Q&A: Meet the Candidates for Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees Position 7

On Nov. 5, voters will decide who will be elected to four Conroe ISD board seats, including Seat 7, where two new candidates are running for the seat.

The details

Marianne Horton and John Robichau are running for the position, as incumbent Skeeter Hubert is not running for re-election.

Hubert has been a member of the Board of Directors since November 2014, when he was appointed to complete the term of former Board member Scott Moore.

What residents need to know

Candidates were asked to keep their answers to 50 words, to answer the questions asked, and to avoid attacking their opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to meet these guidelines, or for reasons of style and clarity.

For more information on voting in Montgomery County, visit elections.mctx.org. For more information on elections, visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

Why are you running for the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees?

As a parent and former CISD teacher, I am running for the board to be the voice of parents and teachers in the district’s decision-making process, with my top priorities being teacher retention and student safety.

What qualifications do you think make you the best candidate?

Having worked with our teachers, I know the challenges they are currently facing. Through my experience on PTA boards and as a member of the 2023 Bond Committee, I also understand the complexities of school funding and how to provide our teachers with the safety and academic support they need while remaining fiscally responsible.

What are the main challenges the district is currently facing and how do you plan to address them?

The district is facing a $12 million budget deficit that could be partially addressed by reducing administrative waste. Many of the new administrative positions created during the pandemic not only increase costs, but also add additional workload to our teachers.

Are there any projects or policies you would like to see introduced or changed in the district?

Our current disciplinary policy leaves it up to students to determine the consequences of their actions. I would like to introduce a more structured policy in which infractions are clearly defined and consequences are clearly stated so that students know they will be held accountable for their actions.

What are your suggestions for the district’s legislative priorities for the legislative session that begins in January?

Our priorities should be to advocate for increased funding for stipends, which has not happened since 2019 despite inflation and a state budget surplus, and for changes to the state discipline code, which severely limits how schools can issue disciplinary consequences.

Why are you running for the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees?

As a CISD alumnus, I am a product of this great public school system. I currently have two children in CISD and I want to build on the great public school system that was created by the great men and women who came before us.

What qualifications do you think make you the best candidate?

As a business owner, I have to wear many hats. I think it gives me the unique perspective to listen and solve problems. I am able to take all the information and come up with the best solution.

What are the main challenges the district is currently facing and how do you plan to address them?

Funding. Lack of funding puts additional pressure on teachers. Doing less with more. Less support to address behavioral issues.

Are there any projects or policies you would like to see introduced or changed in the district?

Better understand the safety aspect within our buildings. CISD does a great job of securing our facilities, but what additional steps can we take as a district to ensure a safe environment for students and teachers?

What are your suggestions for the district’s legislative priorities for the legislative session that begins in January?

Funding shortages. Increase teacher pay. Give them the tools they need to succeed. Give educators a voice in state discipline reform regulations.