Relief swept through the Willis ISD community as the contentious water dispute at Calfee Middle School found resolution, mere days before the institution was due to open its doors to eager students. Click2Houston reports that water services to the newly erected school have been reinstated following a "productive discussion" between city leaders and the district yesterday.
This was a positive turn in an uncertain situation for the hundreds of families left in limbo by a dispute over utilities. Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough announced on Facebook, "The water is ON! Thank you Conroe!" according to a report by Click2Houston.
While the water flows again, the saga isn't concluded. There's an undertone of negotiations yet to come as KHOU details that "outstanding issues between the city and the district will be handled through continued negotiations authorized by the Willis ISD Board." Despite this, both parties seem invested in maintaining their commitment to the school's opening schedule.
Precautions are in place to ensure the building's readiness—Willis ISD is enlisting a third-party company to conduct backflow testing, as mandated, and the city’s Fire Marshal’s Office will carry out fire safety inspections. For the final seal of approval, a separate third-party inspector is tasked with handling the Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance following all testing. Judge Keough kept the community informed with steady updates, emphasizing that the school will start on time and lauding the efforts made: "Excellent news! School will start on time. Congratulations Calfee Cougars!" as reported by KHOU.
