Montgomery ISD students attend Lone Star Leadership Academy Camp

~ Montgomery ISD

Seven students from Montgomery ISD attended the Lone Star Leadership Academy Camp, hosted by nonprofit Education in Action.

Lake Creek freshmen Joseph Hullihan and Hannah Zeek, Oak Hills eight graders Cole Dewese and Mikki Gassett and seventh grader Reagan Hullihan attended the Houston/Galveston camp, Oak Hills seventh grader Lyla Hazenberg attended the Austin/San Antonio camp, and Madeley Ranch fifth grader Emma Tatroe went to the Dallas/Fort Worth Camp.

Students were nominated by MISD educators to participate based on demonstrated leadership ability, academic success and involvement in school/community activities.

During the weeklong overnight camps, these students developed leadership skills. Participants experienced what they are learning in school through visits to notable and historically significant Texas sites including the Perot Museum, Dealey Plaza, the State Capitol Complex, The Alamo, NASA and Moody Gardens. At each location, students heard from professionals on a wide variety of unique careers related to the site visit.

The Lone Star Leadership Academy experience provides a unique opportunity for outstanding 4th – 8th grade students to learn about Texas leaders and what it means to be from the Lone Star State, according to a news release from host organization Education in Action. Participants discuss what they learn, complete problem-solving and decision-making simulations, exercise creativity and practice presentation skills in Leadership Groups.

“Several of the MISD participants were nominated during the fifth-grade year,” Keenan Elementary teacher Lisa Miller said. “I am excited to see that they continue to attend the camps each summer. Each of these students are true leaders.”

Participants also spent time meeting other outstanding students and making new friends while adding to their resume of academic achievements, developing leadership skills, and bringing home a wealth of information to supplement what they are learning in school.

Montgomery ISD outperforms state on every 2023 STAAR assessment

~ Montgomery ISD

Montgomery ISD students performed above the state average in every tested area of the STAAR test in 2023. Results also indicate year-over-year academic gains against 2022 scores.

“These scores reflect the combined efforts of our amazing educators and families and their commitment to student success,” Montgomery ISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Busby said. “While the STAAR exam is only one indicator of achievement and not an all-encompassing measure of academic growth and success, we are very pleased that MISD students continue to outpace the region and state.”

Last spring, students across Texas took a redesigned STAAR test. The redesigned test included more open-ended questions and was, with a few exceptions, administered completely online.

“While we are encouraged by these scores, it is also important to remember that the changes in the test make it more challenging to compare data from year to year,” MISD Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Dr. Chris Summers said. “Because the test was redesigned with different benchmarks, it won’t be a true one-to-one comparison.”

The state’s A-F accountability system was also refreshed, despite calls from school districts and education advocacy groups asking TEA to consider pausing the letter grade ratings in light of the significant changes to the exam, and the timing in which they are rolled out. The state accountability system factors STAAR scores along with college and career readiness measures into awarding letter grades to school districts and each of its schools. A particular area of concern is the unexpected and significant changes made to scale scores for CCMR. The TEA changes made what was an “A” score on CCMR in 2022, a “C” in 2023. Adding to the frustration for school and district leaders is the fact that the 2023 CCMR scores will be assessed on students who graduated in 2022 and earlier, giving the district no ability at all to adjust to or address these new scoring changes. TEA expects to release accountability scores in September.

“There is concern among Texas educators that changes to TEA’s A-F accountability scores will create situations where schools that are performing at a level consistent with – or better than – the prior year may actually receive a lower letter grade,” Summers said. “The A-F system was designed to provide a quick overview of how schools are performing, but the changes to the scale may create a misconception that schools are performing worse than last year, when that is not the case.”

The Texas Accountability System evaluates the academic performance of Texas public schools as measured through standardized assessments such as STAAR and is one measure of how students are learning and succeeding in Montgomery ISD.

Montgomery ISD Board Approves Largest Property Tax Rate Reduction in Nearly Two Decades

~ Montgomery ISD

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.

Congratulations to MISD Chief Stephen Phillips on his retirement!
MISD Trustees recognize Director of Child Nutrition Lena Neugebauer on her retirement.

Shannan Reid to Receive 2023 Heroes for Children Award from State Board of Education

~ Montgomery ISD

Congratulations to Montgomery ISD Education Foundation Chairman Shannan Reid for being selected to receive the 2023 Heroes for Children Award for State Board of Education (SBOE) District 6. Reid is one of 15 honorees statewide who will receive recognition for the outstanding service and valuable support she has provided the Montgomery ISD community, staff and students.

