Christine Kalmbach

Christine Kalmbach will run for Position 4 in the 2023 Cypress Fairbanks ISD Board of Trustees Election and drew the No. 2 ballot position.

Position 4, Ballot Position 2

YEARS IN CFISD: 42
SUBDIVISION: Hearthstone
OCCUPATION: Realtor - Self Employed
SPOUSE: Stephen Kalmbach
CHILDREN: 3 Children; Kelly, Class of 2006, Langham Creek HS, Keith, Class of 2016, Homeschool, Clay, Class of 2018, Cypress Falls HS

Why did you choose to live in CFISD?

My mom and step-dad bought a new home in 1978 in Cy-Fair ISD on a VA Loan! I attended Arnold MS and graduated from Cy-Fair High School! I remained in the area and when my husband and I bought our first home in 1996, we chose Copperfield and Cy-Fair ISD! As a student and as a parent, I felt that Cy-Fair offered a solid education and many opportunities for students to excel in the district!

Are you currently a CFISD volunteer? If so, what school(s)?

Yes, Global Volunteer and Mentor (waiting to be assigned), Bus Buddy - Lowery Elementary

Have you been a CFISD volunteer in the past (include years)?

List your participation in CFISD school and/or district parent clubs, business partnerships and/or committees.

2023-Present/1992-2018 Cy-Fair ISD-Parent Volunteer at Metcalf, Fiest, Lowery, Holmsley Elementaries, Aragon MS, Langham Creek & Cypress Falls HS - Global Volunteer at Tipps & Lowery Elementary - Bus Buddy & Mentor. Served as PTO Volunteer, Fundraising, Training, Coordinating, including grade level activities; Colonial Day, Gulf Mysteries, Spirit Store, Nature Trails, 5th grade liaison, Staff Appreciation, Field Day, MS Liaison-College room, VIPS, tutoring, Project Prom, Langham Creek Band Boosters 4 years/Vice President Color Guard board member 3 years

Include any other areas in which you have supported CFISD not included in previous question.

Cy-Fair/Copperfield Women’s Club Chair over 16 Years (including High School Scholarship Chair - 3 years)
Matt Musil Hoops for Kids Board Member for 3 years, Volunteer for 10+ years
Boy Scouts of America Committee Chair - Troop and Pack 827 Board for six years
Bear Creek United Methodist Youth/Children’s Counselor/Sunday School Teacher 12+ years
Moms in Prayer/Moms In Touch International Member for over 5 years

List local organizations in which you currently participate, including offices held.

Houston’s First Baptist Member and Volunteer for over 8 years
Hearthstone Garden Club 5 years, current Board Secretary
H3Helpline - Volunteer Phone Consultant for over 5 years
Harris County GOP - Election Judge 12+ years, Precinct Chair 12+ years, Election Clerk 5+ years

Considering your skills and talents, what positive contribution would you make as a member of the Board of Trustees?

I am an enthusiastic supporter and cheerleader of CFISD. I love to research/resolve problems and provide solutions. I love to work with various people/groups to bring goals to results. I would encourage participation in our schools to increase mentorship/volunteerism to help our students and teachers to improve outcomes! I would partner with school board members, superintendent, administration, staff, teachers and students to bring out the best in Cy-Fair!

What are the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees?

Policy Making, Budgeting & Finance, Hiring & Evaluating School Leadership, Curriculum & Educational Standards, Community Engagement, School Safety & Security, Legal Compliance, Advocacy, and Strategic Planning — the overall role of the school board is to act in the best interest of the students and the community they serve promoting educational excellence and creating a positive learning environment for all students.

What role do positive trustee relations on the Board play in affecting student success?

Trustees are charged with being active and available in the school district to build relationships with teachers and students, staff and administration, faith and business partners. They support the school district with good governance, attend various school/district functions, participate in training, receive community and teacher feedback and assess student outcomes to achieve student success!

What critical challenges face the district, and what are possible solutions to address those issues?

Safety in Schools - our students/teachers must be safe, local law enforcement & CFPD should be consulted on securing schools. 
Staffing shortages in teaching/bus drivers - hiring the right people & retention is crucial. I have a recruiting background; let’s assess the hiring process and survey staff on retention.
Reading - STAAR Reading Test Scores for 2022 showed only 58% of 3rd Graders are meeting expectations. Consult with Teachers and then implement a personalized reading program for each student.