Montgomery High School senior Gage Cagle has known since he was in first grade that he wants to be a police officer when he grows up. Like most young kids, the bright lights and fast cars were exciting and the attraction to this career choice has never wavered.  

Gage moved to Montgomery ISD halfway through his junior year, coming from a technical school in Tulsa, OK. Having had law classes already on his transcript, he was thankful that MISD offered a CTE pathway to continue his studies and has since implemented a practicum level course, offering internship experience within the district, as he shadows and is mentored by officers right here in Montgomery ISD.  

“The officers in our district are providing an immense amount of wisdom with their experience,” Gage said. “From officers with HPD experience, former State Troopers, Edelman having worked with SWAT and Stewart having experience with K-9 units, I have a great group of officers to learn from.” 

Students in the law enforcement pathway that progress to the practicum level get to experience what being a police officer in the school district is like, not only gaining “boots on the ground” experience, but getting to talk through scenarios, see how decisions are made behind the scenes and gain knowledge that cannot be found in a textbook. Gage works with officers to complete safety checks, door checks, learn about community policing initiatives and their discussion time covers topics including law review, case law and report writing. He has even been able to shadow officers during lock-down and fire drills performed in the district.  

As Gage schedules his week, he is spending first through third period four days a week on elementary, junior high and high school campuses and gaining insight from Officers Reed Edelman, Stephen Countz, Don Spradlin and Montgomery HS’s Bruce Stewart and Marcus Bolden.  

“Students in this program have the fantastic opportunity to pick the minds of officers that have up to 40 years of experience in law enforcement,” Edelman said. “Obtaining first-hand knowledge from officers who do the job every day can provide invaluable insight into what it means to be a police officer.” 

Participating in the law enforcement pathway also provides a significant amount of time studying principles of law, law enforcement and court systems. Through the court systems class, Gage has learned and practiced how to testify in court as both a witness and a police officer, as well as the laws in place in a courtroom regarding legal questioning and evidence submission.  

“Court Systems has provided confidence in addition to the experience that the law enforcement internship has,” Gage said. “In competition, it’s a real courtroom experience and I had to memorize the deposition and become very familiar with the facts of our case. It truly prepared me for what a courtroom experience will be like when I’m the officer on the stand.”  

The MHS Mock Trial team, led by law enforcement teacher Valerie Krizan, advanced to Regionals this year and earned second place. Before becoming a teacher and starting this program in Montgomery ISD thirteen years ago, Krizan worked in the private sector for 25 years as a paralegal.  

“It was great to start this program with my husband, a former HPD officer, giving students experience in Mock Trial through the court systems and law enforcement classes” Krizan said. “But I’m so thankful for the work of Amy Vance and MISD’s growing CTE department in helping us expand this program and provide this internship opportunity for students like Gage.” 

Completing a CTE program of study in Montgomery ISD requires great commitment from students, with practicum opportunities often removing the option to have late arrival or early release in order to participate in the internship hours as a senior. Gage is a student that has made that commitment and feels like the benefits of building his resume and creating connections that will help him succeed in his goals are worth the effort and additional time at school.  

“I’m learning more than the law from this experience,” Gage said. “As I’m growing in my faith as a Christian, I don’t just want to be a police officer that sends people to jail. I want to help teach and educate and learning from these mentors as they lead and care about the kids in MISD is building confidence in me to do that.” 

Krizan has also made connections with the City of Montgomery PD to allow Gage and other law enforcement students to partner with their officers in an internship experience and says that although you have to be 21 to be a police officer, there are opportunities with the Montgomery County Sherriff’s Department for Gage to receive delayed entry to work for the county.  

“He’s building his resume, will be a member of the MISD Citizen’s Police Academy and the county is offering an opportunity for our seniors to attend training,” Krizan said. “All these doors are really starting to open, and we’re just really excited about it.” 

Gage’s work ethic and enthusiasm for learning has really grabbed the attention of the MISD officers that are helping to provide the internship experience. 

