[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6114922,"mediaKeyId","2740877-78ee9096041e2430d370d23938985b1c","parentId",2740877,"title","Montgomery ISD CTE director reports growth in certifications, says she will not return next year","audioSeconds",1688,"startMs",5446955,"endMs",7135560,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740877-78ee9096041e2430d370d23938985b1c&start=5446&end=7135","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740877-78ee9096041e2430d370d23938985b1c/thumbnail_5446955.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6114922/Texas/Montgomery-ISD-CTE-director-reports-growth-in-certifications-says-she-will-not-return-next-year","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6114922-69dbd33e5584818af24321fd8dbf6101/orig.mp4?Expires=1770637479&Signature=LOHTz19qxweNXhZB-DS7RPLYkr-U4QCmQH9qOeXgAHBP6D7xhTZuU-I5f4We~dmHFJdBO4YMHa4C21cI3pN1WIQDmDpyVCPyVTfZqkueHmruKhS5dVBnA6fq-O5R46y6Ooz3Q5bMc4m0frgytU~wC6TGJgrdzIRTEP0fqbNrU1hph6b96Y-ckffL9-l~la8x35T9J6EGWi-MMZ5uOOKUoM0CVNt2JHbz66nmMx9IsiXkiQiGMzJU1Oe3Rl1NBdBvq54f6oxXcKWm9k46uCIN4tG7l~0Rb0ag6E72CV5nKl8I2rNoIR7mygYK8HfXcwA2YlWDZd5k3oKIsgBz1wXGUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montgomery ISD","date","2025-03-23T06:48:15.173Z","article","Amy Vance, Montgomery ISD CTE director, told trustees March 18 that the district has expanded career and technical education offerings, increased industry‑based certifications, and added junior‑high pathways in preparation for the district’s new CTE center. Vance also announced she will not be returning to the district next year.

“As the last accountability report shows, we were over 60 percent of our graduating seniors with industry‑based certifications,” Vance said, and her coordinator Toni Tennison added that the district recorded roughly 850 certifications in the most recent year, which the presenters said outpaces the state average for completers.

Vance described programmatic progress: 20 complete programs of study, expansion of junior high credits to build cohorts, partnerships with local employers and post‑secondary institutions (Lone Star College, Sam Houston State University and local medical programs), and ongoing advisory committees. She told trustees the district had added automotive, welding and construction pathways at campus sites so the CTE center will open with two years of cohorts rather than one.

Vance thanked the board and district leadership for support and said she would continue to work through the transition until a successor is in place. Trustees and staff publicly thanked Vance for four years leading the program and emphasized the need to sustain recruitment and junior‑high outreach to feed the new CTE facility when it opens.

Vance’s presentation included data on weighted funding and how CTE FTEs generate state funding; staff highlighted that 55% of CTE funding returns to CTE programs and staffing and that the district’s state CTE allocation has grown year over year.

Trustees asked about recruitment strategies for junior high students and about sustaining certification rates; Vance and Tennison described plans for fifth‑ and eighth‑grade outreach, more junior‑high electives for high‑school credit, advisory committees and employer partnerships.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","MISD Board Meeting: March 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","CTE director Amy Vance summarized department growth — including rising industry‑based certifications and junior‑high pipeline efforts — and announced she will not return next year; trustees and staff thanked her for four years of service.","taxTitle","MONTGOMERY ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",14246,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6114930,"Parent urges Montgomery ISD board to oppose 'school voucher' proposal in state legislature",167,1667100,1834130,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740877-78ee9096041e2430d370d23938985b1c&start=1667&end=1834","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740877-78ee9096041e2430d370d23938985b1c/thumbnail_1667100.jpg","/articles/6114930/Texas/Parent-urges-Montgomery-ISD-board-to-oppose-school-voucher-proposal-in-state-legislature","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6114930-5359b1906db4f2db4604da81dc323873/orig.mp4?Expires=1770637479&Signature=TFcPhljxSzvV7VBxE7h~7W-51LGMpH7VyeGuP8nGJRK7vJmXn6q-peDMG6ihj8493bvWC1zkVZuBcNDX5xf4-tjlauk3TEM~zAgaiFTMJlqplKx0YDZ6pof9hraWp55oE55kucGl43q9ynnNuB3pA1eDsyEvdrN~H~USMrKGqdjNHYxYyhzxb8OjOS-dAdYEHL3fDx~BxscIhhzKsxRf3yrEnEO-AMTM992LhrOQsH7Viu4cZVbNpybXK-bULdlOUVpVp1Ytn5wknt-3f55Br6Qmoe5xVsXkaQJHFPCiIEc2teHKJ~brgjZOqnRYMzAs-CAB3kMhDZSKTAGhqqHpHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During public comment at the March 18 regular meeting, parent Jason Montgomery urged the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees to oppose House Bill 3, a voucher proposal being debated in the Texas Legislature, and to publicly defend public education.

