November 14, 2017 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2017-11-14
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-27 21:23 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees – Regular Meeting
November 14, 2017
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript of the board meeting. They may contain inaccuracies in names, figures, or other details.
Opening
- Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM by President Bush; quorum confirmed.
- Invocation: Mr. Husbands led the invocation.
- Presentation of Colors: Caney Creek High School NJROTC cadets presented the colors; instructor Lieutenant Commander Cortez. Mr. Moore led the pledges to the American and Texas flags.
Special Recognitions (Items 2A & 2B)
2A – National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
- Mr. Kayker and Denise Cipolla (Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling) recognized approximately 24 CISD seniors who qualified as National Merit Semifinalists, representing the top 1% of PSAT scores in Texas (which has the 8th highest qualifying score nationally).
- Parents, guardians, and campus administrators/staff were recognized for their contributions.
- Dr. Stockton congratulated students on behalf of the board.
2B – UIL 6A Boys Cross Country State Champions – The Woodlands High School
- Principal Colschen introduced Head Coach Duras Greene (9th year as head coach; 5th state championship appearance).
- Coach Greene shared the team's story, including overcoming the loss of a teammate and Hurricane Harvey during the season. The team won its 20th state title in program history, overcoming a six-point deficit in the final 60 seconds of the race by passing 30 runners collectively.
- Team members recognized: Gavin Houghbar (state runner-up, 2nd place individual finisher), Daniel Baker, Ryan Rayford, Ethan Mercado, Austin Chowdry, Matt Jones, Ethan Hammer (sophomore), and Assistant Coach Chris Bailes.
- A championship plaque was presented on behalf of the board.
Public Comments
- Cherie Shorten addressed the board regarding the Montgomery Central Appraisal District (MCAD) Board of Directors election. She urged the board not to allocate any votes to Eric Yollick, citing concerns about his ethics, morality, and approach to reform. She argued that MCAD board members should enforce state laws rather than seek loopholes, and that teamwork is essential to the process. She noted she had presented similar information to Commissioners Court that morning.
Consent Agenda (Item 3)
- Items E and F were pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion at Mr. Husbands' request.
- Remaining consent items approved. (Voice vote – unanimous)
Item 3E – Purchase of ~1.744-Acre Tract Adjacent to Austin Elementary
- Mr. Husbands asked for clarification. Staff confirmed the land purchase is for detention/retention needs related to the Austin Elementary renovation. Six different detention options were analyzed; this was the least expensive and nearly the best engineering option. Purchasing the land at appraised value was cheaper than building underground detention (as done at Travis previously).
- Approved. (Voice vote – unanimous)
Item 3F – 2017-18 Class Size Waiver Request
- Mr. Husbands noted this is not a budget-driven measure. Staff explained: 27 classrooms have one additional student over the 22:1 ratio, one classroom has two additional, and one has three additional. Campuses make the decision whether to add teachers or use paraprofessionals. Approximately 16 teachers have been hired since the start of the year to address growth; the district continues to monitor enrollment.
- Approved. (Voice vote – unanimous)
Action Items
Item 4A – 2017-2018 District Improvement Plan
- Dr. Noel presented the plan, describing it as a comprehensive, living document covering academic and operational strategic goals, strategies, and measurement criteria. The plan is developed collaboratively across departments and presented incrementally to the District Level Planning and Decision-Making Committee, which has approved it.
- Approved. (Voice vote – unanimous)
Item 4B – 2017-2018 Campus Improvement Plans
- Mr. Caker and Dr. Phillips presented. Campus plans are unique to each school, developed with site-based decision-making committees, aligned with the district plan, and include itemized budgets for state compensatory education, Title funds, and other funding sources. Plans are monitored and adjusted throughout the year.
- Approved. (Voice vote – unanimous)
Information/Discussion Items
Item 5A – 2018-2019 School Calendar Information (Receive Only)
- Dr. Noel presented the timeline and parameters for developing next year's calendar:
- 177 instructional days; 187 teacher days; 4 early release days
- State now requires 75,600 instructional minutes (not a specific number of days)
- Extra minutes built in to avoid make-up days for up to two inclement weather days
- Traditional start date: August 27, 2019; Early start (District of Innovation): August 15, 2019
- Early start and midweek start received very positive feedback from community
- Thanksgiving: Full week off anticipated
- First semester end: Between December 19–21 depending on calendar option
- Spring break options: March 11–15 (Houston ISD's choice) or March 18–22 (UT Austin's choice)
- End date options: As early as May 24 (before Memorial Day) or as late as May 30/31
- Ending May 24 would require school on December 21 (a half-day)
- Graduations could be scheduled the week before May 24; pavilion has been contacted
- Board members expressed strong support for the early start date and ending before Memorial Day. Draft calendars to be posted on the district website for public comment through early January; District Level Committee meets January 10 to select a calendar for board approval.
Item 5B – Commissioning Agents for Building Commissioning Services
- Mr. Foster presented the selection of a pool of three commissioning agents (from seven respondents) for mechanical and building envelope commissioning required by recent energy code changes: DLR Group, Bryce and Gardner Consultants, and ENV Engineering.
- Authority delegated to the superintendent.
- Approved. (Voice vote – unanimous)
Item 5C – Construction Manager at Risk for 2019 Life-Cycle Project
- Mr. Foster reported that two firms responded to the RFQ. GTG Construction was selected as the best value.
- Approved. (Voice vote – unanimous)
Item 5D – Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for 2018 Life-Cycle Project
- Negotiated GMP of $12,793,063 for MEP systems, athletics life-cycle, and building envelope life-cycle work. GTT is the construction manager at risk (selected November 2016).
