December 15, 2022

The Klein Independent School District Board of Trustees met Monday, December 12, 2022, for a regular monthly meeting. This is a recap of the highlights of major actions and reports from the meeting.

Pictured left to right: Doug James, Secretary Dustin Creager, Georgan Reitmeier, Chris Todd, Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown, Ronnie Anderson,Vice President Cathy Arellano, President Rob Ellis

On November 21, 2022, the official canvassing report confirmed that in position 6, with a total of 35,149 votes, Ms. Cathy Arellano was declared the winner, and in position 7, with a total of 40,847 votes, Mr. Rob Ellis was declared the winner. During the meeting, both trustees took their oaths of office to continue serving Klein ISD students, parents, staff members, and the community.

Annually following the school board election, the Board of Trustees considers a new slate of officers. The board approved President Rob Ellis, Vice President Cathy Arellano, and Secretary Dustin Creager. Additionally, trustees volunteered to represent committees across the district, including the Audit Committee, Klein Education Foundation, School Health Advisory Council, and Safety Committee.

The Award of Merit recognizes Texas school districts that are committed to excellence in purchasing by following professional standards in the acquisition of goods and services. For the fourth consecutive year, the Klein ISD Purchasing Department earned the Award of Merit through the Texas Association of School Business Officials. This prestigious award demonstrates the district’s commitment to meeting the needs of Klein ISD students, staff, and community while ensuring fiscal responsibility for Klein ISD taxpayers.

As part of the annual Board tradition of highlighting a high school choir performance at the December Board Meeting, the Klein Cain Choir, under the direction Mr. Austin Dean, sang Christmas and holiday selections for all visitors in attendance to enjoy.

Klein Oak Senior Jack Boyd was celebrated for recently earning the silver medal at the UIL Cross Country State Championship at the 6A-level.  Additionally, Jack was recognized as the Houston Chronicle’s All-Greater Houston Boys Runner of the Year Athlete and was chosen to be on the inaugural 2022-2023 Texas High School Coaches Association’s Super-Elite 6A cross country team, an award that recognizes student-athletes across the state of Texas for their good moral character and exemplary athletic achievement.

Trustee Chris Todd introduced KTRK ABC 13 news anchor Adam Winkler as the distinguished alumnus for the month of December, who was a former student at Kuehnle, Kleb, and Klein High School. Winkler is an award-winning news anchor who successfully covers major events in the Houston area. He attributes much of his success to the outstanding teachers and coaches that shaped him during his K-12 years as his excelled in the classroom, on the field, and through student leadership organizations.

The Klein Education Foundation awarded $76,107 in grants for the fall semester. Grant winners were celebrated for their innovative ideas to enrich their students’ learning experiences.

Klein Cain High School: For “Models and Medicine” awarded $2,000 and sponsored by HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest. Represented by writer Wendy Avery and principal Nicole Patin.

Benfer Elementary School: For “Bringing EVERY to the Table” awarded in the amount of $6,498, sponsored by Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP.  Represented by assistant principals Stefanie Clark and Jana Lopez and principal Ashley Johnson.

Benignus Elementary School: For “Uke Can Do It!” awarded $3,650, sponsored by Huckabee.  Represented by writers Amanda Bross, Dylan Watson, and Leane Krause and principal Amanda O’Dowd.

Nitsch Elementary School: For “Nitsch Needs Notes” awarded $7,500, sponsored by our superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown and her husband, Brian. Represented by assistant principal and writer Jose A. Rodriguez and principal Frank Ward.

Hassler Elementary School: For “Klein-da-Cool Classroom” awarded $5,500, sponsored by Salas O’Brien. Represented by writer Leslie Mills and principal Sarah Brown.

Klein Collins High School: For “Finding Comfort in a Four-Legged Friend” awarded $7,500, sponsored by Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc. Represented by writers M’Lee Brooks, and Jennifer High, associate principal Kristen Brady, Zeus the comfort dog, and additional Klein Collins guests.

Wunderlich Intermediate School: For “BOOST - Bringing Ownership & Opportunities to Students & Teachers” awarded $7,500 sponsored by PBK. Represented by writers Christina Daniels, Kerry Kana, and principal Clay Huggins.

Klein Forest High School: For “KF Print Shop” awarded $1,097 sponsored by HEB. Represented by writer Lara Randall and principal Lance Alexander.

Bernshausen Elementary School: For “Mirror Mirror on the Wall” awarded $7,000, sponsored by the Don & Sylvia Collins Fund for Professional Development. Represented by writers Maria Hartmann, Lisa Dunbar, Rajean Eddy, and principal Carrie Farmer.

Klein ISD Professional Learning & Development Department: For “R.I.S.E. - Reflective Instruction for Student Excellence'' awarded $7,500, sponsored by the Don & Sylvia Collins Fund for Professional Development. Represented by writer Jessica Tovar-Hilbert.

Kaiser Elementary School: For “Paletero de Libros” awarded the Lead the Spark Grant in the amount of $20,362, sponsored by Campus Kids, LLC. Represented by principal Betty Zavala, writer Sarah Bowden, and additional Kaiser guests.

Learn about all of these exciting grants funded by generous donations from the Klein Education Foundation for the Fall 2022 semester here.

To view photos from Klein ISD’s board meetings and other district and school events, visit the Klein ISD Flickr account. To view the agenda published at least 72 hours in advance of the regular meeting, click here.

President Rob Ellis • Vice President Cathy Arellano • Secretary Dustin Creager • Ronnie Anderson • Doug James • Georgan Reitmeier • Chris Todd