Over the course of 100 years, Montgomery ISD has grown and evolved, beginning as one school building for the children of local pioneer settlers before becoming the 9,900 student district of modern-day, district leaders said.

Marking a milestone

Eleven years after the city of Montgomery was founded in 1837, MISD’s first schoolhouse—Montgomery Academy—was built on land donated by E.J. Arnold and C.E. Clepper, according to historical documents created by MISD leaders for the district’s 100th anniversary. This two-story wooden building was shared between the school and a Masonic Lodge, serving the children of the former Lake Creek Settlement and featuring:
  • Partitioned classrooms for boys and girls
  • A large fireplace
  • A wooden-board blackboard and chalk
  • A writing desk
Almost 50 years after it was built, the Montgomery Academy building was torn down and replaced by a newer school with a cast iron stove and a platform for the teacher to sit, according to MISD. By 1909, a separate school was formed for Black children to attend.

It wasn’t until 1925 that the Texas Legislature’s Session Bill 441 created Montgomery ISD. The new district consolidated multiple school districts, including:
  • Dacus
  • Bethel
  • Weatherhead
  • Scott’s Ridge
  • Camp Lecher
  • Harmony
  • Keenan
  • Morris Farm
Looking back

After MISD was officially founded, the district still underwent major changes throughout its history, according to district documents. In the 1920s, the district faced problems with finances, poor roads, difficulty finding experienced teachers and opposition from locals who were unhappy with the way the district was created.


On Jan. 1, 1970—about six years since the 1964 Civil Rights Act became law—MISD’s segregated Lincoln School and the Montgomery School were integrated.

According to MISD documents, additional significant historical events for the district include:
  • 1920s: Mildred Price became the first female school board member for Montgomery schools
  • 1925: P.S. Mangum became MISD’s first superintendent
  • 1968: The first football team at Montgomery Lincoln High School—MISD’s segregated school for Black students—won a state championship after the team was created by educators Plez Morgan and Ira “Chief” Franklin
  • 1983: A fire destroyed the main building at Montgomery High School's former location along FM 149; In 1986, a new building opened for MHS, where it stands today along Hwy. 105 West.
Looking ahead

Currently, MISD has 11 campuses and leaders are planning for enrollment growth. By 2034, MISD can expect 3,400 additional students, or 35% growth, as previously reported by Community Impact.

“We are excited to celebrate the district’s 100th anniversary in 2025,” Superintendent Mark Ruffin said via a Feb. 6 email statement. “This project reminds us of the role our school community has played in making Montgomery, Texas the special place it is today. As our community and district grow, we strive to hold on to the foundations and values of our 'small town.' Documenting and reflecting on our past helps us remain true to the values and characteristics that have made MISD successful throughout the years, and reminds us that our people—employees, students, parents and supporters of MISD—are what will continue to make this a great place to call home.”