The Magnolia ISD Board of Trustees recognized outgoing board member Deborah Rose Miller during Monday's meeting for her long-time service to the school district and community. Miller, a member of the Magnolia community for 16 years, recently resigned from her position as trustee due to her family's relocation to the Kingwood area.

“This is a little bit of a bittersweet moment, and it’s a little bit of a surprise," District Superintendent Todd Stephens said. “I can’t even start going through the list of all the things that Deborah has been a part of."

Miller has served four terms as a MISD trustee—two years of which she served as board president. According to MISD Communications Director Denise Meyers, the MISD Board of Trustees will appoint a new member to fill Miller's position until the term expires in 2019.

Stephens said he first met Miller when she helped start the Magnolia Education Foundation in 2001. He said MISD stands as the district it is today because of the programs and ideas Miller has brought to the table during her tenure.

Former MISD board leadership attended Monday's meeting, offering their thanks to Miller for her service.

"She was always all-in, she did it with a servant’s heart, and it’s just a blessing and an honor to serve alongside of you, so thank you," MISD Board President Gary Blizzard said. "[Deborah has] helped us to get to where we are. We’re always on the path to become the best district in the state of Texas. She’s done a huge amount of work and has such a servant’s heart to help us get there.”

Beyond MISD, Miller has also served with the chambers of commerce, the Magnolia Community Foundation, the city of Magnolia, the Miss Magnolia Pageant and the Magnolia Rotary Club.

“Why do we do what we do volunteer-wise? I don’t have a really perfect answer for that other than I just feel driven," Miller said. "I guess the best answer I’ve always said is just because I know I can, and it makes a difference.”

Miller's work is not quite done in the Magnolia community, however. She wraps up her work with the Magnolia Rotary Bowl on Friday, Oct. 14, as the two Magnolia high school football teams face off at Magnolia West Stadium.

“From this district, thank you for your service. Thank you for the love you had for this district and this community," Stephens said. "One of the things you need to know, it’s because of your service and because of your care [that] this district is a better place.”