Four candidates are running for three, three-year terms on the Houston R-1 School District board of education. Learn more about the candidates.
Current board members are Jeff Gettys, Jennifer Scheets, Marty Merckling, Charlie Malam, Darren Ice, Tressie Neugebauer and Dustin Hartman. Ice, Neugebauer and Hartman’s seats are open.
Candidates are Ice, Neugebauer, Hartman and Bob Wolfe.
Darren Ice
Tell us about yourself.
I’m 48 years old. My wife, Renee Ice, is currently an employee of the district through the Exceptional Child Education Cooperative and is retiring at the end of this school year. We raised two daughters, Racheal Pursifull and Abby Ice.
I have spent my whole life on my family farm in Houston, except for the 10 months I attended Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri. While at Crowder, I received a certification in Ag/Diesel Tech. I grew up on a dairy farm. After I graduated from HHS in 1995, my parents, Paul and Reta Ice, had to retire from the dairy farm due to health reasons. When I got out of Crowder, I took over the farm we transitioned to a beef cow/calf operation.
I worked at tractor dealerships for a few years, then worked on farm equipment out of my shop on the farm. I drove a school bus for the Houston and Raymondville School districts for several years. For three years, I worked for the City of Houston as the first maintenance department head. I had the opportunity to get into hurricane cleanup. In addition to our beef farm and storm cleanup business, my family operates a custom fescue seed combing business. We have seven combines and cover more acres than I can count on our farm and many others in the area. We travel to Bendavis, Summersville and many farms in between.
With all my diverse experiences, I feel they help me be a well-rounded school board member. I have served on the board for nine years.
Why are you running to be a school board member?
I see the importance of a strong school district for our community’s future and our youth. We are a small town that needs as many opportunities for our students as possible. I want to help prepare them for their future, if that is college, trade school, military or whatever endeavor they want to pursue.
I’m a huge advocate for all our programs at Piney River Technical Center (PRTC). However, not all students should attend a four-year college. The programs in that building are key to giving students opportunities to learn skills and trades they can use to make a good living right here in our community. We need young people here in our community to keep Houston growing. I do want to prepare students for college and careers that suit them, wherever and for whatever they want to do in life, but staying home should be an option as well.
What are the responsibilities of a school board member?
We have to approve the budget and ensure that our tax dollars are spent responsibly and in the best possible way for the district’s operations. We directly supervise the superintendent while helping advise him on what the constituents of the district would like to see from the district. We set policy for the district to follow. Board members also look to the future of the district. We plan building projects, approve new programs and support existing programs. With these decisions, we hope to set up our district for success many years down the road.
Beyond teacher pay, what is your top priority for the district during your term?
I have voted to keep fully paying the health insurance plan for our employees every year that I have been a member of this board. Not everyone realizes that we are near the top in our area in teacher pay when benefits are included. Every year, this cost goes up, and I will continue to fight to keep paying this benefit.
I am proud to have been involved in the purchase and startup of the PRTC building. It has been a long process, and at times a struggle. The staff made do with not ideal situations, and finally, we are about done with a major remodel of the facility. We have added programs along the way and still have things to do, but it’s a facility that we as a community should be proud of. Next school year, we will have automotive technology offered at PRTC. I have been involved in the start of this program, and with your vote, I will be able to see the program get started and grow.
The Houston School District has a bond issue on the ballot in April. Do you support the measure?
As a farmer and small business owner, I truly feel the pain every year in December of paying my property taxes. It sucks, but right now, it is the main system we have for funding our district’s building projects. So, I don’t make these decisions lightly. I believe your vote matters.
The last bond issue for the track and the one before that for the gym, I supported as a board member, but as a voter, I voted against. Certain parts I didn’t like. This bond issue I’m going to vote for, we need a track for our students and community. Some say it’s too expensive; we just need an asphalt or cinder track. But why do that? Our track kids deserve a place to practice in similar conditions to where they compete. This would also allow us to host track meets. It’s been many years since we did that.
We will be able to free up operating money, getting PRTC moved from a lease purchase to a bond. Operating money is getting tighter. Not only did we raise everyone to minimum wage, but we also added to other positions to avoid compression of the salary schedule. We didn’t have to, because by law, schools are exempt from minimum wage requirements. This cost us a lot of money, so to keep growing as a district, operating money will help us tremendously. We are planning to renovate the exterior of the band room to help it last longer and look better. Then the middle school gym will get a badly needed renovation. So that’s why I’m for this bond issue, it’s helping multiple areas of our district that need attention.
Bob Wolfe
Tell us about yourself.
I am a lifelong resident of the Houston area and a 2000 graduate of Houston High School. After graduation, I earned a degree in Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Technology from State Technical College of Missouri. My wife, Jessica, and I spent several years in the Kansas City area before returning home in 2010 so our children, Ryan and Maggie, could attend school in my hometown.
Throughout my career, I have trained and supervised young adults entering the skilled trades, gaining valuable experience working with multi‑million dollar mining operations and government budgets. These responsibilities taught me the importance of accountability, planning and being a careful steward of public resources. My commitment to education is personal.
My dad, Lonnie Wolfe, was a longtime automotive instructor in Houston, and he showed his students that real value goes far beyond a plaque on the wall. His example continues to guide my belief in strong educational opportunities for all students.