- Approved. (Voice vote – unanimous)
Item 5E – Capital Improvement Update (Information Only)
Mr. Foster provided updates on major projects:
- Safety & Security (Phase 2): Nearing completion; camera and access control systems being integrated. On schedule for end of December completion. Phase 3 data collection underway for spring GMP presentation.
- Grand Oaks High School: On schedule to open August 2018 (~39 weeks away). Roofing going in, athletic venues taking shape, interior finishes coming together. Contractor scheduled to finish in June, allowing June–August for furniture and setup. Confirmed capable of accommodating a potential August 15 start.
- Clark Intermediate: Also on schedule to open August 2018 alongside Grand Oaks. Structure and interior systems progressing well.
- Caney Creek (Conrad) High School Renovation: Central plant for new water-cooled mechanical system under construction (more efficient than existing air-cooled systems). Building addition for construction swing space/classroom use going up. Project on schedule through December 2019.
Purchasing (Item 6A)
RFP 17-01-01A – Contracted Educational Services
- Mr. Rice recommended awarding professional development and educational consulting services to 24 vendors for an estimated annual expenditure of approximately $25,000 (included in the previously awarded $1.5 million annual estimate). Proposals received from October 1–31; contracts firm through November 30, 2018 with four one-year renewal options.
- Approved. (Voice vote – unanimous)
Bond Issuance (Item 6B)
Authorization for Issuance of Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds
- Mr. Rice and financial adviser John Roebuck (with legal support from Andrews Kurth) presented:
- Approximately $202 million in new bonds from the 2015 bond referendum (the third and potentially final sale)
- Funds for: new junior high school (Conroe zone), new elementary (Oak Ridge zone), renovations/additions to Conroe High School and Austin Elementary, safety/security, life-cycle replacement, and technology
- Prior refunding yielded $14.5 million in savings (up from initial estimate of $10.5 million)
- Parameter order: not to exceed $202 million, maximum 30-year maturity, cost not to exceed 5% (current estimate closer to 3.85% or lower)
- Sale targeted for week of December 14 or January, depending on market conditions
- Bond market overview: rates approximately 3.49–3.67%; tax reform uncertainty noted
- Approved. (Voice vote – unanimous)
Financial Reports (Item 7)
Mr. Rice presented October financial statements:
- General Fund Cash & Investments: $179.8 million total
- 2015 Bond Referendum Status: $520.2 million total (bond + general fund transfers); $302.7 million encumbered/expended; $212 million estimated to complete; $5.4 million contingency
- Self-Funded Insurance: Revenues over expenses of $1.9 million YTD; 75 visits at North County wellness clinic (participation increasing)
- Investments: $319.6 million par value; combined portfolio yield of 1.27% (benchmark 90-day T-bill just over 1%)
MCAD Board of Directors Election (Item 9A)
Extensive Board Discussion
The board had 1,734 votes (later referenced as 1,739) to allocate among 13 candidates for the Montgomery Central Appraisal District Board of Directors.
Key discussion points:
- Mr. Husbands advocated strongly for Mr. Lucie (700+ votes) and Mr. Mike Meader, citing Meader's experience and endorsement from current board members including Tom Cox. He proposed splitting votes four ways among Lucie, Blanton, Meader, and Tuff.
- Mr. Sanders supported Mr. Blanton (whom he nominated) and expressed concern about voting for candidates who are currently elected officials of taxing entities, viewing it as at least an appearance of conflict of interest (they must abstain on matters involving their own taxing authority).
- Mr. Moore agreed with Mr. Sanders' concern about elected officials serving on the appraisal board, citing his experience working with Mr. Meader.
- President Bush extended the conflict-of-interest concern to candidates running for elected positions of taxing entities.
- Mr. Husbands disagreed, arguing Meader's experience outweighs any appearance of conflict and that it is not prohibited by law.
- Mr. Williams suggested experience could be maintained through Bruce Tuff rather than Meader.
- Mrs. Bush noted that at Commissioners Court that morning, Mr. Meader offered to not be voted on by his own board due to potential conflict concerns, and the county voted for Mr. Blanton (a CISD nominee) instead of their own nominees.
Final Votes Cast (approved through a series of individual motions):
| Candidate | Votes | Vote Result |
|-----------|-------|-------------|
| Mr. Lucie | 752 (715 + 37) | Approved unanimously |
| Mr. Bruce Tuff | 752 (715 + 37) | Approved unanimously |
| Mr. Barry Blanton | 235 (197 + 38) | Approved (Mrs. Bush abstained due to business relationship) |
| Total | 1,739 | |
- No votes were cast for Mr. Casey, Mr. Meader, Mr. Yollick, or any other candidate.
- The board chose not to cast votes for anyone they did not personally know (Mr. Casey) or for sitting elected officials of taxing entities (Mr. Meader).
Personnel Actions (Items 9B & 9C)
Item 9B – Suspension of Term Contract Employee Ronnie Holt
- Motion by Mr. Williams: Suspend without pay for the remainder of the 2017-2018 school year for good cause; authorize superintendent to provide notice.
- Approved. (Voice vote – unanimous)
Item 9C – Suspension of Term Contract Employee Robert Bezie
- Motion by Mr. Williams: Suspend without pay for the remainder of the 2017-2018 school year for good cause; authorize superintendent to provide notice.
- Approved. (Voice vote – unanimous)
Executive Session
- Board adjourned to executive session at approximately 7:30 PM.
These notes are unofficial and based on an auto-generated transcript. For official minutes, please refer to the approved minutes posted by Conroe ISD.