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On Nov. 5, voters will decide who will be elected to four Conroe ISD board of trustees seats, including Position 7, where two new candidates are seeking the seat.
The details
Marianne Horton and John Robichau are running for the position, as incumbent Skeeter Hubert is not running for re-election.
Hubert has been on the board since November 2014, when he was appointed to complete the term of former board member Scott Moore.
What residents should know
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 information about voting in Montgomery County, visit elections.mctx.org. For more election coverage, go to communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the candidates' headshots.
Why are you running for Conroe ISD board of trustees?
As a CISD parent and former CISD teacher, I am running for [the] board of trustees to be a voice for parents and teachers in the district decision-making process with my top priorities being teacher retention and student safety.
What qualifications do you think make you the best candidate?
Having worked with our teachers, I know the current challenges they face. From my experiences on PTO boards and as a 2023 bond committee member, I also understand the complexities of school funding and how to provide our teachers with necessary safety and academic support while remaining financially responsible.
What are the main challenges the district is now facing, and how would you plan to address them?
The district faces a $12 million budget deficit which could be partially addressed by cutting administrative waste. Many of the new administrative positions brought on during the pandemic not only add cost but also add additional workload burdens to our teachers.
Are there any projects or policies you'd like to see introduced or changed in the district?
Our current discipline policy leaves consequences up to discretion. I want to introduce a more structured policy in which infractions are clearly defined and consequences are clearly leveled so that students know they will be held accountable for their actions.
What are your suggestions for the district's legislative priorities for the legislative session beginning in January?
Our priorities should be to advocate for an allotment funding increase, which has not happened since 2019 despite inflation and an excess in the state budget, and for changes to the state discipline code, which greatly limits how schools can issue discipline consequences.
Why are you running for Conroe ISD board of trustees?
As an alumni of CISD I am a product of this great public school system. I have two kids currently in CISD and want to build on the great public school system that has been created from the great men and women that came before.
What qualifications do you think make you the best candidate?
Being a business owner I have to have many hats. I think this gives me the unique perspective to listen and to problem solve. I am able to take in all the information and find the best solution.
What are the main challenges the district is now facing, and how would you plan to address them?
Funding. Lack of funding puts additional strain on teachers. Doing less with more. Less support to address behavioral issues.
Are there any projects or policies you'd like to see introduced or changed in the district?
Better understand the safety aspect within our buildings. CISD does a wonderful job securing our facilities, but what additional measures can we as a district take to ensure a safe environment for students and teachers?
What are your suggestions for the district's legislative priorities for the legislative session beginning in January?
Funding shortages. Increase teacher pay. Give them the tools they need to succeed. Give educators a voice in disciplinary reform in state regs.
