Area organizations release support letter urging voters to vote for the Conroe ISD bond referendum

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Several organizations in the area have publicly affirmed their “full support” for the Conroe Independent School District’s $487 million bond referendum appearing on the November 3 election ballot by issuing a support letter to the community. These pro-business organizations are urging members of the CISD to vote FOR the bond.

“Historically, CISD has a history of managing the financial affairs of the district with clear understanding of their fiduciary responsibility. School bonds typically last from three to four years. The last CISD bond was passed in 2008. Stretching a bond referendum for over seven years is unheard of,” said Scott Harper, President of the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce. “That fact speaks to the administration's sensitivity to local economic conditions, scaled growth and prudent use of cash on hand while balancing state mandates for operating reserves.”

The support letter is signed by the Presidents and CEO’s of the following organizations; The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, Greater East Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, and Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Each organization is made up of many area leaders that support business, economic growth, and maintaining the quality of life for the residents. Representatives from each organization have said they are in favor of supporting a bond that protects the quality of education as it remains a priority to existing and prospective companies and that contribute to the area’s economic growth.

Early voting runs through Friday, October 30 with Election Day falling on Tuesday, November 3. “The support of any community organization is paramount to getting this bond passed,” said J.J. Hollie, President & CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a difficult time to get voters to the polls traditionally,” he said, and the chamber’s support is key.”

SUPPORT LETTER

We live in a very fortunate time in Montgomery County. We are one of the fastest growing counties not only in Texas but also in the nation in many respects. That maturation is affecting every area of the county from Oak Ridge to Willis, Montgomery, Splendora, Magnolia and everywhere in between. Companies expand and relocate to the county for a variety of reasons. One of those factors is the quality of our school district.

Like Montgomery County as a whole, Conroe Independent School district is a leader in nearly every measurable category. The district has been managing more and more students every year while at the same time continuing to win recognition from state regulatory bodies on financial transparency and accountability. The district produces students that are well above their peer groups in other districts and maintains one of the lowest cost per student ratios despite being one of the largest districts in the state by physical geography.

Historically, CISD has a history of managing the financial affairs of the district with clear understanding of their fiduciary responsibility. School bonds typically last from three to four years. The last CISD bond was passed in 2008. Stretching a bond referendum for over seven years is unheard of. That fact speaks to the administration's sensitivity to local economic conditions, scaled growth and prudent use of cash on hand while balancing state mandates for operating reserves.

This bond is well thought out. It is backed by reliable and in depth demographic data. It is flexible enough to be re-scoped if local growth patterns change. Long term needs are addressed in a carefully considered manner. There are no short term items contained in this proposal. Every item is life/health/safety, new school growth or construction related.

In short, this bond addresses one critical element of both the short and long term needs of the whole county in regards to attracting and retaining businesses in the area. And we, collectively, would encourage every resident of Montgomery County to vote in favor of the CISD bond.

Sincerely,

- JJ Hollie - The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce

- Gil Staley - The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership

- Scott Harper - Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce

- Rick Hatcher – Greater East Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce

- Amos McDonald – Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce