The Courier of Montgomery County reports that on Tuesday a strong message was sent by the board of trustees to Conroe ISD employees and the public that the district will not tolerate misconduct against students.
In order to update the district’s safety security policy to improve how misconduct is reported and ensure that background checks are implemented for all employees, contractors, subcontractors and volunteers, the board passed along authorization to do so to Superintendent David Vinson.
Ready for the board to consider at their June 16th meeting, Vinson is to have a proposed policy that is in agreement with tougher state laws.
Following an accusation of inappropriate behavior by former Woodlands High School wrestling coach William Durning that the district was investigating, the action for a proposed policy came weeks afterwards.
Trustee Nicole May said, “To anyone who would seek to exploit, groom or harm a child, hear this clearly: Conroe ISD is not the place for you. She added, “No position, title, winning record or reputation is more important than the safety of a child.”
She advocated policies that are “strong,” communication that is “transparent,” parental “visibility” and “oversight” by the administration in an educational atmosphere where issues are made known and taken care of at once.
Governor Greg Abbott, in June of 2025, signed into effect Senate Bill 571 which strengthens requirements for misconduct reporting by employees of schools and providers of services to state officials.
The governor also put his signature to House Bill 4623 that makes liable public schools and professional school employees for sexual contact involving students.
There are several ways to communicate with parents, according to Vinson. Parent square is the recommended platform. It’s an all-in-one communication and family engagement platform.
Vinson said, “We are going to unify all of those under one program I have used for years.”
