With just a week left before the school year begins, Willis ISD’s new Calfee Middle School is without water service after the City of Conroe shut it off, citing an unresolved development agreement. County officials and the district are calling for an urgent resolution.
As the school year approaches, the newly established Calfee Middle School in Willis ISD is facing a significant issue, as the City of Conroe has cut off its water service due to an unresolved utility agreement. The contention revolves around the city's development policy, which mandates that organizations beyond city boundaries, including educational institutions, enter into infrastructure agreements prior to gaining access to municipal water services.
The city has reported that Willis ISD has been aware since 2022 that an agreement was necessary, yet it did not complete one before the water was deactivated. “These measures are crucial for prudent planning, effective infrastructure management, and ensuring the protection of Conroe taxpayers and their water resources,” the statement read.
In light of recent challenges, district officials are affirming that Calfee Middle School is set to open on August 13 as planned. The district expressed its dedication to addressing the issue in a statement to the Houston Chronicle, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and integrity throughout the process. “Unfortunately, the difficulties of the bureaucratic process are unfolding in this way instead of highlighting the excitement of a new state-of-the-art campus for our expanding community,” the statement expressed.
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough has stepped in to address the ongoing conflict, labeling it a "permitting debacle" in a Facebook post. He subsequently charged the Conroe city staff with wrongdoing, claiming they required “impact fees” before providing water service, which he characterized as “extortion.” Keough pledged to investigate and report any unlawful activities to facilitate legal action.
As the arrival of students approaches, Conroe officials continue to maintain their position on the necessary funding for infrastructure, leaving the matter unresolved. Concerns are mounting among parents, school leaders, and county officials regarding the absence of water service at a multimillion-dollar campus.
As tensions escalate, both parties have demonstrated a willingness to continue the dialogue, but as the academic year draws near, the urgency for a solution is mounting.
