Klein ISD Board President Doug James Honored with MLK Stone of Hope Award

Por Klein ISD Jasmine Nguyen

20 de February de 2026

During Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, Klein ISD Board President Mr. Doug James was the recipient of the MLK Stone of Hope Award, an honor given each year by Champion Forest Baptist Church to someone who exemplifies the heart, attitude, spirit, and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During the service, Doug James, Jr. received the award on behalf of his father who is recovering from major surgery.

The MLK Stone of Hope Award takes its name from Dr. King’s immortal words from his “I Have a Dream” speech: “out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”

“We had the privilege to honor, as a church, Mr. Doug James for the MLK Stone of Hope Award,” Pastor Jarrett Stephens said. “Doug is the first African-American to hold the position of president of the Klein Independent School District school board and has faithfully served the Klein ISD community for 31 years. Doug has honored Dr. King’s legacy not only in word but in deed. His faith in Christ fueled years of building bridges and encouraging others toward lives of service, leaving an indelible mark on our community. May this Stone of Hope serve as a tangible reminder not only of what Doug has accomplished but also of the firm foundation he will continue to build, strengthening our community through love and faith.”

Klein ISD Board President Doug James Honored with MLK Stone of Hope Award

Doug James, Klein ISD Board President, stands on stage receiving the MLK Stone of Hope Award. He is presented with a gold statue by a man in a black sweater. James, in a gray plaid blazer, smiles while holding a paper.

Klein ISD Board President Doug James stands on stage with award recipient. James, in a gray plaid suit, holds papers and speaks. The recipient, in a black suit, holds a golden statue.

Doug James shakes hands with a smiling man on stage while another man holds the MLK Stone of Hope award. James wears a gray plaid blazer and jeans, the recipient wears a black suit, and the third man wears a gray sweater and gray pants.

President James and his wife Ronda have been married for 40 years and have three children, all of whom are Klein Forest High School graduates. He is also a proud grandfather to two grandchildren, one of whom is a student in the district. President James is the founder and CEO of The D James Group, a marketing design firm that specializes in blending marketing expertise with a deep understanding of ministry.

“President James has always stood up and stood out as an advocate for every student in Klein ISD,” Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown said. “His heart for our kids in Klein ISD, coupled with his steadfastness, wisdom, and passion, are admirable qualities that bless our Klein schools and community. We are so proud to have President James in Klein ISD serving our students, staff, and families.”

Four people smile while holding awards outside. Two men in green shirts hold

Doug James, Klein ISD Board President, smiles while talking with a man in a light blue shirt. James wears a white polo shirt and sunglasses hang from the collar. Other people stand nearby.

President James has long been a community leader in Klein, Texas, giving back in a multitude of ways. Doug’s commitment to education is evident in his work as a volunteer at a variety of Klein schools and on various district leadership teams. Doug served on the 2015 Bond Committee and as one of the original directors of the Klein Education Foundation. He also helped to establish the International Business Academy at Klein Forest High School. He serves his church, Greater Saint Matthew Church in Houston, by teaching Sunday school and leading a Bible study.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award from Pastor Stephens and the Champion Forest Baptist Church congregation,” Mr. James said. “Seeing my personal life’s work come to fruition through my children and grandchildren in this community has been my greatest accomplishment. Each of my family members has continually chosen to give back not through their own self-aggrandizement, but graciously, and this is a testament to the legacy Ronda and I have worked so hard to build. Thank you to Champion Forest Baptist Church and our Klein community for this recognition.”

Doug James, Klein ISD Board President, embraces a woman in a green and white striped dress at a podium. The event takes place at a Klein ISD Board of Trustees meeting. A screen displays

Klein ISD is immensely privileged to have a student-centered and dedicated School Board President in Mr. Doug James. We are thankful for his service to our school district and thank Champion Forest Baptist Church for recognizing his excellence in spaces outside of our walls. Congratulations, President James!

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