POSITION 4 Trey Kirby
Trey Kirby has a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and is employed as division manager for SLS Energy Services. Kirby serves on the campus advisory committees for Montgomery High School and Montgomery Intermediate School. He also volunteers with the Montgomery Little League.
Why did you decide to run for Position 4?
After moving [to Montgomery] in 1987, I decided it was time to give back to a community and school that has given so much to me. MISD needs people who are willing to serve and be a benefit to a community that is experiencing unprecedented growth. I want to be able to assist the community in hanging onto its core values and principles.
What do you bring to the table that can benefit the district?
I have experience in education as well as valuable insight into administration and curriculum. My wife is a principal, and my mother is a counselor with over 35 years’ experience between them. My kids have also started their education at MISD.
Other than additional schools and facilities, what are the biggest district needs?
Transportation will be a key issue during the growth of the district. With new facilities comes new buses and increased bus routes. There is about $2 million allocated in the new bond [package] that will assist in purchasing new buses. Along with the new buses there will be challenges in managing the expanded routes, and this will give the opportunity for the transportation department to be as efficient and safe as possible.
Do you support the Montgomery ISD bond?
[I am] 100 percent for it. Some schools are already at or over capacity, and with a projected increase of over 1,500 students in the next five years, we need new campuses. MISD will also need to improve the existing campuses to create equity on all campuses throughout the district.
POSITION 4
Steve Williams*
Incumbent Steve Williams works as the assistant city administrator for the city of Conroe and has 20 years of experience in municipal management and finance. He has served on the MISD board of trustees for six years in two consecutive terms.
Why did you decide to run for Position 4?
I was originally approached six years ago to run for the school board. I believe that I am a good fit for the board, and we have achieved quite a bit as a team since I have been on the board of trustees. I want to continue on and build on the success that we have had and complete the tasks that we have already started, especially with the bond program.
What do you bring to the table that can benefit the district?
I believe that I bring the right combination of leadership ability, investment in the community, professional experience, stewardship and education. It makes me not only the best candidate but also the best fit for the board.
Other than additional schools and facilities, what are the biggest district needs?
There are a number of facility upgrades and improvements that contribute to realignment of the grade [system]. We are turning the fifth-grade campus into an elementary school and the sixth-grade campus into an elementary school, so for less expense we are maximizing the use of those facilities. Having elementary school students with their teachers and administrators longer also helps develop better relationships amongst them.
Do you support the Montgomery ISD bond?
I think the bond program is crucial. We are at a critical stage right now in terms of growth. We need to build the facilities and provide proper tools for our students and teachers to be successful.
POSITION 5
Kellie Anderson
Kellie Anderson has a background in education and operated two Stepping Stone Childcare Centers in The Woodlands until she sold them recently. Anderson has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in education and holds a doctorate in sociology.
Why did you decide to run for Position 5?
The Montgomery school district is an excellent district, and now that I have sold my child care centers I have time to give back. I feel it is the perfect fit for me given my educational experience and my businesses.
What do you bring to the table that can benefit the district?
I understand the philosophical side, the curriculum and the children’s education needs. I have owned my own child care centers and was a businesswoman. I can help maintain that balance of the educational needs and financial integrity of the school district.
Other than additional schools and facilities, what are the biggest district needs?
I think we will be able to address a lot of things, such as security, by purchasing video cameras and door locks. I am also very proud of the school district on how they have addressed the drug concerns in this past month. I think they have been very proactive and upfront, and I would like to continue that.
Do you support the Montgomery ISD bond?
Our biggest need is to address the growth in our school district. Our junior high school is already at capacity, our high school will be at capacity within the next year, and this bond will enable us to address those growth needs and at the same time maintain an excellent educational standard.
POSITION 5
Sarah Conway
Sarah Conway graduated from Texas A&M University in 2002 with a biomedical science degree. She has an appraiser certification and has worked in real estate since 2003. Conway started her own company, Sarah Conway Properties, in 2009.
Why did you decide to run for Position 5?
I decided to run for the school board position because I felt a call to give back and to help the school district grow in the right direction.
What do you bring to the table that can benefit the district?
Being in real estate and it being my specialty, most people don’t realize the amount of preparation in regard to land purchases, school planning and school boundary selection the district undergoes. I can offer unique insight and be a key asset.
Other than additional schools and facilities, what are the biggest district needs?
The biggest priority I see right now is making sure that with our growth coming up from the south and these new schools coming that we really draw boundary lines that encourage social and economic diversity at each campus and really continue to unify Montgomery.
Do you support the Montgomery ISD bond?
I think it is extremely necessary. I was actually involved on the community advisory board to help put together the best package to put forth. I think this is a great package that combines financially conservative views and also meeting the needs of our growing district.
*Incumbent
Important Dates
First day of in-person early voting: April 27 Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked): April 30 Last day of in-person early voting: May 5
Election Day: May 9, 2015
Election Day Polling Locations
On election cay, registered voters must vote at their designated precinct’s polling location. Precinct numbers are printed on each voter registration card.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Bear Branch Elementary School 8909 FM 1488, Magnolia
Conroe High School 3200 W. Davis St., Conroe
Cornerstone Church 100 Mosswood Drive, Conroe
First Baptist Church of Groceville 19256 FM 1484, Conroe
Lone Star Convention Center 9055 Airport Road, Conroe
Lone Star Elementary School 16600 FM 2854, Montgomery
Montgomery City Hall 101 Old Plantersville Road, Montgomery
Montgomery County Hospital District emergency medical service station 20 250 Harpers Landing Blvd., Conroe
Panorama Village City Hall 99 Hiwon Drive, Panorama Village
Travis Intermediate School 1100 N. Thompson St., Conroe
West Montgomery County Annex 19380 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 507, Montgomery
Willis Community Building 109 W. Mink, Willis
Windsor Hills HOA House 1 E. Windsor Hills Circle, Conroe
EARLY POLLING LOCATIONS
Montgomery County Administration Annex 207 W. Phillips St., Conroe
Lone Star Community Center 2500 Lone Star Parkway, Montgomery
Other Local Elections
Montgomery City Council: Mayor, Positions 1, 3 and 5
The city of Montgomery has canceled its May 9 election because each of the candidates ran unopposed. On May 20 Kirk Jones will officially take the role as mayor, T.J. Wilkerson will assume Position 3, and John Bickford and Dave McCorquodale will start new terms for positions 1 and 5 respectively.
Montgomery ISD $257 million bond referendum
Montgomery ISD is seeking voter approval for a proposed school building bond that is projected to fund new high school, middle school and elementary school facilities as well as upgrades to existing campuses.
$350 million Mobility bond referendum
Montgomery County voters will have an opportunity to cast their ballots May 9 either for or against the proposed bond that is projected to fund 77 mobility projects in the county.