“House bill 3, the school voucher bill is currently being debated by our legislature, and its consequences could be devastating for our schools, our teachers, and most importantly, our children,” Jason Montgomery said. He told trustees the bill would divert taxpayer dollars into education savings accounts for private school tuition and other costs and argued that other states’ experiences show vouchers can leave public schools underfunded.

Montgomery also raised concerns about potential impacts on the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), referencing the transcript’s account that TRS leadership had expressed concern about voucher proposals’ effects on the pension fund. He urged trustees to “take a firm stand against these vouchers” and to speak clearly for public schools ahead of upcoming board elections.

Board policy prohibits the board from taking votes in response to public comments at the same meeting; trustees did not take formal action in response to the comment at the March 18 meeting. The board took no vote on a formal statement about the bill during the meeting.

The comment is part of the public record and was delivered in the allotted public comment period.","A local parent urged the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees to take a public stand against House Bill 3 (described in the comment as a school voucher bill), saying it would drain public funds and destabilize teacher retirement funds.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6114932,"Board approves names for new CTE complex and agricultural center; committee recommends 'DEN' for complex brand",487,1896685,2384650,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740877-78ee9096041e2430d370d23938985b1c&start=1896&end=2384","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740877-78ee9096041e2430d370d23938985b1c/thumbnail_1896685.jpg","/articles/6114932/Texas/Board-approves-names-for-new-CTE-complex-and-agricultural-center-committee-recommends-DEN-for-complex-brand","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6114932-b91b329383bc468ba779e6f15ddd33c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770637479&Signature=Bp5rHFqi3204g6FaXECBC3vRgoMa8XIfeNSaqr0ggBsiKh1J7nT9BIIddGJrr8cTIB1Krz~AgmCOgYL56-vsWLFvsKrtHRVj-53gpgpz0z8eUbi1H0l1N9CfBPl6guw1r4NqveKrelnR79dFwypnryDgTfKEXaQeOfED-zaOR8hETu-r5icWVlofwBG8jBB9uyPC3M6Ga61IgyUjiJVEtLG3jGPltdXRDabn56x3wXwlWzzjztD3WcoghJg1teHnZUAWnDIyetZUda0e9NkjQAqHSgzrbihkneMi-gpASyM1urcQ2CLEjvcDhP3M0JjeN68SZQ5cf-ExLdX0vdF-qA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously March 18 to name two career-technical facilities funded by the 2022 bond: the Montgomery ISD Career and Technical Education Center and the Montgomery ISD Agricultural Science Center. Trustees also approved referring to the overall complex by the brand “DEN,” an acronym for Discover, Explore, Navigate.

Mr. Marino, who presented the committee’s recommendation, said a 25‑member naming committee followed board policy and solicited districtwide input through a ThoughtExchange survey. “For the Montgomery ISD CTE Center, the recommendation is the Montgomery ISD Career and Technical Education Center. For the Ag Science Center, the recommendation is the Montgomery ISD Agricultural Science Center and the entire complex, it was recommended to be referred to as the DEN, Discover, Explore, Navigate,” Marino said.

A committee that included parents, students (four high‑school students), campus principals, assistant principals, teachers and bond subcommittee members deliberated over two meetings and used the survey results to narrow recommendations. Marino said students strongly favored an energetic, student‑facing brand; one presenter said the name “DEN” made students’ “eyes lit up.”

Trustee Mr. Winn moved to approve the recommended names; Trustee Mr. Robb seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Board members praised the naming process and the inclusion of student voices. Trustees were shown preliminary branding materials and were told final branding work will continue before facility openings.

The board also thanked the naming committee and the bond and communications staff for managing the public input process.

Votes at the meeting recorded the motion and unanimous approval; no amendments were offered during the public meeting.","Trustees approved the names Montgomery ISD Career and Technical Education Center and Montgomery ISD Agricultural Science Center and endorsed branding the complex as the DEN (Discover, Explore, Navigate). The naming followed a community committee and district survey.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6114938,"Montgomery ISD trustees hear in-depth benefits briefing as medical claims drive renewal risk",326,2493920,2820275,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740877-78ee9096041e2430d370d23938985b1c&start=2493&end=2820","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740877-78ee9096041e2430d370d23938985b1c/thumbnail_2493920.jpg","/articles/6114938/Texas/Montgomery-ISD-trustees-hear-in-depth-benefits-briefing-as-medical-claims-drive-renewal-risk","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6114938-a16d4ef19b9914e25781078682b61e98/orig.mp4?Expires=1770637479&Signature=ZBV~HrgdFAzVXQ3~AjOy20A8TJPSfxxlBmG2x0u6SVTdgvookXNN36YZY~H0cmVd9JeDL0B155HrH1ySMi4rgqdnSxRnlfxCztysyIcbnfvZMCdeoZQGPBjpT~Qy9r78kVXuoh425ipRpMsVD4IQoEngUcrM6TiqaUqNfh5OMNANVWuIPKz4AbxiQQD9Ylac2lgfQFVhaHrC5KqGUgaKi4nhu7yD2GWDaOpByJUURB3PDFBbOBVYydgMsjoEf3nqNr1OdYxh8yJFPQE6dpZaYD7UMo4fiMcHqK1B8rqg00~cW86Pg1ILpzfe-ixz93NEqxVk~EC8LDk6bt3YglZJMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montgomery Independent School District trustees heard a detailed briefing March 18 on employee health benefits that showed rising claims and the potential for sizable premium increases when the district negotiates a renewal.

