The Journey

The SBISD board and Superintendent Jennifer Blaine have failed profoundly in their leadership, allowing harassment of students at Stratford High School who, in the wake of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk's tragic assassination on September 10, 2025, sought to form a TPUSA-inspired Club America chapter dedicated to free speech, civic engagement, and honoring his legacy. Instead of district support, these brave teens faced a targeted attack: Kids and teachers were doxxed by local Democrat activist Nathalie Herpin, who infiltrated their private GroupMe chat, leaked screenshots in the closed "Be the Change" Facebook group, and rallied its 730 members to flood potential sponsors with protest emails, intimidate teachers, and pressure the school to block the club. The board and Blaine should have taken the lead to help these kids start their club, but instead did nothing—and doing nothing is a course of action.

Following this harassment, the SBISD board and Blaine stayed silent while the intimidation unfolded.

Only Texas AG Ken Paxton's intervention on September 18 prompted a district police investigation and enabled the club's inaugural meeting on September 24, attended by Paxton and amplified by voices like Michael Berry and Kenny Webster. External pressure, not board or superintendent leadership, turned suppression into success.

The board's and Blaine's inaction is inexcusable: Some members have children directly involved or affected, yet they did nothing proactive—no statements, no anti-harassment policies, no resources to protect kids. This pattern repeats at Memorial, where students can't find a TPUSA sponsor amid board silence. If parent-board members won't defend their own kids against activist intimidation, what else are they ignoring? Sluggish bullying responses, safety lapses, declining scores, and a culture of conformity over courage.

When leaders prioritize fitting in over safeguarding students, it's a betrayal. These teens showed grit; the board and Blaine showed passivity. As advocates expose unregistered PACs and ethical lapses, it's time for parents, grandparents, and guardians to demand action: Contact the board, push for transparency, and stand up before it's too late. Our kids deserve champions, not bystanders.

Dear Spring Branch ISD Community,

The SBISD board and Superintendent Jennifer Blaine have failed profoundly in their leadership, allowing harassment of students at Stratford High School who, in the wake of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk's tragic assassination on September 10, 2025, sought to form a TPUSA-inspired Club America chapter dedicated to free speech, civic engagement, and honoring his legacy. Instead of district support, these brave teens faced a targeted attack: Kids and teachers were doxxed by local Democrat activist, who infiltrated their private GroupMe chat, leaked screenshots in the closed "Be the Change" Facebook group, and rallied its 730 members to flood potential sponsors with protest emails, intimidate teachers, and pressure the school to block the club. The board and Blaine should have taken the lead to help these kids start their club, but instead did nothing—and doing nothing is a course of action.

Following this harassment, the SBISD board and Blaine stayed silent while the intimidation unfolded.

Only Texas AG Ken Paxton's intervention on September 18 prompted a district police investigation and enabled the club's inaugural meeting on September 24, attended by Paxton and amplified by voices like Michael Berry and Kenny Webster. External pressure, not board or superintendent leadership, turned suppression into success.

The board's and Blaine's inaction is inexcusable: Some members have children directly involved or affected, yet they did nothing proactive—no statements, no anti-harassment policies, no resources to protect kids. This pattern repeats at Memorial, where students can't find a TPUSA sponsor amid board silence. If parent-board members won't defend their own kids against activist intimidation, what else are they ignoring? Sluggish bullying responses, safety lapses, declining scores, and a culture of conformity over courage.

When leaders prioritize fitting in over safeguarding students, it's a betrayal. These teens showed grit; the board and Blaine showed passivity. As advocates expose unregistered PACs and ethical lapses, it's time for parents, grandparents, and guardians to demand action: Contact the board, push for transparency, and stand up before it's too late. Our kids deserve champions, not bystanders.

