CONROE, Texas – The water service is still shut off at the newly built Calfee Middle School, part of Willis ISD, leaving hundreds of families in limbo before first day of school is set to begin on Aug. 13.
Nancy Plaster, the grandmother and guardian of incoming seventh grader Aleah Mills, hasn’t even had the chance to step inside the new campus.
“They had a ribbon cutting ceremony planned, but they had to cancel it,” said Plaster. “Then, they were supposed to be getting their schedules tonight and tomorrow night and everything has been canceled at this point.”
According to Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough, the water dispute problem stems from the city of Conroe failing to annex the property where the school is located.
As a result, the city said it cannot provide water to properties outside city limits. The inspections become the county’s responsibility, but the county can’t perform them when the water service is shut off.
With no water, a postponed orientation, and no clear path forward, some families are considering at alternatives.
“If Monday they’re still not arranging anything, then I’m considering putting her in the K-12 program,” Plaster said, referring to an online homeschool option. “I could get her enrolled in that and get her started anyway.”
Others are holding out hope.
Jamie Trauth, whose son Jaxon is also set to start seventh grade at Calfee, is frustrated but loyal to the district.
“I think it’s ridiculous. I think they’re being held hostage,” Trauth said. “Teachers should be able to get into the school, set up their rooms, and I think our kids should be able to start. This is ludicrous.”
In a letter to families, Willis ISD reassured the community that they are doing everything they can to open on time:
“Calfee Middle School is scheduled to open to students on Wednesday, August 13, and the Board of Trustees and District leadership are working tirelessly to make this happen,” the district wrote. “Should anything change... you will be communicated with immediately. Rest assured, contingency plans are in place; however, we have every hope and intention they won’t be needed.”
Conroe City Council is set to discuss the situation at Calfee MS at a special city council meeting at 10 a.m. on the first floor of the Conroe Tower.