In 2017, after a summer of extensive renovations across the district, Reid organized a team of community volunteers to help teachers get classrooms ready for the first day of school. Serving as the Executive Director of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, she was able to quickly connect district needs with local volunteers. The inaugural event in 2017 set into motion the annual “Get Back to Work Day”, an impactful community initiative to help local schools, hosted by the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

Reid also served as a member of the MISD Bond Task Force in 2021 and acted as the MISD Bond 2022 PAC Chairperson. Reid and her team were instrumental in the passing all three referendums of MISD’s $326 M bond in May 2022.

Since its inception in 2014, Reid has served as a MISD Education Foundation board member. She worked to establish the framework and policies of the foundation that aims to raise funds for scholarships for MISD students and innovative grants for teachers. During the past school year, Reid served as an advocate for the district during the state’s legislative session, meeting with members of the Public Education Committee to share concerns of the Montgomery, Texas community about funding for public school districts.

“Montgomery ISD is thrilled that Shannan is being honored as a Heroes for Children Award recipient,” MISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Busby said. “She has the remarkable ability to magnify the amazing support we enjoy in our community, and is truly gifted at matching volunteers and resources to perfectly address the needs of students and employees in our school district. She is such a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor and we are so happy for her.”

Reid will be recognized along with the other 14 honorees during the September meeting of the State Board of Education in Austin.

“As Montgomery ISD’s self-proclaimed ‘Biggest Fan”, I am overjoyed to be recognized by the State Board of Education,” Reid said. “As the Executive Director of the Montgomery Area Chamber, I have steered our organization toward the philosophy of investing in our future. One crucial aspect of this is our unwavering support of our school district. I am so proud to represent the incredible Montgomery, Texas community and the many heroes who play a part in making it such a wonderful place to call home.”

Montgomery High School’s Heather Orr Receives TCDA Choral Excellence Award

~ Montgomery ISD

Montgomery High School’s Heather Orr is the recipient of the 2023 Texas Choral Director’s Association Choral Excellence Award.  The award was presented last month at the organization’s summer convention. TCDA’s mission is to promote the art and artistry of choral singing and the pursuit of excellence within the choral music profession. The Choral Excellence Award is based on the recipient’s contribution to choral music in Texas, mentorship and inspiration to colleagues and students, and continued advocacy for the future of choral singing in our state. Orr was one of only two award recipients statewide. 

The award caps off a banner 2022-23 year for Ms. Orr and the Montgomery High School Choir Program.  Highlights include the Montgomery Madrigals receiving top honors at the Kemah Choral Competition last fall.  In February, the MHS A Capella Women took 1st place in the Treble Elite division at the North Texas Madrigal Festival. The Madrigals made history in March, placing first at the 52nd Annual Madrigal Festival in San Antonio. With 44 Madrigal choirs competing, the Madrigals were the first 5A Choir to win the competition in its 52-year history.  In June, four MHS students were named Outstanding Performer, the top recognition at the 2023 UIL State Solo-Ensemble Contest. Finally, the MHS Madrigal Choir traveled to Canada this summer, performing at the Pro Musica International Choral Festival in Kingston, Ontario.

“Heather is one of the finest choir directors I have ever worked with,” Montgomery High School Principal Noah Hollander said.  “In addition to her many accomplishments, she loves to share her passion for music with her students and is a wonderful mentor to music educators across the state. Our scholars are fortunate to be part of the incredible program she has built at Montgomery High School.”

Orr has been a high school choir director for nearly three decades and is set to begin her 23rd year leading the choirs at Montgomery High School.

“Receiving the Choral Excellence Award was a wonderful surprise,” Orr said “ I am honored to be recognized by such an incredible organization and delighted to receive this prestigious award. It is such a privilege to do this work every day and I share this award with the remarkably talented students who lend their voices to our choir programs at MHS.”

Montgomery Madrigals Travel to Canada

~ Montgomery ISD ~ Leave a comment

The Montgomery HS Madrigal Choir just returned from their first international trip to Canada. They were selected to perform at the Pro Musica International Choral Festival in Kingston, Ontario.

The Pro Musica International Choral Festival is an educational initiative of Albany Pro Musica, offered in partnership with Queen’s University. The event brings together 150 talented young singers from across the United States and Canada for a week-long choral institute at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. Throughout the week, students participated in rehearsals with the Festival’s guest composer and conductor Dr. Rollo Dilworth, as well as workshops, seminars, and vocal clinics with a world-renowned faculty.

“Participating in the Pro Musica Festival was a wonderful opportunity for the Madrigals,” Director Heather Orr said.  “In addition to learning and performing under the direction of outstanding music educators, they also shared their love of music with students from other parts of the world. They represented MISD well. We are grateful to our sponsors who made this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible for our students.”