Dear Spring Branch ISD Community,

As we close out October 2025, I find myself increasingly alarmed by the goings-on in the Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD). What should be a straightforward process of managing taxpayer-funded bonds for school improvements has turned into a saga of unchecked spending, lack of transparency, and apparent favoritism. I've been vocal about this on X, and today, I want to consolidate my thoughts here in this dispatch from my desk. The title "2025 Run Away Bonds" isn't hyperbole—it's a stark warning about how these funds seem to be sprinting away from accountability and equitable distribution.

Let me start with the bombshell from the October 27 board meeting. In a clip that's now making the rounds, Assistant Superintendent Christine Porter, under the leadership of Superintendent Jennifer Blaine, admitted outright that bond funds have already been spent on certain projects—without full board approval. At around the 50:00 mark of the meeting, Porter stated: "We've already spent the money… to delay it doesn't stop these projects." The implications are clear: Is this legal? Who authorized these expenditures? And more importantly, who's holding the administration accountable for potentially bypassing the board's oversight?

This isn't just a procedural hiccup. These are taxpayer dollars—our dollars—earmarked for critical school facilities. Yet, the administration appears to be treating them like a personal slush fund, pushing forward with projects regardless of board input.

Compounding this issue is the uneven allocation of these bond funds across our high schools. Four trustees are zoned to Stratford High School and one to Spring Woods High School—that's a majority of the board. Yet, these very trustees seem unaware that the administration has already sold bonds specifically for Memorial and Northbrook High Schools, while allocating precisely zero dollars to the schools in their own zones.

People always ask me what the Board can do about this kind of administrative misconduct. As the governing body of SBISD, the Board of Trustees has significant authority under the Texas Education Code to address issues like unauthorized spending of bond funds. Their key steps include: placing administrators on administrative leave during investigation; conducting internal investigations or special audits; implementing disciplinary measures; terminating or nonrenewing employment contracts; seeking financial recovery or restitution; and reporting to external authorities including the TEA, SBEC, and Attorney General.

As we head into 2025, these "run away bonds" threaten to exacerbate inequalities in our district. We need answers: Full audits of bond expenditures, clear timelines for approvals, and a commitment to fair allocation across all schools.

Dear Spring Branch ISD Community,

We've seen enough: Harassment unchecked, rivalries spiraling into felonies, funds misspent, legal losses mounting, and investigations piling up. And now, parents are soft quitting SBISD—they don't make a fuss; they just quietly transfer their kids to private schools, draining our district of talent and resources. SBISD should be the leader in public education, and with the right leadership, we can be. But until you, the community, are willing to stand up and hold the SBISD board and administration accountable, nothing will change.

This week alone, the rivalry between Memorial and Stratford got so out of control that six students were charged with felonies for destroying property—deputies from Harris County Constable Precinct 5 arrested six teens after they vandalized homes with paintball guns, leaving behind a trail of damage, canisters, and fireworks. Where was the SBISD board and administration's proactive effort to curb these escalating tensions?

In September, Stratford High School students tried to form a Turning Point USA club to promote free speech and civic engagement in the wake of Charlie Kirk's tragic assassination. Instead of support, they were doxxed, their private messages leaked, and hundreds mobilized to harass potential sponsors and block the club. The SBISD board and administration stayed silent for a week.

At the October 27 board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Christine Porter admitted the administration had already spent bond funds on projects without formal board approval, saying, "We've already spent the money… to delay it doesn't stop these projects." Add a projected $28 million deficit looming for 2025-26, and the district relying on dwindling fund balances.

The TEA is investigating teachers' inappropriate comments about Kirk's shooting—another black mark on a district already graded a "C" with declining scores at schools like Memorial High (from A to B). Meanwhile, the SBISD board and administration have shielded insiders like Brian Muecke, architect of the illegal SaveSBISD PAC.

These aren't one-offs; they're symptoms of an SBISD board that's more afraid of the administration than accountable to us. Our kids deserve champions who act, not bystanders who defer. This May 2026 election might be our final shot at preserving at-large voting. How much more will you tolerate before saying "enough"?

