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 o cial 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 Ru n 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 AGENCY COMMUNITY 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.
CONROE 1304 W Davis (936) 539-8787 NORTH CONROE 18434 Hwy 105 W (936) 582-5410
MONTGOMERY PLAZA 1420 N Loop 336 W (936) 441-7161
WILLIS 9618 FM 1097 (936) 228-0385
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