Superintendent’s Message – Q3 Recap: Student Safety Legislation, AAA Excellence, and More

As we move into the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to share some important updates as well as celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students.

Klein at the Capitol

I had the privilege of going to the Texas Capitol recently with Klein ISD Trustees Cathy Arellano, Vice President Doug James, Nicole Peters, and a group of engaged Klein ISD parents and community members who have volunteered to be Klein ISD Legislative Captains. These dedicated leaders shared with lawmakers and staffers powerful stories and critical insights on the importance of adequately funding public education and ensuring the safety of our students. Their voices reinforced the urgent need for legislative action that supports the success and well-being of all Texas students. By building strong relationships with policymakers, our Legislative Captains continue to champion the high-quality education our Klein ISD community values and deserves.

The PROTECT Act (HB 4125), Common-Sense Safety Legislation

Klein ISD and State Representative Sam Harless (HD-126) have partnered to file the PROTECT Act (HB 4125), a critical piece of common sense legislation designed to enhance student safety by closing a dangerous communication gap between law enforcement and school districts.

Currently, there is no mandate to inform school districts if a law enforcement agency is investigating one of their employees for a serious crime that could impact the safety of students. The PROTECT Act will mandate that law enforcement promptly and transparently notify the Superintendent and the Chief of Police whenever a district employee is under investigation for certain criminal offenses.

I want to personally thank Rep. Harless for filing this critical bill, and I encourage every lawmaker in Austin to support this common-sense safety legislation. We’ve seen firsthand how a gap in interagency communication can put students at risk. Protecting our kids here at home and across Texas cannot wait.

Stay Engaged This Legislative Session for Public Education

With the Texas Legislature in session, decisions being made in Austin will directly impact public education and the opportunities available to our students in Klein ISD. We remain committed to fighting for increased school funding, especially in light of currently underfunded mandates in transportation, special education, and safety, which total approximately $76 million dollars annually in Klein ISD’s annual operating budget.

Please join us in standing up for Klein ISD, and you can stay informed by visiting our Legislative Priorities website at kleinisd.net/legislative. This page includes updates on proposed bills, how they could impact people and programs within our schools, and contact information for lawmakers. Your voice matters in ensuring the future success of our students and schools.

Triple A Excellence—Academics, Arts, and Athletics

At Klein ISD, we take immense pride in our Triple A Tradition of Excellence—where our students continue to achieve at the highest levels in academics, fine arts, and athletics.

• Academics: I was so honored for the opportunity to spend time at our schools celebrating our top 10% graduating seniors—their hard work, perseverance, and dedication to academic excellence is exceptional. Klein ISD was also honored as only 38 out of 1,200 statewide districts to receive the District of Distinction Award from the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT), which represents the top 3% in Texas. Additionally, the 56th Annual Klein ISD FFA Livestock and Project Show brought a record-breaking total of $735,784 across all sales.
• Fine Arts: We’re proud to honor Klein Cain Choir and Orchestra, which earned the distinct honor of performing at the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention, where they represented Klein ISD on a statewide stage.
• Athletics: Our student-athletes achieved multiple state championships at UIL competitions. Klein Oak’s girls wrestling took home silver and bronze, while Klein High boys took silver in swimming, and Klein Cain took gold in swimming, clinching their first-ever state title! Don’t miss the powerful story recently aired about Malaina Jones, Klein Oak’s state-winning wrestler who is ranked #1 in Houston and 3rd in Texas in her division. 

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up Quarter 3 and head into the final quarter of the 24-25 school year, I remain grateful for our incredible students, dedicated educators, supportive families, and engaged community members. Your commitment to Klein ISD makes all the difference, and I am proud to serve alongside each of you.

Have a wonderful Spring Break, and we’ll see you back in school for the final quarter of the 24-25 school year on March 24!

Gratefully,

Dr. Jenny McGown
Klein ISD Superintendent