Dear Spring Branch ISD Community,

I'm sharing critical documents related to the upcoming Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) preliminary review hearing for sworn complaint SC-32505243 against Brian Muecke. This hearing, scheduled for December 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the State Capitol Extension, Austin, Texas 78701, exposes the serious allegations of campaign finance violations tied to SaveSBISD, painting a grim picture for Muecke as the TEC digs into his alleged illegal activities.

The formal notice confirms the TEC has advanced the sworn complaint to a hearing under Section 571.125 of the Government Code. The allegations accuse Muecke, in connection with SaveSBISD (a political committee), of: failing to appoint a campaign treasurer; accepting political contributions and making expenditures without a treasurer appointment in effect; failing to file campaign finance reports; and failing to include political advertising disclosure statements on text messages and signs.

If credible evidence emerges at this hearing, the case could escalate, resulting in civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation or triple the amount involved, public reprimands that tarnish reputations, and even referrals for criminal prosecution if the violations are deemed intentional.

This hearing shines a spotlight on Muecke's long-standing pattern of deceit within SBISD, where he's manipulated processes and spread misinformation through anonymous channels like SaveSBISD, all while evading accountability. His actions include using illegally leaked privileged text messages from an executive session to blackmail trustees into voting his way on issues like the Stratford High School block schedule.

We have a long way still to go, but justice is coming for those who've operated in the shadows for too long—and it won't stop until every dark corner is exposed.

Dear Spring Branch ISD Community,

Today's SBISD board meeting (November 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM) is fast approaching, one agenda item stands out: Item 7.B, the Annual Report of Bond Oversight Committee. This information-only update will likely come from or involve the district's Bond Oversight Committee (BOC), providing the latest on how bond funds—your tax dollars—are being spent on projects like school rebuilds, safety upgrades, and facility enhancements.

You know who's on this BOC giving us the update? Jeannette Muecke, wife of Brian Muecke—the man facing a Texas Ethics Commission hearing on December 10, 2025, for allegedly running SaveSBISD as an illegal, unregistered political committee. Jeannette has served on the 2017 BOC (overseeing $848.6 million) and was involved in the 2022 bond efforts, monitoring a combined $1.3 billion in proceeds.

This setup is problematic for several reasons: potential conflicts of interest under Texas Education Code §11.064; ties to unauthorized bond spending that Porter admitted to last month; overlap between Brian's election interference and bond priorities his wife oversees; and a lack of independent forensic audits despite family overlaps and mounting concerns.

SBISD families: Attend today's meeting or watch live. Email the board (board@springbranchisd.com) and demand a full audit, conflict disclosures, and transparency. Your voice can force change—share this and let's hold them accountable.

OPEN LETTER TO WHITLEY PENN: Audit firm for SBISD

I am filing this complaint against Whitley Penn LLP, a licensed CPA firm in Texas, for potential violations of the Texas Public Accountancy Act and TSBPA Rules, including negligence, incompetence, failure to exercise due professional care, and lack of skepticism in audit services for public entities.

Whitley Penn LLP has served as the external auditor for Spring Branch Independent School District since at least 2015, issuing annual unmodified ("clean") opinions on the district's financial statements. During the SBISD Board meeting on November 17, 2025, Whitley Penn presented their audit findings, claiming no material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or internal control issues. However, this clean bill of health ignores a broader context of alleged corruption and election law violations within SBISD.

The complaint addresses David Slattery's alleged election law violations, collaboration with Brian Muecke and illegal PAC operations, the Texas Ethics Commission investigation, and Trustee Courtney Anderson's leak of privileged information. This pattern is exacerbated by Whitley Penn's history, including an $8.5 million settlement for allegations of malpractice in auditing GWG Holdings and prior PCAOB sanctions.

I request TSBPA investigate Whitley Penn's compliance with standards in SBISD audits, including testing for governance risks tied to these violations, and take action to protect public funds.

