Conroe - Montgomery Edition | February 2024

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Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11 FEB. 22MARCH 20, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Curtains closing

The property o Lewis Street previously housed Conroe ISD’s Sam Houston Elementary School. Conroe had planned to redevelop it into a performing arts venue.

COURTESY OVERLAND PROPERTY GROUP

Conroe to sell property previously set to be performing arts venue

venue amid capacity and growth concerns. “It’s not just a performing arts center,” said Scott Harper, president of the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce. “That’s the majority, but it would also be an asset to the community.”

redevelop it into income-based housing, Overland’s Director of Development April Engstrom said. The sale comes after the city ocials worked to avoid a $1.4 million budget shortfall in August, but Conroe arts ocials expressed disappointment at the sale and said they believe there’s still a need for a new

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

After spending $4.2 million to purchase it in 2021 intending to develop a performing arts venue, Conroe is poised to sell the former Sam Houston Elementary School building for $4.3 million. The buyer, Overland Property Group, aims to

CONTINUED ON 24

Also in this issue

Impacts: Fitness studio Bodybar Pilates now open (Page 6)

Election: Candidates, information on March primaries (Pages 911)

Education: Conroe ISD progresses with rezoning eorts (Page 20)

Business: Small Town Famous oers Western wear (Page 28)

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About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Shaheryar Khan Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Dave Manning Jessica Shorten Lizzy Spangler Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Jatziri Garcia Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White

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Impacts

3 Paulette Cafe Paulette Cafe is a French restaurant in downtown Conroe offering an assortment of breakfast items, crepes, pizzas, salads and pastries. • Opened Dec. 6 • 406 N. Thompson St., Ste. 101, Conroe • www.paulettecafe.com 4 H&E Equipment Services H&E Equipment Services opened its fifth branch in the Greater Houston market with its new Conroe location. The rental company offers a variety of construction and general industrial equipment. • Opened Nov. 19 • 530 Frazier Commerce Drive, Conroe • www.he-equipment.com/locations/conroe-tx 5 Be May Nail Salon Be May Nail Salon is a beauty boutique that offers services such as nail treatments, eyelash extensions and waxing services from professional aestheticians. • Opened Jan. 6 • 870 New Day Ave., Ste 300, Montgomery • www.bemaynailsalon.com 6 The Learning Experience The Learning Experience is an academy of early education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.

Willis

1097

Montgomery

15B

FREEPORT DR.

LAKE CONROE

MONTGOMERY ST.

830

2432

105

1484

10 11

FRAZIER COMMERCE DR.

15A

2854

105

Conroe

3083

149

CENTRAL PINE ST.

PHILLIPS ST.

336

NEW DAY AVE.

FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE

105

1314

149

OLD SMITH RD.

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

• Opened in late December • 4387 W. Davis St., Conroe • www.thelearningexperience.com

1488

242

MAP NOT TO SCALE

7 Montgomery County Tax Office The Montgomery County Tax Office opened a branch in Willis off West Montgomery Street. Residents can register their vehicles and boats in the office and pay property taxes. • Opened Jan. 17 • 804 W. Montgomery St., Ste. B, Willis • 936-538-5950 8 V-Bistro V-Bistro is a family-owned restaurant offering Vietnamese-inspired cuisine in Conroe. • Opened in mid-October

2 Lone Star Post Pack and Parcel Lone Star Post Pack and Parcel is now open in Willis, owner Brenna Hankla confirmed via email. The business offers packing and shipping services, mailbox rentals and sells supplies such as stamps, boxes, and boutique and gift items, Hankla said. • Opened Nov. 27 • 14132 FM 1097 W., Ste. 300, Willis • www.lonestarpostpackandparcel.com

Now open

1 Pet Supplies Plus Pet Supplies Plus officials announced the opening of a new Montgomery County location in a Jan. 10 release. Pet Supplies Plus is a nationwide pet retail franchise. • Opened Dec. 15 • 9662 Hwy. 242, Ste. 700, Conroe • www.petsuppliesplus.com

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14 Magnolia Woods Assisted Living The Magnolia Woods Assisted Living is a 16-bed assisted living facility located on a 4.5-acre lot with access to FM 1488, Conroe, Magnolia and The Woodlands. • Opening in September

