‘Mama Bear’ Trustee Leaves Conroe ISD Board, Triggers Fight Over Appointment vs. Special Election

Conroe ISD trustee Tiffany Baumann Nelson has stepped down from her position on the school board to concentrate on her campaign for the Texas State Board of Education. This resignation has sparked a heated debate about whether to appoint or elect her successor. Records from the district indicate that the resignation was made public in early December, just after Nelson officially submitted his candidacy for the State Board’s District 6 seat.

Nelson, a notable leader within the conservative “Mama Bear” movement, initiated her campaign in mid-September and completed the necessary paperwork by late November. A state law prohibits candidates for the State Board of Education from simultaneously holding another public office, leading to her ex

it. Conroe ISD publicly recognized her departure, expressing gratitude for her contributions, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.

The resignation brings the spotlight onto the remaining trustees, who now face the task of determining how to fill her position on the seven-member board. The upcoming board meeting on Dec. 16 will feature a discussion about the question at hand. Trustees will consider various options, including the possibility of leaving the seat temporarily vacant, scheduling an outright appointment, initiating an application-and-interview process, or calling for a special election. Every choice comes with its own set of financial and procedural consequences. Choosing to appoint a trustee presents advantages in terms of efficiency and reduced costs, whereas holding a special election would empower voters directly but may prolong the timeline and incur substantial expenses.

According to Texas Education Code Sec. 11.060, school boards have the authority to fill vacancies either by appointment or election. Furthermore, school boards must take action within 180 days if there is more than a year remaining in the term. The legislation offers a degree of flexibility while imposing time limitations that frequently influence the way boards understand their responsibilities and how communities react.

Residents have taken the initiative to express their opinions ahead of the meeting. Certain members of the community contend that a special election represents the sole valid course of action, asserting that an appointment would merely uphold the current board's priorities without the involvement of voters. Some advocate for the appointment as a sensible decision that circumvents the expenses associated with holding a separate election. Discussions on social media have reflected these divisions, with one commenter asserting, “They’re going to appoint someone next meeting,” a statement that has gained traction in local parent groups.

The discussion highlights increased public attention to the management of schools in rapidly expanding Montgomery County. As Nelson embarks on her campaign for a state-level education position, the district is confronted with a pivotal decision regarding the appointment of her successor, raising questions about the extent of resident involvement in this critical process.