Conroe - Montgomery Edition | May 2025

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Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 2 MAY 23JUNE 23, 2025

Water woes Conroe eyes development moratorium expansion due to lack of water capacity

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Since August, Conroe has enforced a moratorium in its northern portion, halting new development due to a lack of available water capacity. Now, ocials are consider- ing expanding that moratorium citywide. “There is no new water that has been added to this system since ... late August,” Norman McGuire, assistant city administra- tor and director of public works, said at the May 7 workshop meeting. As Conroe’s moratorium stretches into its ninth month, development leaders say the long-term eects are becoming clearer. “To completely shut down development in such a large city would crush a lot of our members,” said Cody Miller, director of government aairs for the Greater Houston Builders Association.

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Also in this issue

Read about when Montgomery’s H-E-B location will open Impacts 6

Learn about the departure of Conroe ISD’s superintendent Education

Nicholas Gilliam is a water operator at the city of Conroe. The city is looking to expand its water infrastructure with six projects underway. (Courtesy city of Conroe)

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Fresh Home Designs Recreation Center Montgomery ISD Schools

Come home to Clopton Farms , a brand-new, upscale community nestled in the serene beauty of Montgomery, TX. Embrace the perfect blend of modern comfort and farmhouse-chic living, with an amazing Recreation Center featuring a relaxing pool, fitness facility, playground, covered pavilion, walking trails and more.

Three stunning Model Homes now open! Choose from over 16 stylish home designs on 50’, 60’ or 70’-wide homesites, each with deep, oversized backyards. You’ll find us on scenic Rabon Chapel Road just 1.5 miles from Lake Conroe.

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The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions, square footage and acreage are approximate and should not be used as a representation of any home’s or homesite’s precise or actual size, location or orientation. There is no guarantee that any particular homesite or home will be available. A Broker/Agent must register their client in person on client’s first visit at each community for a Broker/Agent to receive a commission or referral fee, if available. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Community maps, illustrations, plans and/or amenities reflect our current vision and are subject to change without notice. Photographs or renderings of people do not depict or indicate any preference regarding race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, or national origin. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. © 2025 Tri Pointe Homes Texas, Inc. All rights reserved.

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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 Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Julianna Washburn Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Kevin Vu

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Account Executive Chelsea Williams Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Product Manager Kaitlin Schmidt Quality Desk Editor Sierra Rozen

Lizzy Spangler Editor lspangler@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Houston Market President jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

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Impacts

special requests while also offering thrifted finds. • Opened in April • 18024 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 200, Montgomery • www.facebook.com/bobafixx 4 Horizon Veterinary | Animal Clinic & Surgery Center The veterinary practice offers services including general wellness, dentistry, urgent care and after-hours appointments, Rainer said. • Opened in April • 3000 W. Davis St., Ste. 1A, Conroe • www.myhorizonvet.com 5 The Dusted Shelf Bookstore The independent bookstore offers a variety of genres, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, mystery, thriller, general fiction and classic literature. • Opened in mid-May

Willis

Montgomery

1097

LONE STAR PKWY.

LAKE CONROE

830

1484

BAYBERRY TRACE DR.

FRAZIER COMMERCE DR.

STONESIDE DR.

2854

PORTIA LN.

105

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

Conroe

• 15845 Hwy. 105, Ste. 112, Montgomery • www.thedustedshelfbookstore.com

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6 Five Below The discounted store now open in The Market at Willis shopping center offers beauty supplies, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, toys and games. • Opened May 2

FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE

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WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

• 12342 I-45 N., Willis • www.fivebelow.com

1488

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7 Petite Suzette The French bistro and cocktail bar offers breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner options, such as ratatouille, crepes, soups and salads. • Opened April 26 • 15260 Hwy. 105, Ste. 146, Montgomery • Facebook: Petite Suzette Restaurant 8 Tailgators Pub and Grill The Cajun-style sports bar and grill offers a variety of menu options, including crawfish, wings, burgers, fajitas and more. • Opened April 2 • 15315 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 600, Montgomery • www.tailgatorspub.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Sunstate Equipment The business provides construction equipment rental services for commercial contractors, infrastructure projects, manufacturing, and the petrochemical industry. • Opened April 21 • 661 Frazier Commerce Drive, Conroe • www.sunstateequip.com 3 Boba Fixx The sip and shop business customizes drinks and takes