“I truly believe that law enforcement is his calling,” Edelman said. “He enjoys learning and understands the concepts of what law enforcement is about. His initiative to expand this program shows his dedication to MISD and future law enforcement officers.” 

Gage hopes to attend Sam Houston State and major in Criminal Justice and would like to work with either the Sherriff’s Department or State PD. He’d love to start out working in the jail, sharing encouragement and learning, but if you ask him to dream big, he’d like to be Chief of the State Trooper Division.  

“I want to be a faithful steward of God and use my career to help people in the community at the same time,” Gage said.  

The MISD Law Enforcement and Legal Studies CTE Pathway is available at both Lake Creek and Montgomery HS and students can begin exploring their interest in this study with Principles of Law Enforcement their freshman year.   

Career and Technical Education opportunities at the high school level are meant to open doors for a student’s future, giving them necessary training and experience that can be used to either fuel a passion or meet a future need in a career of their choice. For MISD Cosmetology students, the training and experience is providing both – allowing these students to learn a lifelong skill that can provide a career opportunity immediately following graduation.  

Montgomery HS junior, Emily Miranda, began her CTE pathway in ROTC and really didn’t feel like that was the place for her to find success. When she heard that MISD was opening a Cosmetology program, she realized an opportunity was in front of her that she couldn’t resist.  

“When I learned that I’d be able to use my time in high school to get my license, I knew it would give me a foot to stand on when I go to college,” Emily said. “I want to go to school for Criminal Justice, but I will need this side hustle to help me pay for school.” 

Though all students in the Cosmetology program will learn skills including hair, skincare, makeup, nails and barber training, each student is finding that they are interested in focusing on one area that they can challenge themselves in through competition.  

“My focus is on barber – learning flat tops, fading, shaving and doing boy haircuts.” Emily said. “But my favorite thing I’ve learned that I never thought I’d be able to do is nails. Learning acrylics was super cool and easier than I thought it would be.” 

Rylee Wolfley is a junior at Lake Creek HS and spends her first three periods of each day in the MICA classroom and studios. She has always known that she wanted to do hair and after starting to ask her counselors in 8^th grade what she could do to be in cosmetology in high school, she was so excited to learn that the district was opening a cosmetology program just in time for her to participate. Without a pathway for the program yet, Rylee began by taking Principles of Human Services and then a Hospitality class to gain the customer service part of owning her own business. Rylee has grown up watching her aunt do hair, running her own salon, and says she has always wanted to do the same. 

“This has always been my dream,” Rylee said. “I plan to start working right out of high school to support myself, but I really just feel like cosmetology is a life-long skill that will allow me to be a stay-at-home-mom and also have a way to support and serve my family one day.” 

Rylee is focusing on the cosmetology skills of haircuts and styling and says she really enjoys doing updos and testing her creative skills in that way.  

The cosmetology students have monthly opportunities to participate in salon nights, in which they open the salon to family and friends that schedule appointments for anything from an eyebrow wax to a hair style or manicure. The students really appreciate and enjoy the opportunity to gain experience.  

“Oh, salon nights are just so fun!” Rylee said. “When I had a five-year-old come in that had never gotten her haircut before, I got to help her enjoy the experience and her face just lit up when I turned her around to show her. I was just so happy to get to make her happy!”  

Montgomery HS junior, Kloye Morgan, began her high school studies on the medical pathway, believing she would study to be a plastic surgeon.  Having always had an interest in beauty and self-care, Kloye thought that might be the best idea.  

“When cosmetology became available I changed my pathway because I thought it was a great opportunity to be able to learn and work right out of high school,” Kloye said. “But I want to use my job to make money and pay for a degree in business, so one day I can open my own salon. I’ve fallen in love with doing nails!” 

Kloye enjoys salon night and the way it feels like she’s already in her career. She enjoys growing relationships with students that she is with for three periods each day and says that they’re all becoming such great friends.  