Montgomery ISD announces recent new leadership selections

~ Montgomery ISD

Montgomery ISD is excited to announce new leaders who were recently appointed to fill vacancies due to retirements and re-alignment of duties ahead of the 2023-24 school year.

DAVID CROW was named Assistant Director of Maintenance & Construction in June 2023. Prior to this new role, Crow served as IT Project Manager for the district. Crow will report to MISD Director of Maintenance Joe Kinard and will work with district contractors to oversee progress on the district’s bond-funded construction and renovation projects. Along with 10-plus years in K-12 Maintenance roles, Crow’s considerable IT project management experience and familiarity with MISD’s technology infrastructure make him exceptionally qualified in his new position.

“I am honored to serve Montgomery ISD in this role,” Crow said. “As an eight-year employee of the district and MISD parent, I am very excited to see our bond-funded construction and renovation projects begin to take shape. I am looking forward to partnering with our contractors to ensure the safety of our job sites and working collaboratively to see each project to a timely completion.”

BEN DAVIDSON began his service as the district’s Chief Financial Officer in April 2023. Davidson is a 23-year school finance veteran. He began his career in 2001 as an accountant and spent the last 18 years serving as a school business manager and CFO in the Southeast Texas Region.

“I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to work for such a wonderful school district,” Davidson said. “I pledge to continuously look for new revenue sources and to budget efficiently and effectively. My focus will be to provide the financial resources needed to deliver a premier education and to attract and retain the best employees in the state.”

PAMELA MALLORY was named MISD’s Director of Child Nutrition in June 2023. Mallory follows Lena Neugebauer who will retire in August after 25 years of service in MISD. Mallory has extensive experience in food service management and education. For the past eight years, she served as a Senior Field Supervisor in Klein ISD. Pamela believes in the profound connection between education and healthy food options, which serves as her daily motivation and commitment to the field of child nutrition. Taking on the role of MISD’s Director of Child Nutrition, Pamela is thrilled to contribute her knowledge and passion, aiming to make a meaningful impact.

“I am very excited to start the new school year and am very appreciative to Lena for her experience and expert guidance through this transition,” Mallory said. “With a focus on fostering the growth and development of our team, I am looking forward to serving the students and staff of Montgomery ISD.”

DR. CHRIS SUMMERS was named Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools in July. Summers is veteran educator, with experience at the collegiate level and K-12 as both a district leader and a campus principal. He is committed to developing educators and empowering educational leaders. In his past role as MISD’s Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Summers spearheaded the Mentoring & Induction for New Teachers program (MINT), designed to offer consistent and purpose-driven support to new educators. Summers replaced Dr. Mark Weatherly who retired in March 2023.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support and work alongside our secondary leaders and teachers going forward,” Summers said. “Over the last year, I’ve had the opportunity to support and guide the teaching and learning across MISD and this new role is a natural extension of that work. MISD is a special place and my commitment to district staff and our community is to lead well and add value to others so that MISD will be The Premier School District in Texas.”

Montgomery ISD Names Interim Superintendent

~ Montgomery ISD

Board also selects firm to lead search process for permanent superintendent

During a special board meeting on Tuesday evening, the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees formally accepted the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison and announced the appointment of an interim superintendent. Morrison’s last day in the district will be July 31.

Montgomery ISD Assistant Superintendent of Student Services & Innovation Dr. Amy Busby was appointed as interim superintendent while the Board initiates and conducts a search for a permanent superintendent. On July 12, Morrison announced his plans to resign from his position to lead a national organization focused on public education. Busby will officially assume the role of interim superintendent on August 1.

“Our Board is taking the process of selecting our next superintendent very seriously, and as we had discussions about how to conduct the search, we all agreed it was important for us to identify an interim that will maintain stability within the district and keep us moving in the right direction,” Board President Laurie Turner said. “We believe Dr. Busby’s tenure with the district and experience as part of Dr. Morrison’s senior leadership team makes her exceptionally qualified to lead MISD as our interim superintendent as we search for the best long-term fit for this role. She has an incredible work ethic and has developed strong professional relationships with employees across the district, which will be tremendously beneficial as we work to find thenext leader for MISD.”

Dr. Busby is entering her 15th year in Montgomery ISD where she has served in several leadership roles. As the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Innovation, she oversees multiple departments including Specialized Learning, PEIMS, Technology and Community Services. She has previously served as the Director of Special Programs, Director of Instructional Technology, and Principal of Montgomery Middle School.