• 4489 W. Davis St., Ste. 200, Conroe • www.vbistro.net

Now open

9 Family First Urgent Care Family First Urgent Care offers services for minor emergencies and treatment of injuries and illnesses. • Opened Nov. 13 • 14420 Hwy. 105, Ste. 104, Conroe • www.familyfirsturgentcareconroe.com 10 Oh Toodles Oh Toodles, a children’s indoor playground located at Wake Church, is now open, Josh Gosney, founding and lead pastor, said via email. • Opened Feb. 3 • 3830 W. Davis St., Conroe • www.ohtoodles.com 11 Wake Church Wake Church in Conroe has opened in its permanent home, which was a former Kroger, founding and lead pastor Josh Gosney said via email. • Opened Feb. 4 • 3830 W. Davis St., Conroe • www.wakechurch.com 12 Pickleball Hideout Pickleball Hideout is now open in Montgomery, co-owner Stacy Woyton said via email. The business offers six indoor pickleball courts that can be accessed between 5 a.m.-11 p.m. • Opened Dec. 8 • 18952 Freeport Drive, Montgomery • www.pickleballhideout.com

• 14135 Old Smith Road, Conroe • www.themagnoliawoods.com

15 Rave Financial Rave Financial is a credit union that offers services such as personal accounts, loan products, current rates and financial health advice. • Opening second quarter of 2024 • A 670 N. FM 3083 W., Ste. 201, Conroe; B 702 W. Montgomery St., Ste. 800, Willis • www.bankwithrave.com 16 Conroe Ice Cream Boat Conroe Ice Cream Boat is bringing specialty ice cream to Lake Conroe this spring, co-owner Ryan Stirpe said via email Jan. 18. Conroe Ice Cream Boat will operate during the months of March-September, Stirpe said. • Opening in March • 13921 Old Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 277, Conroe (physical address); Waterpoint Marina (docked during operating months) • www.conroeicecreamboat.com

19 Bodybar Pilates Bodybar Pilates is now open in Pine Market at Woodforest, a shopping center in Montgomery, owner Jennifer Rubino said via email Jan. 17. The fitness studio offers classes that focus on strength, toning and modern movement, Rubino said. Customers interested in the studio can take their first class free, Rubino said. • Opened Jan. 8 • 900 New Day Ave., Ste. 1100, Montgomery • www.bodybarpilates.com/woodforest

In the news

17 Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office

• 401 College St., Montgomery • www.barandvines.com

Tucker Bond led a group of 10 Boy Scouts to repaint and repair the victim assistance waiting room for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. The new room features interactive spaces and child-oriented colors to provide a relaxing environment, District Attorney Brett Ligon said. • 207 W. Phillips St., 2nd Floor, Conroe • www.mctxdao.org 18 Bar and Vines Montgomery’s H-Bistrot rebranded on Jan. 1 to Bar and Vines, owner Heather Vines said via email. Bar and Vines offers customers craft cocktails and small bites.

Closings

Coming soon

20 USTMAX Center The USTMAX Center in Conroe permanently closed its doors. The center served as a micro-campus for the University of St. Thomas, a private Catholic university in Houston. Chief University Services Officer Carla Alsandor said while the building is closed, the university will continue to operate USTMAX Center online. • Closed in December • 336 N. Main St., Conroe • www.stthom.edu

13 Le Creuset of America A location of Le Creuset of America will open at the former location of Wild Thing Restaurant, MHW Real Estate announced in a Jan. 26 news release. • Opening TBD

• 14900 I-45 S., Conroe • www.lecreuset.com

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REPUBLICAN PARTY RACES & WHY YOU SHOULD CARE By Chairman Bryan Christ, Republican Party Friends, as your current elected Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman, I come to you with a strong caution regarding our Republican Party leadership races. They are named “County Chair” and “Precinct Chair” and they are at the bottom of your ballot, right before propositions. These positions will make up our Party’s leadership team for the next two years. Below is my appeal to you for your full attention to these often overlooked races.

