April 18, 2017 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2017-04-18
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-27 21:13 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
April 18, 2017
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript of the board meeting. They may contain errors or omissions. Please consult official minutes for the formal record.
Opening
- Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m.
- Quorum confirmed; meeting posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
- Invocation: Mr. Hubert
- Pledges: Mr. Sanders led the U.S. and Texas pledges.
Special District Recognitions
Item 2A — 2017 Division One Boys 148-lb. Power Lifting State Champion
- Gavin Webster, The Woodlands High School, was recognized as the Division One Boys 148-lb. Power Lifting State Champion.
- Introduced by Principal Mr. Coulson and Coach Craig Smith.
- Career highlights: four-time regional medalist, three-time state qualifier, two-time regional champion, two-time state champion.
- At the state meet: 585-lb. squat, 350-lb. bench press, 540-lb. deadlift — total of 1,475 lbs., setting a new state record (breaking a record that had stood since 1990).
- Named Most Outstanding Lifter at the meet for Division One Live Platform.
Item 2B — 2017 Division One Boys 198-lb. Power Lifting State Champion
- Roy (last name not stated in transcript), Conroe High School, was recognized as the Division One Boys 198-lb. Power Lifting State Champion.
- Introduced by Principal Dr. Weatherly and Assistant Coach Shawn Halloran.
- At the state meet: 665-lb. squat (completed on third attempt), 340-lb. bench press, 635-lb. deadlift.
- Broke a regional squat record from 1992 with a 680-lb. squat.
- Coach noted both CISD platforms were side by side at the state meet, making it a great day for the district.
Item 2C — NAMM Foundation Best Communities for Music Education Award
- Dr. Bob Horton, Fine Arts Coordinator, announced that Conroe ISD received the 2017 Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for the sixth consecutive year.
- Out of over 14,000 potential applicants and 2,000 districts that applied, CISD was one of 476 nationally to earn the designation.
- The district submitted a 38-page survey covering budgetary commitment, student opportunities, teacher qualifications, adherence to standards, and performance/competition opportunities.
- Music teachers in attendance were recognized and applauded.
- Board President Bush noted that even during the 2008 budget cuts, CISD made a conscious decision to maintain its Fine Arts programs.
Public Comment (Item 3)
Speaker 1 — Dr. Lu
- First-time attendee at a board meeting; parent of five CISD students.
- Expressed concern about racial discrimination against Asian students in the district.
- Referenced a Houston Chronicle statement in which CISD administration said it had not been notified about acts of discrimination; stated this does not match the experiences of Asian families.
- Cited reasons Asian parents may not formally complain: fear related to work visa status, concern about teacher retaliation affecting college recommendation letters.
- Shared an example of an Asian student who scored the highest math grade but was repeatedly told additional criteria were needed, and who ultimately did not receive the Best Math Student Award despite having a higher grade than the recipient (by 8–9 points).
- Asked the Board to ensure rules are applied consistently and to address the issue of discrimination.
Speaker 2 — Mrs. Maling Ju (sister of Dr. Lu)
- Also a first-time speaker at a board meeting.
- Described her daughter's extensive accomplishments: selected by the U.S. Olympic Committee for Team USA in Taekwondo, ranked #1 in her age group nationally, Pan-Am World Champion, three-time USA National Champion, 2016–2017 Junior Olympics National Champion, seven-time Texas State Champion, undefeated for seven years, featured by NBC.
- Academically: first place in district and regional science fair, second at state science fair, debate awards, spelling bee champion, highest GPA in 7th grade.
- Stated her daughter received the highest or tied-for-highest grades in multiple classes but was passed over for Best Student Awards in favor of white students in at least four classes.
- Provided a specific example: Best Pre-Algebra Student Award went to a student with a cumulative 96/95 while her daughter had 97/101.
- Noted that none of the Best Student Award recipients were accepted into the Academy of Science and Technology, while her daughter and three other Asian female classmates received first-round acceptance.
- Quoted the school principal as saying her daughter was "just one of 1,300 students whose parent thinks she is special."
- Asked for fairness and acknowledgment for Asian students.
Item 10 (Moved Up) — Human Resources: Principal Appointments
San Jacinto Elementary School Principal
- Dr. Stockton recommended Krista McWilliams as Principal of San Jacinto Elementary.
- Ms. McWilliams is in her 15th year with CISD; thanked her husband Keith (25 years married), children Cody and Gloria (in college), and colleagues.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote, no opposition noted).
Caney Creek High School Principal
- Dr. Stockton recommended Jeff Stickler as Principal of Caney Creek High School.
- A large cheering group from the Caney Creek community attended; Dr. Stockton noted this was the first time a cheering group had come to a board meeting.
- Mr. Stickler has been at Caney Creek for 18 years (initially as a coach); currently at Moorhead Junior High. Introduced his wife Melanie and children Cullen and Kylie.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote, no opposition noted).
Item 3 — Consent Agenda
- No requests to remove any items.
- Vote: Approved as presented (voice vote, unanimous).
Item 4A — Textbook Adoption: Languages Other Than English / Career and Technical Education (Grades 7–12)
- Presented by Dr. Noel.
- The 2016–2017 textbook committee completed its review under Proclamation 2017 for LOTE and CTE courses.
- Materials were on public display December 1–January 15 and showcased at Conroe High School on December 14 for teachers and five surrounding districts.
- Committee met November 9 and February 14 and voted to recommend the attached list.
- Recognized committee members: Dr. Julie English, Dr. Edith Upshard, Ms. Debbie McNealy, Mr. Greg Shipp, Dr. Matt Clark, and Mr. Kaker.