Now open

1 Skin Konfidence The specialized med spa boutique typically works with clients 40 to 80 years old and offers holistic anti-aging treatments. • Opened in early 2025 • 16915 Walden Road, Ste. 109, Montgomery • www.skinkonfidence.com

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9 Chorfa Thai Cuisine The Thai restaurant offers dishes such as fried rice, Thai noodles and spring egg rolls. • Opened in April

Now open

Coming soon

• 1112 N. Frazier St., Conroe • www.chorfathaicuisine.com

The Soda Den The mobile craft soda shop offers a wide variety of soda creations with classic soda options including Dr. Pepper and Coca-Cola. • Opened April 11 • Location varies by day • Facebook: The Soda Den LLC

13 Pop and Swirl The shop offers a range of homemade popsicles and creamsicles made with organic milk and pure cane sugar, with no artificial dyes or flavors. Pop and Swirl also serves Peruvian empanadas, savory bites, fruit cups with a topping bar, acai cups and more. • Opened April 3 • 15258 Hwy. 105, Ste. 120, Montgomery • www.instagram.com/popandswirl

17 Spanish Schoolhouse The Spanish school will offer part-time and full- time preschool and kindergarten programs in academic excellence, Spanish language and culture and global awareness in a positive environment, per the website. • Opening in September • 618 Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Ste. 700, Montgomery • www.spanishschoolhouse.com

Coming soon

10 H-E-B The grocer is set to open its doors in Montgomery in late 2026, Mayor Sara Countryman said April 1. • Opening in the fourth quarter of 2026 • Located at the corner of Hwy. 105 and FM 2854 • www.heb.com

Relocations

11 The Bucketology Nation The business, located at 5517 FM 1488, Ste. B, Magnolia, has plans to relocate to Conroe and move into an expanded facility, business officials confirmed. The business offers basketball training for children. • Relocating Aug. 1

14 Pet Supplies Plus The store reopened Feb. 28 after undergoing a change in ownership, officials said. The business is known for its selection of pet food and products. • 4130 FM 1488, Conroe • www.petsuppliesplus.com 15 Chili’s The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in March. • 2241 Stoneside Road, Conroe • www.chilis.com 16 Sweetwater Ridge A new 6-acre park is now open at Sweetwater Ridge. The $3 million private park has amenities such as a

playground, splash pad and dog parks. • 15793 Bayberry Trace Drive, Conroe • www.lgihomes.com

18 Montgomery ISD On April 30, Montgomery ISD students unveiled a new county historical marker that commemorated 100 years. • 13755 Liberty St., Montgomery • www.misd.org The Texas State Troopers Foundation The nonprofit established by the Texas State Troopers Association launched, aiming to raise $1 million in its first year, according to an April 2 news release. • www.texasstatetroopers.org/foundation

• 5457 Hwy. 105, Ste. C, Conroe • www.thebucketologynation.com

In the news

12 Venetian Pines Home sales have begun in the single-family residential community, Sales Counselor Hannah Rumery said. • 1668 Portia Lane, Conroe • www.drhorton.com/texas/houston/conroe/ venetian-pines

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Government

Conroe launches downtown initiative

The overview

Mikeska said the year-round Downtown Rangers will be made up of four to five part-time staff members, and the funding will come from reallocating some of the parks department budget to the downtown budget. Mikeska also said the cost of the pilot program is still unknown. “We want to establish a routine of maintenance ... and work on some beautification as well,” Mikeska said.

The idea of a dedicated downtown maintenance team has been long in the making, starting with the creation of a Main Street Advisory Board in 2022. However, the board is currently taking a pause with the creation of the new program, Mikeska said. She also said Mayor Duke Coon wanted a program to help improve Conroe’s downtown.

The city of Conroe is launching the Downtown Rangers Program to improve downtown’s visual appeal and upkeep of the area. Conroe City Council approved the program during its March 27 meeting, which is designed to build on past efforts while setting a new standard for ongoing maintenance, Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska said. “We firmly believe this initiative will make a big difference in keeping our city looking the way we all envision a great city to look. However, if the program is not successful, we will certainly shift the focus to other needs in our city.” NANCY MIKESKA, DEPUTY CITY ADMINISTRATOR

“I don’t know that they’ve created anything new. I think good minds think the same way, and the ideas they would have had probably were the same ones we had.” LARRY FOERSTER, FORMER BOARD MEMBER, MAIN STREET ADVISORY BOARD

