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.