The details
Incumbent Stacey Chase is facing opponents Melissa Semmler and Scott Buzbee in the race for Position 6 on the board. Chase was elected to the board in November 2020.
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.
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Stacey Chase*
Experience:
Conroe ISD trustee and head of Audit Committee
Occupation:
Director of internal audit
Candidate Website:
https://www.votestaceychase.com
Why are you running for Conroe ISD board of trustees?
I'm running for re-election because I’m passionate about maintaining the excellence that brought my family here. As a parent of CISD students and a taxpayer, I know strong schools benefit us all, providing quality education and preserving property values. I’m committed to keeping our schools strong, safe and accountable.
What qualifications do you think make you the best candidate?
As a CPA, MBA and Director of Internal Audit, I bring proven leadership and expertise in governance, financial oversight and data-led decision making. My experience on the CISD board, along with my commitment to student success, safety and fiscal responsibility, equips me to handle challenges from day one.
What are the main challenges the district is now facing and how would you plan to address them?
CISD faces funding shortages, a deficit budget, teacher retention challenges and a $2 billion bond to execute. I’ll prioritize essential services, implement cost-saving measures and seek alternative funding while advocating for full state funding. These actions are needed to preserve CISD's excellence and protect jobs without increasing taxpayer burdens.
Are there any projects or policies you'd like to see introduced or changed in the district?
We must focus on what matters most: our students’ success, and the safety and wellbeing of students and staff. I will continue to push this focus with initiatives specifically targeting mental health, discipline and teacher retention, with better support and incentives to attract and retain talented educators.
What are your suggestions for the district's legislative priorities for the legislative session beginning in January?
Many of our local challenges have state-level solutions, which is why I presented my priorities at the August board meeting. My proposal emphasizes increasing funding for special education, safety, teacher retention and technology. Also, updating to an enrollment based funding model, expanding pre-K and opposing school vouchers.
Melissa Semmler
Experience:
Teaching high school English Language Arts and in community college admin
Occupation:
English professor
Candidate Website:
https://melissasemmlerforconroeisd.com/
Why are you running for Conroe ISD board of trustees?
I am running to improve academic rigor and advocate for curriculum that challenges students while preparing them for future success. I am a mom to two awesome kiddos who attend CISD schools, and I want our schools to be great for my children and their peers.
What qualifications do you think make you the best candidate?
I have worked in administration, and I know how to work with administrators to operate a school that serves a large, diverse student population. I have taught high school ELA, and I currently teach English at the local community college, making me familiar with the educational landscape.
What are the main challenges the district is now facing and how would you plan to address them?
Teacher issues, including shortages and retention, are current challenges. We must prioritize our teachers and make sure that classrooms are safe. Retaining teachers will also lower recruitment costs, and improve student outcomes. Discipline must be addressed, and violent children must be removed from the classroom.
Are there any projects or policies you'd like to see introduced or changed in the district?
Stronger discipline policies should be created and enforced. We should continue working with local businesses to build up our career and technical education classes to address local needs, and we should read one novel per year, as a district, to promote literacy.
What are your suggestions for the district's legislative priorities for the legislative session beginning in January?
Addressing discipline at the state or federal level creates a one-size-fits-all approach that does not fit the needs of many districts. The state discipline code needs to be updated so districts have the flexibility to address disciplinary needs in a way that best fits students and the district.
Scott Buzbee
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Occupation:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Why are you running for Conroe ISD board of trustees?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What qualifications do you think make you the best candidate?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What are the main challenges the district is now facing and how would you plan to address them?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Are there any projects or policies you'd like to see introduced or changed in the district?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What are your suggestions for the district's legislative priorities for the legislative session beginning in January?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