John Ledbetter, benefits consultant with Higginbotham, told trustees that enrollment and claims trends have produced elevated loss ratios since the district moved to Blue Cross Blue Shield. “Last year the loss ratio was 127%,” Ledbetter said, adding that Blue Cross had sought a 35% increase before the district negotiated a 10.5% rate-cap provision.

The presentation covered enrollment (about 804 medical subscribers and roughly 1,300–1,400 total members including dependents), claims distribution and high-cost claimants, specialty drug trends, and network disruption risks for local providers. Ledbetter recommended the district go out to bid to invite competing carriers — UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and others — and to consider two‑year rate guarantees as one tool to cap exposure.

Trustees pressed for local provider network information and for comparisons of bids, and staff said a provider disruption report would be required in proposals so carriers can show how their networks would serve local ZIP codes. Human resources staff said they will provide a provider report for local and neighboring ZIP codes during the enrollment review.

Board members asked about the district’s next opportunity to return to TRS (the Teacher Retirement System/State pool). Consultants said the district’s current contract timeline generally prevents an immediate return; they noted pending legislation (cited in the meeting as Senate Bill 2911 / House Bill 29x in discussion) that could change eligibility dates if passed.

Trustees were warned that market renewals could be in the 20–35% range in initial proposals depending on vendor offers and the district’s loss history, but consultants said competitive bids sometimes produce lower multi‑year guarantees and concessions. The district’s consultant and HR staff said they will run a full procurement and return market results to the board for decision.","Consultants told trustees the district's medical and pharmacy claims have trended above premiums, pushing loss ratios high and creating the prospect of double-digit premium increases; the district plans to go to market and consider two-year guarantees and other carriers.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6114943,"Montgomery ISD board approves administrative, professional contracts after closed session",19,81660,101005,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740877-78ee9096041e2430d370d23938985b1c&start=81&end=101","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740877-78ee9096041e2430d370d23938985b1c/thumbnail_81660.jpg","/articles/6114943/Texas/Montgomery-ISD-board-approves-administrative-professional-contracts-after-closed-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6114943-2ce72946c82cfa46bd5ff66a6619184a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770637479&Signature=YUon4XYz-G7VqyGQ9Fzy2LKQbFOfYh83uo3u4y~QOvs5w73B-p2KtLegHlOo~xUK-QjcXt667lPqQjvXH-VbdemTVvCtUKDMsUOepEFi8L5RXSt~Y39KxZ0-PoPuS3g3db~K62e-Nr4p3kjwVRXlTVfwgfYBLYUzPlKbD7K56m57VEvvykAlJ0BDGEIQAjJJ3lm4W8t-~~FU8P3~QOE1HqX~Pv9F6LW1FyTDm5KKoGYn~Ksj988WCjZfSB8Vz19BrXPxvd~paf-~LkDqkifFmuWKSbdYBUPuMTOmKiZ~yKsV2Dc11NzUAadAIqfoC4CzO-Iraph-HXCRSAMVRhFfYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery Independent School District Board of Trustees voted March 18 to approve administrative and professional contracts that had been discussed in closed session.

Board President (name not specified) moved to approve “administrative and professional contracts as presented in closed session,” and Trustee Miss Turner seconded the motion. After a brief voice vote, the motion carried.

The board convened a special meeting prior to its regular March 18 meeting and returned from closed session before taking the vote. The board president closed the special meeting immediately after the vote and then reconvened the regular meeting.

No specifics on the individual contracts, titles, salaries or effective dates were presented in the public portion of the transcript. The board did not provide additional detail during the meeting about the content of the contracts discussed in closed session.

The action was listed on the meeting agenda under the reasons to go into closed session; board members did not announce further details during the open session.

A related consent motion during the regular meeting later that evening also passed without recorded opposition.","At a March 18 special meeting, the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees voted to approve administrative and professional contracts as presented in closed session; the motion carried.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Montgomery ISD CTE director reports growth in certifications, says she will not return next year

Parent urges Montgomery ISD board to oppose 'school voucher' proposal in state legislature

Board approves names for new CTE complex and agricultural center; committee recommends 'DEN' for complex brand

Montgomery ISD trustees hear in-depth benefits briefing as medical claims drive renewal risk

Montgomery ISD board approves administrative, professional contracts after closed session