Downtown districts Homestead Uptown

Neartown Central Business

Old Town Marketplace

Arts & Honors

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SOURCE: CITY OF CONROE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Diving in deeper

Stay tuned

“When the city began having financial diffi- culties, they redirected money from downtown improvements to other priorities,” Foerster said. Foerster emphasized that while the City Council’s renewed attention to downtown is welcomed and encouraged, the Main Street distinction itself is in jeopardy. Foerster said with no city staff member currently serving as a designated Main Street director, the city is at risk of losing the designation. “Downtown Conroe is the county seat,” Foerster said. “The image it projects reflects not only on the city, but on Montgomery County as a whole. That’s why it’s so important to keep it vibrant, clean and welcoming.” Mikeska said downtown merchants will not be asked to contribute to the program at this time. “If you can see a difference, that is a great bench- mark,” Mikeska said. “It is not about just cleaning up the downtown, it is about maintaining a certain assurance that our downtown reflects the kind of city that we are.”

Although the Downtown Rangers program is new, it mirrors work previously done by the Main Street Advisory Board, which was formed in 2022 after Conroe earned a Main Street designation through the Texas Historical Commission, as previously reported. Larry Foerster, former board member of the Main Street Advisory Board and Montgomery County Historical Commission chair, said the board had originally proposed a similar downtown mainte- nance team. “We didn’t call it the Downtown Rangers, but in effect, that’s what it was,” he said. “We wanted at least two individuals designated and responsible for downtown maintenance and beautification.” Foerster chaired the board’s design committee, which focused on visual improvements like downtown signage and landscaping. However, the committee’s proposals were slowed by shifting priorities and budget cuts during a time of city financial restructuring, Foerster said.

In an April 25 email, Mikeska said the city would advertise for the new hire ranger positions in the next few weeks, with those positions trained on the job by the city’s facility manager and the assistant director of community development. Mikeska said she envisions other projects for the program, including the addition of restrooms and new events. The team will also assist the parks department with event setup and takedown. Potential future downtown projects Lighting enhancements Signage

Restroom additions in Founders Plaza

New Christmas event

SOURCE: CITY OF CONROE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Montgomery County Jail facing inmate capacity issues

What they’re saying

“A new or expanded facility isn’t just a building project. It’s an investment in public safety, scal responsibility and long-term preparedness.” WESLEY DOOLITTLE, SHERIFF, MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Montgomery County commissioners approved an interlocal agreement April 8 for Waller County to house inmates as overcrowding becomes a more pressing issue at the Montgomery County jail. “The jail is frequently over capacity, and the strain is becoming increasingly dicult,” Montgomery County Sheri Wesley Doolittle said in an interview with Community Impact . “Overcrowding impacts everything, from the safety of our sta and inmates to access to rehabilitation programs and day-to-day operations. It increases the potential for incidents, adds to overtime demands, and contributes to burnout and turnover among our deputies and jail sta.” Doolittle said the Texas Commission on Jail Standards requires county jails to keep their occupancy at around 90% of the total available space within the jail, and the county has been operating between 94%-116% capacity since January. Doolittle said the jail could be subjected to administrative nes and potential closure if the state determines the county is not adequately housing inmates. A 64-bed expansion using existing space was authorized by the TCJS in February, but Doolittle said there is no space left for an expansion within the existing jail. “Temporary xes will not adequately address our problem eectively. We can’t continue down this road with temporary xes,” Doolittle said. “We need a facility that can meet the demands of today and the challenges of tomorrow.”

Montgomery County Jail average daily inmate totals The number of inmates at the Montgomery County Jail is now exceeding state requirements.

Capacity

Average daily inmates

1,500

1,235

1,000

“The quicker we get [inmates] out to [the Texas Department of Criminal

Justice], the better o we’re going to be. So if we get the state to cooperate with us, that would relieve some of that tension.”

500

2022

2023

2024

2025

MARK KEOUGH, JUDGE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY

SOURCES: TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS, MONTGOMERY COUNTY JAILCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Montgomery County Jail

“We’re completely done now. There is nothing else we can do without a building.”

336

CHARLIE RILEY, COMMISSIONER, MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRECINCT 2

CRIMINAL JUSTICE DR.

What’s next?

housing locations, which will also assist in lowering the average daily population of the jail. “This can’t be solved by one oce alone,” Doolittle said. “I’ve been working to keep those conversations moving because it’s going to take all of us— elected ocials, public safety leaders and the community— working together to nd the right path forward.”