“I am honored to serve Montgomery ISD as Interim Superintendent,” Busby said. “I am committed to ensuring the district continues to thrive and move in the right direction. In this community, we are blessed with amazing educators, fantastic students and supportive families. I am excited to lead the district during this time of transition and look forward to an excellent year in Montgomery ISD.”

During the meeting, the Board also selected the highly respected firm Thompson & Horton to lead the superintendent search process. Information on the superintendent search process will be shared with the public in the near future.

Superintendent Heath Morrison Announces Departure from Montgomery ISD

~ Montgomery ISD

Morrison resigning to lead National Education Organization

Dr. Heath Morrison has announced that he is stepping down as superintendent of Montgomery ISD.

Morrison will announce the details of his next role in the near future but shared that he will be leading a national organization focused on addressing one of the biggest challenges to public education.

“My time in Montgomery has truly been an amazing journey and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to serve as superintendent of this outstanding school district,” Morrison said. “It was an extremely difficult decision, but I have been presented with an opportunity to lead an organization that is working to solve arguably the most serious challenge impacting education. As a servant leader, I felt called to consider this next step in my leadership journey.”  

Board President Laurie Turner expressed her gratitude for Morrison’s leadership, and shared confidence in the district’s ability to continue building upon the momentum of the previous several years.

“While we are disappointed that he will no longer serve as superintendent, we are excited and proud of him for the opportunity that he has accepted,” Board President Laurie Turner said. “The work Dr. Morrison has done over the last three years has set our educators and students up for long-term success. He has made incredible improvements to our district, and I am so grateful for his leadership. He constantly proved that he was right the leader for us, at the right time.” 

Morrison was named Superintendent in July 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He immediately enacted a return-to-school plan that led to Montgomery ISD being one of the first districts in the state and nation to re-open schools for in-person learning. By October 2020, 95% of students in Montgomery ISD were engaged in traditional, in-person learning.

Also, under Morrison’s leadership, the district adopted a comprehensive strategic plan in 2021. The strategic plan was developed in collaboration with nearly 400 individuals, including administrators, teachers, support staff, students, parents and community members. The Pathway to Premier strategic plan encompasses priorities, goals and strategies identified by stakeholders. The district’s progress under the plan is posted online. 

In May 2022, Montgomery ISD voters approved the largest bond referendum in the history of the district. The $326M bond program will add Creekside Elementary School, expand Lake Creek High School, add a Career and Technical Education Center and Agriculture-Science Center, and make improvements to all campuses in the district.

Employee compensation and school safety have been top budget priorities under Morrison’s leadership. Since 2020, Teachers in Montgomery ISD have received over 14% in salary increases, with all other employees receiving at least 12%. Additionally, since 2020, the district has added seven full-time officers to the Montgomery ISD Police Department, which is enough for a dedicated officer for every campus, including two at each high school.

Additional accomplishments under Morrison’s leadership include the following:

  • Maintaining a Balanced Budget and Superior Financial Rating from the state: Before 2020, the district struggled to continuously balance the budget. Since October 2020, the district has maintained a balanced operating budget and earned the highest financial rating given by the Texas Education Agency.
  • Maintaining an A-Rating with the State of Texas: Despite the numerous challenges faced by school districts across the state, Montgomery ISD has consistently maintained its A-rating with the state of Texas. This accomplishment speaks to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of the exceptional educators and staff in Montgomery ISD who are committed to delivering a high-quality education to every student.
  • Improve Communication and Collaboration with the Community: Under Dr. Morrison’s leadership, the district’s transparency and communication significantly improved. Dr. Morrison frequently engaged with business, community, and faith-based leaders and implemented the Let’s Talk platform. Districtwide survey results conducted by a third-party revealed that an overwhelming number of parents and employees rate their school as excellent.
  • Recognition as a Top School District: Montgomery ISD was honored to be recognized as one of the top school districts in the state through the prestigious H-E-B Excellence in Education awards. This accolade is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the entire community to providing an outstanding education for MISD students.
  • Employee Culture of Respect: Morrison formed a committee of staff members from across the district in 2022 to create a “Culture of Respect” compact intended to ensure that all employees in Montgomery ISD feel respected for their work and contributions. The work has improved the workplace culture in the district.

“The people in this district, everyone from the teachers to the students, parents and bus drivers, are truly what make this place special,” Morrison said. “This community talks a lot about wanting Montgomery ISD to be recognized as the premier district in Texas. In my opinion, this district is premier.”

Trustee Linda Porten, who serves as the Board Secretary, acknowledged Morrison’s work ethic as a driving force behind the district’s success under his leadership.