“I love Ms. Moyers!” Kloye said. “She’s a great teacher and she really cares about teaching us the right way to do things so we can be successful!” 

The MISD Cosmetology instructor, Mrs. Moyers, also got her cosmetology license in high school and started working at the age of 18. She then transitioned to teaching for beauty school companies and moved to the college level in 2003, opening the program at Navarro Junior College.  

“I teach this high school course just like my college program,” Moyers said. “It’s the same license and I have them start cutting hair on mannequins the second week of school.”  

Mrs. Moyer has planned the salon nights to give students the opportunity to not only test their skills and put what they’ve learned into practice, but also to overcome the nerves of having real clients. The money raised from these nights is used to purchase additional supplies and mannequins and support the needs of the program.  

“It’s like you’re actually doing a job and there’s all these people here so it can be stressful,” Emily said. “But it’s a great learning opportunity and we get to put our skills to the test.” 

Another Montgomery HS junior, Merlot Martin, has found a passion for skincare through her time in the Cosmetology pathway. Having no idea what she wanted to do when she grew up, thinking maybe she’d be a nurse or teacher, Merlot started her high school in the human services pathway. Then she got her first facial and loved it so much she wanted to explore a career as an esthetician.  

“I’ll be able to do anything in cosmetology with the license I receive,” Merlot said. “But I’m focusing on skincare and makeup and I want to be an esthetician. I find things like pimple popping so satisfying and I think it’s great that I can start a career right after high school doing something I really enjoy!” 

Starting high school in the human services pathway had Merlot taking a few health classes, in which she earned her CPR certification. Though all of her elective time now goes to Cosmetology, she is thankful for the CTE pathway opportunities that have prepared her for taking care of clients and having her own esthetic spa one day.  

“When I first went into this, I thought I knew a lot about hair and makeup,” Merlot said. “If you want to do hair or nails and makeup, Ms. Moyers gets stuff done and is making sure that we really know what we’re doing. The time she spends with each of us is building our confidence and helping us see a future from this work.” 

Students working for their cosmetology license are attending a skills contest in Galveston on Friday, February 17. This will be the first time that MISD has sent students to a cosmetology competition and each student has selected a category in which to compete. They will each have three timed rounds of skills on models and will be scored for their creativity and execution of skills.  

Emily will be competing in barber skills and Rylee will be doing cosmetology, including both a long and short haircut, as well as a fantasy hairstyle. Kloye will be doing three levels of nail skills including acrylics, gel and nail art, and Merlot will be doing esthetics which will include a facial, daily makeup and then an elaborate fantasy face creation.  

“These girls are better than any college level class I’ve ever had!” Moyers said. “They catch on so quickly and they are passionate about what they’re doing!” 

The MISD Cosmetology program is an opportunity for students at both Lake Creek and Montgomery HS. Though it is currently housed at the Montgomery HS East Campus, the program will be centralized at the new Career and Technical Education Center that was approved by voters in the May 2022 bond. 

Lake Creek students complete practicum hours in former teachers’ classrooms

Montgomery ISD’s Practicum in Education and Training Program offers students in high school that are considering a career in education the opportunity to step to the front of the classroom and learn the role of teacher. Students are able to select the grade level they would like to teach and if the scheduling can be coordinated, they can even request their mentor teacher by name. At Lake Creek High School, four practicum students have done just that, requesting the opportunity to be mentored by someone they love and adore, that already made an impact on their education. One is even learning from her own mother, her very own elementary PE teacher.

Madi Wells, a junior, is one of Coach Bobbi Wells’ five daughters, and she’s getting to spend a little extra one-on-one time with her mom this school year, teaching fifth and first grade PE at Keenan ES.

“It’s so different to be on this side of the gym with her, to learn how she handles things, watching how the kids act and how she responds,” said Madi. “My mom loves her job and getting to assist her in teaching and coaching has really helped me learn how to work with kids.”