Commissioners approved the contract with Waller County at a rate of $75 per day, per inmate. Commissioners also agreed to work with Doolittle and the sheri’s oce to look at potential jail expansion options. Doolittle said he would work with the state and federal government to move U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees and TDCJ inmates to their nal

Doolittle said there are still nearly 2,700 unserved warrants from the sheri’s oce which could further grow the issue of jail overcrowding. “We don’t have another contingency,” Doolittle said. “At this point, we’re working to try to move people through that criminal justice process in our community and to nd ways to house inmates safely.”

CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

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Government

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Q&A: Sherry Hunter, Montgomery County chief appraiser, discusses property taxes Sherry Hunter, chief appraiser with Montgomery Central Appraisal District, sat down for an interview with Community Impact on April 10 to talk about her role and what challenges are being faced by the appraisal district as the property value protest process has been underway since April 1. What brought you to the world of property appraisals? It started out in 1998. ... It was the Harris County Appraisal District, and I was there for 12 years, and then I left for a little bit so that I could go ahead and finish my degree, because I always wanted to be a counselor. I was actually working at an alternative school, doing counseling and ... I was released from there because they ended up losing their contract, and my ex-supervisor from Harris County ... reached out to me. I came here and started back because I was in management at Harris County, but I ended up coming back into the business as an appraiser. What were the big changes you made upon becoming chief appraiser? One of the first things that I did was I met with the team ... and I shared with them that we’re in this together. We’re going to work as a group, and we’re going to rebuild the integrity of our data. ... For tax year 2025, our budget is now for 107 employees, but it is because for a long time we were limited as far as our appraisal staff as well as

technology. But the county has grown substantially. It’s a little daunting to do this, but ... with the new software that we have, they do have a mobile appli- cation. So that delay that we had in the past with our appraisers going out to the field, measuring on paper and pen, and then coming back into the office and keying it into the system, that delay is going to stop now. What are some of the big misconceptions that you see year over year when it comes to property taxes? That we are politically motivated when we are actually a neutral party. We are tasked with having an accurate listing of all properties within the boundaries of the county and valuing them at 100% of market value each year as of Jan. 1. To do this, we utilize prior year sales information. Why can residents see a year-to-year increase in their appraisal value, even if local taxing entities do not raise their tax rate? Our values are set first, and so we have to value as of Jan. 1. Because we have to value as of Jan. 1, we’re looking at all of the prior year sales. So for tax year 2025 or appraisal year 2025, we’re looking at all the sales that took place in 2024 in order to deter- mine what a property owner could actually sell their home for as of Jan. 1. So that can change every year, and it’s just depending on what the market is saying there. I’ve been in the business 25 years now. So there are times when we have an increase in the market, but then there are times when we have a decrease in the market. It is those sales that indicate what our valuations will be. So it’s going to change every year. Is there anything else you would like residents to know about your office, you and your staff? I want them to understand that we are here to educate the community. We’re here to help them

COURTESY SHERRY HUNTER/MONTGOMERY CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT

throughout this process, because we understand that it is a very confusing process, and it can change every two years whenever the Legislature meets. With us, it’s never an ‘us against them’ type of mentality. It’s ‘Okay, how can we help you? What do we need to do to help you better understand this process?’

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

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN & JESSICA SHORTEN

Conroe to require in-person attendance for executive sessions During its April 24 meeting, Conroe City Council voted 3-2 to approve requiring in-person attendance for the executive session portion of meetings. Council members Harry Hardman and Howard Wood voted against. In a nutshell Before City Council’s decision, council mem- bers were allowed to video call into executive session. However, City Attorney Mike Garner said there are concerns about security and the need to protect the integrity of the closed-door executive session meetings. The city charter does allow City Council to compel attendance—or legally require someone to be present—of its members, Garner said. “As this council knows, we have several legal matters that are coming forward that are very important to the city and to the citizens of the city,” Garner said in the April 23 workshop meeting. “It’s my belief, in consulting with other city adminis- trators, that it’s very important to have council members present in the executive session.” Animal cruelty cases projected to rise David Eason, Montgomery County Pre- cinct 2 constable, told Montgomery County commissioners on April 29 the number of animal cruelty cases reported in the county is projected to increase from 162 in 2024 to 320 in 2025. What you need to know Eason said only two detectives man the county’s animal cruelty division, which is responsible for cases countywide. Next steps County Judge Mark Keough said the county was looking at potential options to recover expenses, including charging additional fees for out-of-county animal dropos and higher nes for those charged with animal abuse.