Why are you running to be a school board member?
I am running for school board because our greatest asset is our children, and too often their voices are overlooked. Many of the challenges our schools face could be better understood simply by listening to the kids. Action, accountability and real opportunities are essential to their growth.
For years, the system has focused on telling students what to do and where to be, while limiting access to hands-on learning that helps them discover their strengths. When those opportunities disappeared, so did their sense of direction. Decisions made behind closed doors — without input from parents or students — have pushed us onto the wrong path. As a board member, my decisions will be shaped by the community, not by personal preference. Your church, your income or your last name has no bearing on my decisions. Every student and every family deserves equal access, equal opportunity and a school system that truly serves them.
What are the responsibilities of a school board member?
The responsibility of a school board member is to serve as the gatekeeper of the school and remain focused on the education of our greatest community asset — our kids. Board members come from all walks of life, and that diversity strengthens growth, accountability and decision‑making.
School boards exist to provide checks and balances, but their decisions are only as strong as the information they receive. Every board member has a duty to research, verify and fully understand the issues before voting. At times, a member must support decisions they may not personally agree with, because the role requires representing the community, not individual preference.
Board members must also be public‑facing and accessible so teachers, parents and students can ask questions without fear of reprisal. The work extends far beyond monthly meetings. With every vote, a board member should ask: Is this what the majority of the people want?
Beyond teacher pay, what is your top priority for the district during your term?
My top priority for the district is supporting our teachers. Teacher pay must come first. Our schools cannot function without teachers and students, yet many teachers struggle to make ends meet and even pay for their own supplies. I will not support any administrative pay increases until teachers are properly funded.
In reviewing this year’s 74‑page budget, I found multiple line items unrelated to education. When teachers are buying basic materials, every non‑instructional expense deserves scrutiny. My second priority is restoring discipline and accountability. Teachers consistently express concerns about the lack of discipline among students and staff. As a board, we must ask teachers and students how we can improve and ensure that actions have consequences.
Our community deserves a high-quality education system, and that begins with supporting the people who make education possible. Education is not just a line item on a budget — it is the purpose of the budget.
The Houston School District has a bond issue on the ballot in April. Do you support the measure?
Do I support the bond issue? A simple answer is no. I support repairing our dilapidated middle school, but as written, this bond does not do that. For years, the district has had opportunities to build a track, yet nothing happened. In 2019, according to Superintendent [Dr. Allen] Moss, the district had the money to build a track alongside the new gym — so what happened to those funds? We even turned down a grant because it offered “only six lanes.” What lesson does that teach our kids about financial responsibility?
At the March board meeting, Superintendent [Dr. Justin] Copley warned of possible major state funding cuts and declining enrollment, meaning taxpayers may face higher local taxes. How can we ask voters to take on a 20‑year mortgage without knowing next year’s revenue? I will only support future bonds that address middle‑school infrastructure and expand educational opportunities. If elected, I will weigh every tax dollar by its impact on student learning.
Tressie Neugebauer
Tell us about yourself.
I am a board of education incumbent and Houston High School alumna. I attended Success R-6, K-8 then transferred into Houston High, 9-12. In 2000, I purchased my first of two Subway franchises. In 2002, I married my husband, Rodney. To that I have two sons, Cody and Brad, then together we have a daughter, Addison. I have two daughters-in-law and six grandchildren. I am a member of Souls Harbor Family Worship located here in Houston.
Why are you running to be a school board member?
My reason for running for a second term has not changed from the first term. I still believe in our school system. I still believe in our community. I would like to continue to be part of the growth of our district. My daughter is soon to be a Houston graduate, and I still have grandchildren in the district. I am invested in our district. My hope is for Houston to become the district parents want to bring their children to.
What are the responsibilities of a school board member?
Working alongside peers to find the best and most successful solution to issues that arise. Making decisions based on improving the district and being a voice for the teachers, students and community.
Beyond teacher pay, what is your top priority for the district during your term?
Teacher pay will always be a priority. Making sure that our students and staff have what they need to be successful by listening to them and advocating for them.
The Houston School District has a bond issue on the ballot in April. Do you support the measure?
Absolutely! Our kids! Our community! We need this. Our track has been an eyesore for so long. It is not a safe space for anyone. This bond will take care of the issues. Families will be able to walk and spend time together without the fear of twisted ankles because of potholes. With the bond issue there are more items than the track to be worked on. However, the track has taken priority.
Dustin Hartman
Tell us about yourself.
I have been employed with the City of Houston for 20 years. Ten and a half years were with the police department, where I’m an active reserve. I am currently the water supervisor. My wife, Stephanie, and I have been together for 11 years and married for nearly two years. Together we are raising our family in Houston, including a stepdaughter currently in the eighth grade and a stepson who graduated in 2025.
Why are you running to be a school board member?
I believe our schools are one of the most important parts of our community. I’m running because I care about the future of our students and want to contribute in a positive way.
What are the responsibilities of a school board member?
Setting district policies, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, approving the budget and representing the community.
Beyond teacher pay, what is your top priority for the district during your term?
Focus on maintaining safe schools, supporting teachers and staff, and ensuring students have opportunities to reach their full potential.
The Houston School District has a bond issue on the ballot in April. Do you support the measure?
I do support the bond because it will provide a new track for the students and improve other buildings in the district.
