The board voted unanimously during the Dec. 16 meeting, to search and appoint a new member after Trustee Tiffany Nelson resigned. Applications for the position opened yesterday, Dec. 18, and will close Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 5 p.m.
“Our goal throughout this process is to remain transparent and uphold our responsibility to the community and ensure continuity of service for the students and staff of Conroe ISD,” Board President Misty Odenweller said.
Nelson announced her resignation Dec. 9 after three years on the board. Her resignation followed a day after she announced her election campaign for the State Board of Education District 6 position. Texas education code 7.103 restricts SBOE candidates from running if they hold a public office seat, forcing Nelson to leave.
“Serving on the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees has been one of the greatest honors of my life.” Nelson wrote in a Facebook post Dec. 9.
December’s meeting marked the first since Nelson’s resignation, and the board has yet to feel the impact. Nelson is currently running for the Republican Party nominee spot in the March primary election.
“I’ll work to defend conservative values,” Nelson wrote. “Keep radical ideology out of our schools, and empower parents to have a strong voice.”
Early voting for the primary opens Feb. 17, with election day scheduled for March 3. If Nelson takes the majority vote, she will advance to the general elections in November for the SBOE spot.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve all of you,” Nelson wrote. “I have the utmost confidence that the current Board members will continue fighting for our values and educational excellence.”
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The day of Nelson’s resignation, Conroe ISD updated their meeting agenda to address the vacancy; proposing either: No action until the November election; appoint a new member; appoint a new member through application and interview; or call for a special election.
Trustee Lindsay Dawson advocated for applications, despite public demand for a special election. According to Odenweller in a post-meeting interview, a special election would cost roughly $150,000.
“A special election for the short period of time (before November elections) was just not a good use of tax payer money,” Odenweller said. “For a six month filling of a position, we could not justify that expense.”
Trustee Melissa Semmler said while the board is losing a dedicated trustee, the vacancy presents an opportunity to bring new expertise onboard. Trustee Marianne Horton agreec, ensuring the board will appoint a qualified trustee.
“I mean, first and foremost (the new trustee should be), somebody that has a heart for students, has a heart for our district,” Horton said. “And all the operations that go along with it. But I also think somebody that is willing to look at a topic from different angles, really to find the best solution that best serves our district.“
The board will review applicants from Jan. 7 to Jan. 9 followed by finalist interviews and possible decision Jan. 13.
“I look forward to all applicants or applications that are received and reviewing those and making this process as transparent as possible,” Trustee Melissa Dungan said. “(The board intends to) fill this position with someone that is interested and qualified. I’m very excited.”