I’m a strong believer in the Primary Election system we currently have. Beginning Feb 20th, Republican voters choose who will represent them in the General Election against the Democrat nominees. After Republican voters choose their nominees, the Party’s role is to champion them during the November General Election. It is not the Party’s role to choose its nominees for Republican voters. Throughout Texas, including Montgomery county, there is a movement to change that process and limit the Republican voter’s choices by any of the following: • Removing the Party Chair election from the voters • The Party grading Republicans in the Primary • The Party endorsing one Republican against another • The Party not allowing certain Republicans to be on the ballot • Ending the Primary all together and only allowing a small group to choose the Republican nominees Here, this effort is being led by the Montgomery County Tea Party, oftentimes known as the Freedom Caucus. Since my predecessor Dr. Wally Wilkerson was Chair, they have been dividing our Party in an attempt to gain power. They even created a fake ”Repub- lican Party” website to attack Republican candidates, including myself, because we don’t support their cause. Many of us are

concerned their tactics would disenfranchise the voters and will limit our Party’s influence if it becomes seen as divisive and elitist. With the current state of our nation, and the destruction caused by liberal ideologies, the last thing we need is to push voters away from the Republican Party! I will continue to ALWAYS stand up for your right to choose our Party’s nominees. I will not bow to pressure regardless of the mud that is slung my direction. There are many good candidates running for Precinct Chair to help fill our Party’s leadership with people who will represent you, not those who seek power over your choices. Please pay close attention to these races, and most importantly VOTE this month in the Republican Primary. I ask for your support in building a strong, unified, Republican Party. Early Voting: Feb 20- March 1. Election Day: March 5 Learn More About Chairman Christ: BryanChrist.org

Email Bryan: bryan4mcrp@gmail.com Official Party Website: MCRPTX.org

POL ADV PAID FOR BY BRYAN CHRIST

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY MATT STEPHENS

Voter Guide

2024

To view the full list of all contested state and national candidates, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Only candidates in contested elections are included. Visit county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY

R Republican

D Democrat

*Incumbent

D Bill Burch D Katherine Culbert Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2 D DaSean Jones D Randy Sarosdy Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 4 R Brian Walker R John Devine* Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6 D Bonnie Lee Goldstein D Joe Pool Texas Senate, District 7

D Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato D Star Locke D Marianne Williamson D Frankie Lozada U.S. senator R Ted Cruz* R R.E. “Rufus” Lopez

Dates to know

Feb. 20: First day of early voting March 1: Last day of early voting March 5: Election day

Where to vote

R Holland “Redd” Gibson D Heli Rodriguez Prilliman D Colin Allred D Mark Gonzalez D Meri Gomez D Thierry Tchenko D Steven J. Keough D A. “Robert” Hassan D Roland Gutierrez D Carl Oscar Sherman U.S. House, District 2 R Dan Crenshaw* R Jameson Ellis State elections Railroad commissioner R Christi Craddick* R Petra Reyes R Corey Howell R James “Jim” Matlock R Christie Clark

Any voter can cast a ballot in the Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Montgomery County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting; however, election day locations are by precinct. Visit https://elections.mctx.org for polling locations.

Sample ballot

D Michelle Gwinn D Nasir H. Malik Texas House, District 15 R Skeeter Hubert R Steve Toth* Local elections Montgomery County sheriff

Federal elections U.S. president R David Stuckenberg R Vivek Ramaswamy R Ron DeSantis R Ryan L. Binkley R Asa Hutchinson R Chris Christie R Nikki Haley R Donald J. Trump D Cenk Uygur D Joseph R. Biden, Jr.* D Dean Phillips D Gabriel A. Cornejo

R Rand Henderson* R Wesley Doolittle R Kenton Ford Montgomery County constable, Precinct 2

R David Eason R Daniel Pena

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Election

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Montgomery County Precinct 2 constable, Republican Primary

What are the biggest challenges facing law enforcement currently? Law enforcement grapples with challenges such as community distrust, technological advancements in crime, mental health crises and navigating complex social issues. Striking a balance between public safety and individual rights while addressing systemic concerns is crucial in the dynamic landscape law enforcement faces today.

Are there any structural or service changes you would like to make to the department? Initiating change in Precinct 2, I’d prioritize selecting new command staff and address deputies’ concerns in meetings. These insights guide necessary changes, fostering a productive and professional culture. This inclusive approach lays the groundwork for positive transformation within the precinct.