Dear Spring Branch ISD Community,

I'm Matthew Cone, a dedicated advocate committed to restoring integrity to our school district since my 2024 run for the SBISD School Board. Why am I pursuing this fight? Because the systemic issues I've uncovered—governance challenges, budget shortfalls, declining enrollment, and accountability gaps—directly undermine the trust and accountability you deserve as members of this community.

The Beginning: A Smear Campaign Undermines Our Schools

My decision to run for the SBISD School Board in 2024 was driven by a desire to serve, but I was unprepared for the corrupt tactics that surfaced. An anonymous website, SaveSBISD.org, launched a vicious smear campaign against me, spreading defamatory lies and creating an intimidating atmosphere. Further investigation revealed SaveSBISD operated as an unregistered Political Action Committee since June 2021, flouting Texas campaign finance laws.

Uncovering the Culprit: Exposing Brian Muecke's Deceit

I took decisive action by filing a defamation lawsuit in August 2024 against the anonymous blog. After three months of legal battles, my attorneys used subpoenaed records to unmask the operator: Brian Muecke, former Mayor of Hedwig Village. Subpoenaed financial records confirmed Muecke funded SaveSBISD activities from June 2021 to June 2024 with his credit card.

Broader Corruption: Insiders Compromise Our Governance

The corruption extended beyond Muecke, implicating SBISD insiders. I discovered unethical conduct by Board Trustee Courtney Anderson, who leaked privileged communications between a board member and Superintendent Jennifer Blaine. Additionally, Brian Muecke's wife, Jeannette Muecke, has served on the SBISD Bond Oversight Committee, overseeing the expenditure of over $1.3 billion in public funds. Her failure to disclose that her husband was operating an illegal unregistered PAC raises significant conflicts of interest.

A Turning Point: The TEC Investigation Gains Momentum

The tide turned on June 2, 2025, when a Texas Ethics Commission complaint was filed against Muecke and SaveSBISD (SC-32505243). The TEC advanced the complaint to a preliminary review hearing scheduled for December 10, 2025. Potential outcomes include penalties up to $10,000 per violation or triple the amount involved, public reprimands, and possible criminal referrals.

The actions of SaveSBISD and this TEC investigation expose a dire need for accountability in SBISD governance. Our children's education has suffered from these distractions and the alleged cover-up.

Dear Spring Branch ISD Community,

In a development that should send shockwaves through every taxpayer and parent in our district, Whitley Penn LLP—SBISD's long-time external auditors—are now under formal investigation by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA). This probe, triggered by my complaint filed on November 18, 2025, exposes how these supposed watchdogs may have failed us all by acting as a rubber stamp for the district's administration rather than safeguarding our tax dollars.

The TSBPA has confirmed receipt of my allegations, reviewed Whitley Penn's response, and escalated the matter to their Technical Standards Review Committee for a recommendation on further action. This is no minor inquiry; it could lead to disciplinary measures, including fines, practice restrictions, or worse.

As I've documented extensively, SBISD is riddled with mismanagement that Whitley Penn's clean audit opinions have conveniently overlooked. Take the bombshell admission from SBISD CFO Christine Porter: millions in 2025 bond funds have already been allocated and spent on projects at Memorial and Northbrook High Schools—leaving zero for Spring Woods and Stratford—without full board approval.

Under the leadership of past SBISD Board President Lisa Andrews Alpe, former Vice President Courtney Anderson, and Superintendent Jennifer Blaine, the SBISD police department was used to protect board members who violated the law and went after parents and taxpayers who objected to the alleged illegal actions.

Adding fuel to the fire is the audio evidence of Open Meetings Act violations involving Brian Muecke, where he admits to holding confidential information from an SBISD executive session "right in his hand," which he describes as leverage to force a trustee to change his upcoming vote.

Whitley Penn isn't new to regulatory trouble—they've faced federal censures from the PCAOB for past audit deficiencies, including failures to assess risks properly. This investigation is a direct result of our vigilance.

