Conroe ISD Opens New Bond-Funded Facilities

**Conroe ISD Welcomes 73,000 Students After Celebrating Major Bond-Funded Upgrades**

CONROE, TX – Conroe ISD rolled out the red carpet for the 2023-2024 academic year on August 14, officially welcoming more than 73,000 students across its rapidly growing district. This highly anticipated first day of school followed a series of celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremonies held on August 7 and 8, marking the grand opening of significant facility upgrades and new construction projects funded by the community-approved 2019 Bond.

The $653.5 million 2019 Bond program has delivered modern learning environments designed to accommodate student growth and enhance educational opportunities. These recent celebrations highlighted major improvements at six campuses spanning Conroe, The Woodlands, and Spring.

On **Monday, August 7**, the ceremonies began at **Stewart Elementary School** in The Woodlands. Principal Susan Caffery, alongside district leaders, showcased extensive renovations that included additional classrooms, a state-of-the-art new library, dynamic collaboration spaces, and a modernized administration area. These enhancements are set to provide a more engaging and efficient learning environment for students and staff.

Later that day, the focus shifted to **Caney Creek High School** in Conroe. Principal Jeff Stichler proudly unveiled comprehensive additions, featuring cutting-edge facilities for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs such as robotics, culinary arts, and health science. The expansion also included greatly improved fine arts spaces for band, choir, orchestra, and dance, along with athletic improvements, a redesigned main entry, a new counseling suite, additional classrooms, and collaborative areas designed to foster interdisciplinary learning.

The ribbon-cutting spree continued on **Tuesday, August 8**, commencing at **Houston Elementary School** in Conroe. Principal Monica Brown presented the school’s new classrooms, an updated library, a renovated administration area, a welcoming redesigned front entry, and new collaboration spaces, all aimed at fostering a vibrant educational atmosphere.

The next stop was **Travis Intermediate School**, also in Conroe, where Principal David Lee highlighted new fine arts spaces, an expanded cafeteria, an updated main entry, and significant athletic improvements. The intermediate school also benefited from a renovated library, additional classrooms, and versatile collaboration spaces.

Mid-day, **Stockton Junior High School** in Conroe hosted its own ceremony. Principal Holly Bitz showcased new fine arts additions, athletic improvements, a new main entry, an expanded cafeteria, additional classrooms, and numerous collaboration spaces, all designed to support a holistic educational experience.

The final celebration took place at **Grand Oaks High School** in Spring, where Principal Melanie Bush officially opened the school’s brand-new multi-purpose facility. This expansive new space will provide increased flexibility for athletic programs, school events, and community gatherings.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Curtis Null emphasized the district’s gratitude and commitment, stating, “These new and renovated facilities truly reflect the continued support our community has for our students and staff. We are so thankful for the opportunity to provide exceptional learning and working spaces that will serve generations to come.”

Conroe ISD Board President Skeeter Hubert echoed this sentiment, adding, “The completion of these projects from the 2019 Bond demonstrates our dedication to fulfilling the promises made to our voters. We are excited about the positive impact these spaces will have on student success and the overall quality of education in Conroe ISD.”

While these celebrated projects are a direct result of the 2019 Bond, the community recently showed its continued overwhelming support by approving the **$1.9 billion 2023 Bond** on May 6. This future funding initiative, called by the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees in November 2022, will continue to address the critical growth and facility needs across the district, which continues to be one of the fastest-growing in Texas.

For more information on Conroe ISD’s bond programs and facility updates, visit conroeisd.net.