Montgomery ISD Trustees Authorize Reserve Police Officers Under New State Law to Bolster Safety
Trustees Also Hear Update From District’s Long-Range Planning Committee
September 16, 2025 – The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 16, and voted to authorize the Montgomery ISD Police Department to establish a pool of reserve officers.
This action is now permitted under House Bill 1458, authored by Rep. Will Metcalf and approved by lawmakers earlier this year. The legislation enhances school safety by allowing school districts to create a pool of reserve police officers to assist with campus security and school-related events when additional support or personnel is needed. These reserve officers must hold a permanent peace officer license and may be appointed by school district police departments to support existing security personnel.
During the 89th Texas Legislative Session, MISD Trustee Shawn Denison, who is a veteran law enforcement officer, testified at the Capitol in support of the bill.
“This new law provides school districts with another important tool to keep our community safe by allowing additional experienced and certified police officers to serve on campuses,” MISD Trustee Shawn Denison said. “I want to thank Rep. Metcalf for his attention to this matter, and I believe every public school in Texas will benefit from this change.”
Long-Range Planning Committee Update
Trustees also heard an update from representatives of the district’s Long-Range Planning Committee (LRPC). MISD parent and City of Montgomery Mayor Sara Countryman, community member Shannan Reid, and MISD parents Sharidan Reid and Courtney Solomon presented an overview of the committee’s work and shared an Executive Summary of its recommendations.
In 2024, MISD refreshed its Pathway to Premier Strategic Plan, sparking the formation of a Long-Range Planning Committee. Established in Spring 2025, the committee includes nearly 50 staff members, parents, and community stakeholders representing every MISD campus.
The group was tasked with developing recommendations to guide the district’s future by analyzing enrollment trends, facility needs, and other priorities critical to implementing the Strategic Plan successfully. Over the course of five meetings, members toured district facilities, studied growth projections, and met with district leaders to discuss possible solutions to address MISD’s facility-related needs over the next decade.
“We were very intentional about assembling a well-rounded committee that truly represents every corner of our district—parents, staff, community members, and leaders who understand our schools and our community,” Superintendent Dr. Mark Ruffin said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the time and thoughtful attention this group devoted to diving deep into the challenges on the horizon for MISD. They asked tough questions, considered a variety of perspectives, and worked collaboratively to identify the best possible paths forward. Their commitment ensures we’re making informed, responsible plans that reflect the values and priorities of the entire Montgomery ISD community.”
The LRPC’s Executive Summary, branded as the “Premier Roadmap,” outlines strategies to manage enrollment growth, ensure school comparability, and maintain flexibility in facility use. You can read the Premier Roadmap here.
Board President Eddie Winn, who attended several committee meetings, expressed his appreciation for the group’s effort and thoughtful discussions.
“I was fortunate to sit in on a few of the LRPC meetings, and I was incredibly grateful for the honest dialogue and thoughtful conversation that took place,” Winn said. “This is a dedicated group of district stakeholders who care deeply about Montgomery ISD and are committed to ensuring we plan proactively and responsibly for the future.”
Teachers Recognized for Earning LETRS Certification
Trustees recognized a group of MISD teachers who recently earned LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) certification. Over a rigorous two-year period, nine teachers completed 100 hours of coursework, four live sessions, and job-embedded “bridge-to-practice” activities. The program covers the science of reading, including phonological awareness, phonics and orthography, morphology, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and strategies for lesson planning and assessment.
LETRS is a nationally recognized professional certification, and MISD’s cohort was facilitated by the Region 6 Education Service Center. Trustees congratulated the following staff members for this achievement: Renee Francis, Kelli Kojis, Kerri Fuller, Madeline Stewart, Sarah Yates, Nikki Taylor, Jennifer Marshall, and Dannette Key.
MISD Principals Whitehead and Williams Honored
Trustees also celebrated two MISD leaders recently recognized by Region 6 and the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP).
- Tim Williams, Principal of Lake Creek High School, was named Region 6 High School Principal of the Year.
Gifford Whitehead, Principal of Oak Hills Junior High, was named Region 6 Middle School Principal of the Year.
These distinctions are especially meaningful because TASSP honorees are nominated and selected by their peers for exemplary performance and outstanding leadership. As Region 6 honorees, both principals will advance to compete with nominees from across Texas for the title of TASSP Principal of the Year.