It’s a rare thing to get to teach your own child, but also being their mentor and having a front row seat to them stepping out of their comfort zone is something many parents don’t get to see when their kids are at school for the majority of the day.

“Madi loves kids, but I’m not sure I ever thought of teaching as her direct path,” said Coach Wells. “I was honored that she wanted to be with me and it’s led to some great conversations at home, making connections and discussing what the day is like and how teachers have to be flexible. I think she’s come to appreciate the job that teachers have.”

Keenan ES has a ‘Power Packs’ program for their first graders, in which students can take home a backpack on the weekend full of PE equipment to encourage them to spend time outside, playing games and sharing PE games with their families. Madi is in charge of organizing and completing the inventory on those backpacks each week, making sure they are ready to go home with students each Friday.

“Madi is a perfectionist, so I’ve been very impressed to see how confident she has been in taking on responsibilities and making connections with kids,” said Coach Wells. “We know how important it is to call a child by name, and she’s really piggy-backed off of that to make our students feel connected in class.”

Avery Bowers, a senior at Lake Creek HS, is completing her practicum time in Mrs. Roach’s second grade class, also at Keenan ES, and says that her experience with Mrs. Roach has grown her desire to be a teacher herself. Christine Roach was Avery’s fifth grade teacher in Montgomery ISD and has actually known Avery’s father since high school, when she worked at his family’s restaurant.

“The same little things that made her my all-time favorite teacher are the same things she still does today to connect with her students and make them feel like the most important kids in the room,” said Avery. “To this day, she’s still my favorite teacher, and I hope I can learn from her how to create a classroom that is fun and that students want to come to each day!”

Being on the mentor side of the Education in Training program, Mrs. Roach is getting to enjoy seeing the growth in her former student, feeling honored that Avery wanted to return to her classroom.

“Avery is very mature and her servant heart has been a wonderful thing to witness,” said Roach. “She takes initiative to help my students and gets right down on the floor to guide them in what they are doing. She is fantastic with the kids and is a natural teacher!”

Lake Creek junior, Grace Stadler, is completing her first year of practicum with Mrs. Wilson, her former fourth grade teacher at Stewart Creek ES. Grace’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and began her two-year battle for survival while Grace was in Mrs. Wilson’s class. Grace remembers how Mrs. Wilson supported her through that time, encouraging her to write about what she was feeling and being a motherly figure when her mother wasn’t able to be fully present.

“I truly cannot think of a better person to learn from after I think of the difference she made in my life that year,” said Grace. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to do teaching and actually started this year without this on my schedule, but when I found out I could learn from her and be in her room again, I knew it was the right choice. Although it’s been a lot to learn and it clearly has its challenges, getting to be able to make a difference in a child’s life, the way Mrs. Wilson was able to do for me, it’s just the coolest feeling.”

Mrs. Wilson fondly remembers Grace’s smile and her enthusiasm to always share what she had written. “I can close my eyes and see fourth grade Grace!” said Wilson. “She always had and still has a million dollar smile that ignites straight from the heart!”

Current students in Mrs. Wilson’s class truly love their “Miss Grace” and can see the connection, the love and respect that these two have for each other.

“Cancer chapters, as hard as they are, often become chapters filled with great blessing!” said Wilson. “That fourth-grade Grace was scared and at times at a loss of what to do or how to handle this huge frightening challenge. I got to be in Grace’s corner, sharing life and creating a connection that will always be there. Fast forward to today and I truly feel that my current students feel more valued and safe by seeing our teacher/student relationship that is still so strong.”

Junior Abby Carswell is the first practicum student at Lake Creek HS to do her training in choir, under the leadership of Oak Hills Choir Director Kristin Norris. Abby’s choir experience at Oak Hills JH really instilled a love and passion for music and Mrs. Norris’ positive energy has been the driving force in helping Abby decide if this is the direction she wants to go.

