The board swore in new trustee position one holder Aguenda ‘Aggie’ Gambino yesterday after voting 4-2 to appoint Gambino on Jan. 13. Gambino will serve position one until November elections.
“Our community needs a catalyst for change,” Gambino said in a 2024 facebook post. “I believe that by serving on the Board of Trustees, I can be that catalyst and ensure that no child in our district is left behind.”
Position one opened in December after former-trustee Tiffany Nelson announced her departure for a State Board of Education campaign. Trustee applications ran from Dec. 19 to Jan. 6, which 20 applied; six of whom improperly filed application.
“We had many outstanding candidates apply, which speaks volumes about the strength and commitment of our community,” Board president Misty Odenweller said in a Jan. 13 press release. “The Board followed a thoughtful and transparent application and interview process, and we are confident and excited about Mrs. Gambino serving our district.”
Gambino is a 20-year Conroe resident and was a trustee candidate for the 2024 election. She is also the founder of the Learning Edge Consulting and Conroe ISD Special Education Parent Advisory Council.
“Together, let’s build a brighter future for Conroe ISD,” wrote in her 2024 campaign. “Where every child receives the quality education they deserve!”
Trustees Melissa Semmler and Marianne Horton, however, said the Jan. 13 interview process lacked transparency between both board members and the public.
“(The process) creates the appearance that personal relationships are influencing outcomes, and I’m very concerned about that,” Horton said. “We need to focus more on what our district needs. We deserve a transparent, merit-based process and the most qualified candidates available.”
Trustee Nicole May, who met Gambino during the 88th legislative session, defended Gambino.
“I believe that the process was incredibly transparent, much more transparent than the previous process that’s for sure,” May said, adding
that other school boards were less transparent. “We made it very public through our socials and our district did a great job.”
The Jan. 20 meeting marked Gambino’s first meeting as trustee, where she played part in approving the 2026-2027 Conroe ISD calendar. With Gambino’s first meeting complete, Odenweller feels optimistic about the remaining term.
“We’re never going to agree on everything,” Odenweller said. “But I do truly thank every single one of these ladies up here for their passion and their desire to see our district grow.”