- Vote: Approved as submitted (voice vote, unanimous).
Item 5A — Information: Mascot & Colors for Grand Oaks High School and York Junior High
(Information item only — no vote; approval to come next month)
- Presented by Dr. Noel.
- Students at York Junior High (future 9th/10th graders at Grand Oaks) nominated and voted using QR codes.
- Top three choices: Grizzlies, Gators, Owls.
- Student recommendation: Grand Oaks Grizzlies
- Colors: Royal Blue and Orange (with gray as accent), matching the building's construction colors.
- York Junior High recommended to also become the York Grizzlies (changing from Eagles to avoid conflict with Oak Ridge High School's Eagles mascot) and adopt Royal Blue and Orange.
- York's transition will be gradual; the school has been preparing for ~3 years by not purchasing "Eagles" merchandise.
- Logo not yet finalized.
Item 5B — Information: Mascot & Colors for Lucille J. Bradley Elementary
(Information item only — no vote; approval to come next month)
- Presented by Dr. Noel.
- Principal Dr. Christina Butler surveyed future Bradley families electronically.
- Top two choices: Bears and Elephants.
- Recommendation: Bradley Bears
- Colors: Blue and Gray (matching building construction colors and fitting the Grand Oaks feeder zone identity).
Item 5C — Select Construction Manager at Risk: New K–6 in Oak Ridge Feeder Zone (Flex 19)
- Presented by Easy Foster.
- Architect: IBI Group (selected November 2015).
- Six companies responded to RFQ; five invited to Step 2: Brookstone, Durotech (Dramala), Dirtech, GTT, and Marshall.
- Marshall Construction selected as best value.
- Vote: Approved (voice vote, unanimous).
Item 5D — Select Construction Manager at Risk: New Junior High in Conroe Feeder Zone
- Presented by Easy Foster.
- Architect: PBK.
- Five companies responded and all invited to Step 2: Brookstone, Durotech (Dramala), Dirtech, Gamma, and Marshall.
- Marshall Construction selected as best value.
- One member withdrew from the vote; Mr. Kay abstained.
- Vote: Approved (with noted abstention by Mr. Kay).
Item 5E — Capital Improvements Update
Presented by Easy Foster. Summary of ongoing projects:
| Project | Status |
|---|---|
| Woodlands College Park Robotics | Rain has been a persistent challenge; significant interior progress; competition field materials on site; exterior masonry progressing |
| Network Operations Center | Cabinetry installed; electrical service upgraded over Easter break; gas service upgrade underway for generators; on schedule |
| Life Cycle 2017 (Roofing) | Evening/overnight work at Gladys Elementary and Barbara Bush Elementary; 2–3 weeks to completion at each; 23 campuses total for roofing and life cycle work |
| Caney Creek HS Athletics Improvements | Completed over Spring Break |
| Knox Junior High Science Classrooms | Building structure in place; working on 2nd floor concrete deck; on schedule for August opening |
| Knox Field House Expansion | Foundation in place; masonry construction; plumbing and facilities work underway |
| Woodlands Transportation Center | Foundation done; steel delivery in ~2 weeks; on schedule for August |
| Safety & Security Phase 2 | Underway; wiring above ceilings overnight; first wave of campuses notified; on schedule |
| Lucille Bradley Elementary | ~70–75% complete; on schedule for August opening; exterior nearly done; interior finishes (cabinetry, tile, ceilings) in progress; furniture move-in expected June |
| Grand Oaks High School | On schedule for August 2018 opening; building structure complete; roofing ~75% complete; interior finishes underway; athletic facilities to develop over coming months |
| Flex 18 (New Project) | Mobilized this month; site clearing begun for building pad and utilities |
Discussion: A board member asked about the cost increase for Grand Oaks ($156M vs. original $141M). Mr. Foster explained that the project was bid at a peak in construction costs (~1.5–2 years ago) when concrete was at an all-time high. The $156M figure is all-inclusive (furniture, fixtures, equipment) in addition to the construction contract of ~$136M. The number has not changed since it was initially set.
Item 6A — Financial Reports
Presented by Darren Rice.
General Fund Highlights
- Cash & Investments: $294.8 million total
- Cash on hand: $500
- Bank deposits: $1 million
- Pool investments: $168 million
- Short-term investments (≤1 year): $75 million
- Longer-term investments (TCG Investment Advisors): $51 million
- Property tax collections: Ahead of prior year; confident of reaching 100% goal.
- Projected fund balance increase: ~$9.5 million for the year.
Other Funds
- Debt Service Fund: Projected increase of ~$7.8 million.
- Child Nutrition: Projected increase of ~$82,000.
- Self-Funded Insurance: Revenues of $26.3M vs. expenses of $22.9M = $3.3M net positive year-to-date.
2015 Bond Referendum Status
- Expended/encumbered: $248.5 million
- Estimate to complete: $268.5 million
- Projected forecast: $516.8 million
- Contingency remaining: ~$3.4 million
Wellness Center
- March visits: 477; Year-to-date: 3,077 (avg. ~440/month).
- North County Wellness Center: Contract talks underway with Memorial Hermann; site identified. Update expected in the next month or so.
Investments
- Par value: $550 million
- Combined portfolio weighted average maturity: 67 days; yielding ~1.0%
- Benchmark (90-day T-bill): 75.5 basis points
Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned by voice vote following the financial report.
These notes are unofficial and based on an auto-generated transcript. For official records, please refer to the approved board minutes available from Conroe ISD.