“Mrs. Norris is always so bubbly and it just makes me want to be that way too – it’s contagious!” said Abby. “I love getting to interact with the kids and work with students, getting to share our love of music and signing together. She’s just so good at it, so it’s easy to learn from her!”

Having taught her, her brother and knowing her family, it was an honor for Norris to have her return as a student-teacher, setting an example and being a leader for the girls

“Abby is incredible!” said Norris. “She is such a great leader, a phenomenal student and was a joy to have in junior high. She is teaching one of my sixth grade girls groups and they legitimately cheer when she walks in the room!”

Learning to teach music and manage classroom expectations with such a large group of students is preparing Abby for a future as a music teacher. She models both vocally and with hand signs, supports students vocally by section, leads warm-ups and works with small groups as the choir prepares for performances.

“I was questioning if this (being a teacher) is what I really want to do, and this experience of working with Ms. Norris has confirmed that I want to study Music Education! It’s what I know – it’s what I love – and if I can be like her then my job would be great!”

Taking part in CTE Practicum courses allows Montgomery ISD students to decide if the idea they have for their future is really something they want to pursue, something they know they’ll enjoy. Practicum in Education and Training is offered at both Lake Creek and Montgomery High Schools and is available to all MISD students interested in pursuing or considering a career in education.

“It’s easy to say you want to be a teacher,” said Coach Bobbi Wells. “But the opportunity that this program gives all students- the teaching, organization skills and learning how to constantly adjust – provides a real experience in what it takes to be a teacher, hopefully helping them decide if this is the path they really want to take.”

Ten Choir and Band Students to perform at TMEA State Convention

Montgomery ISD is excited to announce ten students have been named All-State musicians for the 2022-23 school year.  Each fall, over 70,000 high school students across the state audition in their TMEA Region. Individuals perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. A select group of musicians advances to compete against musicians from other Regions in their TMEA Area. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in one of 18 Texas All-State ensembles.

Montgomery ISD All-State Choir honorees are as follows:

Ben Barajas, MHS

Mary Hoke, MHS

Tyler Perrine, MHS

Kaitlyn Reeves, MHS

Alyssa Schelski, MHS

Kenny Chalk, LCHS

Montgomery ISD All-State Band honorees are as follows:

Valentina Gomez, Clarinet, MHS

Anthony Kotinek, French Horn, MHS

DJ Haynes, Tuba, LCHS

Carter-Huget Hrupp, Trumpet, LCHS

“We are so thrilled for these students and all the students who auditioned this year,” Montgomery High School Choir Director Heather Orr said. “Auditioning for All State Coir and Band is an incredible journey that is full of growth, commitment to excellence and amazing memories. Congratulations to all these fine students and their families. “

All-state honorees from Montgomery ISD will travel to San Antonio to perform at the TMEA Convention February 8-11. In addition to All-State Ensemble performances, the TMEA Convention provides opportunities for professional development for current and future music educators at every level and discipline.

Trustees also approve design development for new Creekside Elementary School

During the January meeting of the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees, leaders from the Montgomery, Texas community were on hand to share their appreciation for school board members. Each January, communities across the state honor the elected leaders who serve on their local school boards.

“Recognizing our trustees during school board appreciation month ensures that these amazing servant leaders receive the appreciation they deserve,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “Every day, Montgomery ISD students and employees benefit from the service of our school board members. They are extraordinary leaders who voluntarily tackle the job of governing our school district. They recognize the tremendous responsibility entrusted to them and take their roles seriously. We are grateful for their leadership and appreciate their unwavering commitment to our employees and students.”

Over the past three years, the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees has worked with stakeholders to establish new district goals, adopt Montgomery ISD’s strategic plan, approve school safety enhancements including expansion of the MISD Police Department and plan for the future of the district by overseeing the process to explore and ultimately call a successful bond election in May 2022. The Board of Trustees has focused on MISD employees, approving enhancements to employee pay and establishing a ‘Culture of Respect’ initiative to ensure a strong workplace culture. With an increased focus on transparency and community engagement, the trustees were instrumental in the successful 2022 bond referendum to accommodate the needs of the growing school district.

