Melissa Semmler, Conroe ISD Board of Trustees, Position 6

It’s going to take me a minute to process tonight’s board meeting because, quite honestly, it made me sad. I’ve spent hours pouring over policy for the last several weeks. We had over forty pages of policy to review, and it all needed to be cross referenced, so double that. The Board Operating Manual (BOP) was thirty pages, and the applicable policies also needed to be cross referenced. The BOP conflicts with most of our current policies in section B. To top it all off, no one can give me a straight answer about who requested all these policies be placed on the agenda in the first place. The way this board does policy lacks cohesion and places a tremendous burden on individual board members and our administration. Other districts don’t do it like this, and there is a reason- it’s expensive and inefficient. It drains everyone’s time. Do we want our administrators pouring over board policy all day, or do we want them running our schools? Do we want board members focused on the budget and tax rate or on writing and rewriting policy?

Tonight I discussed my request to fill our district’s empty TASB board seat. I felt proud to represent our district and give us a voice. I have found many like-minded board members who I enjoy working with through attending TASB conferences. (It would be hard not to- over 1000 Texas districts are TASB members.) I learn a lot at the conferences, but they are also fun. There’s a sense of camaraderie our board lacks, and it makes the work seem less tedious. I paid for my own hotel and expenses at the recent TASB SLI conference because my board indicated they wouldn’t pay for me to attend. Tonight, my board refused to nominate me for the TASB board position because they were worried it would be seen as an endorsement of TASB. Since our district already has a TASB membership, and nominating me for the board seat would cost our district nothing, it doesn’t seem logical to leave the seat open, especially when giving our district a voice allows us to voice the values of our community. It makes no sense to disparage an organization, and simultaneously refuse to use your voice to change it.

It was a pleasure to present at the Texas Association of School Boards SLI this week, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn from the various presentations throughout the conference. I particularly enjoyed engaging with fellow trustees and gaining insights into their districts.

Today, remember to take a moment to reflect on those who served and the sacrifices they made for our beautiful country. Thank you to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. 🇺🇸

We are so grateful to Deretchin Elementary for all of the love, encouragement, and support they pour into CISD students. And we are grateful to have had the most AMAZING teacher this year. This year was one for the books! Let’s have a great last day of school, CISD! 🌟

Congratulations to The Woodlands High School 2026 graduates! This achievement is only the beginning!

Conroe High School you did it! Believe in yourselves and your abilities, and you will do GREAT things! Congratulations class of 2026! 🎉