Daniel Pena Occupation: manager, Montgomery County Reality Based Training Center Relevant experience: 20-plus years of law enforcement; 10 years, special deputy, U.S. Marshals www.penaforpct2constable.com David Eason Occupation: chief deputy, Montgomery County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office Relevant experience: 25 years of law enforcement experience www.easonforconstable.com

Population growth in the county and in Precinct 2 is ever expanding. Multifamily housing changes the dynamic of civil process and adds increased law enforcement needs across the county. A 10-year study and growth projection of law enforcement and civil service to the community needs to be evaluated.

We are currently working on implementing CompStat data-driven policing dashboards to enable deputies to have real-time access to crime trends as they happen to enable swift saturation of areas experiencing crime surges. This removes random patrol models and allocates resources where they matter the most.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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BY VANESSA HOLT

*INCUMBENT

Montgomery County sheri, Republican Primary

What are the top priorities you will have as sheri in the next four years?

How will you work with communities to ensure policing needs are met?

The rst is the border crisis, which has created enormous problems related to narcotics (fentanyl), human smuggling and human tracking. Secondly, ensure we have adequate resources provided by the court to address the needs of the community. Lastly, we must tackle the struggle of keeping up with local population growth.

As a dedicated public servant, I will collaborate with communities across the county to ensure their policing needs are met. By fostering open communication, building trust and actively listening to community concerns, I will work towards implementing community policing strategies that will reduce crime and fear of crime.

Rand Henderson* Occupation: sheri, Montgomery County Relevant experience: I have been doing the job for the entirety of my adult life. www.randhenderson.org

First and foremost, I will boost morale within the agency. I have seen the agency deteriorate since the current sheri has taken oce. Morale is down and departures of the most experienced investigators are up. There is a leadership problem. I was urged by family, citizens and many of my ...

I will hold town hall meetings. I will come to the BBQ’s and the community rallies. I will be there. I will listen to your voices and act accordingly. Having each community and everyone within that community knowing their sheri, will solve many problems and prevent many crimes. We will ...

Kenton Ford Occupation: retired sergeant, Sheri’s Oce Montgomery County Relevant experience: 21 years sheri’s oce/leading the boots on the ground as it happens www.fordforsheri.com

I will focus on leading the ght against violent crime. We will clear more cases, improve morale, investigate vehicular crimes/accidents, improve communications, and build eective partnerships to protect every inch of Montgomery County.

By building strong working relationships with all partner agencies and community partners to ght violent crime and to improve our quality of life here in Montgomery County. I will lead with honor, humility, integrity and transparency. I will also keep an open mind and have an open-door policy.

Wesley Doolittle Occupation: lawman Relevant experience: 22 years, DPS; 13 as Texas Ranger; currently, captain with Precinct 2 constable www.doolittleforsheri.com

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Government

BY JESSICA SHORTEN & LIZZY SPANGLER

Conroe defers action on city hall redesign During its Feb. 8 meeting, Conroe City Council deferred approving the cost estimates, proposed design and Phase 2 proposal from architecture firm PGAL for the city hall redesign. Council members cited a desire to wait until the Conroe Industrial Development Corp.—which is anticipated to contribute funding—voted on the items, which should happen in March. In a nutshell Conroe is anticipated to renovate the first floor of city hall for $3.1 million, according to the Feb. 7 meeting agenda packet. Facilities Manager Tammie Rushing said the project would add: • Six offices • A board room • Additional restrooms • An employee break room

County extends disaster declaration Montgomery County commissioners extended a disaster declaration Feb. 6 for 30 days following late January storms. What you need to know Originally issued Jan. 24 by County Judge Mark Keough, the declaration allows the county to direct funding toward emergency management. The extension also allows damage surveys to be completed to assess the need for additional federal or state aid. According to surveys, River Plantation in Conroe sustained the most damage. What’s next? Residents can fill out the self-report dam- age tool if their homes sustained damage. Officials said no more funding is available, but that could change based on surveys.

City hall and visitor center renovation funding

Conroe Visitors Bureau ($1.67M) Facilities management department ($607K)

Total: $3.1M

Conroe Economic Development Corp. ($303K) Downtown development department ($533K)

SOURCE: CITY OF CONROE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“I think it’s really important that the CVB and the downtown group are down here accessible to the public on the first floor,” council member Harry Hardman said. Stay tuned Rushing said once approved by council, the con- struction documents would take four to six weeks to be completed, after which the city will advertise for bids. Construction on this project would take around six months.

