MISD's Busy Off-Season, Approves 2024-2025 Budget, New MHS Prinicpal Named, and More

MONTGOMERY, TX -- The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees has been busy over the summer making preparations for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. From budgets to adjustments to strategic planning, to new personnel being announced, MISD is preparing for the start of the new school year with a new determination as Superintendent Dr. Mark Ruffin begins his first full year at the head of the independent school district. Faced with shortages in state and local revenue, MISD will be challenged this year to maintain its performance as one of the top school districts in the county.

In their June school board meeting, the Trustees approved a $93 million budget for the 2024-2025 school year, and after the numbers have been crunched, the board anticipates a $4.3 million budget shortfall. Although the district will be able to handle the predicted shortfall, dipping into rainy day funds causes a certain amount of risk over time.

“Amidst this budget deficit, we have remained committed to protecting the people, programs, and services that make up the premier educational experience for our students,” said Superintendent Ruffin. “MISD has been negatively impacted by factors outside our control such as inflation, decreases in federal funding through Medicaid reimbursements, a stagnant level of funding provided by the State, and recapture payments we have been forced to send back to the State. At some point, something has to give.”

The state's basic allotment, the amount of money the State provides per student, has remained unchanged since just before the pandemic, while inflation has risen substantially over the same period. Ruffin noted that he has met with local representatives and legislators, who all remain committed to solving the difficult problem that faces MISD.

The district announced earlier in the summer a Limited Open Enrollment (LOE) for the upcoming school year at select campuses, with the aim to generate enrollment-based revenue from the State. It is a sort of school choice for students residing outside of MISD borders.

“There is only so much of our funding situation that we can control,” said MISD Chief Financial Officer Ben Davidson. “The major driver of our state aid is student enrollment.”

Applicants have an opportunity to fill a very limited number of available spaces. Davidson said going into 2024-2025 that MISD faced challenges with budget, and has been open with staff in regards to potential shortfalls. His office has encouraged all campus leaders at all levels to evaluate their spending, and some contracts have been negotiated to increase operational efficiency amongst campuses and departments. For instance, administrators in the central office with teachers certifications will serve as substitute teachers once a month. The idea reduces the budget allotments for substitutes, and puts forward the idea that Dr. Ruffin and his administrators are truly student centered.

“Because of our past fiscal responsibility, we have been able to absorb these shortfalls without allowing it to take away from the educational experience for our students,” said Ruffin. “However, if something does not change, there are extremely difficult decisions that we will be forced to explore and consider.”

Ruffin’s goal is to avoid reductions in force, cutting important programs, or limiting course offerings. The 2024-2025 budget includes a much needed compensation plan that provides raises for all employees. Individuals on the teacher hiring schedule will receive a $650 raise, and all other employees will receive a 1% salary increase from the midpoint of their position pay grade.

“I acknowledge that this compensation increase is not as significant as our employees were hoping,” Ruffin said. “I do hope it is understood that in the face of a deficit budget, our board made the decision to continue to support our people.”

The superintendent remains committed to providing the resources necessary to ensure an excellent work experience for our staff that results in a premier education for our students.

The MISD Trustees also approved the selection of Dr. Troy Collavo as the new principal at Montgomery High School. Dr. Collavo comes to Montgomery from Cy-Fair ISD, where he spent the last ten years. He was the associate principal at Cypress Springs High School for the last 2 years, and has served in AP, teacher, and coaching positions at Cy-Fair and Tomball. He has also served as an assistant principal, teacher, and coach with Cy-Fair and Tomball ISDs. Dr. Collavo and his wife Haley have two children, Stella, age 7, and Owen, age 3, and they are all excited to join the Montgomery ISD community.

“Montgomery High School will continue to be a community known for success in and out of the classroom, collaboration and friendship, and understanding that the future is the brightest for those who prepare,” Dr. Collavo said. “It is and will continue to be a place where students and staff are proud to be a Montgomery Bear.”

Dr. Collavo's leadership style is centered on collaboration and data-driven decisionmaking. He believes in working closely with the administrative team, teachers, students, and parents to foster a safe and inspiring learning environment. His dedication to student success is evident in his use of performance data to enhance instruction. He is a strong advocate for educators, ensuring they have the necessary support to provide an excellent school experience for all students.

“Dr. Collavo is a servant leader who is humble, relatable, and personable which helps him build strong relationships with staff and students,” said Ruffin. “It is clear that he is committed to listening to and supporting staff, ability to connect with students, willingness to be actively involved and engaged in the community.”

Montgomery ISD remains committed to providing free and reduced price meals for children served under the current income eligibility guidelines set by the US Department of Agriculture. The district earlier this month began distributing letters to the households of the children eligible for benefits, advising of any actions households need to take to apply. Applications are now available at all MISD schools and online at www.misd.org.

The district is working with local agencies to identify all children who are categorically and program eligible, and will notify households if the child does not need to complete an application. Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year. Montgomery ISD Child Nutrition offers healthy meals every school day, and links to the menus, nutrition information, and prices are available on every school's website. The price structure for the meals are as follows:

• Breakfast at all campuses: $1.50

• Lunch at Elementary campuses: $2.75

• Lunch at Secondary campuses: $3.25-$3.75

Since the beginning of the year, MISD has set out a plan to improve its strategic planning, which was originally set up with the 2021 Task Force. Committees based on staff, community, parent volunteers, and original task forces members were invited to return. During the spring semester the committees met on several occasions to re-examine district functions, as well as update district performance objectives, and key performance indicators, initiatives, and strategies to ensure they are relevant to MISD students and parents.

“With an emphasis on transparency and collaboration, the task forces evaluated what has been accomplished and what opportunities need to be explored as we move forward,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services & Innovation, Dr. Amy Busby. “We are grateful for the thorough, thoughtful work of the task force members and excited to share the refreshed plan with our trustees and the MISD community.”

Chief Facilities & Operations Officer Brad Mansfield shared an update about projects funded by the district’s 2022 bond, such as the addition of Creekside Elementary, and the expansion of Lake Creek High School, which are nearing completion, and on-target to open for the new school year.

“We are very excited to share these bond-funded projects that our community made possible,” Mansfield said. “Students attending our new Creekside Elementary are going to love the safe, innovative learning environment, and the expansion at Lake Creek is going to make a tremendous positive impact on our students and staff at that campus.”

The addition of a new Career & Technical Education and Ag Center on Lone Star Parkway is well underway, and will feature a bistro operated during select hours by culinary students and open to the community; an engineering and robotics lab; an animal show arena with livestock pens; and an animal science classroom and lab.

New energy efficient lighting and upgraded PA systems have been installed at Madeley Ranch, Stewart Creek, and Lone Star Elementary schools, with more schools scheduled for next summer. At Montgomery High School, first floor restrooms are being renovated along with several other areas throughout the school. At Keenan Elementary, new flooring has been installed in the hallways and throughout the classroom areas. And most importantly the Trustees also approved the purchase of entry resistant security film to be installed at all campuses including the Aquatic Center.