Trustees also approve employment contract for incoming superintendent Dr. Mark Ruffin
During the December regular monthly school board meeting, Montgomery ISD trustees approved the attendance boundary for Creekside Elementary School. The district’s seventh elementary school, a project funded by MISD’s 2022 bond program, is set to open in August 2024 and will alleviate enrollment growth in Keenan and Stewart Creek elementary school attendance boundaries.
The updated elementary school attendance boundaries, which will take effect for the 2024-25 school year, can be viewed here.
This fall, a district committee was formed to begin the process of adjusting the district’s elementary attendance boundaries to include Creekside ES. This group reviewed enrollment projections from the district’s demographer to develop two potential elementary attendance boundary options that satisfy the goal of creating an attendance boundary for the newest elementary school that would relieve current enrollment growth at Stewart Creek and Keenan Elementary schools and impact as few families as possible.
Parent and staff meetings were held at Stewart Creek ES and Keenan ES to share two possible attendance boundaries to include Creekside ES and gather feedback from parents potentially impacted by the new boundary options. Additionally, to solicit feedback from as many families as possible, a survey was also shared with the community. Feedback submitted in the survey was reviewed by the committee prior to making a recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
“We appreciate the work of the committee and their intentional focus on gathering community feedback to create the best possible attendance boundary for Creekside,” Board President Laurie Turner said. “Moving forward with this option is the most prudent in terms of managing current enrollment and from a long-term planning perspective. The new elementary attendance boundary will allow MISD to most efficiently utilize our teachers, specialists, and transportation personnel to serve students at all seven of our elementary campuses next school year.”
During the meeting, district leaders also announced that incoming 5th graders and their siblings impacted by the attendance boundary adjustment may remain at their current zoned school for the 2024-25 school year. Those families that choose this option must provide their own transportation to school. Additional information regarding Creekside ES will be shared directly with families in the new attendance boundary early in the spring semester.
Earlier this month, Shelby Smith, the current principal at Madeley Ranch Elementary, was named principal of Creekside Elementary School. Smith will work with district leadership to hire staff for Creekside ES for the school’s August 2024 opening.
During the meeting, trustees also approved the employment and contract for Dr. Mark Ruffin, who will serve as the district’s new Superintendent. Ruffin was named as the lone finalist for the position during the November school board meeting. The approval of Dr. Ruffin’s contract follows the 21-day waiting period requirement set forth by state law. Ruffin is set to officially begin his tenure as superintendent in January 2024.
Also, during the meeting, trustees approved the purchase of a new HVAC unit for Lincoln Elementary School and roofing upgrades at Montgomery High School. Both projects are part of the facility upgrades portion of the 2022 bond program.
Finally, members of the Montgomery ISD Police Department were recognized for their service to the district. National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is January 9, 2024
“Safety is always our top priority for our students and staff, so we are very grateful that each of our campuses has at least one dedicated school police officer,” Board Vice President Nate Robb said. “In addition to keeping our buildings safe, our officers work to build trusting relationships with our students and employees. They are dedicated professionals, and we are always excited to thank and recognize them for the important role they play in the education of our students.”
Texas State Representative Will Metcalf presented the MISD Police Department with a proclamation in recognition of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.