Willis ISD has dismissed its lawsuit against the city of Conroe over water service to Calfee Middle School. A judge signed an order of nonsuit this week, clearing the way for the district and city to finalize an agreement for permanent water service.
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Willis Independent School District has officially withdrawn its lawsuit against the city of Conroe regarding water service to Calfee Middle School. This decision brings to a close a protracted dispute that had involved county officials.
This week, a judge in Montgomery County issued an order of nonsuit, resulting in the dismissal of the case. The district submitted a nonsuit on January 20, and 457th District Judge Vince Santini signed it on January 21.
The Willis Independent School District filed a lawsuit against the city on August 6, claiming that Conroe had withheld water service to Calfee Middle School just days prior to the start of the school year. As of August 7, the city commenced service to the campus.
The conflict intensified as Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough alleged that the city was holding the water “hostage” while seeking $4 million to cover infrastructure expenses. City officials dismissed the assertion, stating that the characterization was missing crucial details.
City leaders have reported that the school has never been equipped with a permanent public water service. A construction tap was utilized to provide water for testing purposes. The water supply was halted on August 4, following the failure of district officials to finalize a water service agreement with the city, according to statements from Conroe officials.
Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska expressed her disapproval of the legal action and the political involvement surrounding the issue.
Mikeska stated that “the lawsuit served no purpose other than postponing meaningful conversations.” Involvement from politicians has led to an unwarranted obstacle hindering progress for the district.
She stated that eliminating “politics and campaign noise” enabled both parties to resume negotiations and strive for a solution that benefits families and students alike.
The city council and the school district are about to review and approve a final agreement on water service provisions for the middle school. The specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed at this time.
The dismissal marks the conclusion of a prominent conflict that emerged during the back-to-school period and briefly raised concerns about vital services at a public campus.
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