Conroe, Willis ISDs ask TEA for early start

**Conroe, TX** – Two of Montgomery County’s largest school districts, Conroe ISD and Willis ISD, are seeking state approval to begin the 2024-2025 academic year on August 14th, a significant departure from the traditional state-mandated start date of the fourth Monday in August. This proposed calendar shift, requiring a variance request to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), aims to maximize instructional time and provide strategic benefits for students and faculty.

The districts’ primary rationale for the earlier start centers on enhancing academic preparation, particularly for state-mandated STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) exams. With crucial tests often administered in December and May, an August 14th start date would provide students with additional classroom days to cover curriculum thoroughly and engage in comprehensive review.

“District officials emphasize that an earlier start date is strategically designed to provide more robust instructional time before critical assessment periods,” stated a representative for the initiative. “This adjustment offers students increased opportunities to master content and prepare effectively, especially for middle and high school students facing December and May STAAR exams.”

Another key benefit highlighted by both districts is the ability to complete the entire fall semester, including final examinations, before the extended winter break. This arrangement prevents students from returning from holiday with a gap between instruction and finals, which administrators believe can improve retention and performance. The proposed calendar also builds in a crucial buffer for potential bad weather make-up days, ensuring that any necessary rescheduling does not push the school year deeper into the summer months.

Under current state law, House Bill 2610, enacted in 2001, school districts are generally prohibited from starting classes before the fourth Monday in August. For the 2024-2025 school year, this would typically mean a start date of August 26th. Conroe ISD and Willis ISD must therefore secure a waiver from the TEA to implement their desired August 14th start. Many Texas districts periodically seek similar variances to tailor their academic calendars to local needs and educational priorities.

To gather community feedback and fulfill procedural requirements, both districts are holding public hearings this week.

* **Conroe ISD** will host its hearing on **Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 6 p.m.** The meeting will take place at the Conroe ISD Administration Building, located at 3200 North Frazier Street in Conroe.
* **Willis ISD** will hold its public hearing the following evening, on **Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.** Their meeting will be held at the Willis ISD Administration Building, 10451 Texas 75 North in Willis.

Community members, parents, and staff are encouraged to attend these hearings to provide input on the proposed calendar changes. Following the hearings, both districts will formally submit their variance requests to the TEA. The state agency is required to approve such requests at least 30 days before the proposed start date. This means Conroe ISD and Willis ISD anticipate a decision from the TEA by mid-July, in time to finalize and widely disseminate the approved 2024-2025 academic calendar.

For more information on the proposed calendars and the variance request process, residents are encouraged to visit the official websites of Conroe ISD and Willis ISD.