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Transportation

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Willis

149

Willis

Ongoing projects

1097

BLUEBERRY HILLS RD.

Montgomery

1097

BLUEBERRY HILLS RD.

Montgomery

COUNTY LINE RD.

1 FM 2854 improvements Project: This project includes overlaying FM 2854 and doing base repairs between Hwy. 105 and the San Jacinto River. Update: According to a February media update from Texas Department of Transportation officials, this project is 98% complete. • Timeline: January 2023-first quarter 2024 • Cost: $10.41 million • Funding source: state funds 2 FM 1486 repairs Project: FM 1486 is undergoing overlay and base repairs between Hwy. 105 and FM 1774. Update: This project is 6% completed, according to a February media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: October 2023-third quarter 2024 • Cost: $4.57 million 1486

LAKE CONROE HILLS DR.

LONE STAR PKWY.

COUNTY LINE RD.

149

LAKE CONROE HILLS DR. LAKE CONROE

830

LONE STAR PKWY.

LEAGUE LINE RD.

1484

830

2432

105

LEAGUE LINE RD.

10TH ST.

LAKE CONROE

2854

1484 3

2432 105

105

1485

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

2854

Conroe

SAN JACINTO RIVER

336

249 TOLL

10TH ST.

3083

FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE

1486

149

1774

1485

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

1314

Conroe

SAN JACINTO RIVER

336

1314

3083

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

1488

242

to four lanes with a continuous left lane between Lake Conroe Hills Drive and Blueberry Hill Road. James Construction Group is the contractor. Update: According to a February media update from TxDOT, this project is 34% completed. • Timeline: second quarter 2022-first quarter 2024 • Cost: $16.09 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 242 45

February media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: March 2023-third quarter 2027 • Cost: $51.83 million • Funding source: state funds 4 FM 1097 widening Project: FM 1097 in Willis is being widened from two 1488

• Funding source: state funds 3 Hwy. 105 widening

249 TOLL

Project: This project is widening Hwy. 105 from two to four lanes between 10th Street and South Loop 336 in Conroe. James Construction Group is the contractor. Update: This project is 20% completed, according to a

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Real estate

The number of homes sold year over year uctuated by ZIP code in Conroe, Montgomery and Willis in January, with the 77316 ZIP code having the most home sales. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

January 2023

January 2024

+105.9%

+48.72%

+10.53%

+40.54%

-50%

+75.68%

+57.69%

-3.23%

77301

77302

77303

77304

77306

77316

77318

77356

77318

77356

77303

77301

Median home sales price

105

149

January

2023

2024

77316

77306

$264,814 $299,990 $267,294 $309,990 $212,490 $284,990 $334,990 $398,000

$245,000 $301,010 $250,000 $311,496 $254,000 $200,000 $220,000 $310,000

77301 77302 77303 77304 77306 77316 77318 77356

77304

Homes sold by price point

January 2024

$1 million+

$750,000-$999,999

Average days on the market

January 2023

January 2024

$500,000-$749,999

-64.5%

+26.98%

+55.36%

-8.57%

+0.97%

-52.8%

-21.15%

-48.15%

179

$250,000-$499,999

<$249,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY JAMIE BECHTOLD THE JAMIE BECHTOLD GROUP 15949 HWY. 105, STE. 51, MONTGOMERY • 9362158885 JAMIEJAMIEBECHTOLD.COM

77301

77302

77303

77304

77306

77316

77318

77356

Up to 2% OFF Listings

Dr. Jamie Bechtold

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health care

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas teen birth rate rose for first time in 15 years Teen fertility rates in Texas increased in 2022 for the first time in 15 years, according to a recent report from the University of Houston’s Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality. In September 2021, Texas banned abortions at about six weeks into a pregnancy, after a fetal heartbeat is detected. A closer look Texas’ overall fertility rate, or births per 1,000 women ages 15-44, rose by 2% in 2022. Teen birth rates increased by 0.39%, ending a 15-year period of declines. Rising teen fertility rates may impact young parents’ ability to get an education and secure higher-paying jobs, the report said. Other studies cited in the report show that high percentages of people who experience unplanned pregnancies are poor and have less access to contraception.

