This reputation is no accident, it is the direct result of a strategic, community-driven vision to “Be Premier.” Dr. Ruffin explains that this guiding principle starts with the district’s people, noting, “we are very intentional about trying to invest in our people in a way that we add value to them, so they, in turn, can add value to their students.” This drive for excellence cements the district’s role as a cornerstone of community development, strategically building the talent base that fuels local economic growth. THE STRATEGIC FOUNDATION The district’s forward momentum is meticulously guided by a comprehensive strategic plan, a document born from one of the most significant undertakings in the district’s recent history. In 2021, Montgomery ISD convened a strategic plan committee that ultimately engaged close to 400 community members, parents, and staff. This intensive, months-long process crystallized the community’s core belief that the best possible investment is in its young people. “Our community truly believes that the best thing we can do is invest in our kids,” says Dr. Ruffin.“You can see that from the support of bond elections to the support our community provides at the campus level and partners directly helping meet student needs..” “As district leadership, our job is to take that strategic plan created by our stakeholders and march to those orders,” Ruffin said, explaining that they operationalize this community mandate by ensuring the offerings and environments they create align with the values held dear. A key priority is preserving the district’s character amidst growth. “Even though we have grown over the years… we don’t want to lose that small town feel,” he says, emphasizing the importance of every student feeling they have a purpose and a place. This is reinforced by a unique culture of support where “Each one of our campuses are very unique, but each one has a community group around them, whether it’s a church group or a business or organization that wraps their arms around these campuses and helps fill needs.” 287 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 MONTGOMERY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
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