“Strong local elected leadership is more important now than it ever has been, and that is exactly what the MISD Board of Trustees is exemplifying,” Lake Conroe Area Republican Women President Stephanie Johnson said. “We are so proud of the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees’ commitment to the district’s students, parents and taxpayers, and we applaud them for working tirelessly to move the district forward, and for working to ensure Montgomery continues to be a great place for families to raise and educate their children.”

During the meeting, trustees also approved the design development for the district’s seventh elementary campus, Creekside Elementary School. Funding for the facility is provided as part of the district’s voter-approved 2022 bond initiative, and the school is set to open in August 2024, for the 2024-25 school year.

A committee comprised of MISD staff members, parents, and representatives from Huckabee Architects worked to finalize the designs for the new school.

“Completing the design for the campus involved a wonderful collaborative process with parents, teachers and staff,” Trustee Linda Porten said. “MISD trusted the team and expertise provided by Huckabee Architects to develop a design that is highly functional, educationally innovative, and truly beautiful. We are confident that the facility will accommodate our growing district and provide an excellent learning environment for our students.”

The one-story building is equipped for 900 students. The design features a centrally located library with makerspaces to encourage problem-solving, creative thinking and collaborative learning. The interior finishes are inspired by Sam Houston National Forest and the natural beauty of the area surrounding the campus. The school’s blue and gold color scheme is reflected in the forest-themed interior to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Trustees also received an update from the Montgomery ISD Education Foundation. Last week, the 2022-23 educator grants were awarded across all 10 MISD campuses. Thirty grants totaling over $64,000 were delivered by the MISD Education Foundation’s ‘Grant Express’. Teachers across the district were encouraged to submit grant proposals in the fall semester, seeking funding for creative and innovative teaching programs to benefit MISD students.

“We are so appreciative of the fundraising efforts of the MISD Education Foundation and their amazing directors,” Trustee Nate Robb said. “It was rewarding to be able to see the surprise and excitement from a classroom teacher who learned their grant application had been funded by the foundation, and to know that those grant funds will be used to engage students through original and creative learning experiences.”

Finally, trustees received a progress report on Academic Achievement Goal 1 of the district’s strategic plan. Dr. Chris Summers, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction shared information from the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR), supporting Montgomery ISD’s districtwide A Rating from TEA, for the 2021-22 school year.

Honored as one of three statewide finalists in small district category

H-E-B has named Montgomery ISD as a statewide finalist for the Texas-based organization’s 2023 Excellence in Education Awards. MISD is one of three finalists in the small district category, encompassing those with less than 10,000 students enrolled.

H-E-B launched the Excellence in Education Awards in 2002 as a positive way to support education in Texas. Since the program’s inception in 2002, H-E-B has awarded more than $13 million in funding to outstanding Texas teachers, principals, public school districts, school boards, and early childhood facilities.

“Being named as one of three finalists in H-E-B’s Excellence in Education Awards is an incredible honor,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “I am so proud of our amazing educators, dedicated support staff and committed Board of Trustees who are supremely invested in the success of our students. This distinction reflects Montgomery ISD’s commitment to becoming the Premier School District in Texas, achieving the goals set forth in the district’s strategic plan.”

The H-E-B School District Awards recognize school districts based on the following criteria:

• Commitment to student achievement through innovative programs
• Parent/Community involvement
• Professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators

“We are thrilled that Montgomery ISD has been named as a statewide finalist by H-E-B. The Excellence in Education Awards highlight the values that our community has come to expect of our school district.” MISD Board President Matt Fuller said. “We appreciate the tremendous responsibility of educating our children and are united in our commitment to doing our very best to set our students up for success.”

To determine overall statewide winners, a panel of judges will tour campuses and visit with administration, staff, parents, students and community members. 

Winners will be announced at the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony on April 30, 2023 in San Antonio.