Postpartum Medicaid extended to 1 year Beginning March 1, low-income Texas mothers can receive Medicaid coverage for one year after childbirth. Texas women are currently eligible for two months of postpar- tum coverage. Medicaid covered nearly half of Texas births in 2022, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The details Women whose Medicaid coverage expired before March 1 will be re-enrolled automati- cally and receive coverage for 12 months after their pregnancy ended. Over 137,000 new parents will benefit from the extension, according to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicaid also covers checkups and other services for mothers and their children.

Texas fertility rates Rates may differ across races due to lack of access to contraception, inability to leave one’s state for an abortion and other factors. 2022 Fertility rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15-44) 2021

60.68

+2.04%

All races

61.92

66.82

+5.09%

Hispanic

70.22

54.49 53.98 55.68 55.99

Asian (non- Hispanic)

+0.94%

Black (non- Hispanic)

-0.55%

56.51

White (non- Hispanic)

-1.95%

55.41

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH ON WOMEN, GENDER & SEXUALITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY EMILY LINCKE

Mark Run takes over as Montgomery ISD superintendent Jan. 1 Montgomery ISD started out the new year with a new leader as Mark Run began his role of super- intendent on Jan. 1. Run had served as super- intendent of Normangee ISD since 2018 as well as an assistant principal in Humble ISD and a special education and math teacher in Centerville ISD. What are your priorities for MISD? I would say that one of the things that I have been very intentional about is being visible and ... starting to build relationships with everyone from our sta to PTO groups to our school board to our faith-based leaders. That is something that is an immediate priority for me is to make sure that, if nothing else, our sta knows ... I’m there to support them. ... Then there’s a funding side of this ... that is denitely going to be in those priorities within the next 12-18 months. ... Within the realm of public education, one of the most dicult parts of the work that we do is we don’t get to set our revenues. ... So because of some of the inactivity and lack of progress through our last legislative session, ... we’re still left trying to gure out how we ll the needs of our students and of our teachers eec- tively with the resources that we have. How will you help MISD prepare for expected enrollment growth over the next decade? The great news is the district has positioned itself really well with the passing of the last bond, not just looking at a short-term need, but the district has done a great job of planning for future needs also. ... We’ve got the seventh elementary school that’s

Mark Run previously worked as the superintendent for Normangee ISD, a role he held since 2018.

COURTESY MONTGOMERY ISD

going up right now. ... In the last bond, funds were set aside and earmarked to purchase land for [and design] the third junior high. ... The goal is not to get to a point where we have to have a knee-jerk reac- tion to enrollment growth. We see it’s coming, and the district’s done a great job of planning for that. What strategies do you have to help the district ll challenging open positions, such as bus drivers? When it comes to trying to ll spots, obviously compensation is a big part of that. Couple that with nancial challenges, and that’s a predicament. ... I’ve had teachers and administrators and folks telling me, ‘I left higher-paying districts that are neighboring to us just so I can be a part of the MISD family.’ So I think one thing that is a value-add to the recruitment and retention of folks is continuing to make MISD special and unique and to continue to foster the values that are here.

What would you say sets MISD apart from other districts? Our campuses, the way that our sta are treated by our administrators, the culture that they’ve created on our campuses, the environment for the kids that they’ve been able to foster and nurture—it doesn’t feel like this is part of this big giant system, and I think that is very unique to MISD. That’s something that’s a priority of mine. ... As we do grow ... there’s things which we don’t want to lose. We don’t want to lose the small-town feel.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

Education

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Conroe ISD moving forward with elementary rezoning efforts

The impact

The bottom line

According to the Jan. 16 presentation by McCord, 1,823 students will be moving across 14 elementary campuses in the 2024-25 school year with 44% of the students impacted by rezoning moving to Bartlett.

CISD began the process of examining atten- dance zones for Bartlett in 2023 in anticipation of the school opening this August. Located at 11255 Cielo Drive, Conroe, the campus will serve pre-K-fourth grade with a total capacity of 950 students.

