Conroe ISD 2025: Bond, Leaders, Elections, Student Outcomes

Conroe, TX – The year 2025 proved to be a transformative and pivotal period for Conroe Independent School District, marked by significant financial decisions, a comprehensive overhaul of its leadership, key shifts on its governing board, and a continued reckoning with the long-term educational reverberations of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On May 4, 2025, Conroe ISD voters decisively approved a substantial $657.4 million bond package, signaling a community commitment to address rapid growth and aging infrastructure. The measure passed by a narrow margin, with 51.5% approval, accumulating 17,987 votes in favor against 16,922 opposed. This critical funding is designated for the construction of two new elementary schools and one new junior high, strategically located in high-growth areas such as The Woodlands and Montgomery. Additionally, the bond will finance extensive districtwide renovations, crucial technology upgrades, and land acquisitions necessary for future expansion. District officials have projected that the bond will not necessitate a tax rate increase for residents, a key factor in its campaign.

The same May 4th election saw the arrival of new perspectives on the Conroe ISD school board. In the race for Position 1, Datren Williams secured the seat, garnering 52% of the vote with 17,994 ballots cast in his favor, besting challenger Tiffany Nelson. Similarly, Theresa Wagaman triumphed in the contest for Position 2, also claiming 52% of the vote with 18,041 votes, overcoming Rachel Walkowiak. These new board members will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the newly approved bond and guiding district policy.

A major leadership transition unfolded with the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Curtis Null. Dr. Null announced his departure on January 22, 2025, bringing to a close an esteemed 29-year career with Conroe ISD, including seven years at the district’s helm. His retirement officially took effect on August 31, 2025. The district’s subsequent search for a successor culminated in the selection of Dr. Greg Poole, formerly the superintendent of Barbers Hill ISD. Dr. Poole was named the sole finalist for the position on August 15, 2025, and officially hired on September 5 following the state-mandated 21-day waiting period. He commenced his three-year contract on September 22, 2025, inheriting a district poised for both growth and academic recovery.

Beyond these administrative and electoral shifts, crucial data released by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in Spring 2025 offered a clearer picture of the ongoing academic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic within Conroe ISD. The data focused on students who were in kindergarten during the 2019-20 school year, now in their third grade. The assessment revealed a concerning 16% drop in third-grade math readiness and an 11% drop in third-grade reading readiness for this specific cohort. While these figures indicate significant academic challenges, they were slightly below statewide averages, which reported an 18% drop in math readiness and a 9% drop in reading readiness for the same student group. The district is expected to continue its efforts in targeted interventions and support programs to address these learning gaps.

As Conroe ISD moves forward, the confluence of significant voter-approved funding, new leadership, fresh voices on the school board, and a continued focus on post-pandemic academic recovery will undoubtedly shape its trajectory for years to come.