Trustees recognize members of MISD Police Department, MISD theatre programs

During the December meeting of the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees, the Board approved the name and mascot for Elementary School #7, set to open for the 2024-25 school year as part of the district’s 2022 bond program.   

Montgomery ISD’s newest campus will be named Creekside Elementary School. The school will be located on FM 2854 behind Lake Creek High School. The school mascot will be the Cubs and the school colors will be blue and gold.  

A school naming committee convened this fall and reviewed over 600 school name, mascot and school color suggestions from MISD parents, students and staff members that were submitted via a districtwide survey. During the meeting, the naming committee shared their process and recommendation with the trustees. The board approved the committee’s recommendation.    

“We appreciate the thoughtful input from our community, and the work that was performed by the naming committee to review suggestions and make their recommendations,” Trustee Linda Porten said. “Choosing Creekside Elementary School as the name and selecting the Cub mascot with blue and gold color scheme is the perfect acknowledgement to the building’s proximity to Lake Creek High School. The branding package recognizes the school’s place in the LCHS feeder pattern while also conveying a unique identity for the new campus. I know the school’s inaugural students and staff members will be excited to be Creekside Cubs!”

Also, during the meeting, Dr. Amy Busby, MISD Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Innovation, and MISD Chief of Police Stephen Phillips gave an update on Goal 2 (School Safety) of the district’s Strategic Plan, which addresses policies and procedures that promote a safe and orderly environment. As part of the district’s work under the strategic plan, the board is provided updates on each district goal during public meetings throughout the school year. Additionally, members of the Montgomery ISD Police Department were recognized for their service to the district, ahead of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on January 9, 2023.

“While safety is listed as goal two in our district strategic plan, it is always our top priority for our students and staff,” Board Vice President Laurie Turner said. “We are grateful for the dedication and service of our Montgomery ISD police officers, who work diligently to ensure our learning environments are safe and are very intentional about building meaningful personal relationships with students and staff on our campuses.” 

The meeting also included performances from students in the Montgomery High and Lake Creek High theatre programs who were recently named national qualifiers at the Texas Thespians State Festival. Fourteen students from Montgomery High School and ten students from Lake Creek High School earned recognition in a variety of categories including dance, acting, costuming, stage management and lighting design.

“The Board and I are extremely proud of these talented students for representing Montgomery ISD at the state thespian festival,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “Participation in a fine arts program no doubt increases the depth of a student’s complete educational experience, and we are thrilled to acknowledge these impressive accomplishments by our theatre students along with their directors.”

Finally, trustees reviewed the annual performance evaluation for MISD Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison and extended the superintendent’s employment contract. 

“We are extremely grateful for Dr. Morrison’s continued leadership of our school district as superintendent,” Board President Matt Fuller said. “The board is confident that under his guidance, as a school district, we will continue to meet the high expectations of our community and continue to see outstanding achievements in student academic outcomes, workplace culture, and district operations and finances.

Ballistic shields donated by Montgomery County District Attorney’s office

The Montgomery ISD Police Department added four ballistic shields to their department’s tactical inventory last month. Thanks to a donation from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office, the school district police force now has two rifle shields and two handgun shields at their disposal. 

“We are grateful for the donation of these ballistic shields,” Montgomery ISD Police Chief Stephen Phillips said. “As a police department, we always appreciate the opportunity to partner with neighboring law enforcement agencies. Our department is fortunate to have a strong relationship with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office.  We are thankful for their support of our department with this equipment, and for their willingness to share their expertise to help keep our MISD campuses safe.”

Training to complement the addition of this new tactical gear will be provided by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office.  All Montgomery ISD campus officers will participate in the training exercises. The donation of this equipment from the district attorney’s office enhances the district police department’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently to an emergency.

The MISD Board of Trustees approved two additional police officer positions for the 2022-23 school year, bringing the total number to 15. Each MISD campus is assigned one officer, and each high school is assigned two officers.  Since 2020, the district has added seven officers to the department.  