Corridors that will be affected the most include those in the northern section of the Caney Creek feeder zone and portions of the Conroe feeder. Students moving between campuses include: • 799 students moving to Bartlett Elementary with the majority coming from northeast of the Conroe Airport near Pine Acre Trails, Cielo and Sweetwater Ridge subdivisions • 255 students living north of FM 2090 moving from Creighton Elementary to Austin or Milam elementary schools • 449 students transferring out of Patterson Elementary School “This is a medium-term solution,” McCord said. “This is not a long-term solution. There is just masses of people that are coming that want to be a part of what we have.”

The Conroe ISD board of trustees approved new 2024-25 attendance zones for Bartlett Elementary School and other elementary campuses in the Caney Creek and Conroe high schools’ feeder zones at a meeting Jan. 16. Opening in August, Bartlett will help bring six overcapacity campuses to under capacity, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Chris McCord said. According to prior reporting, the campus is the last school to open as part of the $653.7 million bond approved in November 2019 and the last elementary school in the northern Caney Creek and Conroe feeder zones to be constructed in the near future. The approved boundaries were selected out of 27 potential options. “In the 131-year history of our district, this is one of the most challenging scenarios and endeavors that we’ve undertook, but we feel good about it,” McCord said.

1. Anderson 2. Armstrong

4. Bartlett 5. Creighton

7. Houston

10. Reaves

13. San Jacinto 14. Wilkinson

8. Milam

11. Rice

3. Austin

6. Hope

9. Patterson

12. Runyan

2023-24 Conroe ISD elementary zones

2024-25 zones with Bartlett Elementary

Elementary rezoning impact

Total capacity

Current enrollment

Future enrollment

336

Six CISD schools will see enrollment fall below their capacities after Bartlett Elementary opens in August.

105

1,000 1,200

3083

925

900

875

0 200 400 600 800

700

675

650

575

Anderson Austin Patterson Reaves

Runyan Wilkinson

Creighton

SOURCE: CONROE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

CONROE 1304 W Davis (936) 539-8787 NORTH CONROE 18434 Hwy 105 W (936) 582-5410

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Education

CISD projects $16.6M shortfall in FY 2024-25 The Conroe ISD board of trustees heard a preliminary discussion on the fiscal year 2024-25 budget during a board workshop Feb. 6, including the potential for a nearly $17 million shortfall. The overview Chief Financial Officer Darrin Rice and Director of Finance Karen Garza said preliminary numbers show the district’s estimated expenditures and revenue for 2024-25 are $710.5 million and $693.88 million, respectively. Garza said the tax rate is not predicted to change, but certified property values could result in a lower tax rate. More details The presentation also included possible teacher raise scenarios for FY 2024-25. However, CISD Superintendent Curtis Null said there is no fund- ing in place to provide raises in the new year.

Willis ISD approves 2024-25 calendar The Willis ISD board of trustees adopted the 2024-25 calendar at the Jan. 10 meeting. What you need to know WISD officials discussed three calendar options before limiting the options to two and seeking community feedback. The biggest difference in the calendars regarded fall break, and the community ultimately voted 68.5% in favor of Calendar A. Important dates in the calendar include:

Additional 2024-25 CISD costs contributing to shortfall

Teacher incentive allotments: $1M Virtual academy: $1.3M Raise or teacher hiring schedule: $1.6M Teacher Retirement System in-kind contributions: $1.75M Other expenses, including utilities, fuel and insurance: $3.05M Additional personnel: $7.5M

*ALL EXPENSES NOT INCLUDED

SOURCE: CONROE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• Scenario 1: teacher hiring schedule changes for a cost of $1.6 million • Scenario 2: 1% raise for a cost of $6.5 million • Scenario 3: 2% raise for a cost of $13 million • Scenario 4: 2.5% raise for a cost of $16.25 million In November, CISD passed a 2.5% employee raise that cost $14.6 million from the district’s sav- ings in FY 2023-24 as the 88th Texas Legislature failed to provide funds for raises, Null said.

• Aug. 14: First day of school • Oct. 14-18: Student fall break • Nov 25-29: Thanksgiving break • Dec. 23-Jan. 3, 2025: Winter break • March 10-14, 2025: Spring break • May 23, 2025: Last day of school

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