Conroe Fire Station No. 8 moves forward During its April 24 meeting, Conroe City Council approved the request for quali- cations for design and build services for Conroe Fire Station No. 8, allowing contract negotiations with SLI Group LLC to begin. The details Fire Chief Paul Sims said $4.2 million is slated for the design and the construction of the project, which does not include any furniture or xtures needed. The total cost should be around $5 million and the new re station will be located along FM 3083, per city ocials. Sims said the department will begin negotiations with SLI Group LLC, and will establish timelines before coming back for a nal approval.

"Citizen participation was severely restricted and now council members who cannot always attend in-person in executive session are restricted from

discussion on extremely important city issues, yet still responsible to vote."

HOWARD WOOD, COUNCIL MEMBER

“I am supportive of limiting executive sessions to in-person attendees. Since the start of my term,

I have been concerned with security controls and I feel this is a positive

step forward.” SHANA ARTHUR, COUNCIL MEMBER

INDUSTRIAL PARK RD.

City Administrator Gary Scott said the change is to be able to ensure that attorney-client privilege is maintained. Scott said the change was discussed between the city’s legal team and city administra- tors before being brought to City Council.

3083

PRESSWOOD DR.

Council approves memorandum for development

At its April 22 meeting, Montgomery City Council approved a memorandum of understand- ing with developer Parkside Capital for a proposed residential and commercial project known as Villages of Montgomery. Diving in deeper City engineers completed a feasibility study on the development last July for the 51-acre sin- gle-family and commercial development, located o Hwy. 105 near Caroline and Shepperd streets, according to the agenda. The MOU outlines the developer’s intent to seek zoning variances to accommodate reduced lot sizes, according to the agenda. Per the agenda, other variance requests include: • Requesting 5-foot side lot setbacks from the 10-foot minimum requirement • Requesting a minimum lot width of 45 feet from the 75-foot requirement

Villages of Montgomery

CAROLINE ST.

105

SHEPPERD ST.

OLD PLANTERSVILLE RD.

SOURCE: CITY OF MONTGOMERYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

• Requesting 10-foot front setbacks from the 25-foot requirement The development will have a park; green space and detention ponds; and homes will be alley- loaded with garages, according to the agenda. Stay tuned At a future meeting, the city will consider formal annexation, utility agreements and zoning variance approvals before construction begins, according to the agenda.

CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

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Election

BY VANESSA HOLT & LIZZY SPANGLER

Voters approve $480M road bond for Montgomery County Montgomery County will move forward on 76 road projects across the county after voters approved its road bond May 3, according to official results from Montgomery County. The gist County Judge Mark Keough said in a May 3 post on social media the bond will allow for the county to make investments in its roads. “Thanks to this bond, we’ll see significant invest- ments in road improvements across the county. From reducing congestion and improving safety, this bond is a bold step forward in making our transportation infrastructure work for Montgomery County all with zero increase to our tax rate,” Keough said in a post.

Keelen, Robb win seats on MISD board Mark Keelen and incumbent Nate Robb were elected to the Montgomery ISD board of trustees May 3, per official results from Montgomery County. Position 6 incumbent Matt Fuller did not file for reelection.

Results breakdown

Winner

Montgomery County road bond results

Proposition A

52.81% For 47.19% Against

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ELECTIONS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Winner Results breakdown Incumbent

How we got here Montgomery County commissioners agreed Feb. 11 to put a $480 million road bond referendum before voters in the May 3 election. Funds will be divided among the four commissioner precincts, with Precincts 1 and 2—both of which encompass portions of Conroe and Montgomery—anticipated to receive $120 million over the next five years to complete 32 projects, according to prior reporting. Roads on the Precinct 1 and 2 project lists include Lone Star Parkway, Cude Cemetery Road, Honea Egypt Road and Old Hwy. 105.

Montgomery ISD board results

Position 6

26.83% Bryan Bahr 73.17% Mark Keelen

Position 7

18.8% Josh Jaros 16.01% Kyle Calhoun 65.19% Nate Robb

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ELECTIONS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Upcoming projects

I L L R D .