“Every organization Dr. Morrison has led has achieved great results, including Montgomery ISD,” Porten said. “It’s why he was named Principal of the Year in Maryland, Superintendent of the Year in Nevada, and National Superintendent of the Year. His tireless work ethic, integrity and extremely high standard of excellence have provided our school district with a strong foundation for future success.”

In April, the Board of Trustees unanimously nominated Morrison for Region 6 Superintendent of the Year.

Madeley Ranch ES Principal Shelby Smith shared her appreciation for Morrison’s collaboration with teachers and district leadership.

“As a campus principal, I was always grateful for Dr. Morrison‘s focus on collaboration with employees,” Smith said. “Throughout all my years here, I never felt more involved in major decision-making in our district, and it really had a positive impact on our workplace culture in MISD.”

Trustee Trey Kirby, who has been on the Board of Trustees since 2015, shared his appreciation for Morrison’s leadership in navigating unprecedented challenges facing public schools.

“Dr. Morrison joined our district during a very unique and challenging time in public education across the country,” Kirby said. “His leadership during that time was a key part of MISD being one of the top districts in the state.  We’re disappointed to see him leave, but grateful for his service and work to improve our school district and wish him well in his new position.”

Trustee Matt Fuller, who served as the MISD Board President from November 2020 through May 2023, commented on Morrison’s tenure as superintendent.

“Dr. Morrison’s leadership through the past three years has left an indelible mark on our community,” Fuller said. “Working with others, he has charted a path of excellence for our district that we look forward to continuing and developing further. He will be missed, but his impact will be felt for years to come.”

The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting in July to discuss the leadership transition and timeline.

“We are extremely confident that our district will continue to experience success, in large part due to the amazing teachers in our district and the outstanding campus and district administrators Dr. Morrison has assembled to lead Montgomery ISD,” Board Vice President Nate Robb said. “The positive impact he had on our district over the last three years will be felt for many years into the future.”

Montgomery ISD appoints new Chief of Police

~ Montgomery ISD

Rickey Doerre set to lead district police department

Montgomery ISD has named Rickey Doerre as the district’s new Chief of Police. The leadership of the police department will transition this summer, as the district’s previous Chief of Police Stephen Phillips is set to retire in August.  

Chief Doerre is a highly accomplished law enforcement professional with over 33 years of experience. Serving the City of Tomball for the majority of his career, he brings a wealth of policing knowledge to the role. He has served in a leadership capacity on both the Tomball ISD and City of Tomball police forces, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department.

“Safety and Security is always our top priority in Montgomery ISD and hiring a Chief of Police is one of the most important decisions our school district makes,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “We are thrilled to appoint Chief Doerre to this important position, and I’m confident he will continue to build upon the momentum and success the MISD Police Department achieved under Chief Phillips’ leadership.”

Doerre has received numerous accolades including the Lifetime Achievement Award and Police Officer of the Year from the Tomball Police Department. He received the Outstanding DARE Officer Award from the Tomball Independent School District. His implementation of the Juvenile Prevention Program in Tomball ISD was acknowledged by the American Society for Industrial Security. The City of Tomball honored him with a proclamation declaring Rickey Doerre – Dedicated Public Servant Day on October 3, 2022, to recognize his exemplary service to the community.

Doerre holds a Texas Master Peace Officer Certification and a BA degree from Midwestern State University. His commitment to continuous growth and development led him to the FBI National Academy, where he completed the 219th session. This prestigious program equipped him with advanced leadership and investigative techniques, enhancing his ability to tackle complex situations effectively.

“With his extensive law enforcement experience, unwavering dedication to public service, and a track record of achievements, Chief Doerre is a phenomenal fit for this role,” Board President Laurie Turner said. “His dedication to serving the community and his exceptional leadership skills make him an excellent choice to lead the Montgomery ISD Police Department.”

“I am truly honored and humbled to join Montgomery ISD as the Chief of Police,” Doerre said. “I am committed to working with our team of dedicated police officers to ensure that the safety and security of every student, staff member and community member within the district continues to be held to the highest standards. Together, we will continue to foster a culture of trust and collaboration and work proactively to create a secure learning environment where everyone can thrive. I look forward to serving the Montgomery ISD community and working to uphold the highest standards of safety and the values that make this district exceptional.”

“Rickey Doerre’s many years of experience and outstanding reputation within the law enforcement community speaks for itself,” Board Trustee Shawn Denison said. “Chief Doerre will make an immediate impact in our community and in our ongoing efforts to build our police department’s partnership and collaboration with other law enforcement agency partners. His law enforcement knowledge will take our district police department to the next level.”

Chief Doerre will report for duty on July 10 and will have an opportunity to transition into the role with Chief Stephen Phillips before his official retirement date of August 31.