Willis ISD middle school without water, just over a week before start of school

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Willis ISD's Calfee Middle School is scheduled to open next Wednesday, Aug. 13.

But, there's a big problem. Officials say the brand-new school has no water.

"All parents have the same concern," Frances Scott, the mother of a 7th grader, explained. "Is school going to start? Will we actually get the schedule? Can the kids actually see the school before the first day? When will the first day actually be now?"

According to Conroe's assistant administrator, the school has to go through the city for water service due to its location.

Conroe's administrator said Willis ISD never signed an agreement or paid any fees, so, he said, city officials had no choice but to shut off water to the school.

ABC13 reached out to Conroe's mayor and all council members, but they did not respond to our interview requests.

Meanwhile, Willis ISD released a statement, saying the district has worked relentlessly with city officials to get necessary approvals.

"It's basically wrong. And some people, they may call it a whole lot worse things," Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said.

Judge Keough isn't one to stay silent. He said the county doesn't have jurisdiction to turn on the water, but could get involved if given permission.

"My Fire Marshal is really to go right now with his whole team of people and they won't finish inspecting until it's done," he said. "They're all waiting to do this right now. All Conroe has to do is say, 'Move forward, we'll turn on the water.'"

Meanwhile, parents say, they don't know what to tell their kids.

"What are they supposed to go? Stay home? Go to another school then back to this one? There's a lot going on. We're just not sure what to do with less than a week to figure it out," Scott said.

Willis ISD officials continue to tell us school will start next Wednesday.

They have not said how that will happen.

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