Water service has been restored at Willis ISD’s new campus, Calfee Middle School, as of Aug. 7 following meetings between city officials and the school district, according to an Aug. 7 city of Conroe news release.
The solution came after what city officials said was a "very productive discussion" with WISD leaders, resulting in a path forward to allow the new campus to open on time.
"We are pleased that water service has been restored at Calfee Middle School as of this morning. This outcome is the result of Willis ISD’s continued efforts to explore and pursue every possible avenue to ensure our students have a safe and fully operational learning environment," WISD Director of Communications Sarah Blakelock said. "We are encouraged by the restoration of water service and are actively working to ensure it remains consistent and uninterrupted. Our commitment remains focused on doing what’s best for our students, staff, and families."
What this means
As part of the agreement, water service was turned on for backflow testing, fire marshal inspections and the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or compliance, per the release.
The city will also engage a third-party inspector to issue a certificate of occupancy or compliance when all testing is complete.
How we got here
Conroe shut off water to the campus, citing the lack of a required developer agreement, which is mandatory for new water service under the city's current development moratorium, as reported.
On Aug. 1, the WISD board rejected the draft development agreement and instead authorized WISD Superintendent Kimberley James to negotiate directly.
The city of Conroe also claimed that the district did not “formally exit its prior water service territory until late July 2025.” However, according to documents from WISD, Aqua Texas relinquished water services to the campus in February 2024, which was sent to the city at that time.
What they're saying
- "I have been closely following the troubling situation surrounding the opening of Calfee Middle School in Willis ISD and the City of Conroe. Yesterday I had several conversations with many involved in the situation," State Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, said via an Aug. 7 Facebook post. "Conversations continued throughout the late hours of the night where I had productive conversations with [Conroe] Mayor [Duke] Coon and Willis ISD School Board President Kyle Hoegemeyer. I am very grateful for this collaboration, and I know this will bring a positive result for our community as we move forward."
- "Excellent news," Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said via an Aug. 7 Facebook post. "School will start on time. Congratulations Calfee Cougars."
Nancy Mikeska, deputy city administrator and director of community development, said the city of Conroe will hold a press conference regarding the middle school at 3 p.m. Aug. 7 at Conroe City Hall.
Conroe City Council is also planning to host a special meeting at 10 a.m. Aug. 9 to discuss and consider a memorandum of understanding agreement with WISD concerning providing out-of-city services and other related matters, according to prior reporting.
Reporter Angela Bonilla contributed to this report. This story is developing and may be updated.