It's time to demand better: Attend board meetings, support ethics probes, and push for real accountability. Together, we can dismantle this web and rebuild a district focused on excellence.

Early voting starts TUESDAY, February 17 and runs through Friday, February 27, with Election Day March 3. This is our moment to purge RINOs, stop Marxist indoctrination in schools, back law enforcement, secure elections, and put real conservatives in charge.

But watch out: Thousands of political operatives and PAC-funded shills are already swarming Harris County and Texas, pushing establishment flip-floppers with slick ads and fake grassroots. When someone pushes a candidate hard—ask them straight: "Are you being paid by a candidate or a PAC?" No real answer? They're bought. Grassroots wins with truth and principle, not paychecks.

These are my no-compromise picks—proven fighters who've stood for West Houston families, parents, kids, and freedom. Backed by real track records, not insider money:

Don Hooper for Harris County Republican Party Chair. Dr. Mary Talley Bowden for Harris County Republican Precinct Chair 440. Marty Lancton for Harris County Judge. Attorney General Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate. Aaron Reitz and Mayes Middleton for Texas Attorney General. Jon Bonck for U.S. House – Texas District 38. Don Huffines for Texas Comptroller. Tiffany Nelson for Texas State Board of Education – District 6. Brent Coffee and Thomas Smith for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals – Place 3. John Messinger for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals – Place 9.

This primary is do-or-die. Establishment wants cronies; we want warriors. Check your polling place at VoteTexas.gov, bring your ID, vote early starting Tuesday to make your voice heard loud. Let's make Harris County and Texas great again!

The day before early voting closed, my wife's opponent Ted Tredennick sent a mass text to Spring Branch voters filled with lies about my family. Outright fabrications designed to smear Sally Cone's name and scare voters away from the polls.

I'll address his lies in a moment. But first, the community deserves to know who Ted Tredennick really is—not the "15-year classroom teacher" image he sells, but the trial attorney and the client he chose to defend.

Who is Paul Pressler?

Paul Pressler was a former Texas state judge, former Texas state legislator, and one of the most powerful figures in the Southern Baptist Convention. He was also accused of decades of sexual abuse of a teenage boy—abuse that allegedly began when the victim was just 14 years old and a member of Pressler's church youth group in Houston.

Ted Tredennick was Pressler's attorney. When the lawsuit was filed in 2017, Tredennick publicly called the sexual abuse allegations "frivolous." He didn't just defend his client in court—he attacked the victim's character publicly, pointing to the accuser's criminal record to discredit a man who said he was sexually abused as a child.

The case was not frivolous. In 2004, Pressler had already quietly settled an earlier lawsuit with the same victim for $450,000. When the victim came forward again in 2017 with the full scope of the abuse, at least seven other men also came forward with their own accusations. The Southern Baptist Convention ultimately settled the case in December 2023.

Now Let's Talk About Ted's Lies

Ted's text claims Sally is "legally liable" for a $630,000 judgment because I "defrauded a local bank." Here's the truth: During COVID, my customers filed for bankruptcy and I went unpaid for six months. Like thousands of small business owners across Texas, I got behind on a bank loan. I paid the loan back. That's it. No fraud. No scheme.

Ted's text claims the Cone family has "waged a relentless campaign of harassment against SBISD teachers, staff, and leadership." What we've actually done is demand transparency and accountability from a district that operates in secrecy.

The Choice on May 2

On one side, you have Sally Cone—a mother, a Spring Branch parent, fighting for academic excellence, transparency, and the safety of every child in this district. On the other side, you have Ted Tredennick—the attorney who represented an accused child sexual predator, called the abuse allegations "frivolous," attacked the victim's character, and is now sending mass texts full of lies about a family two days before an election.

Spring Branch deserves to know the truth about both candidates. Now you do.

VOTE FOR SALLY CONE & STEVE SMELLEY TODAY!