1 I-45 high-occupancy vehicle extension Project: I-45 will undergo a high-occupancy vehicle lane extension. Update: This project was set to begin in early 2025, per an April 17 media update from the Texas Department of Transportation. • Timeline: first quarter 2025-fourth quarter 2025 • Cost: $1.3 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 2 Hwy. 75 improvements Project: Hwy. 75 will undergo improvements such as underseal base repair and planing. Update: This project was set to begin in the first quarter of 2025, per an April 17 media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: first quarter 2025-fourth quarter 2025 • Cost: $3.3 million • Funding source: state funds LONE STAR PKWY. 149 Montgomery

Willis

1097

LAKE CONROE

830

2432

1484

105

1484

2854

105

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

Conroe

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Ongoing projects

GLADSTELL ST.

LADERA CREEK TRACE

336

3 I-45 direct connector Project: A direct connector will be installed connecting northbound I-45 with eastbound Hwy. 242. Update: This project was 1% complete as of an April 17 media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: second quarter 2025-second quarter 2028 • Cost: $42.63 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 4 Hwy. 105 widening Project: The road is being widened to four lanes. Update: According to an April 17 TxDOT media update, this project is 44% complete. • Timeline: March 2023-second quarter 2028 • Cost: $52.7 million • Funding source: state funds 5 South Loop 336 widening Project: The road is being widened to four lanes. Update: This project is 12% completed, according to an April 17 media update from TxDOT. 149

1485

3083

1314

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

1488

242

SHENANDOAH PARK DR

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

• Timeline: November 2024-third quarter 2027 • Cost: $20.6 million • Funding source: state funds 6 I-45 LED installation Project: High mast LED poles are being installed along

the mainlanes of I-45. Update: This project is 30% completed, per an April 17 media update. • Timeline: February 2025-first quarter 2026 • Cost: $1.45 million • Funding source: state funds

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Education

BY ANGELA BONILLA, LIZZY SPANGLER & JULIANNA WASHBURN CONTRIBUTIONS BY HANNAH NORTON

Area districts receive ‘B,’ ‘D’ for 2022-23

In a nutshell

and background to this rating and issue,” Ruffin said via news release. In an emailed statement, WISD Superintendent Kimberley James said the district is not shying away from the results. “[The A-F ratings] highlight areas we are actively working to strengthen. At the same time, they do not tell the full story of the commitment, growth and instructional shifts happening in classrooms across our district today,” James said. “Our focus remains on what matters most: growing every student.” Sarah Blakelock, CISD’s executive director of communications, addressed the ratings in a statement. “We’re proud of the hard work of our students and staff not only in the moment of time these scores represent but also in their efforts, day in and day out,” Blakelock said.

A-F ratings for school districts were first issued in 2018, according to an April 24 TEA news release. The method for calculating the 2022-23 ratings was refreshed, as is required every five years. The ratings are based on factors such as the annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness; academic growth; high school grad- uation rates; and how prepared students are for college, a career or the military, Community Impact previously reported. In an April 25 news release, MISD Superinten- dent Mark Ruffin said the district has concerns about the way accountability changes were implemented in 2023. “MISD is committed to our mission and vision, which is not contingent upon state assessments or ratings, but focuses on ensuring all students are prepared with the knowledge and skills to be successful. With that, it’s important to add context

Conroe and Montgomery ISDs each received a “B” for the 2022-23 school year with 84 and 83 out of 100 possible points, respectively, in the Texas Education Agency’s 2022-23 accountability ratings for school districts statewide. The ratings were released April 24 after a two-year delay due to lawsuits, TEA officials said. Willis ISD received a “D” for the 2022-23 school year with 67 out of 100 possible points. The announcement follows an April 3 ruling by Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals, which overturned a lower court’s injunction that had blocked the 2023 ratings for over a year. In September 2023, WISD joined multiple school districts that sued TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, arguing the agency’s revamped accountability system was “unlawful” and would unfairly harm school districts, per prior reporting.

The breakdown

“D” or above, with two campuses earning an “F.” In CISD, 46 campuses received either an “A” or a “B,” while 15 campuses earned either a “C” or “D.”

