Houston ISD is appointing a committee to oversee the $4.4 billion bond if it is approved in November

HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Independent School District has named the 13 people who will now oversee the district's $4.4 billion school board bond issue, if approved by voters in the November election.

The announcement of Bond Oversight Committee members appointed by state Superintendent Mike Miles concluded Thursday's more than seven-hour school board meeting.

To be considered for the committee, interested candidates were required to complete a detailed application outlining why they wanted to serve on the committee and relevant experience and skills that would assist them in their duties.

According to the district, up to nine unpaid voting members, including a chair and a vice chair, will serve on the committee, which will hold public meetings at least every three months, monitor the progress of bond projects and regularly update district leaders on allegations of misconduct , potential waste or fraud to the superintendent and perform other supervisory duties related to the bond.

The Committee will operate for the period necessary for the full execution and integrity of the Bond. If a board member no longer wishes to perform their duties, they must notify the superintendent in writing that they no longer wish to serve on the committee.

All committee meetings are public.

The committee members, made up of parents, business representatives and those with expertise in construction and building design, are listed below:

Andy Canales

Andy Canales is principal and operating partner at Broadtree Partners and founding executive director of Latinos for Education. With experience in teaching and non-profit management, he is committed to overcoming the hurdles faced by Latino students and ensuring their access to quality education.

Andy Chan

Andy Chan, former mayor of Southside Place and Houston's first Asian American mayor, served on various HISD committees, where he advocated for transparency in public funding and supported education initiatives.

Bob Eury

Bob Eury, retired president of Central Houston, Inc., led the city's development efforts for four decades. Bob has expertise in environmental design and large-scale development and contributes as an advisor and citizen board member.

Chris Brown

Former Houston City Controller Chris Brown reformed Houston's pension liability, reducing it by $6 billion. He has overseen $4 billion in bonds and led transparency efforts such as the Open Finance Initiative. As HISD parent, Chris is committed to bond oversight and financial responsibility.

Christopher Cola

Christopher Cola, CPA and former CFO/COO, brings financial expertise to ensure bond compliance and performance. As an HISD parent, he served on several school committees.

Daria Wenas

Daria Wenas, Managing Director at Ernst & Young LLP, specializes in U.S. partnership taxation and financial modeling. As HISD parent company, Daria aims to ensure bond funds are properly allocated, leveraging her expertise in financial due diligence and transparency.

Felix Chevalier

Felix Chevalier, a lawyer with experience in government and corporate law, offers insights into risk management and governance. His focus on ensuring the effective use of taxpayer dollars stems from his deep commitment to public education.

Lauren Haller Fontaine

Lauren Haller Fontaine, Senior Director at Pattern Energy, is a legal expert focused on compliance and financial regulation. As the mother of an HISD student, she advocates for sustainable tax practices that benefit the district.

Marcos Rosales

Marcos Rosales, litigator and former general counsel, has extensive business and construction experience. An HISD parent.

Mark Mallette

Mark Mallette, retired COO of Freeport LNG, brings over 41 years of experience managing large-scale projects.

Michael Davis

Michael G. Davis, founder of Brooks & Davis Real Estate Firm, is a real estate agent and certified success coach. A HISD parent and former member of the Bond Oversight Committee.

Taylor Chapman

Taylor Chapman, Investment Principal at New Climate Ventures, leads efforts in decarbonization technologies. Taylor is passionate about education and supporting strategic decision-making in public institutions to achieve lasting impact on students.

Wendell Robbins III

Dr. Wendell Robbins III, president of WA Robbins Construction Co., brings 25 years of construction experience. A former HISD student and contractor.

Jarred Morgan (Deputy)

Jarred Morgan, Principal Consultant at AG Consulting Partners, has more than 15 years of experience in change management. An HISD graduate and community leader.

Karen Duffy (Deputy)

Karen Duffy, an active community volunteer, is a member of the HISD District Advisory Board. With over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Karen advocates for transparency and effective bond oversight for the benefit of HISD students.