MISD police officers are highly visible sworn Texas peace officers and are provided statutory authority to enforce the law throughout the geographical jurisdiction of the school district, as well as the authority to address offenses committed in their presence throughout the state of Texas. Officers complete all required TCOLE training and certifications. In addition to general law enforcement duties and responsibilities, Montgomery ISD police officers are liaisons within the district and help provide community-oriented policing services for all MISD campuses, facilities, and the surrounding community.  

District legislative platform addresses school funding concerns

The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees held a regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 18, 2022. During the meeting, trustees voted to approve the district’s legislative platform in advance of the 88th Texas Legislature. The legislative platform adopted by the Board encompasses three main areas: School Funding, School Safety and Local Control. 

“The development of priorities outlined in this platform has truly been a journey,” Board Vice-President Laurie Turner said. “As a Board and leadership team, we have spent a considerable amount of time studying how our district receives state funding compared to other districts across Texas, and there are many areas within the state’s school finance system that present significant challenges for Montgomery ISD. This platform addresses some of our most urgent issues, and we have had very productive conversations with our legislative delegation leading up to this moment.”

The district’s top priority encourages state lawmakers to reinstate legislation that was put into law by HB 7 in 2015 but subsequently removed from law in 2019. HB 7 offered additional financial assistance to school districts that had maintained maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rates below the state’s maximum tax rate ($1.50 per $100 of assessed value) prior to a statewide reduction – or “compression” – of $0.50 enacted by lawmakers in 2006. Montgomery ISD maintained an M&O tax rate of $1.457 when the $0.50 compression was adopted in 2006. As a result of the elimination of HB 7 in 2019, Montgomery ISD has experienced funding losses and a widening gap in terms of per-student funding when compared to the state average. Before the elimination of HB 7, Montgomery ISD was receiving approximately $2,000 less than the state average in terms of per-student funding. Since its elimination, that gap has grown to nearly $3,000 per student.

“School districts like Montgomery ISD have effectively been penalized for maintaining conservative tax rates, and our proposed legislation aims to mitigate this loss in funding,” Trustee Trey Kirby said. “During the next legislative session, we have an outstanding opportunity to work with our state lawmakers to change the trajectory of school finance in Texas to ensure fair funding for all school districts. Just as important, the legislation we are putting forward to our lawmakers ensures Montgomery ISD does not continue to fall further behind the state average in per-student funding, impacting our ability to balance our budget, attract, retain and grow high-quality educators, and fund educational programs important to our students.”

Lawmakers return to Austin in January 2023 for the state’s 88th regular legislative session.

“The silver lining for MISD is that we have incredibly strong representation in Austin,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “Senator Creighton, Senator Kolkhorst and Representative Metcalf understand these issues, and we are grateful for how receptive each of them has been to our outreach. Over the next several weeks, we will educate our community and continue to engage with our lawmakers leading up to the legislative session.”

You can read more about the district’s legislative platform here.

There were also several special recognitions during the meeting. The board recognized MISD Fishing Team members Fallon Clepper and Wyatt Ford, winners of the Bass Federation Student Angler National Championship, held this past summer in Lake Pickwick, Alabama. This was a historic accomplishment for the pair, becoming the first Co-Ed team to win the national title. Clepper and Ford beat 235 other teams from 40 states, earning $240,000 in scholarship opportunities.

“I continue to be amazed by the outstanding achievements of students in Montgomery ISD, whether they are in the classroom, on the playing field, or even out on the lake,” Trustee Nate Robb said. “It is awesome to say that national champions attend school and live in Montgomery, Texas!”

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

“In my years of having the privilege of serving as a school district superintendent, it has been very apparent that all great schools have one very important quality in common – an outstanding principal,” Morrison said. “Our district is blessed with amazing campus leaders who work passionately every day to meet the needs of students and families. I could not be more grateful for their leadership.”