On a campus level, eight MISD campuses received a “B” rating while two received a “C” rating. Eight WISD campuses received a rating of

Accountability ratings

Year

CISD MISD WISD

Campus rating breakdown

2018-19

B (89)

A (93)

B (85)

A B C

D F

2019-20

Not rated due to pandemic

2020-21

Not rated due to pandemic

CISD

MISD

WISD

2021-22

B (89)

A (93)

C (76)

2022-23

B (84)

B (83)

D (67)

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NOTE: TWO CISD CAMPUSES WERE UNRATED. O MISD CAMPUSES WERE RATED "A," "D" OR "F." O WISD CAMPUSES WERE RATED "A."

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next

with the highest degree of transparency to deliver the best outcomes that we can for our kids,” Morath said April 22.

“A-F ratings are very public, and so that is a leadership challenge that our leaders bear, but this is the cross that we bear for being publicly funded and having the public’s children in our schools. It’s up to us to operate

The TEA remains blocked from issuing ratings for the 2023-24 school year due to a separate lawsuit, which is pending in the state appeals court. Morath also said the TEA intends to release ratings for 2024-25 on Aug. 15.

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Education

BY ANGELA BONILLA & NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Conroe ISD approves Bluebonnet Learning Conroe ISD will implement the Bluebonnet Learning language arts and reading curriculum in all its elementary campuses for the 2025-26 school year following a 7-0 vote at its April 15 meeting. What to know Hedith Sauceda-Upshaw, assistant superin- tendent of teaching and learning, presented the board with the decision from the district’s guiding coalition. The board had approved the curriculum at the Jan. 7 meeting where it would be piloted at rst in certain campuses, as previously reported. At the board’s May 13 meeting members discussed alternative lessons which could be made available for parents who requested exemptions. The curriculum has garnered concerns from some parents because of references to Christianity and the Bible in the materials.

CISD superintendent named lone nalist for Austin position Conroe ISD Superintendent Curtis Null was named the lone nalist in the search for the Lake Travis ISD superintendent at a special meeting of the LTISD board of trustees on May 1. The big picture Null has served as CISD’s superintendent since June 2018. He began his career with the district in 2000, in roles such as assistant superintendent, principal and assistant principal, teacher, and athletic trainer. Before he was named superin- tendent, he became deputy superintendent in January 2016. Under Null, the voters approved its 2023 bond totaling more than $1.8 billion for new schools, renovations, technology, physical education classrooms and gyms, among other projects. A

CISD looks to name 3 new local schools Conroe ISD has begun the process of nam- ing new campuses opening from 2026-27. In a nutshell Communications Director Sarah Blakelock told the board at the April 14 meeting the naming process is starting for schools being built as part of the 2023 bond, including several in The Woodlands area: • Grand Oaks elementary: opening August 2026 • Grand Oaks ninth grade campus: opening January 2027 • Grand Oaks seventh-eighth grade campus: opening August 2027 Suggestions were solicited on the district website through May 9, and the ocial decision will be made June 17.

Montgomery ISD names CTE director During its April 15 special meeting, Mont- gomery ISD’s board of trustees named Kristy Starkey as the new career and technical education director ahead of the new CTE facility opening later this year. The details Starkey currently serves as an assistant principal at Montgomery High School and has served on the district’s CTE Advisory Board. Superintendent Mark Run said Starkey helped plan the opening of The DEN, which refers to MISD’s CTE and agricultural science centers. The CTE and agricultural science centers are set to open at the beginning of the 2025- 26 school year and are funded through the district’s $326.9 million 2022 bond, accord- ing to prior reporting.

Bluebonnet Learning materials Subjects include science, history and literature

"CISD will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve here. I couldn’t

be prouder of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by our students, teachers and sta each and every day." CURTIS NULL, CONROE ISD SUPERINTENDENT

Includes people and places in Texas history

Prepares students for state testing

Includes religious literature, as required from state law

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

$650 million bond was also passed in 2019. What’s next After a 21-day waiting period, the LTISD board of trustees will take a vote on naming Null superintendent. After receiving 12 applications for interim super- intendent, CISD trustees were set to interview four nalists May 19 after press time. “We look forward to working with the Conroe ISD community during this ... transition,” board President Misty Odenweller said in a statement.

Zooming in Bluebonnet Learning was approved by the State Board of Education from a proposal from the Texas Education Agency following the approval of House Bill 1605 during the 88th legislative session in 2023. Bluebonnet Learning products are free of charge to access online in their digital format; however, hard copy print materials are not free, according to the TEA website. Following HB 1605, the district will have additional annual funding of $1.3 million for the Bluebonnet program.

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