, technology-driven approach to energy conservation at all levels in the district. Since partnering with Cenergistic, Montgomery ISD has avoided $2.9M in energy costs.

“Since beginning our partnership with Cenergistic, Montgomery ISD has greatly benefitted from the energy savings associated with this work,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Busby said. “Our partnership enables the district to exercise fiscal responsibility with taxpayer dollars and operate as efficiently as possible while providing excellent learning environments.”

As an additional benefit of the Cenergistic program, this year Montgomery ISD earned four ENERGY STAR® certifications. This recognition is presented to the most energy-efficient buildings benchmarked against peers and signifies the buildings are in the top 25%. The four MISD campuses earning ENERGY STAR Certifications are Keenan Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Oak Hills Junior High School and Lake Creek High School.

“Montgomery ISD has created a stellar program,” Cenergistic Founder and CEO Dr. William S. Spears said. “Rising to the top in all the metrics with healthier, more efficient buildings, savings and comfort, the district is truly Best-in-Class. Dr. Amy Busby and the school board, administrators and staff members are to be commended for their leadership.”

Also during the meeting, MISD Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Dr. Chris Summers provided an update on state accountability and the ratings that schools and districts are set to receive as part of the spring 2023 STAAR test. Test scores released in August indicate Montgomery ISD students continued to perform above the state average in every area tested in the STAAR assessment. Results also indicated year-over-year academic gains against 2022 scores. Results from the STAAR assessment are used by the Texas Education Agency to assign A-F ratings for schools and campuses. Last week, TEA announced the A-F ratings for 2023 would be delayed about a month, pending further analysis. The decision comes as several Texas school districts are filing a lawsuit against the state over changes to how A-F ratings will be calculated. Changes to the rating system, as it stands now, will lower district and school ratings, giving the false perception that schools are under performing despite in some cases actually achieving improvements in scores on the spring 2023 STAAR assessment. 

“We are closely monitoring this situation and very much share the concerns of school districts statewide about recent changes to the accountability system,” Board President Laurie Turner said. “While we acknowledge that state assessments are just one measure of how our students are growing and learning, we ask for transparency in changes to scoring methodologies that will have an impact on our school district.”

Trustees also recognized employees from the MISD Maintenance Department and the district’s custodial services vendor, Metroclean.

“We are always excited to acknowledge and celebrate hardworking, dedicated members of Team Montgomery,” Board Secretary Linda Porten said. “There is no doubt that the bond construction across the district this summer has increased their workload, and they have stepped up to ensure our campuses are well-maintained for our students and staff every day.”

New School District Chief of Police Also Sworn in by Judge Wayne Mack

The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees held a regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, August 21, and adopted a reduced tax rate for the 2023-24 school year.

The total tax rate for the school district is made up of two components: Maintenance & Operation (M&O), and Interest and Sinking (I&S).  The M&O rate provides for general maintenance and operations of the district, including employee salaries and instructional costs.  The I&S rate is used to pay down debt that finances the district’s facilities.

The new Montgomery ISD tax rates for the 2023-24 fiscal year are .6744 (M&O) and .3743 (I&S) for a total of $1.0487 per $100 property valuation. This rate is $0.1802 lower than the 2022-23 Montgomery ISD tax rates, which were $0.8546 (M&O) and $0.3743 (I&S) for a total of $1.2289 per $100 property valuation.

Over the past five years, the district’s tax rate has decreased by $0.32 per $100 property valuation.

The tax rate reduction adopted by the MISD Board of Trustees for the 2023-24 school year is the largest decrease to the district’s rate since 2006 when all school district property tax rates in Texas were decreased by $0.50.

“The Board was very excited to adopt a lower property tax rate, which will provide homeowners with much-needed relief,” Board President Laurie Turner said.  “It’s important to note that the MISD Board of Trustees sets the tax rate and does not determine property values. With that, this Board has always been committed to maintaining a conservative tax rate. We are hopeful that our lawmakers will acknowledge this by closely examining the funding our district receives from the state, which is below the state average when looking at funding per student.”

Additionally, trustees were proud to share that no increase to the district’s I&S tax rate was necessary or adopted, despite the district communicating the need for a small increase as part of the 2022 bond program.

 “During the 2022 bond campaign, MISD was very transparent and up-front with voters that a small tax increase may be necessary to support the measure,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Busby said. “Since the May 2022 bond election, the district has sold $226.9 million of the bonds without an increase to our I&S rate. This speaks volumes about our board and district’s commitment to sound fiscal management.”

Also, during the meeting, Montgomery County Judge Wayne Mack officially swore in Rickey Doerre as Chief of Police for the Montgomery ISD Police Department.

“I am excited for the opportunity to serve Montgomery ISD as Chief of Police,” Doerre said.  “It is truly an honor to lead this group of dedicated officers, ensuring that the safety and security of our students and staff continues to be the district’s top priority. We are committed to working with campus leaders and our supportive community to make MISD a safe place for our students to learn and grow.”

Doerre succeeds Chief Stephen Phillips, who officially retires on August 31, and was recognized by the trustees during the meeting for his contributions to the school district. Lena Neugebauer was also honored by the trustees for her longtime service to the district and leadership of MISD’s Child Nutrition Department.